|
|
 Mahukona, Hawai'i
Special Features
Mahukona offers a
wide diversity of attractions. Immediately offshore from the
entry in 15-20 feet of water are the remains of the SS Kauai,
which sank in 1907(?). Numerous fish swarm around the boiler,
engine, propeller shaft and propeller, which lie on sand
intermixed with coral. In addition, a long chain which was used
to moor ships near the old port can also be explored.
| As you move offshore away from the wreck
you can skirt the edge of the reef which offers stunning
contrasts between white coral sand and large, colorful
coral colonies. The relief is high here and there are
many small caves and overhangs which can be explored. |
|
| Lizardfish (Synodus
spp.) are
common on the sand, often sitting in pairs, waiting for
small fish to cruise by. Sea cucumbers are also abundant
in these areas. During the winter these sandy areas can
be quite murky when runoff from the small stream near the
harbor entrance flows into the bay. |
|
| On the reef invertebrates are abundant and this is
one of the few areas that consistently has a few
Crown-of-Thorn Seastars (Acanthaster
planci). |
|
|
