Coral reefs are well known for providing coastal protection from wave energy. They are natural breakwaters which reduce impacts of waves, including seismic sea waves (tsunamis) and those generated by hurricanes.

Learn what species of animals are found in Hawaii (HI): List of native/invasive sea and land animals, state animals with names & pictures

Less than 80 species occur on Hawaii’s reefs compared to over 500 species found in the Coral Triangle (region around Indonesia and the Philippines). The three most common types of coral we have in Hawaii are Porites (smooth coral), Montipora (rice coral) and Pocillopora (small branching coral).

One of the species of invertebrates for which Hawaii is well known is its cowries—the reticulated cowry is commonly found along rocky coastlines. Invertebrates inhabit the coral reef environment and tide pools and are generally most active at night.