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Basically the entire area is one of coral reefs with outcropping of rocks along the shore. Sand and mud or silt exist in the
mouths of creeks and rivers and in the larger bays. The predominate marine life, particularly molluscan, will be coral
dwellers.
Scuba diving in the deeper off-shore waters must be done from a boat. The distance to deep water makes such diving from shore
hazardous. Boats can be launched at Kaneohe Bay, Kahana Bay, Kahaluu, Kawela Bay, and through the channel and surf (in good
weather) at Hauula and at a point about one mile south of Laie Point where deep water channels extend from sea almost to the
shore. In intensified trade wind weather, seas may break across the channels and, in any event, seas would be too rough for
safe diving.
Snorkeling and look-box collecting can be enjoyed along almost the entire shore line on the shallow reefs and rocks. There
are no strong currents inshore of the outside reefs and, in moderate weather, little hazard from breakers. During certain
times of the year a jelly-fish called Portuguese man-of-war are blown from sea into the shore area. Be alert for the
possibility of these small purple jelly fish. They float on the surface of the water and have long (sometimes six feet)
tentacles hanging down into the water. Even though the tentacles are broken off, the stinging cells can still produce a
sometimes serious reaction. Just how serious depends on an individual's susceptibility to the toxin. Much like a bee sting,
the effect on an individual varies considerably. Another difference, the Portuguese man-of-war sting is similar to a
multitude of bee stings and leaves a long red welt that is painful at first, then itchy. This may persist for several days.
See a doctor for treatment.
It will be noted that an off-shore restricted area exists in the Kahuku Point area. This restriction applies to boating and
does not restrict collecting along the beach or shore area. I have designated the golf course on the accompanying map for the
readers convenience.
At Kahana Bay, the southern section of this month's chart, there have been many good shells collected in recent years. In
years past this was a favorite dredging area for such local collectors as Mr. David Thaanum, Mr. Ted Dranga, and Mr.
Langford. Recent finds include Conus miles and quercinus, and Pyramidella terebellum.
From deeper water off-shore collectors have reported a much greater variety of shells. These are Casmaria erinaceus, Conus
chaldaeus, ebraeus, abbreviatus, pennaceus and quercinus. Cypraea caputserpentis, maculifera, sulcidentata, and vitellus;
Drupa speciosa, recina, and morum; Janthina fragilis; Latirus nodus; and Thias aperta.
Along the northern shore of the Island, from Kawela Bay to Kahuku Point, Conus pennaceus and ebraeus have been collected on
reefs at low tide. Conus chaldaeus has been reported in tide pools from a rocky area in the cove next north of Kawela Bay. In
40 feet of water west of Kahuku Point a diver collected Cypraea chinensis and Terebra crenulata.
Undoubtedly the waters off-shore from Kahuku Point westward would produce many excellent shells, certainly more than have
been reported to date. One reason for the scarcity of reports from this area is that it must be worked by scuba divers and
from boats. The distance from suitable moorings or launching site makes for a long trip and little diving. Secondly, the area
is nearly always quite rough as a result of trade wind-generated swells washing onto the shore. And, finally, strong currents
prevail in this area as the trade wind-generated northeast to east currents split and rush past Kahuku Point. Divers
regularly spearfish this area so it definitely can be worked by adequately equipped and competent divers. Undoubtedly the
collecting returns would more than compensate for the time and trouble involved in reaching the area. I believe I'll try it
this summer.
Prior to my first reef-fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef I had heard of shells being found in the stomachs of two
species of common reef fish, i.e., the prolific "sweetlip emperor," Lethrinus chrysostomus and the "coral trout,"
Plectropomus maculatus (Bloch, 1790). Certainly I never expected to find a shell myself in this manner. I didn't. I found
two!
That day I journeyed off shore 58 miles to Broadhurst Reef with a local fishing club. I caught several of both species
mentioned. While the boat was moving to a new spot I started to gut some of my fish. In the food sack of a "sweetlip" I was
delighted to find a badly pitted specimen of Cypraea carneola. It measured 32 mm in length. Other fisherman told me that the
shell's poor condition was normal although occasionally a good specimen turned up.
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