Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. That is the name of the state fish of Hawaii. It is not unexpected that Hawaii, a chain of islands rich in seaside culture and traditions, has a state fish since it is the only U.S. state not connected to North America. Let’s learn more about the humuhumu’s history.
What is the state fish of Hawaii?
The triggerfish, which has a very long name, is the state fish of Hawaii. With Sea Paradise snorkelling excursions, you can see Kona’s marine life up close. Being 21 letters long, the state fish of Hawaii has a long and difficult-to-pronounce name. The humuhumunukunukuapua is the fish.
The story behind Hawaii’s state fish
Locals frequently abbreviate the name of the fish to just “humuhumu” to conserve air. The name of the state fish has a rich symbolism and a long history in Hawaii, as do all of the names. The Hawaiian term for all species of triggerfish, “humuhumu,” is the first component of the phrase. The name’s second part, “nukunukupuaa, “means “snout like a pig.” The distinct grunting sound that live fish make when threatened and the audible sounds made by pigs are similar, despite the analogy’s seeming strangeness.
The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (also known as humuhumu) was chosen as the state fish of Hawaii on a five-year trial basis in 1985. In 1990, five years later, nothing was done about it and it was forgotten. Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumu, was restored and given that title permanently in 2006.
This unique fish is also known as the Hawaiian Triggerfish or the rectangular Triggerfish. The fish can wedge itself into cracks to protect itself from predators thanks to its big, robust dorsal spine, which can be locked into place in an upright position. Strangely, the Humuhumu’s main defence technique involves making pig-like grunting noises when fleeing from predators, which may serve as a warning signal for other surrounding Triggerfish.
Additionally, the humuhumunukunukupuaa appears in Hawaiian mythology. The demigod and shapeshifter Kama Puaa, who can also assume the appearance of a man or a wild boar, is strongly related to the fish. According to the legend, Kama Puaa was an amoral chief from the island of Oahu. He first saw the goddess of fire and lava- Pele, when he made the decision to travel to the Big Island one day. He experienced love, which eventually led to their marriage. But Pele was confronted by Kama Pua’a’s brutality, and in a raging wrath, she determined enough was enough. Pele poured steam and lava at Kama Pua, but he countered with equal force, leading to a titanic struggle. Kama Puaa was forced to retire into an ocean distant from the roiling lava pits after Pele summoned reinforcements. He changed into the humuhumunukunukupuaa as soon as he entered the water and swam to safety.
A humuhumu will float across the ocean’s surface while consuming algae and sucking up hidden crustaceans from the sand. It returns to its reef nook at night and extends its three spines, which anchor it securely. The fish can then go to sleep peacefully knowing that no predator can get to it. The Wedge-tail Triggerfish, another common name for the humuhumu, is a result of this habit.
Hawaii has some of the best snorkelling locations in the world. Thanks to its vibrant reef fish, warm water all year round, and spectacular coral structures. The shallow outer-reef habitats that humuhumus inhabit are ideal for beginning snorkelers. The humuhumu’s distinctive colour and patterning make it simple to identify.
One of the greatest places to see a humuhumu in its natural environment is Hanauma Bay on Oahu’s south shore. The tranquil bay is a Marine Life Conservation District and a natural reserve. In addition to the humuhumu, there are dozens of other fish species that you can swim with, like the kikkapu (Threadfin Butterflyfish), kihikihi (Moorish Idol) and manini (Convict Tang).
The Hawaiian folktale that the Humuhumu is based on is arguably its most fascinating feature. This is how the tale unfolds…
“A long time ago on the Island of Oahu, lived a powerful king whose son was named Kama Pua’a. This child was difficult, to say the least. He was always chasing away his father’s livestock and tearing up the royal taro patches. His father swore that if he ever caught him, he would kill him. To save himself, Kama Pua’a fled Oahu and moved to Maui and married Madame Pele, the fiery goddess. They were in love and soon had a son”.
A tragic thing happened; the son passed away. Even fierier than she already was, Madame Pele flew into a passion and began pursuing Kama Pua’a. He began to flee by racing down Haleakala’s slopes and towards the water. He became a gigantic hog as a result of doing this. Kama Pua’a contacted his grandma on Oahu as Madame Pele gained momentum.
‘Grandma, Grandma, what should I do?’
When he called, his grandmother picked up.
‘Leap into the ocean and you shall save yourself.’
He jumped into the water and transformed into a fish once he reached the bottom at Pa’uwela. His encounter with Madame Pele came to a close at this point. Pa’uwela, which means “calming of emotions,” was so given that name.
Hawaii state fish humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or a fish with a pig snout, was the type of fish that Kama Pua’a transformed into. That fish is now recognised as the state fish of Hawaii.
Identification of Hawai State Fish “Humuhumunukunukuapua a”:
A humuhumu will spend its days gliding through the ocean floor, consuming algae and suckling crabs from the sand that are hidden. Returning at night, it positions three spines to firmly anchor itself in the reef fissure. That way, the fish can rest easy knowing that no predator can get close to it. The Wedge-tailed Triggerfish, another common name for the humuhumu, derives from this feature.
Due to its spectacular coral structures, year-round warm water temperatures, and vibrant reef fish, Hawaii is one of the top snorkelling locations in the world. Shallow outer reef settings, which are perfect for novice snorkelers, are preferred by humuhumus. The humuhumu is easily recognised due to its distinct colour and pattern.
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