Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii and are wondering if taking coral from Hawaii is okay? Keep scrolling to find out if you can take a coral from Hawaii!
This post about can you take coral from Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and would like to know if you can take coral from Hawaii?
If so, there’s probably a good chance that you have a few other questions that need to be answered.
After all, nobody wants to end up paying a big fine at the end of their Hawaii vacation because they didn’t know any better.
I’d love to answer some of your concerns for you, including, can I bring coral home from Hawaii?
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Hawaii Coral FAQs
Absolutely! In fact, the 8 main Hawaiian islands are surrounded by 410,000 acres of live coral reefs. They even have coral species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. That’s why we need to be careful around coral in Hawaii.
Yes and no. Significant coral bleaching events in Hawaii during 2014 and 2015 caused widespread coral stress and mortality in many reef areas. While the impact varied geographically and by species, these events led to substantial damage to Hawaii’s coral reefs.
Not usually. While Hawaii coral reefs are gorgeous, you won’t find the brightly colored coral that you see in underwater photos in other tropical places.
Different Coral Types
Coral reefs may closely resemble rocks, but they’re actually alive and breathing creatures just like you and me.
The reefs around the islands cover an astonishing 410,000 acres. They provide a home to all kinds of tropical Hawaiian coral reef fish and other Hawaiian coral reef animals.
However, these marine habitats have recently become endangered. This is why there are so many laws that have been set in place to help protect them.
The islands of Hawaii are home to three different coral types, including fringing, atoll, and barrier reefs. A few of the common ones that you may come across when visiting are called lace coral, cauliflower coral, antler coral, finger coral, rice coral, and mushroom coral.
Best Coral Reefs in Hawaii
If you’re hoping to see some of the best coral reefs in Hawaii, you have to know where the best places in Hawaii for scuba diving are.
Here are 20 snorkeling spots that will provide you with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, and an up-close look at the beauty, as well as many of the sea creatures that live on these Hawaiian coral reefs.
Best coral reefs in Maui
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ll be excited to know that around the island is also where you’ll find some of the best coral reefs in Hawaii.
While Maui’s coral may not be as colorful as other reefs, they are still beautiful regardless.
Coral Gardens is a protected Maui coral reef area where you’ll find excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. And it provides the perfect environment for marine life to flourish in these waters.
Can I Bring Coral Home from Hawaii?
Finally, the answer to the question you’ve been wondering is, can you take coral from Hawaii? To keep it short and simple, the answer is no.
Hawaii coral laws do not allow anyone to “take, break, or damage, any stony coral, including any reef or mushroom coral.”
Should you choose to ignore this, you could face fines of up to $5,000 for a first-time offense. A second-time offender could face fines of up to double that amount.
While some small, dead coral pieces might not fall under strict enforcement laws, many locals and conservationists strongly discourage removing any coral from the islands.
Coral is a vital part of Hawaii’s ecosystem and holds deep cultural significance. Practicing responsible tourism means leaving these natural resources behind for the environment—and for others to enjoy.
Can I Take Dead Coral Home from Hawaii?
Now that you’ve accepted the fact that taking live coral is illegal, you may still be wondering, is it illegal to take dead coral from Hawaii?
Some of you will be upset with what I have to share, but the answer is yes.
So if you’re asking, “Is it bad luck to take dead coral from Hawaii?”—besides being illegal, many locals also believe doing so invites misfortune, rooted in cultural beliefs about respecting the land.
Taking dead coral from Hawaii is also considered illegal. So don’t try and sneak any back with you on the plane because things won’t go well for you.
Can You Take Sand from Hawaii?
Up until 2013, visitors were able to take sand back to the mainland with them. However this changed when a large quantity of black sand started disappearing from Punalu’u Beach along with other black sand beaches.
Removing sand from Hawaii, especially from black sand beaches and in significant quantities, is illegal and can result in fines.
While the maximum penalties are severe, it’s generally discouraged to take any sand from Hawaii to preserve its natural environment.
Why Are There No Seashells in Hawaii?
When you’ve finally arrived at your Hawaiian beach destination, it won’t be long before you start asking why are there no seashells in Hawaii?
While some Hawaiian beaches may have fewer intact sea shells compared to other locations, they can still be found.
That’s because the ocean waves smash most of them on reefs and lava rocks on the ocean floor. So by the time they reach the beach, they’ve been pulverized to sand and small sentiments.
However, most of the seashells that you can find in Hawaii can be seen down in the coral reefs when you’re snorkeling or scuba diving.
Can You Take Seashells from Hawaii?
If you’re wondering, “Can you take shells from Hawaii?” or “Can you bring shells back from Hawaii?”—the answer is yes, in modest amounts.
Collecting a few small pieces of non-living, unprotected natural materials like common sea shells is permitted for personal use, though it’s always best to check updated guidelines.
To help preserve Hawaii’s natural resources, it is best to leave all seashells on the beach.
Can You Take Rocks from Hawaii?
Just like with seashells, taking rocks from Hawaii in small amounts for your personal use is permitted by the Division of Land and Natural Resources.
But again, you’re not allowed to sell any of the rocks that you’ve collected from Hawaii.
Can You Take Lava Rock from Hawaii?
Removing anything from a U.S. National Park, including lava rocks in Hawaii’s National Parks, is illegal.
Additionally, locals and environmental advocates generally discourage tourists from taking lava rocks from any location in Hawaii to respect the environment and local traditions.
When you’re visiting any National Park, a good rule to follow is that you should leave everything the way you found it.
If that isn’t enough to deter you, legend has it that stealing volcanic rocks from Hawaii will bring you bad luck for the rest of your life.
Can You Take Coral From Hawaii?
So, that about wraps it up. Taking coral from Hawaii is not only illegal, but it’s also something that you shouldn’t feel good about doing.
Many Hawaiians and environmental advocates view the removal of coral—whether alive or dead—as disrespectful to the land (‘aina) and to local culture. Even a small piece taken as a souvenir contributes to a larger issue of environmental degradation.
It’s best to leave coral reefs the same way that you found them. The truth is, coral reefs are already dying at an alarming rate because of humans.
Instead of being part of the problem, you can support responsible tourism by helping preserve Hawaii’s fragile marine ecosystems for future generations. Consider supporting research projects like the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative or simply sharing what you’ve learned with others.
Removing coral, shells, rocks, and sand reduces the availability of natural resources for future visitors and impacts the ecosystem more than most realize. Being a responsible traveler means leaving Hawaii’s treasures where they belong.