Snorkeling! My h.s. classmate, Donna, took these photographs with her Olympus Tough TG-6.

[George McGovern]

Donna's fish photos were taken at a state park on Hawaii's big island near Kona.

[PJMcK]

1. Fantastic!

Where?

[George McGovern]

5. Thank You PJMcK. They were taken at a state park on Hawaii's big island near Kona. I've amended the post accordingly.

[Ziggysmom]

2. Just lovely! Is this somewhere in the US? Love the brain coral.

[George McGovern]

6. Thanks Ziggysmom. They were taken at a state park on Hawaii's big island near Kona. I've amended the post accordingly.

[usonian]

3. My distinguished son in law just bought one for my daughter.

Results will be coming soon. They are still on the prowl.

Beautiful photos.

[George McGovern]

8. Aren't they though. That's a great gift! On the snorkelprowl. Looking forward to results. Thanks usonian!

[Nasruddin]

18. Love that camera

Be really careful of all its locks and joints - mistakes are not forgiven, at least not in sea water.
I mean really careful. New user, go to the pool and practice with it.

[Picaro]

4. Great photos

[George McGovern]

10. On behalf of my classmate, Thanks Picaro! I'll make sure she sees these comments.

[Easterncedar]

7. Unreal! Just delightful

The fourth fish side-eye is wonderfully adorable

[George McGovern]

11. Thank You Easterncedar. I'll relay yours and others' replies to Donna.

[Diamond_Dog]

9. Those are fabulous photographs!

There’s nothing like seeing all these beautiful and diverse sea creatures up close! We took our kids snorkeling in the Florida Keys when they were young. Saw a barracuda up close and personal. 😬😬😬
These shots really make me feel like I’m there.

[George McGovern]

13. I'm glad for your good memories Diamond_Dog. And that the images bring you back!

[mike_c]

12. wow!

[George McGovern]

14. That's what I said when Donna texted her photos mike_c. Thanks!

[FoxNewsSucks]

15. Those are so cool

I've never gone snorkeling on the Big Island, but have been to Hanauma Bay on every trip to Oahu, and once near Lahaina.

It's unforgettable. If I ever get to go to Maui again, I'd definitely go snorkeling at Molokini

[George McGovern]

16. Holy Moly FoxNewsSucks, could I go with you? Snorkeling looks truly unforgettable. Thanks!

[LoisB]

17. These are fantastic! Kudos to Donna.

[George McGovern]

20. Thanks Lois! She'll get a screenshot of these kind comments.

[Lochloosa]

19. The Picasso triggerfish in the first photo is amazing.

The hawksbill sea turtle looks like she's just gliding along without a care.

Great job.

[George McGovern]

21. HolyTurtle/Fish Lochloosa! You know wherewhom you speak. My friend Donna will appreciate your comment. Thanks!

[Nictuku]

22. Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Amazing!! That first photo I recognized as Hawaii's State Fish! A small fish with a very long name:
Humuhumunukunukuapua`a

It is easier to pronounce that it looks: Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Ahpoo Ah Ah It really rolls off the tongue.

Great Photos!

Here is a link about Hawaii's State Fish:

https://www.mauisnorkeltours.com/snorkel-blog/hawaiis-state-fish-humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Anyone know what the Hawaii State Bird is? (it actually has a very short name) I actually saw some of them inside Haleakala when I lived on Maui for a while.

[George McGovern]

23. Thank You Very Much for your kind and knowledgeable comments Nictuku!

[Nictuku]

24. A little more info

(I can't help myself. I am very homesick for Hawaii, and snorkling was my favorite thing to do there. I moved there when I was around 9years and moved back to the mainland when I was 19)

So here is what I know about your wonderful photos that have taken me down memory lane:

1. State Fish Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

2. Hawaii Green Turtle (love them!!! The Hawaiian word for turtle is Honu) I could be wrong here, someone posted that it is a hawk-billed sea turtle. Either way, they are Honu!

3. A type of angel fish Moorish Idol or Kihikihi

4. Blue Parrotfish. Notice his large beak! When you are snorkeling in Hawaii, underwater you hear all this crackling noise. It is actually the sound of these fish eating coral. For these reasons, these fish are not very good for coral. The crunch up the coral and eat the tiny organisms, then shit out the rock, which actually is part of how sand develops. These guys are not the only fish that eat coral, but they are known for devastating coral reefs if they are over populated.

5. Pufferfish! These are the cute little guys that look like they are smiling. When threatened, they puff up into a round ball and the spines that normally lay flat stand straight up and discourages larger fish from eating them.

6. I'm really not sure what this guy is.

7. Honu!

8. Not sure what the fish is, but the coral behind it is Brain Coral. It looks like there is also a long spined black sea urchin under the rock.

So much fun, I just imagined myself snorkeling again. My favorite thing to look for are Octopus. They are such amazing creatures.

What an amazing and beautiful world we have.

[George McGovern]

25. We surely do have that Nictuku! These images were taken by my h.s. classmate Donna.

Once replies have ended I shall text the entire thread to her. She'll be pleased with your commentary. Donna loves snorkeling. So glad you're back there in your mind. Thank You.

George

[Tom Dyer]

26. Worked at a public Aquarium in New Orleans.

21 years. Why, these are old friends, and it’s so lovely to see them again.
Beautiful banner fish, parrot fish, and adorable puffer.
Thanks for these images!
That triggerfish!

[George McGovern]

28. On behalf of my friend Donna, you're welcome Tom Dyer. Thanks for your neat reply.

[surfered]

27. Beautiful! Paradise!

[George McGovern]

29. Thanks surfered. I'll make sure Donna sees your words.