Kauai is home to many unique and beautiful species. Endangered monk seals routinely spend their days basking on Poipu beaches. Honu, or Green sea turtles, can be seen swimming in the waves offshore and plumes of mist from humpback whales followed by their silhouettes rising and submerging. The once endangered nene goose is now back in the islands in healthy numbers thanks to captive breeding programs.

Snorkeling is the way to see the beautiful and varied sea life in Kauai's coral reefs. Kiahuna has a wonderful spot where you can identify just about every fish in the book, including the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, or translated, "fish that looks like a fat lady eating pork".