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CRAMP Study Sites: Leleiwi Point, Island of Hawai‘i
Kawaihae -- Laupāhoehoe -- Leleiwi Point -- Ka‘apuna -- La‘aloa -- Nenue Point
Geographic Name: Leleiwi Point
CRAMP site code: HaLel
Geographic Location:
19° 44.133’ N; 155° 01.028’ W
19° 44.062’ N; 155° 01.032’ W
Chart showing Leleiwi Point. Red arrows indicate transect sites. (Click image for larger view.)
Google Earth aerial image of Leleiwi Point. (Click for larger view)
Management Status: Open Access
Photo of Leleiwi Point.
Area Description:
Several prominent underwater features attract SCUBA divers to this area including an arch located just off shore and the turtle pinnacles frequented by numerous green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas.
Physiography:
The shoreline is irregular with several small inlets and lava ponds.
Reef Structure, Habitat Classification:
A flat lava shelf with several small tide pools extends along the coastline. Diverse coral cover provides a veneer over shallow volcanic rock and boulders. Large, aggregated coral colonies can be found in deeper waters.
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Leleiwi, Hawai‘i 3m Total coral cover: 12.1% Species Richness: 8 Dominant Species: Porites lobata |
Leleiwi, Hawai‘i 10m Total coral cover: 31.1% Species Richness: 8 Dominant Species: Porites lobata |
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Photoquadrats of the Leleiwi Site from both the 3m and 10m transects. |
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Adjacent Land Use and Influence:
Along with aquaculture ponds located across the street, this area receives significant freshwater impact from groundwater flow making the surface waters relatively cold. Due to its close proximity to Hilo Harbor, Leleiwi may experience some of its anthropogenic effects. This is lessened by substantial water flow and its north facing exposure.
Management Concerns:
Local commercial dive shops utilize Leleiwi frequently due to its year-round accessibility and beautiful underwater vistas. Due to the numerous turtles in the area, snorkelers also frequent this dive spot. Issues of overuse by divers that may result in coral damage are a management concern.
Human Use Patterns:
This is a popular SCUBA dive spot located on the Keaukaha coast. It is in close proximity to the well-known snorkeling area, Richardson’s Beach Park, located a quarter mile down the road which is also a popular swimming, surfing, fishing, and bodyboarding site. The large turtle populations and high coral cover make Leleiwi a favorite among dive sites on the Hilo side.
Last Update: 04/21/2008
By: Erin Naughton
Hawai‘i Coral Reef Assessment & Monitoring Program
Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
P.O. Box 1346
Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744
808-236-7440 phone
808-236-7443 fax
email: jokiel@hawaii.edu