Are There Lobsters In Hawaii? Exploring The Underwater World Of The Aloha State

Hawaii’s lobster fishing industry primarily operates as a trap fishery, targeting various lobster species. This industry is primarily active in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), a remote and expansive region of islands, islets, banks, and reefs that stretches approximately 1,500 nautical miles to the northwest. This vast area covers a range from Nihoa Island to Kure Atoll (see Figure 1), where lobsters are harvested for commercial purposes. The NWHI is a unique and isolated environment where lobsters can be found, making it a focal point for lobster fishing in Hawaii.

Lobster season in Hawaii varies depending on the type of lobster and regulations in place to ensure sustainable harvesting. For spiny and slipper lobsters, there are minimum size limits that must be adhered to. It’s important to note that during May through August, which is the peak lobster spawning season, lobster fishing is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, it is illegal to capture lobsters carrying eggs, and damaged or mutilated lobsters cannot be retained. These regulations aim to protect lobster populations and ensure the longevity of this valuable marine resource.

A rare Hawaiian lobster, commonly known as the Hawaiian slipper lobster, exhibits a distinctive reddish-orange hue, which often gives the impression that they are already cooked. Unlike their more common lobster counterparts, Hawaiian slipper lobsters lack the typical pinchers or claws. Despite this unique physical characteristic, they are renowned as some of the finest-tasting lobsters globally. This information was last updated on August 24, 2022. Hawaiian slipper lobsters are a unique and sought-after seafood delicacy, prized for their delectable flavor and unique appearance.