Uhu — Parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus) in Hawaii

Uhu

Parrotfish · Scarus rubroviolaceus
NATIVE · SELECTIVE HARVEST
What is an Uhu? Uhu is the Hawaiian name for the parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus), a native Hawaiian species taken selectively by spearfishers. It inhabits coral reef, rocky reef, algae-covered lava at 5–60 ft around the Big Island, and is excellent eating.
Depth5–60 ft
SeasonYear-round
DifficultyBeginner
CiguateraLow

About the Uhu

Colorful and abundant on Big Island reefs, Uhu are a staple spearfishing target — and a fish we take with real care. All parrotfish are born female: the biggest, brightest blue fish are terminal-phase males that morphed from females for breeding. Harvest the breeding males and you can disrupt the breeding cycle for the whole reef. So even though blue uhu are legal to harvest, we typically pass on them and take initial-phase fish selectively. Excellent eating — firm white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor.

How we hunt them

Uhu are often found grazing on algae-covered rock and coral. They are not particularly wary but will spook if approached too quickly. Look for them in 10–30 ft on lava reef. Aim for the head/spine for a clean shot. And if it's a big blue terminal-phase male, we let it swim — the breeders keep the uhu population healthy.

Rules & regulations

Miloli'i CBSFA: no spearing uhu at night; special size/bag limits for uhu 'ahu'ula and uhu pālukaluka Mar–May. Bag limit of 3 other uhu per person per day in Miloli'i, only one terminal-phase.

Source: HAR 13-60.10 · Verified July 2026 · Always confirm current rules with Hawaiʻi DLNR

Non-residents age 15+ also need the Hawaiʻi nonresident marine fishing license (HAR 13-74-11) — buy online or see our regulations guide.

Hunt Uhu with a guide

Every Top Shot Spearfishing dive covers species ID, regulations, and technique — beginners welcome.

Group Dive — $299Private Dive — $449+