This is a very special place called Black Rock in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. It is a jetty made of lava rack that has an abundant amount of coral. With all that coral it draws tons of kinds of fish and then sea turtles, rays, dolphins and farther out humpback whales. It is such a beautiful place to be. The serenity of the water and all the sea life. It is a mystical, magical place.
My shadowbox celebrates this wonderful place and draws attention to Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Rhinecanthus rectangulus), or reef triggerfish. Known for its vibrant colors, angular shape, and a “pig-like” snout, this small, 10-inch fish inhabits shallow Pacific reefs, feeding on algae and invertebrates. They are highly territorial, aggressive, and known to bite divers.
We spent our 40th anniversary in Lahaina before the fires devastated the town. It will always be a magical place for us. The reef will always be our favorite place on Maui.
