ʻOpihi and its Types

ʻOpihi (limpets) is considered a delectable delicacy in Hawaii. It is often eaten at special events and get-togethers as an appetizer and or with poi or in a soup. However, it is known as a deadly fish.

---

"He Iʻa make ka ʻOpihi"

Translation: Fish of death

---

The ʻOpihi itself is not poisonous or deadly, but the great measures and lengths it takes to collect the ʻOpihi can be dangerous. Most ʻOpihi are found along the rocky coastlines of the island and intertidal zone to 10 ft deep in the ocean. Many fishermen and pickers have been swept away by the strong currents that surround these animals. This happens to people who have their back turned away from the ocean and are not paying attention to the swells. As they try to ply the ʻOpihi from the rocky sea-side, strong waves often sweep them into the ocean currents.

https://bigislandnow.com/2019/11/15/1-opihi-picker-rescued-another-swept-out-to-sea/

(Heres an article of an ʻopihi picker that was swept out to sea)

Because of the risk associated with collecting ʻOpihi, many see these shells as a rarity. In Hawaii a gallon of ʻOpihi can cost $150 and upwards dependind on the type.

The shells of the ʻOpihi were used by Hawaiians to adorn themselves. In ancient Hawaii, a common way natives would make shell jewelry was with sharp tools made of bone or rock and kaula (cordage). Using their tools, a hole would be made into the shell and kaula made out of different plant fibers (i.e. coconut, ‘ie‘ie, ‘ākia, māmaki, wauke, ōpuhe, hau, hala, and ‘uki‘uki) would be used to string along the shells. Hawaiians would then use sand from the beach to polish their shells.

Hawaiians recognize these 3 types of ʻOpihi:

1. Makaiauli/Makaiuli

2. ʻAlinalina

3. Kōʻele

Makaiuli: Found on the rocks of the spray zone in oceans, this ʻOpihi is named the "black foot ʻOpihi" because of its dark underside. The shell usually has a circle design on itʻs center top part and is relatively smooth. Itʻs ridges are darker with lighter troughs that extend from this circle. These ridges do not extend all the way to the edge of the shell like ʻAlinalina.

ʻAlinalina: Known also as the "Yellow foot ʻOpihi" because of its buff-yellow underside, this ʻOpihiʻs shell has very deep grooves and its ridges extend to the edge of its shell. It is often found where there is a steady splash of water (below the tide mark) and is known to have more of a jagged appearance. Unlike the Makaiuli, ʻAlinalinaʻs center top part does not have such a big circle design.

Kōʻele: Similar in looks to the Makaiuli ʻOpihi. this ʻOpihi is the largest out of the three and its shell is less defined in its grooves. Deeper below the tide mark, about 5 - 3 meters (1 - 10ft), the Kōʻele lives between large rocks and boulders.