The Āholehole

Identification and the Two Species

Hawaiʻi uses the name Āholehole for Kuhlia xenura and Kuhlia sandvicensis. Keeping both names matters: a record under the shared common name does not establish which species was present.

Both have the bright, silvery appearance of flagtails. Kuhlia xenura is the species documented well upstream as well as near the sea. Do not identify either species from habitat alone; similar appearance and older naming conventions can make records confusing.

Habitat and Natural Food

Kuhlia xenura uses estuaries and lower streams, including flowing runs, riffles and pools. Its menu can include insects, crustaceans, small fish, worms and some algae. A stream fish has access to different food than one feeding along a marine shoreline.

This variety is why a single diet or preferred-water description cannot represent every fish recorded as Āholehole.

Bait and Fishing Methods

Āholehole are caught recreationally in Hawaiʻi, but the research checked for this profile does not establish a best bait or artificial lure for both species. Natural prey should not automatically be presented as a tested bait recommendation.

Confirm the current rules and access arrangements for the particular shoreline or pond before fishing. A fishpond record does not by itself establish public fishing access.

Size and Weight

This is a common-name group, so no combined average length or weight is assigned. Species identity and the way length was measured must be clear before comparing size figures.

All Lakes With Āholehole

Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Āholehole records in our database, listed alphabetically.

Showing 1–2 of 2 lakes · Page 1 of 1

• Heʻeia Pond Honolulu, HI
• Waiākea Pond Hawaii, HI