The following is a summary of zonation patterns typical of Hawai'i. Common names are linked to descriptions in the Marine Life of Hawai'i section. Corals are generally sparse here and dominated by cauliflower coral intermixed with boulders. This area has numerous boring urchins in holes. Boring urchins, sea cucumbers , numerous snails and Christmas tree worms are common.
Surgeonfishes dart in and out of the reef flat feeding on turf algae.
Surgeonfishes, wrasses , damselfish , triggerfish and puffers are common. Finger coral is the most common species along with lobe coral. This area usually consists of lobe and finger coral rubble sloping into sand. Wana , slate-pencil urchins , sea cucumbers and christmas tree worms are common. Sea cucumbers occur here.