Ko’a
“He po‘i na kai uli, kai ko‘o, ‘a‘ohe hina pūko‘a.”
Though the sea be deep and rough, the coral rock remains standing.
‘Olelo No‘eau (Hawaiian Proverb), Mary Kawena Pukui
Ko’a or cauliflower coral (Pocillopora meandrina) form coral reefs (pūkoʻa) throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most abundant coral species throughout the Hawaiian Islands. These reef-building corals provide shelter and habitat to many species and protect shorelines from storm surges and big wave events. They are responsible for the formation of many of our favorite surf breaks. Coral are living animals that have a photosynthetic relationship with algae. These coral colonies have created reefs and atolls throughout the tropics. Sensitive to changes in temperature and light levels, coral polyps are particularly vulnerable to pollution and climate change. Despite these pressures, coral represents a solid and resilient foundation in a sea of change.
– David Shepard