The Hawaiian grouper (Hyporthodus quernus), locally known as hāpu‘upu‘u, is a deepwater reef fish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, prized for its firm, white flesh and delicate flavor. This species is primarily harvested in the United States, specifically within the Hawaiian archipelago, as it has a very limited geographic range and is not found in significant numbers elsewhere. The commercial and recreational fisheries for Hawaiian grouper are tightly regulated by state and federal agencies to prevent overfishing, with strict quotas, size limits, and seasonal closures. While the United States (Hawaii) is the principal country harvesting this species, small-scale artisanal fishing may also occur in the unincorporated U.S. Pacific Islands. Due to its restricted distribution, the Hawaiian grouper does not support major fisheries in other countries, making Hawaii the top—and essentially sole—producer of this unique and culturally significant fish.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.