Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Tops & Turbans > Turbo sandwicensis

Updated 11/2/2025

Family Turbinidae

HAWAII -  ENDEMIC

Turbo sandwicensis   



Makapu'u, Oahu, 4 feet


Ma'ili Point, Oahu, 3 feet


Midway Atoll, 19 mm @ Kala'i Sim

Wailupe, Oahu, 3 feet

 

Kapoho tidepool, Hawaii

 

 

Koke'e Beach tidepool, Oahu

 

HAWAIIAN TURBAN   KĀMOA

Common under stones or in crevices in shallow water.  Color and sculpture variable between individuals.  The interior is pearly, and the domed calcareous operculum is nicknamed 'cat's eye'.  Attains at least 2.6 inches, 65 mm, and larger subfossil shells have been found with loosely coiled whorls.  Endemic to Hawaii.  Indo-West Pacific Turbo argyrostomus has been collected at Midway Atoll.