Bright green and easy to recognize, sea grapes grow in clusters of tiny grape-like spheres and discs.
Some sea slugs eat sea grapes and keep parts of the limu’s cells that capture sunlight, allowing the slugs to get energy from the sun!
Bright green
Rock or sand, intertidal to subtidal
Grape-like clusters
Sea grapes are a bright green limu recognized by their distinctive clusters of small, grape-like spheres or discs. Caulerpa racemosa is native to Hawaiʻi and is present throughout the Hawaiian Islands, although it is not considered common.
It grows attached to rock or sand from intertidal areas into deeper subtidal waters and has been recorded at depths of up to 60 meters.
Sea grapes are enjoyed for their distinctive texture and fresh, briny flavor. The tiny spheres burst in the mouth, giving them their nickname “green caviar.”
Related species are harvested or commercially grown as a popular food throughout parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Sea grapes can be served fresh in salads, sushi and poke and are also enjoyed as a plant-based alternative to fish roe.
Simple, delicious ways to enjoy this nutritious limu at home.
A tangy, flavorful side dish with a unique taste.
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A hearty Hawaiian classic with a special island twist.
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Maui Ocean Center is expecting higher-than-usual attendance. Prices have been adjusted to reflect this increase. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
