The Hawaiian Islands face challenges in managing their marine ecosystems due to the complexity of coordinating multiple agencies and diverse communities. Efforts towards ecosystem-based management (EBM) include creating marine protected areas (MPAs) and involving local communities in co-management. Progress has been slow but driven by concerns for coral reefs and increased engagement in fishery issues. Key elements of EBM in Hawaii involve better coordination among agencies, community-based co-management, and gathering data on the ecosystem and human impacts. A unique approach in West Hawaii shows progress with MPAs and community involvement, but challenges remain in scaling this model to other islands due to limited community support, conflicts on more populated islands, weak enforcement of fishing regulations, and the need for sustainable collaboration among different stakeholders.