Water level, temperature, and salinity time-series data from nearshore coral reef locations along the west coast of Hawaii Island (2010-2011)

Continuous quantitative data from a range of depths and distances from shore were collected to characterize the temporal and spatial variability in water temperatures and salinity that influence coral reef habitats, coral health and the vulnerability of coral to bleaching. These data also establish important baseline information with which to track and identify changes owing to climate and land use change, including changes in runoff of terrestrial water and contaminants that can affect the quality of habitat for corals, fish and other wildlife of concern. Along the arid west coast of Hawaii Island terrestrial inputs of water occur primarily in the form of groundwater and this study focused on examining the extent that groundwater inputs to the coast influences coral reef water temperatures, coral health, and potential cold water refugia where corals may find resilience in light of observed increases in global coral bleaching associated with rising sea surface temperatures.