Hiialakai supported the research of NOAAs National Ocean Service, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, as well as that of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Hawaii. She conducted coral reef ecosystem mapping, bio-analysis assessments, coral reef health studies, and fish stock studies.
Hiialakai supported research efforts by NOAA's National Ocean Service, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, as well as those of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Hawaii. Her work involved coral reef ecosystem mapping, bio-assessments, coral reef health studies, and fish stock surveys.