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 collaborated with various organizations, including NOAA's National Ocean Service, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, as well as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Hawaii. Her research focused on coral reef ecosystem mapping, bio-analyses, coral reef health studies, and fish stock surveys.