"Halocaridina rubra" is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, and most commonly found in anchialine pools in fresh lava substrates on Hawaii and Maui Island; it has also been found in limestone karst pools and hypogeal habitats in limestone on older islands, such as Oahu.Its habitat is unique and sparsely represented on five of the eight high Hawaiian Islands (Maui, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Molokai and Hawaii).