Type locality: Southeast of Barber's Point, Oahu I., Hawaiian Is., 350 m. CAS 29136 (holotype of Ophichthus kunaloa, 44.0 cm TL, female) (Ref. 84366).
Known from Hawai'i Island to O'ahu at 220-475 m (Ref. 58302). Also in Ref. 122680.