Hawaiian Black Grouper?

We recently came back from a dive trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. While on a dive we spotted this large grouper. When I got back on the boat I told the boat captain we'd seen a Goliath Grouper. He said "We don't really have those here..." then another and another person came up all talking about this grouper. It was about 6 feet long and must have weighed between 150-200 pounds. One of the dive masters said he was pretty sure it was a Hawaiian Black Grouper, but one had not been seen on the island since 1989. We were pretty excited to be sure. But another person we showed the picture to said he didn't think it was a grouper...thus my question. I'd love to know for sure what we did see...here's the shot I took of it as it flew past with about 6 large Trevally following it!

This is a Giant Grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus. It can attain 9 ft. with a weight of 900 lbs. and occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific but is nowhere common, in a large part due to fishing and spearing. It is very very rare in the Hawaiian Islands, so rare that this sighting and photo are probably of scientific interest. It's good to know that a few are left. Congratulations. Oh.... one other thing. You might consider editing out the location, to keep the fish from being speared.

Thanks to both of you...Of course you're right about naming the site...I've edited my original post. I hope it continues to flourish!

So iv'e been reviewing the photos and i think these guys are right.... it doesnt appear to be Epinephelus quernus, but rather lanceolatus... evident by the rounded tail... and the "dented" forhead.... even more rare than the hawaiin species, i originally said on the boat. I also originally stated a weight of maybe 150lbs.... but have looked at fishermans equations used for estimating catch and release animals and ill say it was probably closer to 300. Great photos!! And sorry for the misID. JPHoover if thats truly him, is certainly the one to beleive in any case of figuring identity... hes the one that wrote the book i was showing you guys. By the way this is josh, the divemaster on the boat that day. And thanks for exculding the dive site name... we've all been real careful not to let it slip to any of our fishing buddies. Hope all is well and kepp diving!!!!

Hey Josh! Of COURSE I know it's you! I'm glad to see your findings...the guy who looked at this (and claimed to be an expert) thought we were full of crap about this...thus my post. I don't know what I was thinking posting the site...I wouldn't want anything happening to that fish! We had a great time diving with you guys...and will be sure to send photos from Roatan when we get back!