Hawaii is boundless in natural beauty — but it is also a flourishing environment for many exotic animals, making the islands the perfect location for primates, zebras, farm animals, and tropical marine life to thrive — in the wild, and in captivity. And while you will find aquariums and zoos across the islands, there is one little-known destination that you should add to your bucket list.
Though it’s not necessarily a zoo per say, the Kanaloa Octopus Farm is as underrated as it is unique. Let’s check it out, shall we?
Nestled on Hawaii Island’s sunny Kona Coast is this one-of-a-kind cephalopod research aquaculture facility you might not have expected to find in the United States.
babybOox0x/TripAdvisor
While overfishing, destruction of habitat, and pollution are responsible for the tragic decline in octopus populations across the world, Kanaloa Octopus Farm strives to provide a sustainable alternative to wild-caught octopus for aquariums, researchers, and even saltwater aquarium hobbyists.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
Pristine ocean water is pumped in straight from the sea, and provides the octopus living here with excellent growing conditions, though Kanaloa is still working to develop reliable food sources for octopus larvae and increasing the number that reach maturity.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
It’s one thing to read about octopus, but it’s another thing entirely to visit the farm for yourself. Luckily, tours of this unique aquatic destination are offered daily and are both educational and hands-on. Two tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and can only be booked online.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
Adults and keiki alike are sure to enjoy this unique opportunity. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and gives guests an opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
This unique aquaculture research facility is so much more than your average zoo or aquarium, and you will be delighted to know that the farm’s research is funded entirely from its public tours.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Website
While you’ve surely seen octopus behind the glass at local aquariums, nowhere else will you get to experience this fascinating creatures as closely as you will at Kanaloa.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
The Kanaloa Octopus Farm is located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island and is open for tours daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information or to book a tour, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook.
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Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Facebook
Kanaloa Octopus Farm/Website
To discover the only rainforest zoo in America, click here.
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