We had a family vacation which included a college graduation celebration for Heidi, my daughter in Marine Science from the University of Hawaii-Hilo. She now lives on the big island with her son, Oliver. After a week long vacation, she was expected back on Monday as she landed her first job. Whoopee!
Oliver stayed with us and we decided to visit the Kanaloa Octopus Farm (KOF) and it was extremely informative. So why the O Farm? Turns out, the Octopus is being over fished for the newest seafood gourmet rage of grilled octopus including general habitat destruction and pollution adding to the severe decline in the octopus population! Kanaloa Octopus Farm claims to be the first farm and they are studying the life cycle and ultimately figuring out ways to increase the population.
The octopus are bred in large plastic containers and the tours are coordinated around feeding time allowing the visitors to feed & touch them. They come in different colors, very gentle and with their tentacles they grab you gently.
So are Octopus Aliens? Rumor has it, because of their rounded large heads and eyes. Theories abound....that their alien species landed on earth's waters millions of years ago in a frozen egg stage...Who knows? Who cares? Nice that you can get up close & personal with these exotic animals.
This is a great place to appreciate the efforts of saving the octopus population. A place for all ages. The fee are pricey but well worth it...since the KOF receives no private grants or state funds...KOF subsist on entrance fees...WELL WORTH IT!
I had no idea octopuses were so smart and selfish with their toys. This was such a fun trip! You actually get to interact with the octopi who are quite entertaining! All the money collected from this tour goes straight back into the research facility so I highly recommend going because it’s guilt free entertainment! Our tour guide Jasmine was so sweet and so intelligent. She made it really fun for all of us young and old alike. You’ll notice I’ve use the word octopuses and octopi because they’re both correct. I looked it up!
We went here because I read the reviews here and everyone is so right , you have to go this was so cool. Have kids 17 and 15 really loved it my husband and I thought it was cool. You interact with them a lot we even played with there toys to have them come out of there cave. I highly recommend we had Jasmine she was a really good answered all our questions. Must do if you have time
The octopus species has always fascinated me. They are like a combination of an alien lifeform, sea monster, and spider creature. We had the chance to check out the octopus farm and it was a real treat. There are several areas to interact with them and learn about the process of cultivating and providing sustainable habitats. They're like little puppies! So clever and engaging. The facility is mostly outdoors so make sure you have your sunscreen.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm is a wonderful research facility that exists on the money made from tours. No grants or government funding. They are doing great work trying to breed octopuses in captivity and have been almost successful. Jasmine gave a great tour and we all loved feeding and touching all the octopuses.
