Kona Ecosystem
Renowned worldwide as a haven of perfect weather, stunning beaches, mesmerizing rainbows, breathtaking sunsets, dynamic volcanoes, and vibrant tropical gardens, Kailua-Kona truly embodies paradise. However, did you know that Hawaii’s natural wonders extend far beyond these picturesque scenes? Delving deeper into its landscapes reveals an astonishing array of species and ecosystems. In fact, Hawaii’s ecological makeup is so distinctive that it stands as a separate and isolated ecoregion, recognized and classified in various global biogeographical frameworks.
Exploring and understanding the local ecosystem provides countless opportunities to witness the unparalleled beauty and uniqueness of Hawaii Island. There are numerous avenues through which to immerse oneself in this extraordinary environment and gain insights into its remarkable features.
The Seahorse Hawaii Foundation
Today the seahorse is facing extinction from overfishing for the pet and medicine trade, and habitat destruction from global warming and development. Visit us at the Seahorse Farm and help us and the marine environment by visiting us today!
Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food industry on the planet, and aligning farming practices with conservation objectives is particularly pressing to ensure that growth happens in the service of conservation in the most effective and sustainable way possible. The sheer potential of conservation aquaculture suggests a tale of redemption for aquaculture and opportunity for conservationists to bring in a new age of collaborative practices to address global issues. Come and experience the Kanaloa Octopus Farm!
Cats of Kona
The Aloha Animal Oasis is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit addressing the issue of free-roaming cats on the Big Island in Hawaii. AAO members currently manage 16 colonies of free-roaming cats including daily feeding and watering, providing medication & medical treatment, rescuing kittens, fostering, and holding adoption events. One of the most important initiatives for AAO is an extensive spay/neuter program. The most humane and proven solution to reduce overpopulation is trap, neuter, return, maintain (TNRM).
Sea Turtles
Look but don’t touch. Protected by the Endangered Species Act, it’s against the law to harass both Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles in any way, including touching. So, if you see one when you’re snorkeling, give it 15 to 20 feet of space and enough room to surface and breathe. The Hawaiian green sea turtle is classified as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Its continued listing is in response to the potentially significant losses of nesting beaches due to sea-level rise. There are many beaches to see these amazing turtles but be mindful that it is their “home” and you are a visitor.
Hawaiian Coral Reef
Because an estimated 400 different fish live within Hawaii’s coastal waters and many of them rely on the coral reefs to survive we ask that you please respect the amazing reefs by ALWAYS using reef-safe sunscreen, and not disturbing the delicate ecosystem within the reef.
