Some of the best sightings while snorkeling in Waikiki are the ones you almost miss. The Hawaiian day octopus, known as the he'e, is a master of disguise that can hide in plain sight right in front of you. If you learn what to look for, you just might catch one of the reef's most amazing animals doing its vanishing act.
Meet the He'e
The day octopus, also called the big blue octopus, is the one you are most likely to see on Oahu's reefs because it hunts during daylight hours. Its scientific name is Octopus cyanea. In Hawaiian it is the he'e, an animal woven into local fishing traditions for generations. It has eight arms lined with suckers, a soft bag-like body, and the kind of problem-solving brain that makes octopuses famous.
🐙 Day Octopus Quick Facts
- Hawaiian name: he'e; it hunts by day, so snorkelers can spot it.
- It can change color, pattern, and even skin texture in about a second.
- It lives in reef holes and crevices, often marked by a pile of shells outside.
- It is shy and harmless; just watch and never poke or grab it.
The Ultimate Quick-Change Artist
The he'e is one of the best camouflage artists in the ocean. Using special color cells in its skin called chromatophores, it can shift from sandy tan to mottled brown to reddish in a flash. It can also raise little bumps and ridges on its skin to copy the texture of coral or rock. It often changes its look to match whatever is right next to it, which is why a "rock" you swim past can suddenly sprout arms and jet away.
How to Find One
Finding a he'e is a fun challenge. Scan the reef slowly and look for clues rather than the whole animal. A telltale sign is a tidy pile of empty shells and crab bits outside a hole in the rock, the leftovers from the octopus's dinner. Watch for a single eye peeking out, an arm curling over the coral, or a patch of reef that seems to shimmer or move. Once you learn to spot them, you will start finding them everywhere.
Watch, Don't Touch
The day octopus is shy and completely harmless to snorkelers, but it deserves respect and space. Never reach into a hole, poke it, or try to pull one out, which stresses the animal and can hurt it. Keep a calm, gentle distance and let it decide whether to stay or slip away. The reward for patience is watching a wild octopus hunt, color-shift, and squeeze into impossibly small cracks, all on its own terms.
Discover the Reef's Hidden Residents
The he'e is proof that the Waikiki reef is full of surprises if you slow down and really look. On a guided snorkel tour, the crew knows the spots where octopuses, turtles, and colorful fish like to hang out, and they can help you spot the reef's shyest residents. Come see how many hidden animals you can find.
Want to explore Waikiki's living reef?
Our Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour takes you to clear water full of tropical fish, turtles, coral, and the occasional octopus, with an experienced crew and all the gear included.
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