4 Types of Octopus in Hawaii
Yes, Hawaii is home to several octopus species, most commonly the day octopus and the night octopus. Start your search on shallow reefs and tide pools, especially around dawn or dusk. This guide will help you tell them apart and know where to look.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- October, September, January
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
4 types of octopus recorded in Hawaii
4 octopus species have a verified observation record in Hawaii, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 4 shown is endemic to Hawaii, found here and effectively nowhere else.
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Plus 6 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,310 verified observations on iNaturalist of octopus have been recorded in Hawaii, most often in October, September, January.
When octopus are recorded in Hawaii
Yes, Hawaii is home to several octopus species, most commonly the day octopus and the night octopus. Start your search on shallow reefs and tide pools, especially around dawn or dusk. This guide will help you tell them apart and know where to look.
1. What are the most common types of octopuses in Hawaii?
The two most common octopuses you'll encounter in Hawaii are the day octopus (*Octopus cyanea*) and the night octopus (*Callistoctopus ornatus*). The day octopus, also called the big blue octopus, is active during daylight. The night octopus emerges after sunset and is often seen in shallows. A third species, the long-arm octopus (*Macrotritopus defilippi*), is less frequent but can turn up in sandy areas.
2. How can you tell the difference between day and night octopuses?
Color and behavior are the easiest clues. The day octopus can change to dark red-brown with blue spots, while the night octopus has a reddish-orange body with white spots and white-lined arms. Day octopus is bold and may approach divers; the night octopus stays hidden in crevices during the day and becomes active after dark. Check out ouroctopus identification hubfor more comparison details.
3. Where and when is each type most likely to be seen?
Day octopus prefers shallow coral reefs and rocky areas, often in water less than 20 feet deep. You'll spot them hunting during mid-morning or late afternoon. Night octopus stays in deeper holes during the day but moves into tide pools after dark, especially near rocks. For best odds, visit protected reefs on the west sides of islands like Oahu or Maui. SeeHawaii wildlife spotting tipsfor general timing advice.
4. What other octopus species might you encounter in Hawaii?
Beyond the two main types, you may occasionally see the long-arm octopus (*Macrotritopus defilippi*) or the mimic octopus (*Thaumoctopus mimicus*), though mimic octopus is rare in Hawaii. The long-arm octopus is slender and pale, often buried in sand. TheHawaii octopus species pagelists all recorded locals. None are dangerous to humans, but always keep a respectful distance.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How to responsibly observe octopuses in Hawaii?
Never touch or chase an octopus; their skin is sensitive. Use a red light at night to avoid startling them. Move slowly and let them come out on their own. If you spot one in a tide pool, block the exit gently with your hand only if you need to prevent it from escaping into deep water. Most encounters last under a minute. Respecting their space preserves the experience for everyone.
6. Gear and gifts to celebrate Hawaii's octopuses
Octopus Kraken T-Shirt
A fun, bold design for anyone who loves the mysterious side of the ocean. Made from preshrunk cotton with double-needle hems for durability.Check Price and Availability
Reading Octopus Stickers
Perfect for notebooks or water bottles. These bubble-free stickers show a studious octopus enjoying coffee and books.Check Price and Availability
Octopus Joke T-Shirt
A playful shirt with a clever octopus pun. Solid colors are 100% cotton, heather blends are cotton/poly. Sizes S-3XL.Check Price and Availability
Looking for more? Browsewildlife tote bagsfor a different take on oceanic art.
Octopus As Student T-Shirt with A Backpack and Apple
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
7. Frequently asked questions about octopuses in Hawaii
**Are octopuses in Hawaii dangerous?** No. Hawaii's octopuses are not aggressive and their bites are rare. Still, avoid handling them to protect their delicate skin.
**What is the best time of day to see octopuses?** Early morning and late afternoon for day octopus; after dark for night octopus.
**Can you eat octopus in Hawaii?** Yes, locally caught octopus (he‘e) is a traditional food. But for spotting, leave them in the water.
**Do octopuses change color in Hawaii?** Absolutely. Both common species can rapidly shift color and texture to blend in.
**Where are the top spots for octopus watching in Hawaii?** Hanauma Bay (Oahu), Molokini Crater (Maui), and tide pools at Kapalua Bay are reliable. Check ourHawaii wildlife pagefor more locations.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common types of octopuses in Hawaii?+
The two most common octopuses you'll encounter in Hawaii are the day octopus (*Octopus cyanea*) and the night octopus (*Callistoctopus ornatus*). The day octopus, also called the big blue octopus, is active during daylight. The night octopus emerges after sunset and is often seen in shallows. A third species, the long-arm octopus (*Macrotritopus defilippi*), is less frequent but can turn up in sandy areas.
2. How can you tell the difference between day and night octopuses?+
Color and behavior are the easiest clues. The day octopus can change to dark red-brown with blue spots, while the night octopus has a reddish-orange body with white spots and white-lined arms. Day octopus is bold and may approach divers; the night octopus stays hidden in crevices during the day and becomes active after dark. Check out ouroctopus identification hubfor more comparison details.
3. Where and when is each type most likely to be seen?+
Day octopus prefers shallow coral reefs and rocky areas, often in water less than 20 feet deep. You'll spot them hunting during mid-morning or late afternoon. Night octopus stays in deeper holes during the day but moves into tide pools after dark, especially near rocks. For best odds, visit protected reefs on the west sides of islands like Oahu or Maui. SeeHawaii wildlife spotting tipsfor general timing advice.
4. What other octopus species might you encounter in Hawaii?+
Beyond the two main types, you may occasionally see the long-arm octopus (*Macrotritopus defilippi*) or the mimic octopus (*Thaumoctopus mimicus*), though mimic octopus is rare in Hawaii. The long-arm octopus is slender and pale, often buried in sand. TheHawaii octopus species pagelists all recorded locals. None are dangerous to humans, but always keep a respectful distance. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How to responsibly observe octopuses in Hawaii?+
Never touch or chase an octopus; their skin is sensitive. Use a red light at night to avoid startling them. Move slowly and let them come out on their own. If you spot one in a tide pool, block the exit gently with your hand only if you need to prevent it from escaping into deep water. Most encounters last under a minute. Respecting their space preserves the experience for everyone.
Keep exploring
More places to see octopus
More wildlife in Hawaii