Feeding, Hunting and Housing Behaviors of the He'e Mauli (Octopus cyanea) in Hanauma Bay

In Hawai’i, the Octopus cyanea, traditionally referred to as he’e mauli, is a common recreational fishery and traditional food. Because of their short life span and their semelparous lifecycle the he’e (octopus) is a sustainable fishery. Despite the interest in he’e we know very little about how they feed or habits associated with their homes. The focus of this research is to increase our basic knowledge of the behavioral ecology of he’e in Hanauma Bay, where fishing is prohibited. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve that is protected in hopes of maintaining a very special place both culturally and ecologically. This project will look at the various foods they eat, home habits, and hunting range. By examining the detritus from their dens, a list of organisms they eat can be made. To understand the hunting range and behavior of he’e in Hanauma Bay, we will track an individual over time in the Bay. This study will allow us to better understand the role he’e play as a predator in Hanauma Bay, and possible influences in has in the community.

Through this research, we hope to gain a better understanding of the feeding behaviors and home range of he’e in the Bay. This research will help to broaden the knowledge of he’e in Hanauma Bay.