Hawaiian Octopus

Octopus hawaiiensis is a small species of octopus endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, belonging to the family Octopodidae. It inhabits shallow reef flats, tide pools, and nearshore rocky environments, where it occupies crevices and sandy substrates. Locally referred to as he‘e, the species plays an important role in Hawaiian coastal ecosystems as both predator and prey.

Octopus hawaiiensis is often confused with juvenile Octopus cyanea, but it can be distinguished by its smaller adult size and mottled reddish-brown coloration. Its endemic distribution makes it a useful indicator species for monitoring coastal ecosystem health in Hawaiʻi.