After a lot of debate, we finally opted to buy tickets for a tour of the seahorse farm just north of Kona. They were really expensive, so, we weren't sure it was worthwhile. It was cool to see the sea horses, but, definitely not worth the price. On top of that, it was like every schmuck on the island was there that day!!
The main purpose of the facility is seahorse conservation. But, they also raise them to sell for aquariums. We did learn a lot. It turns out that seahorses mate for life. So, if you buy a seahorse at a regular pet store, chances are it was separated from it's mate and will eventually die of a broken heart...literally!! The girl giving the tour said that they put the seahorses in these big barrels when they are young and as they grow they will choose a mate. They can tell that's happened because every morning the pair will wrap their tails together and go for a morning stroll around the barrel. Cool huh!! When they want to breed a certain type of seahorse, they will separate out the best specimens and put them in their own tank in hopes that the best of the best will "hook-up" and begin mating.
They have these metal grates at the bottom of each barrel for the seahorses to hook on to like they would plants in the ocean.
At the end of the tour, everyone gets to "hold" a seahorse. One of the employees comes around and helps hook their tail on your hands. It was pretty cool for the kids.
Even Liv got to hold one and she was ecstatic.
We did take the opportunity to stop at Da Poke Shack one more time, yum!!!! I opted for seaweed salad and edamame salad to go with my poke. Unfortunately, something wasn't quite my friend and I ended up covered in hives!! Have to be more careful next time we eat there!!
We went back to the hotel and had a nap and a leisurely afternoon! I took pictures of some flowers and we spent the evening in the pool!
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