Travel
The Octopus Excursion at the Four Season Resort Lanai
David Bertan
The day octopus (Octopus cyanea) is a relatively shy creature, inhabiting reefs and sea floors at depths ranging to nearly 500 feet. Divers around Lanai rejoice when they spot a tako (as octopi are known in Hawaii), since the intelligent creatures are thought to represent compassion and reverence. Spotting one while diving is an art; octopi are masters of camouflage, instantly changing the color and texture of their skin to match their surroundings.
To increase your chances of seeing one while at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, book your trip with Divemaster Kristin Belew, known as the Octopus Whisperer. Belew is a marine biologist with more than 15 years of diving experience and one of the captains of the Lana’i 1, the Four Seasons’ luxury dive boat. After a quick safety briefing, four-person dive groups motor off with Belew to one of the dozens of dive sites in the crystal-clear waters around Lanai. In addition to pointing out the myriad colorful tropical fish, the gentle and stately sea turtles, or even one of the local reef sharks, Belew has a near-magical ability to spot the tako as it wanders the reef, using its mesmerizing whirl of tentacles to move about. Follow her lead underwater and watch for her hand signal (one fist on top of the other hand’s wiggling fingers) to let you know there’s an octopus nearby.
Divemaster Belew takes the time to ensure each diver has an experience tailored to their skill and interests. A highlight of the trip involves following Belew into one of the two Cathedrals on Lanai, caverns formed millions of years ago by lava tubes, with natural skylights that allow sunlight to shine down through the waters. Multiple entrances make these caves easy to access, with moray eels, parrotfish, and other creatures swimming by the entrance. Rare black coral hangs like a chandelier from the top of one chamber, while colorful sponges and corals line the walls. As you exit through the lava tubes, watch for lobsters hiding in the crevices and bandit angelfish swimming around you. If you’re lucky, you can catch a ride through the tube and get “shot” out by the surface waves. Outside the Cathedrals, watch for manta rays, dolphins, and small cleaner fish picking out parasites from the jaws of larger fish.
The Lana’i 1, a 49-foot catamaran, has comfortable daybeds forward, freshwater showers to rinse off post-dive, and a spacious stern section customized to hold all the dive gear. Speaking of gear, the Lana’i 1 boasts thoroughly modern equipment; you’ll be wearing Scubapro Glide buoyancy compensators with built-in weights (no external weight belts), integrated spare regulators, and dive computers. (Your divemaster will monitor your air consumption for additional safety.) Dive certification programs are also available, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Nitrox (Enriched Air) certification.
Photo Credits: Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Lanai (7)
To increase your chances of seeing one while at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, book your trip with Divemaster Kristin Belew, known as the Octopus Whisperer. Belew is a marine biologist with more than 15 years of diving experience and one of the captains of the Lana’i 1, the Four Seasons’ luxury dive boat. After a quick safety briefing, four-person dive groups motor off with Belew to one of the dozens of dive sites in the crystal-clear waters around Lanai. In addition to pointing out the myriad colorful tropical fish, the gentle and stately sea turtles, or even one of the local reef sharks, Belew has a near-magical ability to spot the tako as it wanders the reef, using its mesmerizing whirl of tentacles to move about. Follow her lead underwater and watch for her hand signal (one fist on top of the other hand’s wiggling fingers) to let you know there’s an octopus nearby.
Divemaster Belew takes the time to ensure each diver has an experience tailored to their skill and interests. A highlight of the trip involves following Belew into one of the two Cathedrals on Lanai, caverns formed millions of years ago by lava tubes, with natural skylights that allow sunlight to shine down through the waters. Multiple entrances make these caves easy to access, with moray eels, parrotfish, and other creatures swimming by the entrance. Rare black coral hangs like a chandelier from the top of one chamber, while colorful sponges and corals line the walls. As you exit through the lava tubes, watch for lobsters hiding in the crevices and bandit angelfish swimming around you. If you’re lucky, you can catch a ride through the tube and get “shot” out by the surface waves. Outside the Cathedrals, watch for manta rays, dolphins, and small cleaner fish picking out parasites from the jaws of larger fish.
The Lana’i 1, a 49-foot catamaran, has comfortable daybeds forward, freshwater showers to rinse off post-dive, and a spacious stern section customized to hold all the dive gear. Speaking of gear, the Lana’i 1 boasts thoroughly modern equipment; you’ll be wearing Scubapro Glide buoyancy compensators with built-in weights (no external weight belts), integrated spare regulators, and dive computers. (Your divemaster will monitor your air consumption for additional safety.) Dive certification programs are also available, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Nitrox (Enriched Air) certification.
Photo Credits: Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Lanai (7)
