Hawaii is boundless in natural beauty – but it is also a flourishing environment for marine life of all kinds live – in the wild, and in captivity. And while there are a few aquariums (like the incredible Maui Ocean Center) across the islands as well as several snorkeling destinations, there is no spot more fascinating than the unique seahorse farm that is nestled along Hawaii’s Kona Coast. This is the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, and it is the perfect destination for a one-of-a-kind family day trip. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Nestled just south of the Kailua-Kona Airport is a tiny blue building you might drive right past without a second thought. But, if you’re in the know, you’ll book a tour to visit this unassuming spot home to an aquatic farm unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.
We2downunder09/TripAdvisor
The first and only seahorse farm in the world dedicated to preserving the endangered seahorse, Ocean Rider Seahorse houses more than thirty species of seahorses and sea dragons on their three-acre oceanfront farm at Keahole Point.
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm & Seahorse Hawaii Foundation/Facebook
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm was founded in 1998 to meet the demand for seahorses amongst public aquariums and hobbyists without adding pressure to the fragile population of seahorses in the wild.
Laika ac/Flickr
On any given day, there are upwards of 20,000 seahorses housed in large blue vats at Ocean Rider, and you can even take a tour of this unique farm!
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm & Seahorse Hawaii Foundation/Facebook

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Offering three tours a day during their busy season, guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures. You will see baby seahorses, pregnant males, and even leafy and weedy sea dragons. All tours are led by a professional and certified Biologist who has been training in public speaking.
Laika ac/Flickr
The best part? You can interact with these mystical creatures one on one.
Pat McGrath/Flickr
Ocean Rider is also home to an aquarium that features more than half of the world’s 36 species of seahorses, an interactive tide pool, and a fish feeding station for keiki.
Pat McGrath/Flickr
This may not be what you pictured when you think of a farm, but trust us, a tour at the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm will be unforgettable.
Shannolee/TripAdvsior
Pat McGrath/Flickr

The Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is located at 73-4388 Ilikai Pl., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed on the weekends, and you can learn more information by visiting their website.

Looking to plan a trip to Kailua-Kona? Check out our favorite destinations within this historic town along the Hawaiian coast.

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