Coconut Island Trip

Coconut Island is a research facility run by the University of Hawai'i. It was started in 1908 by John W. Gilmore. It became the property of the University of Hawai'i in 1919, and was moved from Waikiki Beach to Coconut Island in 1947. Coconut Island is located in Kane'ohe Bay on O'ahu, Hawai'i and is surrounded by 64 acres of coral reef. The island, which spans 29 acres, harbors 6 man-made lagoons used for the study of marine life. Some of the things studied on the island are Scalloped Hammerheads, both Black and White-tipped Reef Sharks, Blennies, Tilapia, and various reef organisms. When we traveled to Coconut Island the researchers told us about one of their recent discoveries: hammerhead sharks are capable of suntanning. Along with humans they are the only other animals on the planet that have that ability. Isn't that interesting? Hmm? Say yes. That's what I thought you said. Coconut Island has some very interesting marine organisms, the coolest of which are the sea cucumbers. Neato Cheeto. I also discovered that on the reefs lining the island are thousands of polyps growing out of the coral. If disturbed, they shrink inside their protective sketetons. I was very excited to see these because they are shown in the opening scenes of "The Little Mermaid". Coolness.

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