Hawaii Wildlife is a Precious Resource that must be protected.
Hawaii’s wildlife has been isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years giving the many species time to develop into a vast array of unique life forms that provide constant surprises.
From colorful tropical fish, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales in the sea to rare forest birds in the mountains to the Hawaiian boars foraging in the upland swamps, there is no shortage of wildlife to see in Hawaii. There are several books for more detailed descriptions and location maps for the different animals. People interested in Hawaiian wildlife can check out a Hawaii Travel Guide for tour information and best travel practices, including safety, local customs, and seasonal migration patterns and habits.
Great sight to see in Hawaiian waters.
Perhaps the most impressive wildlife to see in the Islands is the humpback whale. Weighing more than 40 tons, these behemoth mammals leap from the sea in spectacular breaches during the winter months. The whales can often be seen from the shore, particularly in the shallow waters around Maui. The best way to ensure great humpback viewing, however, is by taking a whale watching boat cruise.
Another advantage of a boat tour is that spinner dolphins often ride in the bow waves of the boats providing guests with a close-up view of these amazing creatures of the sea. Spinner dolphins love to jump from the water and do flips and spins in the air right before your eyes. Most boat tours, like Trilogy’s Maui snorkel tour, stop along the way so guests can enjoy a snorkeling adventure which will allow you to see an array of colorful tropical fish. Also keep an eye out for Hawaiian monk seals!
Beauty soars in Hawaiian skies.
Many rare bird species can be seen in Hawaii from the tiny songbirds in the high rain forests to the wetland birds in the lowlands to the seabirds soaring over the coast. Several wildlife refuge areas are open to the public for bird watching including the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge on Kauai where you can see the black-necked stilt, coot, moorhen, and Koloa duck, all of which are endangered species. Other wetland refuges are found on Oahu and Maui.
Along Hawaii’s coastlines you can see a variety of Hawaiian seabird species such as Laysan albatross and the frigate bird, two birds with wingspans so large that the first thing you may notice is their large shadow moving across the ground. Migratory birds that are seen near Hawaii’s shore include shearwaters, noddies, boobies, and plovers and many more.
Also keep an eye out for the diminutive Hawaiian bats that are often seen over coastal waters at dusk. The bats dart rapidly to and fro as they search for insects to eat.
Another impressive species of Hawaiian wildlife you may see is the Hawaiian boar. These husky boars are sought after by many local hunters who train dogs to assist them as they trek up into the mountains after the tusked beasts. The boars also venture down into the lowlands so don’t be surprised if you see one run across the road and then quickly dash into the bushes and disappear.
Other wildlife seen in mountain areas include goats that climb on the steep cliffs. Some mountain areas are also inhabited by introduced sheep and deer. These are just some of the many amazing species of wildlife to be seen in the Hawaiian Islands.