10 Interesting Animals in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to a diverse array of animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world! Here are 10 interesting animals that can be found in the island’s lush wildlife:

1. The ‘Iwa, or great frigatebird is a large, graceful seabird – that happens to be the bird seen in our company logo!  The Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) is a large, tropical seabird that is found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Great Frigatebird is easily recognized by its long, pointed wings and distinctive forked tail and has a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters), making it one of the largest seabirds in the world.  It is capable of sustained flight and has been known to travel long distances, sometimes covering more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) in a single day.  
2. Nene (Hawaiian goose): This is the official state bird of Hawaii and is found only on the islands. It is a threatened species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species, but conservation efforts have helped to stabilize its population.
3. Hawaiian monk seal: This is a critically endangered species of seal that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, with a population of only about 1,400 individuals.
4. Green sea turtle: These turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and they are often seen basking on the shores of Hawaii. They are a threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservation efforts have helped to protect and rebuild their population.
5. Hawaiian hoary bat: This is the only native land mammal in Hawaii, and it is also one of the most endangered species on the islands. It is a nocturnal animal that feeds on insects and is found in a variety of habitats, including forests and grasslands.
6. Hawaiian hawk: Also known as the “io,” this is a species of hawk that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a top predator in the islands and plays an important role in controlling pest populations.
7. Hawaiian petrel: Or the ‘ua’u, is a species of seabird that is found only in Hawaii and is considered endangered. It breeds in high-elevation forests and nests in burrows, and it is known for its distinctive call, which can be heard echoing through the forests at night.
8. Hawaiian stilt: The Hawaiian stilt is an endangered Hawaiian subspecies of the black-necked stilt species. It is a long-legged, slender shorebird with a long, thin beak. Other common names include the Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the aeʻo, the kukuluaeʻo, or it may be referred to as the Hawaiian subspecies of the black-necked stilt.
9. Hawaiian mongoose: This is a small carnivorous mammal that was introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s to control rat populations on sugarcane plantations. It is now found on all of the main islands.
10. Hawaiian spinner dolphin: (Na’ia is the Hawaiian word for dolphin) are a subspecies of the spinner dolphin that is found in the waters around Hawaii. It is known for its acrobatic displays and is often seen spinning and jumping out of the water.