Hawai‘i Animals
separate page for Plants

What species are commonly visible?
Representation should be at least sufficient for tourism.

• terrestrial
  • cattle (VP1323 or VP2234 (Cow Jointed))
  • mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus)
  • nene (rare)
    • the state bird, Branta sandvicensis
    • info site: The Nene Net
    • eats: grasses, berries (ohelo berry, kakaenene, and pukiawe), green leafy plants (crabgrass, sow thistle, gosmore) and seeds
  • feral pigs (pua'a)
    • large subject - see the feral pig notes
  • other feral mammals: goats, sheep, donkeys
  • fortunately axis deer have never been established on the island
• aquatic
  • whale (VP2590)
  • manta ray (VP5842)
    • Manta birostris, family Mobulidae
    • mantas occurs singly or in small groups in surface or mid-waters of lagoons and seaward reefs, particularly near channels
    • they feed by straining zooplankton or baitfish from the water through a branchial sieve apparatus and are entirely harmless
    • adults have 8-10 foot wing span. New born Manta is about 1 metre across. Adults have been reported up to 7 metres across
  • sea turtle (honu)
  • Euprymna scolopes is a small sepiolid squid endemic to the Hawai`ian Islands
  • humuhumunukunukuapua`a
    • the state fish, Rhinecanthus rectangulu
    • the name means "the fish that grunts like a pig", true of this triggerfish when cornered or caught
  • whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are not common in Hawai‘i, but they are seen occasionally throughout the year
• airborne
  • mostly introduced birds like pigeons, sparrows, myna and cardinal
  • palila (Loxiodes bailleui)
  • apapane (Himatione sanguinea)
    • abundant in native `ohi‘a forests, although it occasionally visits exotic forests
    • forages in the forest canopy for nectar and insects
    • also frequents flowering koa and mamane and has been observed feeding in pines and flowering eucalyptus
  • `i`iwi (Vestiaria coccinea)
  • pueo, hawaiian owl
    • Asio flammeus sandwicensis, very similar to the North American Short-Eared Owl, Asio flammeus flammeus
    • measures 33 to 43cm, females slightly larger
    • unlike most owls, is often active during the day
    • loves to fly at high altitude above open, grassy areas
    • feels at home at sea level as well as in the higher mountains (up to 2500m)
    • on the Big Island, its favorite cruising grounds seem to be the Waiki`i pastures above the Waimea-Kona mountain road, Mamalahoa Highway 190
  • hawaiian hawk (`io) (rare)
  • recent introductions: pheasant and turkey