Animals native to Hawaii include ʻApapane, Black Mamo, Happy Face Spider, Hawaiian Black Noddy, and Hawaiian Coot.
Hawaii is unique in that it has more endemic animals than any other state in the United States. This means that there are species of animals that are only found in Hawaii and nowhere else on Earth.
While many people think of lizards and birds when they think of Hawaiian wildlife, there are also many interesting mammals that call Hawaii home. From the endemic honeycreeper to the endangered monk seal, here is a look at some of the animals native to Hawaii.
Examples of Animals that are Native to Hawaii
1. ʻApapane
| Scientific Name | Himatione sanguinea |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The ʻapapane is a small passerine bird that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. These birds are found in coastal and montane habitats, and they prefer drier forests with Eucalyptus trees.
2. Black Mamo
| Scientific Name | Drepanis funerea |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The black mamo is a species of bird that is native to the Hawaiian islands. These birds are most commonly found in the highlands of Maui and Hawaii island. Black Mamos are considered to be a threatened species, due to loss of habitat and introduced predators.
3. Happy Face Spider
| Scientific Name | Theridion grallator |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The happy face spider, or Theridion grallator, is a native to the Hawaiian Islands. These spiders are brightly colored and have markings that resemble a smiley face. While they may look harmless, these spiders can bite and their venom can cause intense pain.
4. Hawaiian Black Noddy
| Scientific Name | Anous minutus |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Hawaiian black noddy is a small seabird that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of the only two noddy species found in Hawaii, and it can be distinguished from the other species by its black plumage.
5. Hawaiian Coot
| Scientific Name | Fulica alai |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Hawaiian coot, Fulica alai, is a water bird that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands. They are found in fresh and marine waters and are often seen swimming or floating on the surface of the water.
These birds are sexually dimorphic, with males being black with a white frontal shield, and females being mainly brown.
6. Hawaiian Crow
| Scientific Name | Corvus hawaiiensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Hawaiian crow, also known as the Alalā, is a Native Hawaiian bird that is only found in the wild on the islands of Hawaiʻi and Maui. These beautiful creatures are considered to be critically endangered, with a population of fewer than 150 individuals remaining.
7. Hawaiian Duck
| Scientific Name | Anas wyvilliana |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
These ducks are common in the lower elevations and can be found in marshes, wetlands, and ponds. They are dark gray or black with a brown head and a white band around their neck. Hawaiian ducks feed on aquatic plants, invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians.
8. Hawaiian Gallinule
| Scientific Name | Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Hawaiian gallinule is a native Hawaiian bird that is closely related to the Common Moorhen. They are usually found in freshwater marshes, ponds, and other wetland habitats.
9. Hawaiian Hawk
| Scientific Name | Buteo solitarius |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Hawaiian hawk, also known as the ʻalā, is a native bird of Hawaii and is found only in the islands. These hawks are distinctive for their waterproof feathers, which allows them to inhabit wet forests and high elevations.
10. Hawaiian Hoary Bat
| Scientific Name | Aeorestes semotus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) is a species of bat that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands. It is the only species of bat found in Hawaii and is one of the most endangered mammals in the United States.
11. Hawaiian Monk Seal
| Scientific Name | Monachus schauinslandi |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and are one of the rarest and most endangered marine mammals in the world. These animals are critically endangered due to habitat loss, fishing gear interactions, and predation by humans.
12. Hawaiian Petrel
| Scientific Name | Pterodroma sandwichensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Hawaiian Petrels are endemic to the Hawaiian islands and are one of the rarest seabirds in the world. These petrels are mostly nocturnal and spend most of their time at sea, coming ashore only to breed.
13. Hawaiian Rail
| Scientific Name | Porzana sandwichensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Hawaiian Rail is native to Hawaii and is the only flightless bird in the Hawaiian islands. These birds can be found in wet areas near marshes, ponds, and streams.
14. Hawaiian River Shrimp
| Scientific Name | Macrobrachium grandimanus |
| Type of Animal | Malacostracan |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Hawaiian river shrimp are native to Hawaii and can only be found in the state’s rivers and streams. These shrimp are a popular seafood delicacy and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
While they are not as common as other types of shrimp, they are worth seeking out for a unique dining experience.
15. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin
| Scientific Name | Stenella longirostris longirostris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Hawaiian spinner dolphin is one of the most iconic creatures in the Hawaiian islands. These dolphins are endemic to Hawaii and can be found in nearshore waters throughout the state. They are a common sight for visitors and locals alike and are known for their acrobatic swimming style.
16. Hawaiian Stilt
| Scientific Name | Himantopus mexicanus knudseni |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Hawaiian stilt is a small, wading bird that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. These birds are closely related to the avocet and are recognized by their long, black legs and bright red bills. Hawaiian stilts inhabit both fresh and saltwater habitats and can be found in marshes, lagoons, and estuaries.
17. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
| Scientific Name | Eretmochelys imbricata |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The hawksbill sea turtle is a native of Hawaii and can be found near shore in near-shore waters, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. These turtles are critically endangered and the State of Hawaii has gone to great lengths to protect them.
There are several laws in place that help safeguard these turtles including a prohibition on taking, harming, or harassing them.
18. Humpback Whale
| Scientific Name | Megaptera novaeangliae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The humpback whale is a baleen whale that is native to the waters of Hawaii. These whales can be found in the North Pacific Ocean and around the Hawaiian Islands. Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic displays and beautiful songs. The population of humpback whales in Hawaii is estimated to be about 21,000.
19. Indian Mongoose
| Scientific Name | Herpestes javanicus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
While they are now also present on many other Pacific islands, as well as in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, they are thought to have originated in the warm, tropical climates of India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, these small mammals have thrived in Hawaii’s unique environment and play an important role in the ecology of the state.
20. Kamehameha Butterfly
| Scientific Name | Vanessa tameamea |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The Kamehameha butterfly is a species of butterfly that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The Kamehameha butterfly is one of the most common butterflies in Hawaii and can be found throughout the islands. These beautiful butterflies are easily recognized by their bright yellow wings with black markings.
21. Kauaʻi Cave Wolf Spider
| Scientific Name | Adelocosa anops |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Kauaʻi cave wolf spider is one of the many endemic species to Hawaii. This particular spider is found only in caves on the island of Kauaʻi.
22. Laysan Duck
| Scientific Name | Anas laysanensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
7The Laysan Duck is a native bird to the Hawaiian Islands. They are typically found in wetland, grassy areas, and marshes. The ducks are considered as “subspecies of the mallard” and were nearly extinct in the early 1900s because of overhunting.
23. Laysan Finch
| Scientific Name | Telespiza cantans |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Laysan Finch is a small, sparrow-sized bird that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. These birds are found in open country near water and typically live in pairs or small family groups. Laysan Finches feed on seeds, berries, and insects, and their coloring ranges from light brown to black.
24. Laysan Honeycreeper
| Scientific Name | Himatione sanguinea |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
The Laysan honeycreeper is a small, olive-green bird that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands. These birds are unique in that they are the only honeycreepers that feed on nectar from flowers. Due to their declining population, the Laysan honeycreeper has been listed as an endangered species.
25. Nene
| Scientific Name | Branta sandvicensis |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The nene, or Hawaiian goose, is the official bird of the state of Hawaii. These geese are native to Hawaii and can be found on all of the main islands. Nenes are monogamous and care for their young diligently.
In fact, when a nene hen lays her eggs, she will cover them with branches and grass to keep them warm and safe from predators. Nenes can be identified by their long necks and black head and neck plumage.
Related Article: Are Hawaiian Goose Endangered?
26. Nihoa Finch
| Scientific Name | Telespiza ultima |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Nihoa finch is a small, songbird that is only found on the island of Nihoa in Hawaii. These birds are unique because they are the only species of bird in the world that has an all-black beak and feet. Nihoa finches are also well-adapted to their environment and can be found high up in the branches of trees.
27. Oahu Tree Snails
| Scientific Name | Achatinella |
| Type of Animal | Gastropod |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
Oahu Tree Snails are a species of snail that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. These snails can be found on all of the major islands, and they are most common in wet forests and rainforests.
Oahu Tree Snails are herbivores, and they feed on a variety of plants. While they are not endangered, these snails are protected under Hawaii state law.
28. Palila
| Scientific Name | Loxioides bailleui |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Omnivore |
The Palila is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper that is endemic to the island of Kaua’i. These striking birds are recognized by their yellow head, throat, and chest, black back and wings, and white rump. Palila is diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they feed on nectar and insects.
29. Sandpaper Rice Coral
| Scientific Name | Montipora patula |
| Type of Animal | Anthozoa |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Carnivore |
According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, sandpaper rice coral is a species of stony coral that are native to Hawaii. These corals can be found in both shallow and deep water, and Prefer areas with clear water and moderate to strong currents.
30. Wēkiu Bug
| Scientific Name | Nysius wekiuicola |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Hawaii |
| Diet | Herbivore |
The Wēkiu bug sometimes referred to as the darkling beetle, is a species of beetle that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. These bugs can be found in moist and wet habitats, such as rain forests and bogs.
They are an important part of the ecosystem, feeding on decaying matter and helping to break down organic materials.
More Examples of Animals Native to Hawaii
| ʻAkekeʻe | ʻIʻiwi | Oahu ʻakialoa |
| ʻAkiapolaʻau | Irregular rice coral | Oʻahu ʻalauahio |
| ʻAkikiki | Kāmaʻo | Oʻahu ʻamakihi |
| ʻAkohekohe | Kauaʻi ʻakialoa | Oʻahu ʻelepaio |
| ʻAmaui | Kauaʻi ʻamakihi | Oʻahu nukupuʻu |
| ʻAnianiau | Kaua’i ʻelepaio | Oʻahu ʻōʻō |
| Ariamnes makue | Kauaʻi nukupuʻu | Olomaʻo |
| Atyoida bisulcata | Kauaʻi oʻo | ʻŌmaʻo |
| Auriculella | Kioea | Oopu alamoo |
| Bicolor gorgonian | Kona grosbeak | Oopu nakea |
| Blue rice coral | Kuhlia xenura | Oʻopu naniha |
| Brigham’s coral | Lanaʻi ʻalauahio | ʻŌʻū |
| Cnidarians | Lanaʻi hookbill | Perdicella |
| Common ʻamakihi | Laysan rail | Poʻouli |
| Drosophila Sharpi | Lesser koa finch | Puaiohi |
| Erinna | Longhead yellow-faced bee | Pueo |
| Finger coral | Maui ʻakepa | Sandwich Island sleeper |
| Grand black coral | Maui ʻalauahio | Serpentine cup coral |
| Greater ʻamakihi | Maui Nui ʻakialoa | Small knob leather coral |
| Greater koa finch | Maui nukupuʻu | Stimpson’s goby |
| Green Hawaiian blue | Maui parrotbill | Thick finger coral |
| Gulickia alexandri | Millerbird | ʻUla-ʻai-hawane |
| Halocaridina | Molokaʻi cauliflower coral | Verril’s lump coral |
| Hawaiʻi ʻakepa | Molokai creeper | |
| Hawaiʻi ʻakialoa | Molokaʻi ʻōʻō | |
| Hawaiʻi creeper | Neritina granosa | |
| Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio | Newcombia | |
| Hawaiʻi mamo | Newell’s shearwater | |
| Hawaiʻi ʻōʻō | Nihoa | |
| Humuhumunukunukuapua`a | Oʻahu ʻakepa |
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.