Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, and among its most fascinating native birds is the pueo, also known as the Hawaiian short-eared owl. Revered in Hawaiian culture and admired for its adaptability, the pueo stands apart from other owls worldwide. While short-eared owls are found across many continents, the […]
The Hawaiian hawk—known in Hawaiian as the ʻIo—is one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic birds of prey and a powerful symbol of royalty, protection, and spiritual guidance. Found only in Hawaiʻi, primarily on the Big Island, this remarkable raptor is an irreplaceable part of the islands’ natural heritage. Its story blends ecology, culture, resilience, and the […]
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth—and one of Hawai‘i’s most treasured natural wonders. As one of the only seal species found in tropical waters, the Hawaiian monk seal holds a unique place in the islands’ ecological and cultural heritage. Today, this endangered species is a symbol of both […]
High on the slopes of Haleakalā—Maui’s massive dormant volcano—lies one of the rarest plants on Earth: the Haleakalā Silversword. This striking, otherworldly species grows naturally nowhere else in the world. Its shimmering silver leaves, dramatic spherical bloom, and survival in one of the harshest environments in Hawai‘i make it a botanical marvel and a treasured […]
When visitors first arrive in Hawaiʻi, they expect to see tropical birds, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life—but many are surprised when they spot a quick, slender creature darting across the road. That animal is the mongoose, one of the most misunderstood and impactful invasive species in Hawaiʻi. Although they may look harmless at first […]
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales make their epic journey from Alaska to the warm, protected waters of Hawaiʻi. Of all the islands, Maui consistently offers the most reliable and exciting whale-watching experience anywhere in the state. Calm channels, shallow waters, and ideal viewing conditions make it the best place in Hawaiʻi to see breaching […]
When most people imagine Hawaiʻi’s wildlife, deer are not the first animals that come to mind. Tropical birds? Yes. Green sea turtles? Absolutely. But deer? Surprisingly, Hawaiʻi is home to one of the most unique deer populations in the Pacific—and their impact on the islands, particularly Maui, has become a major topic of conversation among […]
If you've visited the Hawaiian Islands—especially Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, or Maui—there’s a good chance you've seen them strutting across parking lots, crowing at 4 a.m., or boldly wandering through beach parks: wild chickens in Hawaii. These colorful, charismatic birds have become an iconic part of island life, leaving visitors wondering how they got here and why […]
When people search for the Hawaii state tree, they often expect a plant with deep cultural importance, ecological value, and centuries of Hawaiian heritage woven into its roots. The kukui nut tree, also known as the candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccanus), is exactly that—an iconic symbol of light, knowledge, resilience, and aloha. From its shimmering silvery […]
Every spring, Maui transforms into a dreamlike landscape of violet clouds—thanks to one of the island’s most beloved seasonal displays: the blooming of the jacaranda tree, often referred to by travelers as the purple flower tree. With its striking lavender-purple blossoms and wide, fern-like canopy, the jacaranda has become one of Maui’s most photographed trees, […]