I went to Hawaii a few years ago and saw many animals there. The islands were teeming with life, from cage diving with tiger sharks to the beautiful butterflies in the evening. If you are going to Hawaii, read on to know what to expect from the beautiful Pacific islands.
There are 41 species of mammals in the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian monk seal and hoary bat are native to Hawaii. There are four other carnivores, seven ungulates, one species of rabbit, four rodents, one wallaby, six species of dolphin, and sixteen different types of whales in Hawaii.
There are many islands in Hawaii. If you would like to find out which animals you can see on each, then the information should help.
Please choose below for details of which mammals you can see in your state.
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Hawaiian Hoary Bat
The hoary bat is one of two mammals native to the islands of Hawaii. They get their name from their appearance. The coat is dark brown, with white tips and covered in fur apart from the underside of the wings.
This bat is endemic to Hawaii and is found on Hawaii and Kauai’s islands. They may also be present on Kahoolawe Island. They are scarce and are listed as endangered.
Would you like to know what your state mammal is? Find out in this article I wrote.
Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby
The brush-tailed rock wallaby is the only marsupial in Hawaii. The rock wallaby can grow up to 58 cm in length, with its tail doubling this size. They have grey-brown fur and can weigh up to 8 kg.
The only place to have a chance to see the only marsupial in Hawaii is Oahu. In 1916, a pair escaped leading to a small population of the brush-tailed rock wallaby living today in Kalihi Valley.
Hawaiian monk seal
The Hawaiian monk seal is the only mammal native to the Hawaiian Islands and one of the two monk seal species left in the world. There are approximately 1,400 left, and they are a conservation-reliant endangered species.
Males can weigh up to 400 pounds (180 kg) and 7 feet (2.1 m) in length, while females can weigh up to 600 pounds (270 kg) and 8 feet in length (2.4 km).
The Hawaiian monk seal can be spotted on the Leewards Islands’ beaches.
Northern Elephant Seal
As a result of millions of years, the Northern Elephant Seal thrives in the Pacific Ocean. Although not the largest mammal in the ocean, their name is derived from their size and elephant trunk-like proboscis.
Males are much larger and can weigh up to 2,300 kg (5,100 lb.) and grow up to 16 feet. Females are smaller growing up to 900 kilograms (1,90 lb.) and up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length.
These are difficult to spot in Hawaii as they live at sea most of their time, only coming to land to give birth, breed, and molt.
Indian Grey Mongoose
Although mainly found in West Asia and India, you can see the Indian grey mongoose in the Hawaiian Islands. Covered in grey hair, the mongoose weighs up to 1.7 kg (2-4lb) with a tail equaling its body length of 45 cm (17 inches).
It is against Hawaii State law for any person to introduce, keep, or breed any mongoose within the state except by permit due to their status as a pest.
Seventy-two mongooses were introduced to Hawaii in 1883 by the sugar industry to keep rat populations in the sugarcane down. Mongoose is known as a pest as their negative impact outweighs their helpfulness as rat catchers. You may see the mongoose on all the islands except Lanai and Kauai.
Feral Cat
Domestic cats were introduced to many of the world’s islands, the Hawaiian Islands inclusive, where they mostly became the dominant apex predator in the absence of larger predatory animal species.
The consequences of their release have been particularly devastating for native wildlife. Several studies showed that islands where the feral cats have been removed, recovered several endangered bird species and other wildlife.
Feral Dog
The most popular dog in Hawaiian history, although now extinct, is the Hawaiian Poi Dog. History shows that the Polynesians brought dogs, other domesticated animals, and plant stocks when they immigrated to the Hawaiian land.
The dog was fed poi, a native food in the country, from where it got its name. A typical Poi Dog has short legs, and a long body with a trademark flat head attributed to their diet. The poi dog couldn’t stand the test of time because of their sluggish nature.
Hawaiians only kept them to fuel their traditional beliefs and their bellies. The arrival of the European settlers influenced the government and lifestyle of the people, including dropping the tradition of eating feral dogs.
The dogs that immigrated with the Europeans interbred with the poi dogs, which was the beginning of their extinction.
So, if you find yourself in Hawaii today, you will not likely see a pure breed of the Hawaiian poi dog, even if you see one.
Chital
Also known as the axis deer, the chital is a moderately sized deer. They are reddish-brown and covered in white spots. Males have antlers, but females do not.
The axis deer was introduced to Hawaii as a gift from Hong Kong. These first deer went to the island of Molokai and then were added to Lanai. They were also released on the big island, but this caused damage to landscapes.
Axis deer were also spotted on Maui after introducing four axis deer from Hawaii. The axis deer can be found in Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Do female deer grow antlers? Find out here
Domestic Goat, Feral Goat
Goats can be found all over Hawaii. Due to the lack of large predators, the goat population has significantly expanded. You can see domestic goats in Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Feral Cattle
The feral cattle you can see in Hawaii are not domesticated or cultivated. They roamed the forested areas and were introduced at the end of the 18th century. You can see feral cattle all over Hawaii and in Kauai and Molokai.
Feral Pig, Wild Boar
The Wild Boar is not native to Hawaii. The wild pigs you would find in Hawaii are products of crossbreeding of very bellicose Asian hog species and the enormous European pigs.
Feral pigs feed on plants and animals. However, they tend to eat more than an average human does. These characteristics feature makes them destructive and harmful to the environment. They eat anything in their way.
The wild boars of Hawaii have caused a severe ecological disaster in the community. The wild hogs eat up the vegetation, uproot growing plants, and tamper with the healthy soil flora, leaving the lands barren.
There are thousands of feral pigs all over the Hawaiian Islands; Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, and Oahu.
Mouflon, Feral Sheep
Mouflons are considered the progenitor of the domestic sheep breeds we have today. European settlers introduced them to the Hawaiian community in the late 1700s.
Before their invasion, as the Hawaiian people saw back then, there were no grazing or browsing mammals in the state.
Today, they are not commonly seen, but many live on the Islands of Hawaii and Lanai. The typical Mouflon sheep have short dark brown or reddish furs with a black streak on their back and white patches on the sides.
The ventral surface of the mammal and the legs are usually white. Some female mouflons have horns like the male ones, while others do not. The horns are curved in mature rams in almost one complete revolution up to 0.85m in length.
Mule Deer, Black-tail Deer
The Black-tail deer is one of the two kinds of deer Hawaii boasts. You can find the other variant, the axis deer, all over Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, while the black-tail deer is specific to Kauai.
The bucks, whose coat color changes by season, tend to live most of their lives in the same areas; they cannot migrate like other mammals. That could explain why they are not found on other islands of Hawaii; they settled at Kauai and remained there.
African Wild Ass, Feral Donkey
The single-toed African Wild Ass used to cause the Big Island community much havoc before they were taken in for adoption in 2016. The feral donkey is easy to spot in its short, smooth coat, which could be as light as grey or dark as brown.
The donkey is usually about 2 meters long and about 1.45 tall at shoulder level. Just like every other member of the Equidae family, the African wild ass has a long tail that can be about 20 inches long.
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Feral European Rabbit
The European rabbit is native to southwestern Europe and northwest Africa. It has, however, been widely introduced elsewhere, including in Hawaii. Compared with the brown and mountain hare, the European rabbit is smaller and has proportionately shorter legs.
A mature European rabbit can be up to 40cm long and 1.2 to 2kg heavy. Their sizes, however, vary according to the habitat quality and food the rabbit is exposed to. Some rabbits get to feed on rich roots and clovers, while some depend on grasses only.
The introduction of these feral rabbits has caused devastating effects on the local biodiversity of Hawaii. The Feral European Rabbits eat out the vegetation leading to a consequent removal of soil insects on which many endemic birds depend.
The feral rabbit can be found on Lehua and Manana Island, where eradicative measures have been taken.
Black Rat
Ship rats or house rats are a nuisance to farmers as they consume a wide range of farm produce. The state of Hawaii is not an exception.
Black rats are found on virtually all the major islands of Hawaii, including Ford Island, Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Midway, Mokolii, Mokuauia, Mokuoloe, Molokai, Niihau, and Oahu.
The mammals, also known as roof rats, do not only come in black; their coat colors range from black to light brown with lighter underparts.
Norway rat
Like the black and house rat, the Norway Rat can be found all over Hawaii. These little mammals have coarse furs, usually brown or dark grey, with their bellies being lighter than their coat.
The brown rat is a rather large rodent and can weigh twice as much as a black rat and more than a house mouse. The Norway rat is often found digging and burrowing under structures but is quite capable of climbing.
Why do rats have long tails? Find out here
Polynesian Rat, Pacific Rat
Polynesian or Pacific rats are a major agricultural pest throughout Hawaii except at places like Mokolii, Mokuauia, and Mokuoloe. They eat a wide range of farm products, but most notably, they cause terrible damage to sugarcane fields.
The Polynesian rats are smaller in size and have more oversized ears and longer snouts than black rats and Norway rats.
These rats, including the two species I mentioned earlier, are not protected by any Hawaiian law. You may control them by any means as long as your methods are consistent with the state’s rules and regulations.
House Mouse
The house mouse, Mus musculus, is one of the few domesticated mammals benefiting from their social interaction with man. The mouse is primarily seen in homes and also in the wild. It is known to carry over 40 deadly diseases, which is a significant threat to human health.
A house mouse has a pointed snout, rounded ears, and a long tail. Their hair, which covers virtually every part of their body, including the bottom, can be of various colors ranging from black to brown to pristine white.
The house mouse is omnivorous and relies on the food that remains from humans to survive. They can be seen all over Hawaii; Ford Island, Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Kaula, Lanai, Manana Island, Maui, Midway, Mokuoloe, Molokai, Niihau, and Oahu.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Bottlenose dolphins are the most common members of the oceanic dolphin family. Bottlenose dolphins are the species that perform at aquariums, zoos, or amusement parks.
The dolphin is considered the most intelligent animal in the aquatic environment, a feature that allows them to be trained and used for displays. Man, however, remains their primary predator.
The bottlenose is mainly seen in shallow waters, less than 500 m deep, around the central Hawaiian Islands. It has been spotted in Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
Risso’s Dolphin
The Risso’s dolphin is usually found in Hawaii’s deep waters, where they feed nearly exclusively on neritic and squid. The easiest way to identify a Risso’s dolphin is its relatively large anterior body and dorsal fin, which tapers posteriorly to its narrow tail.
Another distinct feature is its bulbous head, which has a vertical crease. An adult Risso’s dolphin is a lot lighter in color, primarily white, than a young one whose skin could be grey or brown.
A study on the Risso’s dolphins in Hawaii showed that they don’t flee from boats like a striped dolphin. It is, however, difficult to get close to these mammals.
Their social interaction may explain the massive scars seen on their body. Risso’s dolphin is unusually covered with spots, even more than the toothed whales, whose injuries are common.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
Thanks to the inception of the “dolphin-friendly” tuna capture methods, millions of pantropical spotted dolphins can still be seen.
The species that seemed to be on the verge of extinction in the mid-18th century is now one of the world’s most abundant dolphin species. In Hawaii, pantropical spotted dolphins are found in shallow waters (<100 m) and also in deep offshore waters (>4000 m).
The pantropical spotted dolphins rely on the epipelagic zone but may sometimes feed on squids and crustaceans.
Rough-toothed Dolphin
Typically, the rough-toothed dolphins are found in deeper parts of Hawaii, most notably in Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Usually, these dolphins move in groups where a group can have up to 100 individuals.
These mammals are pretty easily differentiated from the other dolphin family members. They have a characteristic conical head and a long and slender nose, whereas other dolphins have more bulging foreheads and shorter muzzles.
An average rough-toothed dolphin is taller than an average human; their height ranges from 2.09m to 2.83m.
Spinner Dolphin
The spinner dolphin is famous for its beautiful acrobatic displays in which it spins along a longitudinal axis as it jumps into the air. In Hawaiian waters, spinner dolphins are the most populous delphinid species.
The small-sized dolphins (129–235 cm long) are usually found along the leeward coasts of all the state’s major islands. Some studies have also reported seeing them around several of the atolls of the main island chain.
These dolphins get their food from the nutrient-rich mesopelagic community. These seek out shallow coves daily to rest and hide from predation.
Striped Dolphin
The major recognizable factor of the striped dolphins is their stripes. A dark grey or blue line runs from the whale’s beak, over the eye, and downwards across its side to the body’s underpart.
Another more colored line extends from under the eye to the pectoral flipper. These small mammals have colorful and streamlined bodies, which adds to their beauty.
They live in the waters of Hawaii and other parts of the United States, such as the west coast, the northwestern Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. These mammals, however, are not found in the boreal waters and colder regions of Alaska.
Blue Whale
The Blue Whale is one of Hawaii’s most rarely-seen large whales. However, history has it that the whales have been sighted severally during winter.
A typical blue whale has a long and slender body of shades of bluish-grey dorsally, which becomes lighter ventrally. There are many myths and legends about the blue whale, some of which are true.
The whale remains the largest animal on the earth’s surface, with a body length of about 29.9 m and a maximum recorded weight of 173 tons.
Blainville’s Beaked Whale
Blainville’s beaked whales are found in both tropical and temperate water. These vast mammals have been spotted severally off Oahu and the coast of Hawaii. The whales are known to be deep divers reaching as far as a depth of 1,000 fathoms.
This behavior makes it quite challenging to study the morphological features of a live beaked whale. Blainville’s beaked whales’ skeletal remains have been a significant way to identify them as living species for decades.
The most striking diagnostic features of M. densirostris are the density and shape of the mandible and the position of the two mandibular teeth. The female dense-beaked whale, however, doesn’t have erupting teeth. The bulges on the jaw are present regardless.
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
The Cuvier’s Beaked whale has a nose resembling a bottlenose dolphin. Its other characteristic features include a forehead that gently slopes to a slight beak and two teeth that are only obvious in a closed mouth.
The beaked whales are famous for diving the deepest out of marine mammals.
Based on a study, the Cuvier’s beaked whales are the seventh-most frequently seen of the toothed whale species in Hawaii, even though they prefer preferring deep pelagic waters (>1000m).
Common Minke Whale
The common minke whale is one of two minke whales, generally considered the second smallest baleen whale.
Reports say the maximum length of a male and female common minke whale varies from 8.8 to 9.8m and 9.1 to 10.7m, respectively. Both sexes typically weigh between 4–5 tons, but a maximum weight of 10 tons is achievable.
The common minke whales are present in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and their prominent distinguishing feature is a white band on each flipper.
Their body color can be black or dark gray dorsally and white underneath. There have been sightings of the common minke whales near Kauai and Oahu.
False Killer Whale
The False Killer Whale population on the Hawaiian Islands is on the list of endangered sea mammals. There are two groups of Hawaiian False Killer Whales: the “insular” population found nearer the islands and a broader community that lives in offshore waters.
The former has decimated over the decades and has less than 150 individuals, while the latter, genetically separated, are rarely or never seen by visitors.
Closer to the central Hawaiian Islands’ shore, these mammals are predatory and enjoy the yellowfin tuna. They are also inhabitants of the blue waters between Maui and Lanai.
Fin Whale
The Fin Whale is one of the largest earth mammals, rivaled only by the blue whale. The Finback whale is called because of its prominent dorsal fin, which lies in the posterior one-third of its back.
Fin whales belong to the parvorder of baleen whales. They feed by filtering small schooling fish, squids, and crustaceans from the waters. The fin whales were hunted mainly in the 21st with over 725,000 captures in the Southern Hemisphere alone.
A moratorium was placed on these mammals to reduce whaling activities and conserve the species.
Researchers have documented more sightings of fin whales than blue whales in Hawaiian waters, most notably around Lanai and Kona.
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Short-finned Pilot Whales are large exotic species of the Delphinidae family, second in size only to the Killer whale. Their name “pilot whale” is attributed to the whales’ significant characteristic behavior in which they lead a pod or group.
The short-finned population in Hawai’i is entirely genetically different from the other groups in the Pacific waters. Plot whales move in about 25 to 50 individuals, where one mature male pilots eight or more adult females.
As their name implies, short-finned pilot whales can be easily identified with their low and falcate dorsal fins. The dorsal fins vary in size and shape depending on the age and sex of the whales.
Another noticeable feature is a relatively large bulbous head, which is more prominent in the adult male population.
Pygmy Killer Whale
The Pygmy killer whale is so-called because of its similar characteristics to the killer whale. The skin is dark grey or black on the cape, which changes abruptly to light grey on the sides.
They can be easily confused with Melon Headed whales because of their round bulbous heads.
Pygmy killer whales are seen and observed several times yearly within Hawaiian waters. The Hawaiian population of the Pygmy Killer Whale (unlike pygmy killer whales anywhere else in the world) seems to be “regular” coastline inhabitants.
These whales remain isolated in one area and don’t venture out to the open ocean. They are usually not found farther than 10 miles from Hawaii’s shores.
Sperm Whale
Sperm whales are the most giant-toothed whales, and the Hawaiian Islands seem to have them in abundance. In the 19th century, the Hawaiian waters were a whaling ground for sperm whales.
These mammals aren’t prominent for nothing whales as they boast the largest and most complex brain encased in a humongous head.
These animals, however, have very narrow lower jaws that house a set of teeth. The baleen whales don’t do much with their teeth as they are filter feeders. Their primary preys are giant squids and fishes.
Sperm whales prefer deeper depths, their primary feeding zone, and can dive as deep as 3000ft. Recorded sounds confirm the presence of sperm whales in Oahu over the years. Hawaii has about 7,082 Sperm whales, with the figures peaking during spring.
Pygmy Sperm Whale
The Pygmy Sperm whales are one of the three existing sperm whales. They are rarely seen at sea; most documentation came from studying stranded specimens.
In Hawaii, the pygmy sperm whale is less encountered than the other extant sperm whales. It is safe to say these whales are smaller versions of sperm whales. They, however, have their differences. From the cephalic region, the head is blunt and relatively more minor.
Pygmy sperm whales have their mouth on the underside of their body like sperm whales, but their dentition is very different. They have fewer and smaller teeth whose edges are sharp and curvy. Unlike sperm whales, they are suction feeders.
Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dwarf sperm whales live mostly offshore; they have been spotted severally in the deep waters off the Lanai and Kona coastlines.
They are deep divers, which explains why they rarely see above water except when they log or lie motionless on the surface.
Besides their choice of aquatic habitat, which makes them difficult to find, this species has a characteristic small body size and a high tendency to dodge vessels. An adult dwarf sperm whale is up to 2.7 m long and may weigh about 272 kg; at birth, its length is about 1m.
Eden’s Whale
The Eden’s whale is a minor form of the Bryde’s, Balaenoptera brides, commonly found in Northwestern Hawaiian Island and the Indo-Pacific.
Not much is known about Eden’s whale. They are often seen in groups of 10 to 20 individuals during food hunts. Majorly they feed on fish, but they also eat invertebrates via active lunge feeding.
Please choose below for details of which mammals you can see in your state.
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Bryan Harding is a member of the American Society of Mammalogists and a member of the American Birding Association. Bryan is especially fond of mammals and has studied and worked with them around the world. Bryan serves as owner, writer, and publisher of North American Nature.