Wildlife Animals of Hawaii And Things You Can Explore!

Many Floridians will try to claim the title of “home of the most interesting reptiles in the United States” for their state, and they certainly have a strong case. Florida is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators share habitat, and is also home to a wide array of beautiful and fascinating native and non-native species of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles.

Perhaps the only state that can give Florida a run for its money in the category is Hawai’i. The island state is so isolated, not just from the continental United States but from other land masses in general, that it has developed a deeply unique ecosystem and animal population, augmented (and often severely damaged) by non-native introductions from visitors and travelers.

Even in perhaps the most beautiful and unique state in the union, though, Kualoa Ranch stands out as perhaps the best place to get a glimpse of unusual wildlife that sometimes cannot be seen anywhere else.

While it is hard to narrow down these opportunities to just five, this list collects some particularly spectacular creatures to keep your eye out for as you take in the natural wonders of Kualoa Ranch.

1.  Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle)

These sea turtles are actually one of the few (possibly the only) reptile species native to the islands; most of the others were accidental or intentional introductions by outsiders trading with or visiting the archipelago. As the name suggests, though, the Hawaiian green sea turtle has been visiting Hawai’i for thousands if not millions of years. Look for them basking by the shore at low tide – they will be lighter and rounder than the surrounding volcanic rock – or foraging in the rocks for the algae that is their primary food source.

2. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

This is the most difficult to spot animal on this list, by a wide margin. As in, “only 20 specimens have ever been seen in Hawai’i” difficult to spot. They are fairly common in other places around the world, though, as their natural range encompasses almost all of the world’s oceans. As the only open-ocean marine snake, a yellow-bellied sea snake is probably the closest you will ever come to spotting a real-life sea serpent. (The next best contender, the giant oarfish, is next to impossible to see anywhere.) The yellow-bellied sea snake is of particular interest, though, as the only snake that can be considered native to Hawai’i, even if none of them have ever set scale on the islands themselves. If you are lucky enough to spot one, though, keep your distance – although sea snakes are generally gentle and even playful, they are also highly venomous.   

3. Indo-Pacific (fox) Gecko

Like all of the land reptiles in Hawai’i, the fox gecko is not native to the islands, but has still been there longer than most reptiles; scientists believe it was introduced by the early Polynesian travelers thousands of years ago. Geckos are now abundant throughout Hawai’i, in part because of their unique ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis. Fox geckos lay viable eggs that do not require male fertilization – a good thing, as all fox geckos are female. The fox gecko moniker does not come from their coloring (greyish brown, with a yellow or orange underbelly), but from the pointed shape of their snout.

4. Brahminy Blind Snake

The blind snake is currently the only terrestrial snake species with an established presence in the islands, having been introduced by a landscaping shipment from the Philippines in the 1930s. The small, burrowing snakes pose no threat to the native wildlife, fortunately, as they only feed on insects and tiny arthropods that were also introduced accidentally to the ecosystem. Like the fox gecko, all blind snakes are female and reproduce through parthenogenesis. While they are relatively common across the islands, they are difficult to spot because of their small size and because they spend their entire lives underground. When people do find them, they often mistake them for earthworms; although the two critters are similar in size, the snakes are black and scaly, not pink and segmented.  

5. Jackson’s Chameleon

Another non-native species, a Kenyansubspecies of the Jackson’s chameleon was most likely introduced to Hawai’i in 1972 and is now found in many of the islands’ mountains. The most concentrated population lives between 100 and 1,000 feet up in the Ko’olau Mountains – right in the Kualoa Ranch. The chameleon is a beautiful creature, that looks exactly like every chameleon you have ever seen in a movie, except even more stunning up close and in real life. They are usually a bright green color, but – of course – will change color if frightened or startled. Unfortunately, unlike the Brahminy blind snake, the chameleon’s introduction to Hawai’i has caused major problems for the native species of snails, insects, and other small invertebrates, its favorite prey.    

It is almost impossible to narrow down the attractions of the Hawaiian Islands to one or even a dozen primary draws. Between the jaw-dropping natural scenery, the rich living cultural heritage, the unique history, and the unusual animal life on display – how can you choose a favorite? Any visit to Hawai’i that does not last for several years is bound to miss a few of the things that have made the islands one of the most spectacular and popular tourist destinations for decades.

For anyone with even a passing interest in reptiles, however, the rich and irreplicable mix of native, long-term non-native, and recent invasive species of reptiles from around the globe has to be high on the list. The list of fascinating reptiles that live on the islands these days is also almost impossible to narrow down. The species on this list, though, are as good a place to start as any for anyone who wants to go reptile-spotting in the misty reaches of the one and only Kualoa Ranch. 

And other than exploring the diversity of wildlife in Hawaii, check out other activities that will entertain you, your loved ones, or your family during your vacation visit to Hawaii.

Hawaii offers so many great adventures that will always create great memories for you! Here are some top things to do in Hawaii during your vacation:

Hawaii offers so many great adventures that will always create great memories for you! Here's top things to do in Hawaii during your vacation:

Visit the locations where over 50 of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster movies and TV shows were filmed in. Hop aboard a vintage school bus and take photos at the infamous Jurassic Park fallen tree, find Godzilla’s footprints and see the Windtalkers battlegrounds.

Feel the adrenaline rush by driving your own ATV raptor into the scenic valleys and to remote areas rarely visited by others! You will be able to see amazing panoramic views and take pictures during the tour in the Raptor Vehicles. Get ready for a great experience that will be hard to forget.

Located in Maunalua Bay, this activity allows you to dive into the sea to explore corals, fishes, and green sea turtles! Imagine seeing the mesmerizing and colorful fishes in the clear water, and there will be guides leading you through too if you're experiencing this for the first time. Enjoy this once in a lifetime chance to ride the underwater scooter to explore the beauty of underwater life at the Maunalua Bay.