animal travel hawaii

Bringing Pets to Hawaii

By Hawaii.com Team

The rule change shortened the quarantine confinement for pets that meet requirements before they get here, reducing the stay to five days or less rather than the present 30- to 120-day quarantine.

State officials have enforced a quarantine since 1912 to ensure that rabies is not introduced into Hawaii, the only state free of the disease. Till now, the confinement period was reduced only once — in 1997, when a 30-day option began.

The main fear has been that a rabid pet could come in contact with a mongoose or other feral animal, spreading the disease in the wild.

Veterinarian Isaac Maeda, program manager at the state’s rabies quarantine branch, has said a department analysis last year showed that reducing quarantine to five days “does not substantially increase the risk of introducing rabies into the state,” as long as the program includes proper rabies vaccination, blood tests and a 120-day waiting period before animals arrive.

The five-day quarantine, which goes into effect on June 30, will be a third option for bringing pets to the state. Under the new program, pets that meet state criteria may be released from the airport directly to their owners or stay a maximum of five days at the quarantine station.

To have a pet released at the airport, an owner would also have to provide documentation 10 days before arrival that the other requirements had been met.

Pet owners hoping for shorter confinement of their animals upon arrival must present proof that their animal has had two rabies vaccinations, microchip implantation for identification and clean results of blood serum tests. Quarantine costs for the reduced confinement program will be $165 if the pet qualifies for direct release from the airport and $224 if the pet must be held for up to five days.

RULES SUMMARY :

To qualify for a five-day pet quarantine, owners must prepare at least four months in advance:

• Pets will need a microchip implanted for identification.
• The pet will need a rabies shot and a booster, which can be no less than three months apart and not more than one year apart.
• Animals should have passed a blood serum test, with results e-mailed to Hawaii officials by the testing lab. Pets cannot enter the state till 120 days after the blood sample is received by the state.
• Hawaii officials must receive a health certificate from the pet’s veterinarian at least 10 days before the animal’s arrival, with all test results and health certificates sent by e-mail to prevent fraud.
• At the airport, animal quarantine officials will inspect every incoming pet, check its chip to confirm its identity and release the animal to its owner if everything is in order.

Contact info:

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Animal Quarantine Station

99-951 Halawa Valley Street

Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602

Website: www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm

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HOME / BLOG / Travel Resources Hawaii’s Pet Travel Requirements

Hawaii’s Pet Travel Requirements

• By Amy at GoPetFriendly.com
• October 15, 2020

A lovely Hawaiian holiday sounds perfect for people and pets alike. And passing between states is not an issue in the contiguous majority. So it might surprise you to learn how complicated it can be to meet Hawaii’s pet travel requirements. The Aloha State is rabies-free, is strict with dogs and cats when they come to visit.

Understanding Hawaii’s Pet Travel Requirements

If you want to travel with pets to Hawaii, it’s best to start planning your vacation early. This will give you time to prepare your pet for Hawaii’s 5-Day-Or-Less quarantine program. If you’re successful, your pet might even leave the airport with you. Unfortunately for dogs and cats that do not meet the 5-Day-Or-Less program conditions, they’re subject to a quarantine of up to 120 days upon arrival in Hawaii.

Note: Special rules apply to assistance dogs. Please check with the proper authorities to meet their requirements.

Why Is Hawaii So Strict With Visiting Pets?

The reason for Hawaii’s strict pet travel policies is that it’s the only state in the United States that is rabies-free. Since rabies doesn’t exist in Hawaii, pets who live there don’t get vaccinated for the virus.

That means the Hawaiian government has to be extremely strict when it comes to four-legged tourists. Dogs and cats traveling to Hawaii need to prove they won’t introduce rabies into Hawaii’s unique ecosystem.

Can Dogs and Cats Fly In-Cabin to Hawaii?

The Hawaii government doesn’t impose any limitations on how your pet reaches the state. However, we have only found ONE airline that allows in-cabin pet travel to Hawaii: Alaska Airlines . Hawaiian Airlines permits only small cats and dogs to fly in the passenger cabin on inter-island flights and on flights leaving Hawaii.

Keep in mind that service animals and emotional support animals may qualify for in-cabin pet travel with other airlines. Here we are specifically referring to pets that are not qualified service or support animals.

READ MORE ⇒   US Airline Pet Polices

Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Options and Costs

To prevent rabies from entering the state, Hawaiian law requires that dogs, cats, and carnivores complete either the 120-Day or 5-Day-Or-Less rabies quarantine program. As part of the 5-Day-Or-Less program, pets may qualify for Direct Airport Release, which allows them to leave the airport with their owner after passing inspection.

Pet owners are responsible for all quarantine costs, and there are no discounts for multiple pets. Currently, the 120-Day quarantine program is $1,080 per pet, the 5-Day-Or-Less program is $244 per pet, and Direct Airport Release costs $185 per pet.

Meeting the Requirements for 5-Day-Or-Less Quarantine

For anyone visiting Hawaii with their pet, the 120-Day quarantine program doesn’t make sense. So, let’s focus on what it takes to meet the 5-Day-Or-Less quarantine requirements, with the hope that your pet will qualify for direct airport release.

The 5-Day-Or-Less quarantine requires meeting ALL of the following conditions:

• Pets must have received at least two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime, and 30 days must pass between the two vaccinations.
• What is the 30 day waiting period? If your dog or cat needs a rabies vaccination before your trip, you must wait 30 days after administering the vaccination before entering Hawaii. If you do not wait 30 days, your pet will stay in quarantined until the 30 day period has lapsed.
• Pets must have a working microchip implanted by a veterinarian for identification purposes.
• Again with the 30 days? Yes. There is a 30-day waiting period after passing the OIE-FAVN rabies test. If your pet arrives in Hawaii before the 30-days have passed, he will be quarantined until the period has lapsed.
• A veterinarian must treat your pet with an approved tick prevention medication not more than 14 days prior to arriving in Hawaii.
• All required fees and documents, including the import form, two most recent rabies certificates, and a health certificated completed within 14 days of arriving in Hawaii, must be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Station in Hawaii according to the detailed rules so they are received more then 10 days before your arrival.

Qualifying for Direct Airport Release

To qualify for Direct Airport Release, your pet needs to meet all the above requirements and arrive in Hawaii during normal inspection hours after clearing US Customs. Direct release is available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (Big Island), Kahului Airport (Maui), and Lihue Airport (Kauai) .

Before scheduling a flight, confirm the inspection hours and procedures at your destination airport. And remember that it can take up to one hour for the airlines to transport a pet to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.

If your pet qualifies for direct release, but you’re not able to pick him up by the end of the day, he’ll be transferred to the Animal Quarantine Station the following morning as part of the 5-day-or-less program. You’ll be responsible for the fees for that program, plus daily quarantine costs.

READ MORE ⇒ Keeping Your Dog Safe At The Beach

What if Your Pet Doesn’t Qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less Program?

There are several reason why pets might not qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less program. For example, puppies and kittens can’t meet all the requirements until they’re about 10 months old. And any pet who arrives before their 30-waiting period has lapsed, hasn’t had two rabies vaccinations, or hasn’t had or has failed the blood test, will be subject to a longer quarantine period.

If your pet doesn’t initially meet the conditions of the 5-Day-Or-Less program when entering Hawaii, but comes into compliance during their quarantine period, they can be released before the 120-days. Pets that are not able to meet the requirements will be quarantined for 120 days.

Hawaiian residents traveling from Hawaii with their pets must meet requirements similar to those for the 5-Day-Or-Less quarantine program. If they don’t, quarantine is required for up to 30 days upon their return.

Visiting Your Pet in Quarantine

While in quarantine, owners can spend time their pets during afternoon visiting hours. And appointments to use the on-site grooming facilities can be scheduled. However, unless they’re being groomed, pets must stay in their kennels.

The quarantine centers handle minor ailments and administer medication, but do not have facilities for major medical problems. In case of emergency, pet owners must select, contact, and register with a state-approved veterinary facility. Most veterinarians require a deposit prior to accepting an animal for evaluation. So contacting several hospitals to obtain deposit and price information could be in your best interest.

Additional Information

For additional information on Hawaii’s pet travel policies, contact the Animal Quarantine Station.

Animal Quarantine Station 99-951 Halawa Valley Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701 Phone: (808) 483-7151 Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility Phone: (808) 837-8092 Email:  [email protected]

Website:  http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

You can find more general tips on traveling with pets on our  Tips & Resources page.

do these rules apply to dogs and cats alike?

Hi Daniel! Yes, the requirements for pets traveling to Hawaii apply to both cats and dogs.

Is there a way for me to fly into Honolulu with my dog stay overnight at a hotel then fly out the next morning?

Hi Sandy! Flying with a dog to Hawaii requires a lot of advance preparation — perhaps more than it’s worth for an overnight stay. But, if that’s the route you decide to go, you’d need to be sure your dog has completed the protocol and you’ve got all the documentation submitted before your trip. There are airlines that fly to Hawaii and allow dogs. For example, Hawaiian Airlines allows small dogs and cats to fly in the passenger cabin on inter-island flights and on flights arriving/leaving Hawaii. However, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 25 pounds. You can find out more about airline pet policies in this blog post >> https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/airline-pet-policies/ Good luck and safe travels!

what if you live in Hawaii and want to bring your small dog with you when you travel to the mainland? Do the same rules apply for re-entering the state?

Hi Suz! I believe that the rules are similar for traveling pets that live in Hawaii. Check with your veterinarian and with the airline you’ll be flying, but I think dogs and cats need to be vaccinated for rabies, receive a booster, and then have a blood test confirming the vaccination was effective before they can fly to the mainland. Then there’s no need for testing/quarantine on your return. I hope that helps and that you have a wonderful trip!

This site is very informative. Mahalo.

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Avoid Hawaii's 120-day rabies quarantine with our Rapid Test Kit. Only $149.

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Because it's a rabies-free zone, Hawaii has strict rules for incoming pets. Animals that aren't pre-screened for rabies can spend up to 120 days of quarantine in the state kennel.

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Direct Airport Release

Pets entering the State of Hawaii can fly directly to the Kona International Airport if specific requirements are met.  This program is called the  “Direct Release Program.”    You must review and complete all of the requirements for the  5 Day or Less Program and the Direct Release Program to qualify.

Please note that for the Direct Release Program:

• Dogs and cats must arrive at the Kona International Airport directly from the continental US  or another country.
• The Quarantine Station must receive paperwork & payment at least 30 days prior to arrival.
• You must secure the services of a qualified inspector to meet your pet at the airport.
• The reservation and fee to have an inspector meet your plane in Kona is  SEPARATE FROM  the paperwork and payment you send to the Animal Quarantine Station.

Ali`i Veterinary Hospital can inspect dogs & cats according to the criteria & schedule below IF we have availability. You must confirm with us BEFORE booking your flight:

• Pets traveling on Alaska Airlines through their Cargo department (not checking in with baggage)
• Pets accompanying people as baggage on Alaska Airlines
• Pets accompanying people in a cabin on Commercial Airlines: United, Alaska, American, Southwest Airlines
• Pets accompanying people on Private Charters, Kona Express, Hawaii Shuttle & Kona Shuttle
• Pets accompanying people on International flights determined on case-by-case basis

Direct Release Inspection Schedule:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 4pm-10:30pm
• Saturday: 9am – 10:30pm
• For Tuesdays between October 15 and January 15 and all Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays please contact: https://www.konapets.travel/
• Commercial Airlines and Alaska Cargo: $400/first pet, $100/additional pet on the same flight
• Private Charters, Kona Express, Hawaii & Kona Shuttle:  $500/first pet, $100/additional pet on the same flight
• International Flights:  Additional fees determined on case-by-case basis

DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHT UNTIL CONFIRMING THAT WE ARE AVAILABLE. Fill out the form below to check our availability for inspection.  Your request below does NOT mean that you have a booking with us, it is ONLY an inquiry.  Email responses take 24-72 hours.  If you do not have an email account, you can FAX the information below to 808-329-8997 , and include contact information so that we can contact you.  FAX communication will result in a longer turnaround time, up to one week.

Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the bar to fill out the Direct Airport Release form to check our availability.

Hawaii is rabies-free….and we’d like to keep it that way.

A quarantine program has been in place in Hawaii for over 100 years to help keep pets and people safe.   The Animal Quarantine Branch of the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture is responsible for administering Hawaii’s Rabies Quarantine Program. The quarantine period for dogs and cats entering Hawaii with no preparation is 120 days.  Depending on your travel plans and your ability to prepare your pet prior to arriving in Hawaii, there are options for decreasing the quarantine requirement substantially.

Please visit the Animal Quarantine Branch website at  http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/  for more information.

International Travel

Traveling with pets to other countries can be very complex. We highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian at least 6 months BEFORE your travel date.  Depending on where you plan to go and whether you are returning to Hawaii, a Pet Transport Company may be recommended.

The key information that you will need to know to begin preparing for international travel includes:

• Dates of travel
• A list of your travel route, including all seaports or airports that you will travel through to get to your destination
• Whether your pet has a microchip, verification of the date that the microchip was implanted and whether the microchip is ISO-Compliant
• Documentation of most recent vaccinations from a veterinarian

The USDA has an excellent website to get started with learning requirements for travel to foreign countries and territories at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel Most people start with this website, then consult with their veterinarian to begin the preparation process.

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Let’s see if we can help you out

Welcome to the direct airport release website..

We provide veterinary inspection services on behalf of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Branch for anyone flying to Kona. We meet your cats and dogs at Kailua-Kona’s Keohole International Airport (KOA) when your plane arrives to ensure your pet will be released directly to you.

We know flying to Hawaii with pets is a complicated process. That is why we are here to help! This website has been built for you to create an account and see when the inspector is available to meet you and your pet at KOA.  Within your account, you will be able to plan for a future arrival, learn more about the process, and pay for and schedule inspection services.

We striv e to m ake this process easier for you and your beloved pets. Please register for an account to begin the process.

Prices vary depending on weekends and weekdays, the number of pets that are flying, and commercial or private flights.

• Thursday 6pm-10:30pm
• Friday 9am-10:30pm
• Sunday 9am-7pm
• **Additional Inspection Hours October 15th through January 15th: Tuesday 6pm-10:30pm, Wednesday 6pm-10:30pm, Saturday 11am-10:30pm**
• Requests can be made for inspections outside of regular hours/dates for arrivals on Kona Express/Kona Shuttle/Hawaii Shuttle pending inspector availability. Please use the contact us page or email us at [email protected].

Inspection Fee: $350 weekday/$400 weekend/$500 private aircraft + $100 for each additional animal on the same flight.

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Why choose pet express for your international pet transport service, caring team.

Caring for your pets is our job, and we put the welfare of your animals above all else, always. Pet safety is always our top priority. But we also care for you. We’re here to answer your questions, support your decisions and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in our pet shipping service at all times.

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Moving your beloved pets can be emotional and confusing, especially when every country has their own set of rules and regulations. We transport pets cross country or anywhere in the world. And whether they’re going to Sydney, Australia, Florida, USA, or London, UK, we always ensure the process is smooth and seamless for both you and your multiple pets, no matter where you need them to go.

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Air travel is as safe for pets as it is for people. Airlines have staff that are trained in pet shipping and who will care for your beloved pet on their journey. And, of course, we take care of everything to ensure your pet has a happy and safe journey.

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Where can i get a strong, comfortable travel crate, how much will it cost to relocate my pet, will my pet have to stay in quarantine, what we’re talking about on the blog.

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Experience makes all the difference when taking part in dog or cat shipping. International destinations (and Hawaii) have rules and restrictions that must be adhered to. Using our experienced pet transport service knowledge of dog and cat breeds and sizes, airline restrictions and direct routing (even through COVID changes), we make sure your pet arrives happy and well at their new home. We’ll even transport them right to your front door.

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Top 10 Animals and Wildlife in Hawaii

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

Step into the enchanting realm of Hawaii’s untamed animals and wildlife!

Beyond the sun-kissed shores and awe-inspiring peaks, Hawaii beckons as a premier destination with an abundance of captivating features. Here, we delve into the intriguing and extraordinary wildlife that calls the Aloha State home!

Grab your coconut-shaped binoculars to navigate this quirky blog!

Image via Sajith T S, CC BY-SA 2.0 <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons

Dolphins in Hawaii

You can read more about where to swim with dolphins with our dedicated article , and if you are even more curious you can read all about how dolphins use echolocation to navigate the ocean!

• Spinner Dolphin
• Spotted Dolphin
• Bottlenose Dolphin

Here are three Dolphin species you can sport in Hawaii:

Spotted Dolphins

Here’s a fascinating tidbit that might widen your eyes: spotted and spinner dolphins often join forces, “spotted” together in schools ranging from intimate cliques to colossal gatherings of hundreds. Undoubtedly, they are the ocean’s ultimate party animals , unafraid to create a splash!

While the spinner dolphins revel in their near-shore leisure sessions, the spotted dolphins thrive on exploring the channels between the islands. They embody the spirit of oceanic adventurers, ever on the move and eager for the next thrilling dolphin expedition.

Watch closely as they glide gracefully through the ocean, sporting a white-tipped beak that serves as their individual fashion statement, adding a dash of flair to their appearance. But that’s not all-mature spotted dolphins showcase a breathtaking spotted color pattern on their bodies, establishing them as the ocean’s trendsetters in a distinctive style reminiscent of leopard print.

At first glance, one might easily mistake them for their well-known relatives, the spinner dolphins-a duo resembling long-lost twins with an uncanny likeness. However, there are distinctive features that set the spotted dolphins apart, ensuring they shine uniquely in the vast expanse.

Folks, fasten your snorkel gear as we embark on an exhilarating journey into the vibrant realm of the spotted dolphins ( Stenella attenuata ). Keep a keen eye out because these adept creatures are masters at engaging us in a captivating game of hide-and-seek!

Meet the Lookalikes: Spotted Dolphins!

Bottlenose Dolphins

They are usually seen in smaller pods or groups of less than ten individuals. Intelligent and high up on the oceanic food chain, dolphins engage in playful activities, including bow riding, where they surf in front of a boat or even a whale's bow wave.

Bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) are distinguishable from spotted and spinner dolphins by their much larger size, uniformly gray coloration, and thicker, blunter rostrum.

Image by James wainscoat via Unsplash

To contribute to the protection of this endangered species, safeguard roosting sites in your area by delaying the cutting of tall trees until after the pupping summer season. If installing a fence in a pasture, opt for barbless wire on the top strand to prevent entanglement with hunting bats. If you discover a deceased bat on Maui, contact Fern Duvall, Wildlife Biologist with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your involvement can aid scientists in unraveling more about the genetics and behaviors of this enigmatic creature-far more fascinating than frightening.

Threats to ‘ōpe‘ape‘a remain unclear, but collisions with structures like communication towers, wind turbines, and barbed wire are identified as a cause of mortality. This may occur as bats momentarily disable their echolocation to consume an insect.

To catch a glimpse of bats, particularly during twilight, focus on areas along pasture edges, pastures, and clearings. Bats exhibit a zigzag pattern as they snatch insects, while rare birds returning to roost follow a more direct route.

When and Where to Spot Them

On Maui, researchers have confirmed the presence of ‘ōpe‘ape‘a in Haleakalā National Park, both at the summit and within the crater. These flying insectivores are occasionally seen at sea level, indicating a likelihood of their presence in local neighborhoods.

As temperatures cool , researchers on Hawai‘i Island observed heightened bat activity at higher elevations. It remains uncertain whether this implies a seasonal “migration” up and down the mountain. While movement between islands is not well understood, bats are present on all the central Hawaiian Islands, suggesting historical inter-island movement.

When the young pups are still in their infancy, the mother carries them along on her nightly hunts. As they mature enough to secure the roosting site on their own, she leaves them safely in the tree until they reach an age where they can join her in flight and learn the art of hunting. ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a’s primary diet consists of moths, supplemented with mosquitoes, beetles, crickets, and termites.

On Hawai‘i Island, researchers noted more frequent ‘ōpe‘ape‘a detections during the summer at lower elevations, suggesting abundant food sources or reduced stress for newborns and lactating mothers in warmer temperatures. Mother ‘ōpe‘ape‘a gives birth to pups, typically a set of twins, in May or June, staying with them until they are 6-7 weeks old.

The most efficient method for detecting ‘ōpe‘ape‘a involves ultrasonic bat detectors capturing the bats’ vocalizations during their travels and hunts. Advances in ultrasonic detection technology have facilitated the study of bats, and Hawaiian researchers are actively delving into unraveling the mysteries surrounding these fascinating mammals.

Like all bats, ōpe‘ape‘a is nocturnal, but they don’t take refuge in caves. These bats are solitary roosters in trees, attaching themselves to the tips of branches on tall trees. Weighing a mere ½ oz, these nimble acrobats prove challenging to locate and study. Mist nets, commonly used for songbirds, prove ineffective as bats quickly learn to avoid them. Hawaii boasts diverse and captivating wildlife.

While more prevalent than commonly perceived, ōpe‘ape‘a has only recently become a subject of intensified research. Genetic evidence suggests that bats colonized the Hawaiian Islands relatively recently-initially arriving about 10,000 years ago, with secondary colonization as recent as 800 years ago.

Bat Pioneers

Ōpe‘ape‘a, a subspecies of the North American hoary bat, is exclusive to Hawaii and holds the status of a federally endangered species. Its Hawaiian name, meaning “half-leaf,” derives from the bat’s wing shape, resembling the lower portion of a taro leaf.

Hawaiian Monk Seal And Northern Elephant Seal

The northern elephant seal is quite large in size and the males are known for the loud noises they make using their proboscis (elongated nose). Unlike the Hawaiian monk seal, the northern elephant seal has a wider distribution and is not currently under immediate threat.

These seals will come ashore to relax and give birth, so it is especially important not to disturb the vulnerable seal pups. It is also important to keep pets away from the Hawaiian monk seals as they are susceptible to canine diseases.

The Hawaiian monk seal is an extremely rare species, with only a few hundred remaining. It is only found in Hawaii and can sometimes be seen resting on the beaches. However, visitors are asked to respect their privacy and keep a minimum distance of 45 meters to avoid disturbing them.

The Indian Mongoose

Mongooses pose environmental risks in Hawaii. They are a threat to ground-nesting birds and endangered island turtles and their hatchlings and eggs. The predation by Indian mongooses has resulted in a significant decline in the populations of Hawaiian crows, Hawaiian geese, and other birds native to the archipelago. Thus, accidental introduction of mongooses has had long-lasting and harmful effects on the unique wildlife found in Hawaii.

The Indian mongoose was brought to Hawaii in 1883 with the purpose of controlling the rat population in sugar plantations. However, this decision turned out to be a major mistake, as the mongoose population quickly multiplied and spread across the islands. These creatures, resembling weasels, grow to an average length of 26 inches, with a tail as long as their brown bodies. They also have pointed noses and rounded ears.

Axis Deer And Mule Deer

The mule deer, a species of deer native to western North America, was introduced to Kauai Island in Hawaii by humans. This has led to a large mule deer population on the islands, further contributing to the fascinating variety of wildlife in Hawaii.

The axis deer now appears in the list of animals that inhabit the islands. It was introduced to Hawaii when King Kamehameha V received a gift from Hong Kong during his reign over the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1863 to 1872. Now, the Hawaiian island of Lanai is home to many axis deer.

The axis deer, also known as chital, originates from the Indian subcontinent and is well-known for its spotted coat, calm behavior, and graceful demeanor. These captivating qualities have made it popular in various countries around the world.

The Feral Wallaby

Humans brought wallabies from New Guinea and Australia to Hawaii. They were originally brought to a zoo, but in 1916, a few brush-tailed rock-wallabies managed to escape. They started breeding in the wild and now there is a population of wild wallabies in Kalihi Valley on Oahu Island. Unfortunately, wallabies are classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

In addition to these turtles, Hawaii is home to the Hawaiian Black Crowned Night Heron ( Nycticorax nycticoras ), also known as Auku’u, perched on a lava rock in the Pacific Ocean off the coast. This majestic bird is engaged in fishing for its prey. Such glimpses of wildlife in Hawaii showcase the incredible biodiversity and natural wonders found in the region.

The hawksbill turtles are currently designated as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, the global authority on the status of the natural world. Alongside Kemp’s Ridley, they are considered among the most endangered of the seven sea turtle species, with only approximately 8,000 nesting females remaining worldwide.

Hawaii is the habitat of the hawksbill sea turtle, known for its preference for sea sponges and frequent presence in coral reefs. Despite their tendency to move around the ocean regularly, these defenseless turtles are facing a severe threat due to relentless hunting for their ornamental shells, resulting in their critical endangerment. Observing this remarkable wildlife in Hawaii is truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Seabirds of Hawaii

Hawaiian birds can be intriguingly categorized into sea birds and forest birds, depending on their habitat. Noteworthy among the sea birds are the great frigate birds, Laysan albatrosses, shearwaters, noddies, and red- and white-tailed tropic birds.

Speaking of wildlife in Hawaii, there are many unique avian species found in the archipelago. Hawaii, once a hub of endemism, boasted approximately 113 endemic bird species. Regrettably, these birds are now among the most threatened species on the planet due to human activities. Since European colonization, the archipelago has lost a total of 71 bird species.

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