Hawaii’s wildlife scene is truly one-of-a-kind! With a range of unique animals and several endangered species, the islands offer unforgettable encounters with nature. Witnessing majestic whales breaching, snorkeling with sharks, and listening to the melodies of tropical birds are just some of the incredible experiences you can have.
Whether you’re exploring natural preserves or joining a guided tour, here are some of the best locations to connect with these fascinating creatures – have your camera ready.
Hanauma Bay Natural Preserve
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Honolulu, this protected bay is a prime example of nature’s resilience, formed in the sunken cone of a long-dormant volcano. It’s the perfect place to get your snorkel on and witness the wonders of a coral reef up close and personal. The bay is teeming with an abundance of sea life, from graceful green sea turtles to colorful parrotfish and spiny sea urchins. Dive beneath the surface and explore the twisted coral landscape, where you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of tropical fish in all their colorful glory.
To keep things in check and maintain a pristine habitat, the preserve has a reservation system in place, and admission to the state park is required. Plus, nearby Sea Life Park offers even more aquatic excitement, including up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions and an indoor aquarium that’s sure to delight.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Looking for an epic wildlife adventure on Kauai? Look no further than the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, aka Waimea Canyon! The nickname “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” was given to Waimea Canyon because of its vast size, deep valleys, and strikingly colorful landscape, which resembles the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona. This stunning region is home to Hawaii’s state bird, the nēnē, which has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction. And that’s not all. Wild boar and black-tailed deer also roam the area, making for unforgettable sightings.
Head over to nearby Poipu Beach within the park for a chance to spot endangered Hawaiian monk seals, a rare and incredible experience. And don’t forget to check out the Waimea Canyon Lookout for jaw-dropping views of the 14-mile-long canyon. If you’re feeling adventurous, hit up one of the many hiking trails that wind through the ridges and valleys of the canyon. Or, take a scenic drive through the park’s premier driving loops, where you’ll soak up all the natural beauty the area offers.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Beyond the magma flows, this park on Hawaii’s Big Island is a treasure trove of wildlife, from the volcano peaks to the coastline. Keep an eye out for the hoary Hawaiian bat, the Ōpe’ape’a, the only native land mammal to the Hawaiian islands. This endangered species is a true marvel of nature, emerging from roosts in trees at sunset to feed on insects. The park is also home to unique creatures, like the world’s only carnivorous caterpillar and the brilliant orange ‘I’iwi bird. And let’s not forget about the endangered hawksbill sea turtles, which are distinct from their more common green sea turtle cousins.
You’ll also find Hawaiian monk seals along the coastline, a rare and incredible sight. Watch for larger animals like the grey-tip reef shark and playful dolphins.
Shark Encounters
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure to get your heart racing, try a shark cage experience in Hawaii.
Before you start humming the Jaws theme song, let’s set the record straight: most sharks won’t threaten humans, and the cages offer complete protection from these incredible predators. So, why not take advantage of seeing sharks up close and personal in their natural habitat?
Guide companies in Hawaii are experts at finding the best spots to view sharks, and they’ll cater your experience to your level of adventure. For example, you might spot the hammerhead, galapagos, or sandbar sharks on a cage tour off the coast or even catch a glimpse of less common species like tiger sharks. And if you’re lucky, you might even see majestic whales swimming in the distance.
Check out these great companies based on Oahu: Island View Hawaii, North Shore Shark Adventures, and Haleiwa Shark Tours.
Whale Watching
Whale-watching tours are another incredible experience that can’t be missed. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the majesty of a humpback whale breaching the water’s surface. And during their migration from the colder waters of Alaska, up to 10,000 of these magnificent creatures make their home in Hawaiian waters between November and May.
Whether you prefer to view the whales from the comfort of a boat or get up close and personal by snorkeling in the water, tour guides know the best spots to find these gentle giants. And many tours even provide a hydrophone to listen to the whales’ enchanting songs.
Experienced tour guides know the best spots to find whales. Check out Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel on Maui, Wild Side Whale, Dolphin and Snorkel Tours on Oahu, and Captain Dan McSweeny’s Whale Watching Adventures on the Big Island.
Hulupoe Bay
Looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family? Head over to Hulopoe Bay on the island of Lanai. This stunning spot boasts unique tide pool ecosystems teeming with oceanic life, including sea stars, cucumbers, and crab species. The calm pools are easily accessible, making them the perfect spot for kids to explore.
The bay also has pristine white sand beaches and snorkeling opportunities, where you can spot sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. And if you visit in winter, you might even glimpse some majestic whales! So don’t miss out on this amazing adventure – hop on a ferry from Maui and head over to Hulopoe Bay.
