Hawaii has a unique series of interconnected ecosystems. They have been influenced by isolation, integration and a sea made rich by deposits of volcanic material. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the fantastic creatures that call the Pacific archipelago their home.
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Visitors to one of the Kona resorts might be lucky enough to see Hawaii’s native seal: the monk seal. Monk seals are highly endangered, and authorities have taken measures to stop people from approaching these animals. Along with the hoary bat, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of only two mammals that are native to the island. These seals hunt for fish, lobster, and squid among the coral reefs that surround Hawaii. They are extremely agile swimmers and can live for up to 30 years. Unfortunately, fishing gear often entangles these beautiful creatures, leading to a high fatality rate.
Manta Ray
The manta ray is one of the most elegant creatures on the planet. These vast ocean-going rays differ from others in their clade by swimming through open water as opposed to dwelling on the bottom of the sea bed. The largest species of manta ray can reach 23 meters in width, making it one of the most impressive sights in the ocean. Manta rays periodically approach several coastal areas in Hawaii.
Spinner Dolphin
If you get a chance during your trip to Hawaii, take a boat out into the waters near the Big Island. There, you might be lucky enough to see the Hawaiian spinner dolphin. The dolphin is named after the way in which it breaches the water. Spinner dolphins typically corkscrew through the air when they breach. Scientists do not know why the dolphins spin. It could be to remove parasites, to communicate, or even just for fun. Dolphins have been observed taking actions purely for their own enjoyment – highlighting their incredible intelligence.
Hoary Bat
The Hawaiian hoary bat first arrived in the archipelago around 10000 years ago. In order to do so, it had to ride the trade winds for over 2000 miles of ocean. This was the longest migratory journey ever achieved by a species of bat. Until the arrival of human beings, the Hawaiian hoary bat was the only land mammal living on the islands. These bats roost in trees during the day, spreading their wings to feast on insects when the sun goes down.
Humpback Whale
Head to Hawaii at the right time, and you could see the majestic humpback whale. During the winter breeding season, more than 12000 humpback whales pass through the coastal waters of the archipelago. These gentle giants can weigh up to 40 metric tons and grow to a length of 56 ft. Humpback whales are a conservation success story. They were targeted by whalers so intensely that their numbers fell to around 5000 in the 1960s. Today, there are over 130000 of these incredible marine mammals.
