Name Photo Description

DEFINITIONS

‘A‘ama – Sally Lightfoot Crab – Grapsus tenuicrustatus

 aama

‘A‘ama – Sally Lightfoot Crab – Grapsus tenuicrustatus (Indigenous)
If you see a blink of black energy darting across tidepool splash zones, it’s probably an ‘A‘ama. These crabs move quickly, and with grace. Hawaiian legend says “when the sea is rough the ‘A‘ama crabs climb up on the rocks.” One can watch these crabs to be informed on the tide heights and splash zone wave activity. If the crabs are lower on the rocks, the ocean is safer. But if they are higher up, it’s a warning to beware. They give amazingly good forecast of momentary conditions. It is said that offering an ‘A‘ama will ‘loosen up’ the gods and incline them to grant favors. ‘A‘ama eat algae from rocks just above the water line. Sea birds and humans eat ‘A‘ama.

♠ You might see ‘A‘ama scurrying over the rocks near the pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

DEFINITIONS:
Native – Arrived in Hawai’i without human aid (could be endemic or indigenous)
Endemic – Grows only in Hawai’i – Found nowhere else
Indigenous – Native to Hawai’i, but also found in other places

Introduced – Brought accidentally, or on purpose by people
Canoe Plants – Brought by early Polynesians from other parts of the Pacific
Naturalized – Introduced species that reproduce and grow without human help
Invasive – Introduced species that spread aggressively, displacing native species or animals, and destroying native ecosystems

 

Āholehole –Hawaiian Flagtail – Kuhila xenura aholehole Āholehole –Hawaiian Flagtail – Kuhila xenura (Endemic)
Āholehole are silvery fish that form schools near reefs with heavy wave action. Immature fish will school in very shallow water, often near freshwater springs. Many times these schools will remain in the same location for several years and then inexplicably shift to a new one. They disperse at night to feed on plankton. Young Āholehole are abundant in shallow tide pools. Adults were called simply Āhole in old Hawai’i.
‘Akekeke – Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres akekeke

‘Akekeke – Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres (Visitor)
‘Akekeke have orange legs, white chests and distinctive black and white wing markings. These birds visit the Hawaiian Islands from August to May, and then most of them return to the arctic to nest. They walk near the shoreline in small flocks looking for insects or crustaceans, sometimes turning over rocks with their beaks. Often flocks of ‘Akekeke will rise up at the same time and fly together.

♠ Look for ‘Akekeke on rocky flats near the ocean.

How would migrating to the arctic and back be beneficial to migratory birds?
‘Ākulikuli – Sesuvium portulacastrum akulikuli ‘Ākulikuli – Sesuvium portulacastrum (Indigenous)
‘Ākulikuli is a low growing succulent plant found in sandy or rocky places near the sea. This plant used to be abundant in coastal areas on all islands; however development along the coasts has caused it to become less common. ‘Ākulikuli was used as an addition to the imu to add flavor, and separate layers of food. It was also eaten as a salty tasting, mineral rich, fresh green.

♠ Look for ‘Ākulikuli hugging rocks near cliff edges.
Alahe‘e – Psydrax odorata alahee Alahe‘e – Psydrax odorata (Indigenous)
Alahe‘e is a small to medium sized tree found in lowland forests near the coast. It is related to coffee, and its glossy green leaves resemble coffee plants. This plant’s name means “slippery fragrance” in Hawaiian, which is a very good description of the sweet smell of its small white flowers, which seems to disappear and reappear on the breeze. The hard wood of this tree was used to make fishhooks, spears and kapa anvils. The leaves and fruit were used to make a black dye.
‘Amakihi – Hemignathus virens virens amakihi ‘Amakihi – Hemignathus virens virens (Endemic)
‘Amakihi are one of the few native birds that are starting to make a comeback from avian malaria in the lower forests. These small birds are yellow-green and look a little bit like Japanese White-Eyes. They sip nectar from ‘Ōhia Lehuas and other flowers, and also eat insects. Their call is a distinctive, cheerful rattle. Once you learn to recognize it, you can find them by listening for their call.
‘A‘o – Newell’s Shearwater - Puffinus auricularis newelli A“o

‘A‘o – Newell’s Shearwater - Puffinus auricularis newelli (Endemic)
The ‘A‘o is a relatively large sea bird which nests in burrows on fern covered, forested cinder cones. Their claws are specially adapted for digging, and the same pair returns to the same burrow year after year to raise young. The parent bird flies inland to feed its young only after dark, and then flies back out to sea before dawn. Their strange call is very loud, and sounds a little like the braying of a donkey. ‘A‘o are very sensitive to artificial lights, and their young often become confused by street lights and fall from the sky. These birds are threatened, with only a few small populations left on Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i and in Puna.

♠ You might possibly hear the strange call of the ‘A‘o at night passing over Wai ‘Ōpae.

How can we help the ‘A‘o make a comeback when there is increasing pressure to develop coastal areas and their forest breeding habitat?

‘Apapane – Himatione sanguinea Apapane

‘Apapane – Himatione sanguinea (Endemic)‘

Apapane is a bright crimson forest bird with a slightly curved beak. They can be seen quickly flying from tree to tree, calling frequently with diverse songs. ‘Apapane in one location may have considerably different songs than those living in another place. Their wings also make a whirring sound as they fly. These birds eat nectar and insects in the forest canopy. Their brilliant red feathers were used in traditional Hawaiian feather work, usually reserved for ali‘i.

♠ Look and listen for ‘Apapane flying between tree tops in Wao Kele O Puna.

Asian Melastome – Melastoma candidum Asian Melastome Asian Melastome – Melastoma candidum (Introduced)
Asian Melastome is a beautiful flowering bush from Southeast Asia, which was first brought the Hawaiian Islands as an ornamental landscape plant. This plant will spread very quickly from seeds, root shoots and even broken branches, to form large, dense stands. The Asian Melastome and other introduced plants in the Melastome family are now serious pests in forests on all the major islands.

♠ You can find Asian Melastome along the access road and in other disturbed parts of Wao Kele O Puna.
‘Auku‘u – Black Crowned Night Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli Auku‘u

‘Auku‘u – Black Crowned Night Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (Indigenous)
‘Auku‘u live near tide pools, ponds, marshes and streams on all the main Hawaiian Islands. They build nests of large sticks placed in trees, and breed in May and June. ‘Auku‘u wade into still water and spear fish and crustaceans with their long beaks. They also eat insects, mice, frogs and smaller birds. They are most active near dawn and dusk.

♠ Look for ‘Auku‘u near the inner edges of tide pools in trees at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Autograph Tree – Clusia rosea Autograph Tree Autograph Tree – Clusia rosea (Introduced)
This tree got its name from the fact that if you scratch your name onto the leaves, they form a scar that makes what you wrote visible. The leaves of these trees were used as playing cards in the 1800’s. Autograph Trees are native to the Caribbean, and also to the Florida Keys, where they are now very rare. In Hawai‘i, they have displaced many native plants, and harm coastal ecosystems. Many of these trees begin life epiphytically, as a seed is dropped by a bird into a tree. Roots grow down to the ground, and eventually the host tree is strangled and shaded out.
Barn Owl – Tyto alba Barn Owl Barn Owl – Tyto alba (Introduced)
Barn Owls were brought to the Hawaiian Islands during the 1950’s and 60’s to control rats. Unlike the native Pueo, they hunt only at night and nest in tree cavities, palm trees, and manmade structures. Also unlike the native owls, they will nest close to cities and residential areas. Their undersides are white and they are often larger than Pueo. Now common on all the main islands, there is some evidence that Barn Owls compete for food with the Pueo.

♠ You could see Barn Owls after dark in the forests of Wao Kele O Puna.
Blue Rice Coral – Montipora flabellata and M. patula Blue Rice Coral

Blue Rice Coral – Montipora flabellata and M. patula (Endemic)
Blue Rice Coral is easy to identify by its vivid blue color. It looks like scattered rug remnants and can grow up to 3 feet across. This coral’s blue pigments fluoresce light and act as natural sun block, protecting the coral and symbiotic algae. The blue pigments also enhance photosynthesis in symbiotic algae. Blue Rice Coral eats sugars provided by photosynthetic algae and dissolved organics. Butterfly fish and Sea Stars eat Blue Rice Coral.

♠ Look for Blue Rice Coral throughout the Wai ‘Ōpae Tidepools

Cauliflower Coral – Pocillopora meandrina Cauliflower Coral

Cauliflower Coral – Pocillopora meandrina (Endemic)
This coral looks like a big clump of cauliflower from the super market, but with bigger valleys and contours. Its unique shape provides stability in high energy environments. It is also called Rose Coral. Look for Hawkfish resting in branches. This coral is not sediment tolerant, but is one of the first corals to grow on new lava flow habitats. Cauliflower Coral eats dissolved organics and photosynthetic sugars. Crown of Thorns, Butterflyfish and Sea Stars eat Cauliflower Coral.

♠ Cauliflower Coral is found throughout the Wai ‘Ōpae Tidepools.

Crown of Thorns Starfish – Acanthaster planci Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns Starfish – Acanthaster planci (Introduced)
These large, alien starfish are notorious worldwide for coral reef destruction. Up to one foot in diameter, their spines are covered in venom, which causes sharp pain and lasts for hours. This starfish actually ejects its own stomach to cover and digest coral, leaving large scars. They have been known to consume entire coral reefs. They prefer Rice, Lace and Cauliflower Corals, but shy away from Lobe Coral. Some crabs and shrimp which hide out in Lobe Coral will come out to defend their territory, and bite off the tube feet of these starfish.

♠ Look out for colorful Crown of Thorns Starfish in the outer tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Cost effective methods to reduce and control Crown of Thorns still have not been discovered. What do you think might work?

‘Ēkaha – Asplenium nidus Ekaha

‘Ēkaha – Asplenium nidus (Indigenous)
‘Ēkaha can be found growing high in trees and also on the ground. Often ‘Ohe‘ohe, another fern with many long hanging stems, can be seen growing below the ‘Ekaha. These two ferns are symbiotic and benefit by growing together. ‘Ēkaha has been used traditionally by Hawaiians for medicine, dye, and fiber for decorative weaving. It is also traditionally used to decorate stumps of trees which were cut to make canoes. Fronds of this fern were considered sacred to Laka, and were placed on the kuahu, or hula altar.

♠ You can find ‘Ekaha growing in trees and occasionally on the ground in the shady forests of Wao Kele O Puna

False ‘Ama‘ama – Sharpnosed Mullet -Neomyxus leuciscus False Ama‘ama

False ‘Ama‘ama – Sharpnosed Mullet -Neomyxus leuciscus (Indigenous)
False ‘Ama‘ama are slender, 6 inch long, silver colored fish with a yellow spot at base of their pectoral fins. They swim in schools near the surface and often broadcast their position by jumping out of the water. They can be raised in ponds, and are tolerant of brackish and fresh water. It was said if the head of this fish was eaten without an offering to Pahulu (King of Ghosts), sleeplessness and nightmares would result. False ‘Ama‘ama are reef grazers filtering out organic goodies using their gills. They are highly prized as food fish for humans.

♠ Look for False ‘Ama‘ama schools in tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

False Kamani – Terminalia cattapa False Kamani False Kamani – Terminalia cattapa (Introduced)
False Kamani is a large tree which was brought to Hawai‘I in the 1850’s. It produces many red fruits, with edible, almond like seeds inside. Another name for this tree is Indian Almond. Because these seeds can float and remain viable for long periods of time, it has spread to coastal areas on all the main Hawaiian Islands. It is also planted for shade in coastal areas wherever its extensive shallow root system can be kept well away from sidewalks or underground pipes. In other places in the tropics, parts of this tree are used for nuts, timber, dye and medicine.

♠ You will see large False Kamani trees planted near the picnic tables at Lihikai.
Fragile Forktail – Ischnura posita Fragile Forktail Fragile Forktail – Ischnura posita (Introduced)
The Fragile Forktail is also called “the exclamation point damselfly” because of the green or blue marks on its thorax. This damselfly was introduced to Hawai‘i in the 1930’s. Their aquatic larvae were probably accidentally released into fresh water ponds along with aquarium fish. Fragile Forktails use the same aquatic habitat as native damselflys, but so far, evidence suggests they have not impacted the native insects.

♠ Look for Fragile Forktails clinging to grasses or leaves near still water at Hā‘ena.
Gorilla Ogo – Gracilaria salicornia gorilla ogo

Gorilla Ogo – Gracilaria salicornia (Introduced)
This seaweed is native to the Philippines and South Pacific. It arrived accidentally in Hilo Bay sometime in the 1970’s. It can reproduce very rapidly, as the brittle stems break away to form new plants. It rolls along the sea bottom, forming giant ocean tumbleweeds and eventually, dense mats that shade out and suffocate native Limu and other reef creatures. Gorilla Ogo was brought to O‘ahu as a possible source of food. Excess nutrients from fertilizers or sewage can make this seaweed grow even faster. It can be spread from contaminated diving gear, fishing nets or bilge water.

♠ Look for Gorilla Ogo in the outer pools and on the reefs at Lihikai.

Hailepo – Spotted Eagle Ray – Aetobatus narinari Hailepo

Hailepo – Spotted Eagle Ray – Aetobatus narinari (Indigenous)
Hailepo seem to fly through the water on wings. They are closely related to sharks, and like sharks, have cartilage, no swim bladder, and use liver oil for ballast. In ancient Hawai’i, women were not allowed to eat Hailepo. These are true sting rays, with 1-5 venomous spines in their tails. Wounds from their spines are serious, and death is a possibility. Treat these animals with respect. If someone you know is stung do not try to remove the spine, get medical help immediately.

Hailepo scoop mollusks and crustaceans (snails and crabs) from sandy bottoms. They grind them with modified teeth, and then spit out the shells. Sharks and humans eat Hailepo.

♠ Look for Hailepo in the outer tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Why would a skeleton of cartilage benefit a shark, ray or skate?

Hala – Pandanus tectorius Hala Hala – Pandanus tectorius (Indigenous)
The Hala is one of the world’s most ancient plants, remaining virtually unchanged for over 250 million years. Male trees make fragrant flowers, and females produce pineapple shaped fruit. Lower Puna has some of the last great Hala forests in Hawai‘i. This plant is used in weaving, lei making and medicine. Ancient Hawaiian mele tells that fisherman at sea knew they were approaching Puna by the sweet smell of the fragrant Hala flowers.

♠ You can find thick groves of Hala growing on the coast at Hā‘ena
Hapu‘u i‘i – Cibotium menzeisii Hapu‘u I‘i

Hapu‘u i‘i – Cibotium menzeisii (Endemic)
Hapu‘u i‘i looks very much like its larger cousin Hapu‘u Pulu, except its new fronds and stems are covered with stiff dark hair that looks like the bristles of a pig. This fern is associated with Kamapua‘a, the pig god. Like other Hapu‘u, it is important as a nursery plant in the forest because the seeds of many other plants sprout and grow on their sponge like trunks.

♠ Look carefully for Hapu‘u i‘i growing in the shady understory in Wao Kele O Puna.

Hapu‘u Pulu – Cibotium glaucum Hapu‘u Pulu Hapu‘u Pulu – Cibotium glaucum (Endemic)
Hapu‘u Pulu are tree ferns found only in the Hawaiian Islands. These slow growing ferns can reach overall heights of twenty feet and make up a major part of the forest understory. Their trunks, which are actually masses of roots with a starchy core, grow about half an inch per year. These tree ferns are also called walking ferns because they have a weak support system of roots and their trunks eventually fall over. Then the growing tip straightens out and begins to grow upward again, until the fern falls over again, moving through the forest. Hapu‘u Pulu are named for the reddish fibers that covers their new shoots. This material was collected and sold for a time as a mattress and pillow filling until it was discovered that it broke down after only a year or two. Collecting for landscape use and wild pigs are modern threats to Hapu‘u Pulu.

♠ You can find Hapu‘u Pulu growing underneath ‘Ōhia Lehua and other trees in Wao Kele O Puna.
Hau – Hibiscus tilaceus Hau Hau – Hibiscus tilaceus (Indigenous?)
Hau are sprawling coastal trees with heart shaped leaves and flowers that resemble half opened hibiscus, to which they are related. It is unknown whether Hau arrived by itself, or was brought by early Polynesians. Future advances in fossil pollen analysis may give us the answer. Hau wood is light, but strong, and it floats. It was used to make amas, (outriggers) to stabilize canoes. Hau’s inner bark was cut into thin strips and used to make cordage and sandals, and was also worn by hula dancers. Hau branches placed along a beach indicated the shore was kapu, and no fishing was allowed there.

♠ Look for sprawling Hau trees near the coast
Hawaiian Gregory - Stegastes fasciolatus Gregory Hawaiian Gregory - Stegastes fasciolatus (Endemic)
These common fish are about 5 inches long and colored a dull brown with yellow eye rings. They are considered a keystone species in coral reef ecosystems. They seem hyperactive, with an attitude, and are fun to watch as they defend, groom and farm patches of algae. They will even nip passing swimmers. Hawaiian Gregorys eat the algae they farm. Bigger fish and humans eat them.

Hawaiian Gregorys play a huge part in the formation, continuation and health of a coral ecosystem. They tailor areas for their specific needs by farming algae and in doing so affect many other species. Removing the “Keystone” from a keystone arch causes total collapse. Hawaiian Gregorys are “Keystone species” in the Wai ‘Ōpae Tidepools. Loss of this species would dramatically affect the health of the tidepools.

♠ Look for Hawaiian Gregorys everywhere.
Hilo Beach Grass – Ischaemum byrone Hilo Beach Grass Hilo Beach Grass – Ischaemum byrone (Endemic)
Although difficult to tell apart from other native and non-native grasses, Hilo Beach Grass is an important plant in coastal ecosystems. This endemic grass used to be found along much of our coastal areas in Puna and Hilo. Development and aggressive alien species have caused it to become endangered. This grass is most often found growing near Naupaka, suggesting these two plants may have formed a relationship over time.

♠ You might see clumps of Hilo Beach Grass growing in rocky places close to the ocean, especially near Naupaka.
Honu – Green Sea Turtle – Chelonia mydas Honu Honu – Green Sea Turtle – Chelonia mydas (Indigenous)
There are at least six long term resident Honu at the Wai ‘Ōpae Tidepools. These turtles nest far away in the French Frigate Shoals. Female Honu drop about 200 eggs into a large pit dug in the sand. The young Honu hatch in 2 months and run to the sea, where large numbers of them are consumed by waiting predators. In 200 young turtles, only about two will probably survive to reproduce. While it is illegal to hunt or harm Honu, many are still lost to human causes, including oil spills, plastic trash, pesticides, entanglement, and poaching. Honu are known to eat jelly fish and just one plastic bag which looks a lot like a jelly fish to a hungry turtle, can suffocate and kill a sea Honu. Honu eat mostly algae and floating rafts of seaweed. Sharks and humans consume Honu.

♠ Look for Honu in the outer tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a – Picasso Triggerfish – Rhinecanthus rectangulus Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a

Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a – Picasso Triggerfish – Rhinecanthus rectangulus (Endemic)
The Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a is easy to identify, but tricky to spot. This fish is a good camouflage artist, which orients itself with its back to predators, at odd angles, to confuse them as it blends in with its surroundings. It is Hawai’i’s State Fish. Females guarding eggs can be aggressive and may bite. They hide in cracks and crevices, roll their eyes and grunt in defense. Nukunukuapua‘a means “nose like a pig.”, and this fish is considered to be one of the body forms of Kamapua‘a, the kupua (shape shifter god) who could be a man, pig or fish.

Hawaiian legend speaks of dark birth marks on children born to mothers who ate these fish while pregnant. They eat crustaceans and snails. Bigger fish, Eels, Octopi and humans eat them.

♠ Look for Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a in the outer tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
‘Ie‘ie – Freycinetia arborea Ie‘ie ‘Ie‘ie – Freycinetia arborea (Endemic)
‘Ie‘ie is a woody vine closely related to the Hala tree, which its leaf pattern resembles. This vine is found in mature native forests. It produces large flowers with brightly colored bracts, which botanists believe are designed to be pollinated by a mammal. They believe that mammal was the ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a, or Hawaiian Hoary Bat. Today there are many less ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a, but rats have taken over the job and now do some of the pollinating. ‘Ie‘ie is one of the plants sacred to the goddess Laka and is collected to be placed on kuahu, or hula altars.

♠ Look for ‘Ie‘ie growing on ‘Ōhia Lehua trunks in the shady forests of Wao Kele O Puna
‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua – Hawaiian Monk Seal – Monachus schauinslandi Monk Seal ‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua – Hawaiian Monk Seal – Monachus schauinslandi (Endemic)
Endangered ‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua are found nowhere else in the world. Their Hawaiian name means “dog running in the rough seas”. Most of the remaining population of less than 2,000 seals lives in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Occasionally individuals will come ashore, and even give birth on other islands. These large seals are usually very shy, and depend on safe, secluded beaches where they can rest and escape predators. Hā‘ena, one of the few sandy beaches on Hawai‘i’s eastern shore, provides a vital refuge for these seals. Unfortunately, their numbers continue to decline due to decreased food supply caused by over fishing, and harassment, and worse harm by humans.
If you ever see a resting Seal, stay away and let them rest. Tell other people to do the same. How can we let people know how important it is to stay away from Monk Seals?
‘Io – Hawaiian Hawk – Buteo solitarius Io darkIo light ‘Io – Hawaiian Hawk – Buteo solitarius (Endemic)
The endangered ‘Io is a medium sized hawk which can now only be found on the Island of Hawai‘i. ‘Io can be dark brown, or nearly white on their undersides. Ornithologists believe they nest only in large native trees, like ‘Ōhi‘as and produce only one egg per year. They glide over forests and farm fields, hunting insects, native and introduced birds, and rodents. The ‘Io is a symbol of royalty, and is also a family aumakua to many Hawaiians. Scientists believe there are only about 2,000 ‘Io left. They are threatened by habitat loss, low genetic diversity and potential future outbreaks of introduced diseases.

♠ Look for ‘Io soaring above the trees in Wao Kele O Puna.
‘Iole – Pacific Rat – Rattus exulans Iole - Rat

‘Iole – Pacific Rat – Rattus exulans (Introduced)
The ‘Iole arrived in Hawai‘i about 400 AD as a stowaway on early Polynesian canoes. These
medium sized rats live in fields, and were not significant pests near human settlements. They were hunted with small arrows for sport. After Western contact, many more species of rats arrived in Hawai‘i.

Rats are a major cause of the decline and extinction of native birds because they climb trees to rob nests of eggs and young, and prey relentlessly on ground nesting birds. When rats were removed from the Islet of Mokoli‘i, also called Chinaman’s Hat, the number of endangered Wedgetailed Shearwater chicks found there went from 0 to 126 the next year.

♠ Look for ‘Iole and their cousins just about everywhere after dark.
Ironwood – Casuarina equisetifolia Ironwoods

Ironwood – Casuarina equisetifolia (Introduced)
Ironwoods were first brought to Hawai‘i in 1882. Since then, they have spread to coastal areas of all the major islands. Their fallen needles make a thick mat, which eventually prevents other plants from colonizing, allowing the ironwoods to displace native coastal trees. Historically, ironwood roots were shaped when young, and later harvested by Hawaiians to make hooks for shark fishing. This tree is associated with war, and the very hard wood was used to make weapons.

♠ You can find Ironwoods growing near the coast at Lihikai.

‘Iwa – Greater Frigatebird – Fregata minor palmerstoni Iwa ‘Iwa – Greater Frigatebird – Fregata minor palmerstoni (Indigenous)
‘Iwa are large, mostly black sea birds with long wings and forked tails. They breed in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Males have a bright red pouch under their chins, which they inflate like a balloon in courtship displays. ‘Iwa are often seen stealing fish from other birds in mid air, which accounts for their Hawaiian name, meaning “thief”. Hula dancers are also poetically referred to as ‘Iwa, comparing them to the spectacularly graceful birds in flight. In folk wisdom, sighting ‘Iwa near land can mean a storm will soon come.

♠ Look for ‘Iwa gliding gracefully above the coastline at Hā‘ena
Japanese White-Eye – Zosterops japonica Japanese White Eye Japanese White-Eye – Zosterops japonica (Introduced)
The Japanese White-Eye was brought to Hawai‘i Island in 1837 from Japan as a pet. Some of these birds were released by their owners, or escaped accidentally, and thrived on Hawai‘i and O‘ahu. With a short incubation period, fast maturing young, and no natural predators to keep their population in check, their numbers increased very quickly. They occupy niches left vacant by native birds decimated by avian malaria and pox. Today they are widespread across all the Hawaiian Islands. Like many native birds, they eat nectar and insects, and may be displacing native birds from their habitats.

♠ You can find Japanese White-Eyes busily flitting among tree branches.
Kanawao – Broussaisia arguta Kanawao Kanawao – Broussaisia arguta (Endemic}
Kanawao is a medium sized shrub found in the shady understory of moist forests. This native plant is a hydrangea and is related to the large flowered blue or pink hydrangeas grown in gardens. Hawaiians called the plants Kanawao ‘ula‘ula (red Kanawao) or Kanawao ke‘oke‘o (white Kanawao), recognizing that there are two types of flowers found on different plants. The greenish white flowers are produced on male plants, and the greenish pink flowers are from female plants. Female Kanawao produce small red berries, which are eaten by birds.

♠ You might find Kanawao growing under ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua trees in Wao Kele O Puna.
Kawa‘u – Ilex anomala Kawau

Kawa‘u – Ilex anomala (Indigenous)
Kawa‘u is a small native tree found in the forest understory, which is a member of the holly family. Unlike other hollys, this plant lacks spines on the edges of its leaves. Fine veins on the dark green leathery leaves, which look like a fish net, make Kawa‘u easy to identify. Hawaiians used the wood from this tree to make special kapa pounding anvils, which made a booming sound when struck.

♠ Look for Kawa’u growing in the understory of Wao Kele O Puna.

Kihikihi – Moorish Idol –Zanclus cornutus Kihikihi

Kihikihi – Moorish Idol –Zanclus cornutus (Indigenous)
Kihikihi are yellow and black barred, 5 inch long fish with trailing pennants. Their name means “angular or zig-zag” in Hawaiian. Their Latin name, “cornutus” means horned, and refers to the spine on brow edge in front of their eyes. Fossils of these fish have been found that are over 50 million years old. Kihikihi do not live long in aquariums, but unfortunately, fish collectors still trap and sell them as aquarium fish.

Kihikihi eat sponges. Kihikihi taste bad to other fish and people.

♠ You would probably see Kihikihi on the reefs.
Kioea – Bristle-Thighed Curlew – Numenius tahitensis Kioea

Kioea – Bristle-Thighed Curlew – Numenius tahitensis (Visitor)
Kioea are fairly large, brownish birds with long legs and long down curved beaks. They are rare visitors to the main islands in winter. These birds prefer secluded shorelines and grassy fields. Kioea have been seen at South Point, Kealia Pond on Maui and Kahuku on O‘ahu. They will sometimes respond to an imitation of their call.

♠ You might see Kioea on the edges of quiet tidepools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Knobby Coral – Porites rus Knobby Coral Knobby Coral – Porites rus (Indigenous)
Knobby Coral is common in all reef environments and can be found throughout the South Pacific. It can grow in several different forms, from cylindrical lobes to flat plates. It is dark colored with white, yellow, or gray edges. An overabundance of this type of coral is considered an indicator of excess nutrients in the water.

♠ Knobby Coral is found on the reefs.
Ko‘a Kohe– Mushroom Coral – Fungia scuteria Ko‘a Kohe Ko‘a Kohe– Mushroom Coral – Fungia scuteria (Indigenous)
Ko‘a Kohe is different from other corals because it does not attach itself to a substrate. This free living coral can actually move across the sea floor using tentacles. If it tips over, it can right itself using these tentacles. In other places where this species is found, a small bi-valve lives inside the stomach of this coral, and scientists believe they have a mutually beneficial relationship. This bivalve has not yet been found inside Ko‘a Kohe in Hawai’i. Skeletons of Ko‘a Kohe were traditionally used to polish canoes, and to rub the bristles off of pig hides before roasting. Ko‘a Kohe eats photosynthetic sugars and dissolved organics. A parasitic snail eats soft tissues from Ko‘a Kohe.

♠ Ko‘a Kohe can be found on the sea bottom where wave energy is low.
Kōlea – Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva Kolea non breedingKolea breeding


Kōlea – Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva (Visitor)
Kōlea are long legged shore birds which visit the Hawaiian Islands mostly in the wintertime. Adult birds return to Hawai‘i from their nesting sites in the arctic in August. Most of these birds leave by May, but sometimes immature Kōlea remain in Hawai‘i throughout the summer. Kōlea run in short spurts searching for insects or marine invertebrates. They also eat plant parts, including leaves and flowers. The Kōlea is credited with leading early Polynesian explorers out at sea to the shores of Hawai‘i.

♠ You can find Kōlea darting around on rocky cliffs
Kōlea – Myrsine lessertiana Kolea Tree

Kōlea – Myrsine lessertiana (Endemic)
Kōlea are shrubs to small trees found in the shady understory of wet forests. Their new leaves are colored bright magenta, making them easy to spot. Hawaiians used their hard wood for house posts and kapa anvils. These trees also produce a sap from which a red dye was made.

♠ You can find Kōlea growing underneath taller ‘Ōhia Lehua trees in Wao Kele O Puna.
Koster’s Curse – Clidemia hirta Koster's Curse Koster’s Curse – Clidemia hirta (Introduced)
Koster’s Curse is a small, shrubby plant with unique, hairy leaves. It produces small white flowers and juicy fruits that look like hairy blueberries. This plant was only found on Oahu until 1961. Since then, it has spread to all the other major islands and is a serious pest. This plant spread so widely because it produces many seeds, which are dispersed by hungry birds, wind, and even accidentally by hikers and car tires. Because of plants like Koster’s Curse, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your boots after hiking or hunting.

♠ Look for Koster’s Curse near the edges of the road in Wao Kele O Puna
Kūmū – Whitesaddle Goatfish –Parupeneus porphyreus Kumu

Kūmū – Whitesaddle Goatfish –Parupeneus porphyreus (Indigenous)
Kūmū are bright red to pink fish, with dark stripes extending from their eyes. These fish used to be common in shallow waters near shore, but have become rare due to over fishing. Kūmūs are highly prized as food. They rest in small caves or crevices during the day, and hunt at night. Juvenile fish are greenish brown.

♠ Look for Kūmū in small caves in tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Lama – Diospyros sandwicensis Lama Lama – Diospyros sandwicensis (Endemic)
Lama are small to medium sized trees found in both dry and wet lowland forests in Hawai’i. They are related to persimmon and ebony trees, and their small, tart fruit was sometimes eaten as a snack or used as famine food by ancient Hawaiians. Much of their lowland forest habitat has been destroyed, and because of their extremely slow growth rate, these beautiful trees are becoming increasingly rare. Lama is the Hawaiian word for “light”, which may refer to their lovely new leaves, colored pink and red. This tree is associated with the forest goddess Laka, and a block of lama wood wrapped in kapa symbolizes her on hula altars.

♠ You can find lama trees growing among ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua trees above the high tide line on the older soils of the kipuka near the parking area.
Lau i Pala – Yellow Tang -Zebrasoma flavescens Lauipala Lau i Pala – Yellow Tang -Zebrasoma flavescens (Indigenous)
Lau i Pala means “yellow leaf” in Hawaiian, which is just what this brilliant yellow, 3 to 4 inch long fish looks like. These fish can live up to 45 years. The name “tang” refers to the sharp scalpel like fin at base of their tails. These fish are often collected to be sold as aquarium fish, where they are not protected by law. Lau i Pala eat filamentous algae. Roi and aquariums eat Lau i Pala.

♠ Look for Lau i Pala in tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Limu Kala – Sargassum echinocarpum Limukala Limu Kala – Sargassum echinocarpum (Indigenous)
Limu Kala is easy to find in many places by the shore. It looks like a tiny Christmas tree with fuzz. Humans use this seaweed in many ways including as bait for Kala (Blue Spine Unicorn fish, and other fish) and also as a poultice for human wounds. It is used by Hawaiians in ho‘oponopono (community mediation) and is worn by hula dancers and displayed on altars. Some types are reportedly eaten, but many do not eat Limu Kala. Legend says it was placed at the bottom of war canoes to strengthen the resolve of warriors going to battle. Limu Kala was a traditional offering to Kanaloa and Lono during religious ceremonies.

♠ Look for Limu Kala in the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Limu Kohu – Asparagopsis taxiformis Limu Kohu Limu Kohu – Asparagopsis taxiformis (Indigenous)
Limu Kohu looks like a weedy, reddish feather duster, and is a traditional ingredient in poke. It contains iodine and an oil, called bromoform. This Limu is found at the edges of reefs where there is constant wave motion. It is best collected after a few days of rain. Only the upright parts are collected, soaked overnight, and then pounded and rolled into walnut sized balls for storage. Limu are masters of photosynthesis.

♠ Look for Limu Kohu in the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Limu Waiwae‘iole – Codium edule Limu Waiwae‘iole Limu Waiwae‘iole – Codium edule (Indigenous)
Limu Waiwae‘iole is the name for a soft, green Limu that lies flat against rocks. This Limu makes many branches, and eventually forms a mat, which also incorporates sand and bits of shell. The name Waiwae‘iole means “rat’s foot”, and probably refers to the shape of the thin branches. This popular Limu is sold commercially in grocery stores.

♠ Look for Limu Waiwae‘iole on rocks in the shallow pools at Lihikai.
Lobe Coral – Porites lobata Lobe Coral

Lobe Coral – Porites lobata (Indigenous)
Lobe Coral is one of the most common corals in Hawaiian waters. It is most often found in shallow water, just below the highest wave action. Lobe Coral forms large yellow to green domes, and large colonies may be hundreds of years old. These corals sometimes encrust and cover over other nearby corals. Brightly colored Christmas Tree Worms are often found living the surface of Lobe Coral, and a type of small shrimp lives in the cracks, where it farms blue and green Filamentous Algae. Lobe Coral eats photosynthetic sugars and dissolved organics. ‘Uhu and Sea Stars eat Lobe Coral.

♠ Lobe Coral is found on the reefs outside the tidepools at Lihikai.

Lobe Corals can reproduce by cloning. Is a clone the same or a completely different individual? And is a colony of clones the same or a completely different group?

Maile – Alyxia oliviformis Maile

Maile – Alyxia oliviformis (Endemic)
Maile’s aromatic leaves occur at intervals along the stems in whorls of three. It bears tint yellow flowers and small black, olive shaped fruits. There are many varieties of maile known by their leaf size and the potency of their fragrance.

Hawaiian legend tells of three Maile sisters, each associated with a different leaf size. This vine is one of the plants sacred to the forest goddess Laka,and was placed on the kuahu, or hula altar. It continues to be used today for lei making and is declining due to intense collecting pressure.

♠ You might find Maile climbing up smaller tree trunks or on shrubs in the shady forest understory in Wao Kele O Puna.

Māmaki – Pipturus albidus Mamaki

Māmaki – Pipturus albidus (Endemic)
Māmaki is a shrub to small tree which is very closely related to the stinging nettle plant found in the Americas. Luckily, Māmaki does not have the tiny stinging hairs like its cousins. This plant is the favorite food and habitat of the Kamehameha Butterfly caterpillar, which is one of Hawaii’s two native butterflies. The caterpillar’s head looks like the Māmaki’s berry and is a good camouflage against hungry birds. Another defense strategy the caterpillar uses is to roll itself up under the plant’s leaf tips in the day to avoid predators and then emerge at night to eat.

Māmaki leaves have long been used to make a mineral rich tonic tea.

♠ Look for Māmaki at the edges of the forest where there is more sunlight in Wao Kele O Puna.

Manini – Convict Tang – Acanthurus triostegis Manini

Manini – Convict Tang – Acanthurus triostegis (Indigenous)
Manini are small, round, silver fish with vertical black bars. They form large schools and travel in “feeding guilds” of several species which can overpower other reef grazers. They defend territories and protect favorite feeding areas. Similar to other Tangs, they have sharp scalpel-like spines at the base of their tails. Manini eat filamentaceous algae. Humans and bigger fish eat Manini.

♠ Look for Manini throughout the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Manō Lālā Kea – Whitetip Reef Shark - Trianodon obesus Mano

Manō Lālā Kea – Whitetip Reef Shark - Trianodon obesus (Indigenous)
Manō Lālā Kea are brown with white fin tips, and can grow up to 6 feet long. Like other sharks, they have a skeleton of cartilage instead of bone. They can rest on the bottom for extended periods. These sharks are not considered to be man eaters, like Tiger, Great White, Hammerhead, and other sharks.

Most sharks bear live young and have long gestation periods of up to 2 years for some species. Shark species are rapidly declining in all oceans. Over fishing for meat or fins used in Chinese medicine, as bycatch (healthy fish destroyed in the quest to get to the target catch), or to reduce competition for commercial fish results in the deaths of 100 million sharks each year.

♠ Look for Manō Lālā Kea outside the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

What can be done to reduce shark over fishing?
Mexican Molly – Poecilia sphenops Mexican Molly Mexican Molly – Poecilia sphenops (Introduced)
The Mexican Molly is an alien fish which was probably released by aquarium hobbyists. With few natural predators, it thrived in Hawai’i’s near shore environments. This fish is detrimental to native Damselfly larvae and young native fish, which it eats. It also carries several non-native parasites, which can be passed on to native fish. The parasites cause more harm to native fish, which have no immunity.

♠ Look for Mexican Mollies in the shallow, tree lined tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Milo – Thespesia populnea Milo

Milo – Thespesia populnea (Indigenous)
Milo is a medium sized coastal tree with glossy, heart shaped leaves and yellow to red flowers. Although Milo grows in other places in the Pacific, it is not known whether it arrived in Hawai‘i by itself, or was brought by early Polynesians.

Milo’s beautiful wood was prized for carving in old Hawai‘i as it is today. The bark of this tree was also used for fiber. Ancient Hawaiians planted Milo trees near their coastal homes for shade.

♠ You can find Milo growing along the rocky edges of tidepools at Wai ‘Ōpae, especially where Red Mangroves have been removed.

Mongoose (Small Indian) – Herpestes auropunctatus Mongoose Small Indian Mongoose – Herpestes auropunctatus (Introduced)
The mongoose is a weasel like carnivore native to India and Asia. It was first brought to Hawai‘i in 1883 by a sugar planter who heard that it had been successfully used at sugar plantations in Jamaica to control rats. This story was untrue, and unfortunately, the mongoose preferred to dine on native birds. Often people think of the mongoose as a failed example of bio-control (importing a natural enemy of an alien species to slow its spread). One major difference in today’s scientific bio-control efforts is the use of rigorous testing to determine the impacts the new organism might make on the ecosystem.

♠ You can see the Small Indian Mongoose nearly everywhere
Mosquito (Southern House) – Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquito

Southern House Mosquito – Culex quinquefasciatus (Introduced)
Before the 1800's, there were no mosquitoes anywhere in Hawai‘i. In 1826, a ship which had been in Mexico, collected water at a spring near Lahaina, emptying the foul water from their barrels into the spring. This released mosquito larvae into the spring, which survived and multiplied. Today there are at least 5 species of mosquitoes in Hawai‘i, all of them accidentally introduced.

Mosquitoes have seriously harmed Hawai‘i's native bird populations by spreading avian malaria.

♠ Southern House Mosquitoes will find you nearly every place in Hawai‘i

Mynah (Common) – Acridotheres tristis Mynah

Common Mynah – Acridotheres tristis (Introduced)
The Common Mynah is native to India, where they are often kept as pets. They travel in pairs, and can mimic human words and other sounds. These birds were brought to O‘ahu in 1865 to combat introduced army worms, which caused crop damage. They reproduced rapidly and now are common on all the main Hawaiian Islands.

♠ You can see Common Mynahs flying in noisy pairs from tree to tree
Nananana Makaki‘i – Happyface Spider– Theridion grallator Nananana makaki‘i

Nananana Makaki‘i – Happyface Spider– Theridion grallator (Endemic)
Nananana makaki‘i are very small spiders found only in native rain forests on the islands of Maui, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i. Their Hawaiian name means “face patterned spider”. They have many different types of markings, resembling faces, which scientists believe help prevent them from being eaten by birds.

♠ You may find Nananana Makaki‘i on the leaf undersides of native plants, especially Mamaki in Wao Kele O Puna.

Naupaka Kahakai– Scaevola sericea Naupaka

Naupaka Kahakai– Scaevola sericea (Indigenous)
Naupaka Kahakai’s ancestor arrived from other parts of the Pacific. Once this plant became established on the shoreline, it began to take advantage of other ecological niches and evolved into several distinct species, which grow further inland. These species, called collectively Naupaka Kuahiwi (Mountain Naupaka) are endemic to Hawai‘I, and found nowhere else.

♠ You can find Naupaka Kahakai growing in rocky places very close to the ocean.

Nēnē – Hawaiian Goose – Branta sandvicensis Nene

Nēnē – Hawaiian Goose – Branta sandvicensis (Endemic)
Nēnē were on the brink of extinction in 1822, when Herbert Shipman captured two pairs of the birds from the wild and brought them to his home at Hā‘ena. There, where they were protected from introduced predators and could find enough food, they began to reproduce. Nēnē are still endangered, and are threatened by habitat loss, introduced predators, like rats, mongoose and feral cats. Today there are small populations on Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i and Maui.

The Nēnē is the State Bird of Hawai‘i.

♠ Look for Nēnē near the grassy area near the lagoon at Hā‘ena.
Niu – Coconut Palm – Cocos nucifera Niu Niu – Coconut Palm – Cocos nucifera (Polynesian Introduction)
Niu is the world’s most economically important palm, used for wood, thatch, and the delicious fruit. Because of the fruit’s ability to float long distances, the coconut palm has colonized nearly every tropical region on Earth except Hawai‘i, because of its extreme isolation. Wild stands of Niu can indicate fresh water underground. In Hawaiian legend, this palm is associated with the gods Kū and Niuolaki. A famous Hawaiian legend places the origin of Niu at Kalapana.

♠ You can find Niu on the coasts where they have been planted or have floated and sprouted on their own.
Noio -Hawaiian Noddy – Anous minutus melanogenys (Endemic) Noio Noio -Hawaiian Noddy – Anous minutus melanogenys (Endemic)
Noio are unusual because they are endemic coastal birds that reside in Hawai‘i year round, while most of our sea birds spend winters here, and leave in summer to breed in the arctic. These birds make nests in caves, or rocky ledges of sea cliffs in late spring. Usually, Noio nest together as a colony. The females lay only one egg each year. They can often be seen hunting fish near their nesting sites.

Their cousins, Noio Koha, or Brown Noddys, nest on the ground, and because of this have not survived on the main islands, where they have been wiped out by predators.

♠ Look for graceful Noio swooping near sea cliffs at Hā‘ena.
‘Ohe – Tetraplassandra hawaiiensis Ohe ‘Ohe – Tetraplassandra hawaiiensis (Endemic)
‘Ohe are large trees found in Hawai‘i’s windward lowland forests. These endangered forest giants were formerly more common, but have declined because of habitat destruction, competition from alien plants and damage caused by wild pigs. There are still a few stands of these beautiful native trees left in Puna’s remaining forests. They exude a rubbery amber colored sap if wounded and the entire tree gives off a pleasant fragrance.

♠ You may see an ‘Ohe near the road in the older forest of Wao Kele O Puna.
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua – Metrosideros polymorpha Ohia ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua – Metrosideros polymorpha (Endemic)
The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua is a highly adaptable native tree found growing in widely different climates throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This slow growing tree is an important food source for native nectar eating birds. Its fallen leaves add organic material to young rocky volcanic soils, allowing other plants to colonize developing forests. This tree was traditionally used for house and temple building, and for lei material. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua is associated with the goddess Pele, and also with her youngest sister, Hi’iaka-i-ka-poli-o-Pele.

♠ Look for ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua colonizing the newer lava flows and everywhere in Wao Kele O Puna.
‘Omilu – Bluefin Trevally – Caranx melampygus Omilu

‘Omilu – Bluefin Trevally – Caranx melampygus (Indigenous)
‘Omilu are large, fast, brilliant blue fish that can change from light blue to black in a few seconds. These fish are patient and cunning predators, and often hunt in companion teams with Eels and Octopus. ‘Omilu eat smaller fish, Octopus, and small crustaceans. Humans eat ‘Omilu.

♠ ‘Omilu can be found off the shore at Hā‘ena.
‘Ōpae Huna – Banded Coral Shrimp – Stenopus hispidus Opea Huna

‘Ōpae Huna – Banded Coral Shrimp – Stenopus hispidus (Indigenous)
These creatures are not true shrimp, but decapods. They have red and white stripes, and are usually found in pairs. They feed and guard each other during molting, and perform a special courtship dance. They will drop their claws if they are stressed, and grow new ones with their next few molts.

‘Ōpae Huna clean parasites, algae, dead tissue and loose scales from other reef animals. They are often seen in the open mouths of moray eels cleaning the eel’s teeth. They also clean each other’s faces. In old Hawai’i shrimps were used to cast out evil spirits. Their main predators are true shrimp.

♠ Look closely for ‘Ōpae Huna on rocks in the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

‘Ōpe‘ape‘a – Hawaiian Hoary Bat – Lasiurus cinereus Ope‘ape‘a

‘Ōpe‘ape‘a – Hawaiian Hoary Bat – Lasiurus cinereus (Endemic)
The ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a is Hawai‘i’s only native land mammal. Unlike its cousins in other parts of the world, this bat does not live in large colonies. Solitary individuals usually roost in tall, native trees during the day and hunt for insects in the late afternoon and evening.

The ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a’s ancestors probably arrived after being blown off course during migration across Central and North America. These endangered bats were the primary pollinator for the ‘Ie‘ie vine. They are threatened by habitat destruction, introduced pathogens and pesticide use.

♠ Look for at ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a around dusk chasing flying insects in forest clearings.
‘Ōpae ‘Ula– Anchialine Shrimp – Halocaridina rubra Opea Ula

‘Ōpae ‘Ula– Anchialine Shrimp – Halocaridina rubra (Endemic)
‘Ōpae ‘Ula are tiny red shrimp that live in brackish ponds near the sea. They retreat to the safety of underground crevices and small lava tubes to avoid predators. They can also survive tidal fluctuations this way, and will return to small ponds again when the tide is higher. These shrimp have voracious appetites for algae. They will clean land locked ponds of nearly all visible algae, unless predators, like unused bait fish, are introduced to the water.

‘Ōpae ‘Ula were once plentiful enough to be used as bait by Hawaiians for ‘Ōpelu fishing.

♠ Look for ‘Ōpae ‘Ula on submerged rocks near the edges of tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

‘Ōpihi - Limpet – Cellana sandwicensis Opihi

‘Ōpihi - Limpet – Cellana sandwicensis (Endemic)
‘Ōpihi are spoon sized limpets with ribbed, oval shells, which cling to surf swept cliff faces and cracks. Many attempts to collect this creature in the rocky surf zone have resulted in death, and recall the words of ocean wisdom. "Never turn your back on the sea.”

Hawaiian legend says if you eat ‘Ōpihi on shore while your friend still gathers them from the ocean, the next wave will take you out to your friend.

‘Ōpihi eat the algae they can graze near their burrowed home. Seabirds and humans highly prize ‘Ōpihi as food. Their populations have been heavily impacted by collecting. There is a commercial market for ‘Ōpihi as well as commercial and sport regulation.

♠You could see ‘Ōpihi on rocks off the sea cliffs at Hā‘ena.
Pala‘ā – Sphenomeris chinensis Pala‘a Pala‘ā – Sphenomeris chinensis (Indigenous)
Pala‘ā is a fairly common forest fern with lacy green fronds. It often grows at forest edges and in disturbed places. This fern is associated with the goddess Hi‘iaka, who wore a magical skirt made from Pala‘ā fronds. Another name for this fern, Pā‘ūopala‘e, means “frond skirt”. Hawaiians used this fern to make a brown dye and as medicine, especially for women’s health issues. Pala‘ā is also placed on the kuahu, or hula altar.

♠ You can find Pala‘ā in small clearings and at the forest edges in Wao Kele O Puna
Palapalai – Microlepia strigosa Palapalai Palapalai – Microlepia strigosa (Indigenous)
Palapalai is a bright green fern with wide, upright fronds which are covered with fine hairs. It has a woodsy fragrance that some people believe has a slight smell of dirty laundry. This fern is also called Palai, which means “to turn one’s face away in shyness or humility”. These ferns are important adornments in hula and are widely collected for that purpose today.

♠ You might find patches of Palapalai growing in the shady forests of Wao Kele O Puna
Pāpala Kēpau – Pisonia umbellifera Papala Kepau

Pāpala Kēpau – Pisonia umbellifera (Endemic)
Pāpala Kēpau are medium sized trees found in the understory of wet windward forests. They have large glossy leaves and produce clusters of very sticky fruit which was used by Hawaiian bird catchers to trap forest birds. This tree also depends on birds to scatter their seeds, which stick for a time to the feathers and eventually drop off in another location.

♠ Look for Pāpala Kēpau at the forest edges and in small clearings in Wao Kele O Puna.

Picture Wing Fly – Drosophilia spp. Picture Wing Fly Picture Wing Fly – Drosophilia spp. (Endemic)
More than 1000 species of Picture Wing Flies evolved from a single female ancestor, which arrived from North America about 26 million years ago. At that time the main Hawaiian Islands we know today did not even exist. The descendents of this original fly moved from island to island as each one became inhabitable. Their habitats also became fragmented by lava flows, which caused different populations to become unique species. Each species of Picture Wing Fly performs a complicated mating display which is unique from all others. Today there are 106 remaining species of these flies, some rare and endangered. Each species lives in a very specific environment and many of them breed only on one or two specific native plants.

♠ Look for Picture Wing Flys which may land on you in Wao Kele O Puna.
Pinao – Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly – Anax strenuus Pinao Pinao – Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly – Anax strenuus (Endemic)
Pinao are the largest and fastest flying dragonflies found in the United States. They have two pair of wings and their wingspan can be up to seven inches wide. Pinao begin life without wings and live in streams and ponds. They molt several times before they finally develop wings and leave their aquatic habitat. They hunt by hovering high above their prey, and then swooping down to catch them with their front legs. Pinao eat mosquitoes, butterflies, bees and flies. Hawaiian myth says that the Pinao descended from the ant, or Naonao. They are endangered because introduced fish eat their larvae and their habitats have been reduced, due to water diversion for agriculture and development.

♠ Look for Pinao flying fast, or hovering near the edges of the lagoon at Hā‘ena.
Pinapinao or Pinao Ula– Hawaiian Damselflys – Megalagrion blackburni Pinao Ula

Pinapinao or Pinao Ula– Hawaiian Damselflys – Megalagrion blackburni, M. calliphya and M. hawaiiense (Endemic)
When Pinapinao hatch from their eggs, they look very different from their adult form. They begin life in water as predacious naiads that hunt other aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Eventually, they molt and transform into a winged insect that hunts other flying insects with remarkable skill. If an adult is disturbed by a predator, it flies high into the forest canopy. If it is caught by a predator, it plays dead. There are 23 species of Pinapinao in Hawai‘i, and many of them are endangered due to loss of wetland habitat.

♠ You might see Pinapinao hovering near still water at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Pohuehue – Ipomoea Pes-caprae Pohuehue Pohuehue – Ipomoea Pes-caprae (Indigenous)
Pohuehue is a low, sprawling vine, found on loose sand, very close to the ocean. It has heart shaped leaves and large purple flowers, which resemble morning glorys. These indigenous vines prevent beach erosion and are often used as nesting sites by sea turtles. The stems and leaves of Pohuehue were also used medicinally in therapeutic steam baths. Legends tell that at times when the sea was calm, surfers would stand on shore and whip the edge of the ocean with these vines to call the surf to rise.

♠ Look for Pohuehue near the ocean growing in pockets of sand at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Pua‘a – Feral Pig – Sus scrofa Pua‘a

Pua‘a – Feral Pig – Sus scrofa (Introduced)
The Pua‘a that live in Hawai‘i’s forests today are very different from the ones the early Polynesians brought with them. The Polynesian pigs were much smaller than modern wild pigs and they remained near their owners’ homes where they were fed. Westerners brought the much larger European pig, which interbred with the Polynesian pig and produced larger offspring that could live in the forests. These wild pigs spread across all the major islands and cause serious damage to native forests.

♠ Look out for Pua‘a in the underbrush in Wao Kele O Puna.

Pueo – Asio flammeus sandwichensis Pueo Pueo – Asio flammeus sandwichensis (Endemic)
The endangered Pueo is Hawai‘i’s only surviving native owl. It lives in dry and wet forests on all the major islands and hunts over open ground. Unlike other owls, the Pueo is most active in daylight hours, hunting around dusk and dawn. Pueo nest on the ground, in tufts of grass, and are vulnerable to predation by mongooses and other predators. Hawaiians regard the Pueo as a family aumakua and a symbol of protection.

♠ You might see Pueo hunting at the edges of the forest in Wao Kele O Puna.
Pūhi Kāpā – Snowflake Eel – Echidna nebulosa Puhi Kapa

Pūhi Kāpā – Snowflake Eel – Echidna nebulosa (Indigenous)
Pūhi Kāpā are marked with yellow and black paisley designs on a white background. They grow to 30” long, but at Wai ‘Ōpae are much smaller. Unlike other eels, these are visible during the day and have grinding plates instead of teeth, which they use to crush crabs, snails and sometimes fingers. Puhi Kāpā often hunt in cooperation with Goat Fish and small Jacks.

Eels differ from fish because they have a continuous dorsal fin, no scales and no paired fins. Puhi Kāpā eat crustaceans and mollusks. Groupers, sharks and rays eat Pūhi Kāpā.

♠ Look for Pūhi Kāpā on the bottoms of tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

What benefit would such a colorful pattern provide?

Pulelehua – Kamehameha Butterfly – Vanessa tameamea Pulelehua

Pulelehua – Kamehameha Butterfly – Vanessa tameamea (Endemic)
Pulelehua are one of Hawai‘i’s two native butterflies. They can often be seen near Koa trees, where they feed on sap oozing from broken branches. Their caterpillars can often be found on native Māmaki i plants, where they feed and develop into butterflies. The Pulelehua caterpillar's head looks like the fruit of the Māmaki plant. They fold themselves up in Mamaki leaves during the day to hide from birds. When they are ready to turn into butterflies, they build a cocoon that looks a lot like a withered Māmaki leaf.

♠ You can only find Pulelehua and their caterpillars in native forests. Look for them under Mamaki leaves in Wao Kele O Puna.
Red Mangrove – Rhizopora mangle Red Mangrove

Red Mangrove – Rhizopora mangle (Introduced)
Red Mangroves were first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1902, by sugar planters, who
used them to stabilize massive erosion caused by poor farming practices. The mangroves did
hold some soil, but they also replaced native coastal forests and pristine coastlines with vast expanses of anaerobic muck, in which nothing else could grow. These trees’ leaves shade out sun loving corals, and the muck they produce literally smothers coral colonies, killing off entire coral reefs. In other parts of the world, mangroves are important components of healthy ecosystems. But in Hawai‘i, where our native species evolved without them, they are extremely damaging to coastal native habitats.

♠ You will see where Red Mangroves were once growing around shallow tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

Rice Coral – Montipora capitata Rice Coral

Rice Coral – Montipora capitata (Indigenous)
Rice coral is easy to identify in field. Look for a rough surface that resembles grains of rice. There are a variety of forms, including cups, plates, pinnacles and fingers. This coral is usually brown with white edges. It is tolerant and resistant to changes in salinity and sedimentation. Rice Coral lives with photosynthetic algae which provide a food source (sugars). This coral also eats zooplankton. Ornate and Teardrop Butterflyfish eat Rice Coral. .

♠ Look for Rice Coral throughout Wai ‘Ōpae Tidepools.

Roi or Peacock Grouper – Cephalopholis argus Roi Roi or Peacock Grouper – Cephalopholis argus (Introduced)
This large, colorful fish, covered with iridescent blue spots, is increasingly common. These alien groupers sometimes form a “hunting team” with Eel and Octopi. Roi were introduced to Hawai’i from the South Pacific in the mid 1950’s as a human food source. This fish often has ciguatera, a harmful toxin that can be passed on to humans by eating the fish. For this reason, it is rarely eaten. Roi population numbers have exploded across all the main islands. Roi are blamed for declining numbers of native fish.

♠ Look for Roi throughout the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.
Spotted Dove – Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Dove

Spotted Dove – Streptopelia chinensis (Introduced)
Spotted Doves can be found near seashores, in towns and cities, and also in native forests. These doves are one of the few non-native birds that can live in Hawai‘i’s native forests. They were introduced to Hawai‘i during the 1800’s.

♠ You can find spotted doves from seashores to high forests.
Ta‘ape – Bluestripe Snapper - Lutjanus kasmira Ta‘ape

Ta‘ape – Bluestripe Snapper - Lutjanus kasmira (Introduced)
Ta‘ape are fish native to other South Pacific Islands, which were introduced in Hawai‘i in 1958, in response to declining native fish populations. These fish reproduced rapidly, but unfortunately, they do not taste very good and were never a commercial success.

About 3,000 fish were originally released on O‘ahu. They soon spread to the other islands and now can be found as far away as Midway Atoll. Ta‘ape have displaced many native fish by competing with them for food, habitat and eating their young. They also harbor a parasite that may be spreading to native fish. Many older fisherman blame Ta‘ape for the continuing decline of Hawai’i’s native fish.

♠ Look for Ta‘ape throughout the tide pools at Wai Ōpae.

‘Uhaloa – Waltheria indica Uhaloa

‘Uhaloa – Waltheria indica (Indigenous)
‘Uhaloa is a short, shrubby plant with gray-green leaves and small, yellow flowers. It grows in drier parts of many different habitats from sea level to about 4,000 feet.

This fairly common plant is widely used in traditional Hawaiian medicine as a remedy for sore throats. The roots, stems, leaves and bark are pounded and strained as a gargle, or else a small piece of the root is chewed slowly. It tastes extremely bitter!

This plant is one of the kinolau (physical manifestations) of the god Kamapua’a.

♠ You might see Uhaloa growing near the edge of the lowland forest at Wai ‘Ōpae.

‘Uhu Uliuli – Spectacled Parrotfish –Chlorurus perspicillatus Uhu Uliuli

‘Uhu Uliuli – Spectacled Parrotfish –Chlorurus perspicillatus (Indigenous)
There are many kinds of ‘Uhu, or Parrotfish, and they are not easy to tell apart. The ‘Uhu Uliuli is
a big fish, up to 2 feet long, that changes color quickly and dramatically. They are shy, spook
easily, and often hide beyond sight. These fish make a distinct sex and color change over their
lifetimes from female to male to “supermale”. Uliuli is Hawaiian for the deep blue of the sea. These deep blue fish are the “supermales”. They form mucous cocoons like sleeping bags, to rest in at night. Old Hawaiian legend speaks of fishermen regarding parrotfish behavior as an indication what their wives were doing back home while they were gone.

Parrotfish eat algae they carve from the surface of coral. They digest organic material and deposit coral residue as sand. Most of the coral sand in the Hawaiian Islands has been through a parrot fish at least once. They leave behind large grazing scars on coral. Humans eat ‘Uhu Uliuli

♠ Look for ‘Uhu Uliuli throughout the Wai’ ‘Ōpae Tidepools.

How would ‘Uhu benefit from a mucous sleeping bag? Do fish sleep?

Ula – Spiny Lobster – Panulirus marginatus Ula

Ula – Spiny Lobster – Panulirus marginatus (Endemic)
Ula are difficult to find in the daytime, when they hide in holes and crevices. They will often share a den or cave with eels or octopi. They are covered with especially sharp spines which lead out in front of their heads. Ula populations are declining in most seas because of over fishing. Commercial and sport fishing laws have slowed population decline somewhat. Ula in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands are a vital food source for Monk Seal pups. Ula will eat everything they can scavenge, and many animals eat Ula.

♠ You might see Ula hiding in holes in the rocks in the tide pools at Wai ‘Ōpae.

‘Ūlei – Osteomeles anthyllidifolia Ulei ‘Ūlei – Osteomeles anthyllidifolia (Indigenous)
‘Ūlei is a plant with several very different forms, including a medium sized tree, and a low, ground hugging shrub. Near the coast it grows in low, sprawling masses and produces clusters of white flowers that resemble single roses. ‘Ūlei is part of the rose family, but unlike its more familiar cousins, it has no thorns. The hard wood of this plant was used to make fishing lures and hooks, the flowers were woven into lei, and the bland tasting berries were eaten in times of famine.

♠ Look for ‘Ūlei at the sunny edge of the older lowland forest kipuka at Wai ‘Ōpae
Ulua Aukea – Giant Trevally – Caranx ignobilis Ulua Aukea Ulua Aukea – Giant Trevally – Caranx ignobilis (Indigenous)
Ulua Aukea is a very large fish which inhabits different marine environments at different stages of its life. Juveniles are known to live in shallow, near shore waters with low salinity, like tidepools, and reefs near freshwater springs. These fish are considered apex predators, and may hunt alone or in groups. They also employ hunting strategies like following Monk Seals and even sharks to steal their prey. Their diet is primarily fish, but also includes crustaceans and mollusks. These fish were formerly abundant, but now are rare. Ulua Aukea are eaten by sharks and humans.

♠You might see Ulua Aukea offshore at Lihikai.
Wāwae‘iole – Christmas Tree Club Moss -Lycopodiella cernua Wawae‘iole

Wāwae‘iole – Christmas Tree Club Moss -Lycopodiella cernua (Indigenous)
Wāwae‘iole is not a fern, but a “fern ally”. Long before the first flowering plant appeared on earth, the ancestors of this plant grew to be over 100 feet tall and formed huge forests. Fossil evidence suggests that they looked much the same as today except for their great size. Wāwae‘iole means “rat’s foot”, which aptly describes the plant’s appearance. This plant was used as a remedy for rheumatism. It continues to be collected for use in lei.

♠ You can find Wāwae‘iole growing on the ground in sun and shade in Wao Kele O Puna

Yellow Billed Cardinal – Paroaria capitata Yellow Billed Cardinal

Yellow Billed Cardinal – Paroaria capitata (Introduced)
These brightly colored birds are native to South America and were first seen in Hawai‘i in 1973. They have established populations on the leeward side of Hawai‘i Island from Hawi to South Point, and recently have moved into the Districts of Puna and Hilo.
Yellow Billed Cardinals frequent bird feeders, and residential and urban centers.

♠ You will see Yellow Billed Cardinals near the picnic tables at Lihikai.

Zebra Dove – Geopelia striata Zebra Dove

Zebra Dove – Geopelia striata (Introduced)
Zebra Doves are small doves, which were introduced to Hawai‘i from Asia in 1922. They are very tame and will even accept food from humans. They will often look for crumbs of food in parking lots, picnic areas and outdoor restaurants.

They make a distinctive cooing sound and bow their heads repeatedly during courtship.

♠ You will see zebra doves on the ground near the picnic tables at Lihikai.

     

{Name}
{Photo}
{Description}