Local Birds, Sea Creatures and Plants

» About Kauai and Po'ipu Crater Resort          » Visit Amazing Sites Nearby

During your stay at Po'ipu Crater, you may be lucky enough to see many of the following plants and animals:

Hawaiian Monk Seal - `ilioholoikauaua

Hawaiian Monk seals can often be seen laying in the sun on many of Po'ipu's beaches. The monk seal and the Hoary bat are Hawaii's only mammals that they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Although Monk seals may have got their name from their monk-like preference for solitude, ancient Hawaiians called the seal Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which means "dog that runs in rough waters". The population of the Hawaiian monk seal is currently estimated to be between. Adult monk seals measure about seven feet in length, weigh 400 to 600 pounds and have a life expectancy of 30 years.

You can learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seal Research by visiting the Pacific Islands Fisheries Research Center's Marine Mammal Research Program website.

If you are lucky enough to see a Monk Seal resting on the beach, please abide by the following rules:

• Do not approach monk seals while on land or in the water. They may approach swimmers, divers or vessels out of curiosity, but in no instance should you approach them. This may be considered a form of harassment and may result in a hefty fine (a sentence to up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine!).
  
  
• When it is necessary to pass by a monk seal that has hauled itself on to a beach, it is recommended that you remain a minimum distance of 100 feet away from the seal, so as not to disturb them. Seals need undisturbed rest on land—it is critical for their survival.
  
  
• Do your best to avoid female monk seals with pups, and never come between a mother and a pup. Contact with humans or dogs may transmit diseases; an epidemic which could cause the seals' extinction
  
  
• Report sightings of injured or sick seals or of harassment by others to the NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal 24-hour Hotline at (808) 220-7802

Hawaiian Goose - nene

The Nene was named as Hawaii's state bird in 1957, even though it was practically hunted to extinction in the 1940's. Thankfully, attempted efforts thereafter soon began to re-establish populations in their native habitat through captive breeding programs and recent efforts have been successful. There are now stable, albeit small populations of Nene on the islands of Hawai'i, Maui and Kaua'i.

Although the Nene is no longer hunted, it is still threatened by introduced species such as mongooses, and feral dogs and cats which eat the Nene's eggs and young. Preservation efforts have increased the total population to about 800, but the Nene continues to live a precarious existence, and still appears on the Federal List of Endangered species.

Nenes are similar in appearance to a Canada Goose, but are usually smaller and range in size from 21" to 26" inches in length. Wild Nene can be spotted at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and also outside of Lihu'e.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are one of the largest mammals in the Hawaiian islands, typically ranging in size from 35 to 48 feet and weigh in at about one ton per foot. The current world population for the species is estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,500 individuals. A large percentage of this population migrate to the Hawaiian islands during November through May. During their stay in Hawaii, they do not feed, but rely upon energy stored in their blubber. Instead of feeding, the whales devote most of their time to mating and bearing young.

Humpbacks have are known for their acrobatic displays, one of which is called the "humpback" that refers to the high arch of their backs when they dive. You may see other behaviors during your visit such as tail or fluke slaps, which can be quite spectacular.

In Hawaii, humpback whales typically belong to pods consisting of 2 to 3 individuals. Humpbacks were hunted for their oil, meat and whalebone. Most populations were drastically reduced in the early part of the 19th century, leaving only between 5 and 10 per cent remaining. The population was decimated to fewer than 1,000 individuals before an international ban on commercial whaling was instituted in 1964. Today, the North Pacific population, which returns to Hawaii in the winter months to breed, now numbers approximately 2,000. In spite of their recent strides towards recovery, humpbacks continue to be designated as an endangered species.

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins - nai'a

There are many species of dolphins swimming in the costal Hawaiian waters, but one the most common and acrobatic, are the Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. Spinner dolphins are very playful and are often seen "spinning" through the air, as many as seven times, before diving back into the water.

Spinner dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer them through the water, and they also use them to stroke one another and "dolphin friends" may swim along face to face touching flippers.

Hawaiian Green Turtle - honu

The Hawaiian Green Turtle, is a threatened species that was almost hunted to the brink of extinction for their shells and flesh. Modern federal and state laws were enacted just in time to protect the turtles from over hunting. With hunting banned, the turtles are beginning to make a come back, but are now suffering from other factors which continue to threaten their existence. Ocean trash, such as fishing line and plastic bags, can get wrapped around turtle's necks or become accidentally ingested because the bags look like edible jellyfish.

Sea turtles grow very slowly and do not reach breeding age until they are 20 years old. Current laws prohibit the public from harassing, harming, killing, or keeping sea turtles in captivity without a permit. Sea Turtles can often be seen from shore swimming and poking their heads out of the ocean surface to breathe.

Hawaiian Hoary Bat - 'ope'ape'a

The Hawaiian Hoary Bat usually weighs 5 to 8 ounces, is nocturnal, and eats insects. Their wing span is about 10.5 to 13.5 inches, with the females being larger than the males. The Hoary Bat has a heavy fur coat that is brown and gray, and ears tinged with white, giving it a frosted or "hoary" look. It is the only native land mammal of Hawai'i`i. There is very little known about it's habitat and behavior. Documentation suggests that the bat is solitary and roosts among trees in areas near forests. Like many other native Hawaiian species, the Hawaiian Hoary Bat was listed as an endangered species on October 13, 1970, under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Honeycreeper - 'i'iwi

It is estimated that the Hawaiian Honeycreepers' ancestor arrived in the Hawaiian islands three to four million years ago. The 'I'iwi is one of the many species of honeycreepers that are believed to have evolved from a single ancestral species. Its bright red feathers were highly prized by the Hawaiians who used them to make feathered capes, helmets, and other ornaments for the ali'i (chiefs). Their movements are also unique as they spend much of their time hanging upside down poking their long, curved bills into flowers. The lehua blossom is one of their favorite foods. Like many native species, the 'i'iwi are becoming scarce. Disease, habitat loss, and predation by introduced animals has taken its toll on the population.

Lagoon/Reef Triggerfish - humuhumu nukunuku apua'a

The humuhumunukunukuapua'a is Hawaii's "unofficial" state fish and is actually one of two kinds of triggerfish. In 1984/85 it was selected as the "official" State Fish, but the term lasted only five years and no re-election campaign transpired. The "humu" is native to the outer reefs of Hawaii.

The "humu" can get up to 10 inches in length and is generally found swimming close to the ocean bottom, searching for food. The first part of the Hawaiian word used for all triggerfishes is "humuhumu", which means "to fit pieces together". This probably refers to the way their patterns resemble blocks of colors. The second part of the name is "nukunuku-ä-pua‘a" and means "snout like a pig". Ancient Hawaiians probably thought that their rooting through the sand or rocks for food and making grunting noises reminded them of pigs. Learn how to CORRECTLY pronounce  humuhumunukunukuapua'a (WAV file).

Gecko - anole

You will often hear the sounds of chirping Gecko's throughout Po'ipu Crater. The Gecko is a symbol of good luck to the Hawaiian people, however none of the geckos found in Hawai'i are native to the islands. They are quite small and make a loud clicking sound when they are hungry. Geckos have foot pads that allow them to climb and sleep upside down. Geckos are friendly creatures that eat many of the flying pests and insects in the area.

Barracuda - Kaku / Kawelea

Hawai'i hosts two species of barracuda. the Great Barracuda or kaku and Heller's Barracuda or kawelea (Sphyraena helleri). The Great Barracuda is swift and powerful and is the only species known to attack humans, although this is very rare. Size varies from rather small to as large as 6 feet. Barracudas are attracted to shiny objects, so it is best to avoid wearing things like watches, jewelry or even hair barrettes. The fish cause harm with their sharp jagged teeth and strong tearing jaws; slashing and creating jagged tears in the skin. Barracuda teeth can even break off inside the wounds, requiring extraction.

Jellyfish

Seventy of the 200 species of jellyfish are known to sting and cause various levels of discomfort. Some stings, such as those from the Transparent Box Jellyfish, can cause anaphylactic shock. The Box Jelly fish swarm to Hawaii's leeward shores 9-10 days after the full moon. The Box Jellyfish measures 1-3 in. with tentacles of up to 2 ft. long. Although there appear to be dozens of remedies to a jellyfish sting, very few of them actually work. If you are stung by a box jellyfish, apply vinegar to the sting, this won't relieve the pain, but it will prevent any unfired stinging cells from going off. For pain, try a hot pack (or hot bath) and then an ice pack and use whichever one works best for you. Lastly, use hydrocortisone cream or ointments for any persistent rashes or itching

While not technically a jellyfish, the Portuguese Man-of-War is also endemic to Hawaiian waters. It has a purplish-blue color with tentacles up to 30 ft. long. The Portuguese Man-of-War also has a painful and potentially dangerous sting, which can interfere with bodily functions and even cause death. Unlike most jellyfish stings, DO NOT apply vinegar to a sting from a Portuguese Man-of-War. Instead, rinse the sting with salt or fresh water and apply a cold compress to the affected area. If pain persists or if breathing difficulty develops, consult a medical professional immediately.

Scorpion Fish

Scorpion Fishes have large, heavily ridged and spined heads with venomous spines on their back and fins. Most scorpion fishes live on or near the bottom. They lie in crevices and in caves or under overhangs.

Scorpionfishes are not aggressive, but if threatened they will erect their dorsal spines. If danger continues they flee, usually very fast but only for a short distance and then quickly settle back and freeze. Although Scorpion fish injuries are extremely rare in Hawai'i, they can cause serious reactions such as punctured skin, extreme pain, throbbing and even convulsion and cardiac arrest.

Sharks

Approximately forty species of sharks occur in Hawaiian waters, with eight species commonly seen near shore. The most frequently encountered are the Sandbar, Reef Whitetip, Scalloped Hammerhead, and Tiger.

Sharks have extremely well-developed sensory capabilities and can detect sounds and smells from great distances. Encounters between sharks and people are infrequent, and most inshore species pose little threat to humans. While any shark may be potentially dangerous, only a few species of Hawaiian sharks are known to attack people, which include the Tiger, Galapagos, Gray Reef and Scalloped Hammerhead. Tigers are considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters.

Tigers come into inshore waters in Fall, and stay through Spring. They appear to move offshore somewhat in Summer, but this remains to be confirmed. Like other inshore species, Tigers feed mostly during night and twilight hours. It's also not known why Tigers sometimes attack humans, but some think that Tigers may mistake people for prey while they are in a feeding mode.

Shark attacks in Hawaiian waters are very rare, averaging at a rate of about two or three per year. Surfers and spearfishers appear to be most at risk. Fatal attacks are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawai'i's waters. People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers, and sharks are just one of them. By learning more about sharks, and using common sense, the risk of injury can be greatly reduced.

'ohi'a lehua

The Ohia tree is the most prevalent tree in the Hawaiian island. It is very beautiful with vivid red (or sometimes yellow) brush-like flowers, which are also a source of food for the honeycreeper. The 'Ohi'a tree can be quite variable in size with small, rounded evergreen leaves and is resilient, since it is one of the first plants to appear after a volcanic eruption.

The 'Ohi'a is also a sacred tree signifying the love of a handsome Hawaiian chief named 'Ohi'a and a beautiful Hawaiian maiden named Lehua. Legend says that if you pick a flower from the tree, it will rain soon afterward.

Koa

The Koa is another native tree that is found in middle elevation forests and is actually a form of acacia. It can grow to significant size with some species exceeding a height of 70 feet. The wood of the Koa tree (sometimes called "Hawaiian Mahogany") is highly prized and is often made into beautiful furniture, bowls and souvenir trinkets. It can be highly polished to emphasize its deep reddish coloration with wavy grain . The leaves, which are actually modified stems, are long, narrow and "sickle-shaped". The flowers of the Koa tree are yellow and eventually produce flattened pods.

Lobster Claw Heliconia

The Lobster Claw Heliconia can be found abundantly in Kaua'i and are grown for their beautiful, brilliant colorful flowerheads called bracts. The bracts rise from clumps of banana-like leaves, sometimes very large or slender. Their height may vary from as small as 2' to 25' depending on the variety and are often pollinated by hummingbirds and bats.

 

Red Ginger - 'awapuhi 'ula 'ula

The Red Ginger is a native to the South Pacific, but likely an introduced species to Hawai'i. It is a tall, upright plant that is widely cultivated. The Red Ginger has bright red floral bracts and inconspicuous white flowers and is commonly planted as an ornamental or used in cut arrangements.

The leaves and leaf stalks, which are also fragrant, have been used in baking in the Imu (underground oven) to enhance the flavor of pork and fish as they cooked.

 

Mokihana

The Mokihana is a slender tree of medium height which occurs in a number of varieties throughout the islands. The crushed leaves emit a strong pungent anise odor. Mokihana is common in Kauai and is also the island's official flower. The flowers are small, and grow on a short stalk in clusters, with petals that are thin and transparent. The fruit is a leathery, cube-shaped capsule with shiny, black seeds which can sometimes burn the skin.