Native Flora of Kaua'i
Nicknamed the "Garden Island", Kaua'i is one of the wettest and greenest places on earth. Given the amount of precipitation and its remote location, Kaua'i is lush with unique vegetation, below are some of the native plant species one might see while hiking the Kaua'i trails. To see additional information about native flora of Hawaii, click the italicized name under each image to be directed to the relevant page at the University of Hawaii Botany website.
Melicope anisata
Mokihana Berry
The official plant of Kaua'i, this endemic species is abundant all over the island, preferring to live within elevations ranging from 1,400 - 4,000 feet.
Trematolobelia kauaiensis
Koli'i
Diellia falcata
Sickle Island Spleenwort
This endangered species can be found on the western half of the island, preferring drier low lying valleys
Stenogyne purpurea
Kaua'i Mint
The only example of this species is found along Pihea Trail in Kaua'i.
Native & Endangered Fauna of Kaua'i
The most isolated island chain in the world, the Hawaiian islands can be considered a unique natural expiriment for speciation, the evolution and adaptation of species over time. The species below are either endangered or endemic to Kaua'i and should be treated with respect. Leave only footprints, take only pictures and let the wildlife be.
Chelonia mydas
Green Sea Turtle
(honu)
An endangered species, the Green Sea Turtle can be seen by swimmers and divers. Be cautious not to bother this beautiful creature- doing so is a violation of both state and federal law, and comes with hefty fines and punishment.
Branta sandvicensis
Hawaiian Goose
(nene)
This species of goose is endemic to Kaua'i. Though capable of flight, the nene prefers to relax along coastal dunes, but can also be found in shubland and open grassland.
Neomonachus schauinslandi
Hawaiian Monk Seal
(`Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua)
Due to poaching and human intrusion, only about about 1,400 Hawaiian Monk Seals exist in the wild today. Those still around can be found basking along the beaches of Kaua'i.
Gallus gallus
Red Jungle Fowl
At one time a domesticated species, this Asiatic species of chicken was introduced to the Hawaiian islands by Polynesian explorers around 500 AD. Since their introduction (and courtesy of Hurricane Iniki in 1992), they have escaped their domesticators to become the unofficial fowl of Kaua'i.
