Craft an image of O‘ahu in your mind’s eye; what do you see? Far-spanning ocean horizons, lush forests, monstrous mountains, and a bustling city balanced with charming towns are probably at the forefront of the image. But push further — what’s missing? The wildlife! While we can paint a picture all day of what beauty and wonder lies on our precious island, the fantastic fauna that share this land with us are truly special. Through them, we see the whole of Hawaii through an authentic and natural lens. Let’s dive, climb, and splash into it! With Prince Waikiki as your home base, the whole of O‘ahu’s wild world is your oyster.

Exploring the Urban Jungle

 

 

Everywhere you look, animals abound in O‘ahu. You can even see them from your guestroom! From your floor-to-ceiling window, if you visit between November and May, you might be able to spot a Humpback Whale making its way through our warm waters as they migrate to mate and raise their young. Manu-o-Kū, white tern, and Nēnē, Hawaiian geese, are impossible to miss.

 

 

If you’re looking for a fun day surrounded by all sorts of spots, scales, and coats, check out the Honolulu Zoo, located right in our neighborhood. This 42-acre park is the only U.S. zoo originating from a royal grant of land, thanks to King Kalākaua in the late 1800s. Today, over 900 tropical animals call this place home. While lots of native animals can be spotted during a trip around the zoo, you can also see giraffes, rhinos, orangutans, komodo dragons, and more. For the littles joining you, be sure to stop by Keiki Zoo, the petting zoo, where you can explore and engage with animals as they free-roam.

 

Not far from the zoo, the Waikīkī Aquarium is one of the oldest public aquariums in the country and hosts over 3,500 marine animals. Here, you can see species from Hawaii’s remote atolls, coral reefs, and native species like giant clams, reef sharks, jellyfish, and vibrant fish.

 

Into the Wild

 

 

Take a quick trip to the spectacular Hanauma Bay State Park outside the city to see a pristine, natural marine ecosystem. Yours to explore, Hanauma Bay was born in the belly of a volcanic crater. These walls create a protected coral reef ecosystem teeming with aquatic life. Common fish you can see in their natural habitat include Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Reef Triggerfish), Uhu (Parrotfish), Yellow Tang, Butterflyfish, and eels. Beachgoers often see Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) nearby, who enjoy grazing on algae and seagrass in the gentle surf.  Dolphins play here, and on a lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of an octopus or ray. 

 

A Hawaiian monk seal is a rare sea creature to spot in the bay, but entirely possible. These elusive animals are critically endangered, with a population of approximately 1,500. These seals are endemic to Hawaii, meaning they can only be found in our state and nowhere else in the world. As such, they are a key reason why conservation is so important to locals.

 

If you want to snorkel during your visit to Hanauma Bay State Park, you’ll have to book ahead and watch a short video on safety and conservation tips. We suggest you book in advance to secure your space, and be aware that the bay is closed a few days each week to support reef recovery.

 

Guided Tours

 

 

O‘ahu is home to knowledgeable tour guides and companies who honor and celebrate wildlife — sharing it with guests in exciting and educational ways. Hawaii Bird Tours specializes in eco-tours that allow you to observe our endemic forest birds in their natural habitats. Oahu Nature Tours offers four different types of tours so you can choose the best adventure for you and your travel companions. Star of Honolulu will take you into the Pacific to see Humpback Whales and other marine mammals. Best of all, they own Hawaii’s largest vessel with high-tech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walk-around decks. If you are looking for a more intimate experience, Wild Side Specialty Tours offers biologist-led tours with a maximum of 6 guests where you can observe whales, swim with dolphins, and snorkel with sea turtles ethically.

 

Where are the Land Lovers?

 

With all this talk about marine life, you may wonder, where’s the love for the land mammals? Before human arrival, Hawaii had no native land mammals except for one species of bat! Because of this, we are quite passionate about our birds and sea life. Roughly 1,500 years ago, Polynesians brought animals like pigs, dogs, and chickens. Starting in the 18th century, Europeans introduced mongoose, cattle, goats, and others. When you come to visit, please take a minute to appreciate all the animals that call our island home and how they came to share this land with us. These animals truly help tell our story.

 

Adventure Starts at Prince Waikiki 

 

(Photo: @elizahodgson, @stephenxwright)

 

After a wild day prowling the island, unwind luxuriously back at Prince Waikiki. Dine in-house at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, where you can keep your eye on the ocean and spot all your new favorite animals.

 

Ready to see the wildlife of Hawaii for yourself? Explore our special offers and packages, and start planning your unforgettable island getaway.