Oʻahu offers opportunities to observe diverse fauna. Hawaii, one of the world's tropical paradises, is home to numerous unique species! In fact, Hawaii is home to over 25,000 distinct species, making it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

We are proud to be surrounded by absolutely unique natural beauty. Whether you're on one of Oʻahu's best treks, exploring the North Shore, or giving back with ecotourism in the spirit of mālama, you'll most likely spot some of our famous animal residents. Oʻahu's fauna is not only fascinating, but also quite photogenic, so bring your camera to capture these wonderful moments.

Discover Oʻahu's magnificent fauna, including acrobatic dolphins, colorful birds, and gentle giants of the sea.

Delightful Dolphins

Visit Oʻahu to interact with spinner dolphins, among nature's most gregarious and intelligent species! These acrobatic stars are the island's most prevalent dolphin species, performing stunning athletic exhibitions as they jump and twist out of the water with the grace of figure skaters. Wild dolphins thrive on the unspoiled beach of Oʻahu.

Set sail on an aquatic journey with Dolphins and You to increase your chances of encountering spinner dolphins. Take a brief shuttle from Waikiki to Oʻahu's West Coast for an exciting dolphin tour led by skilled guides. With a 90 percent possibility of spotting these lively aquatic mammals, you'll make memories for a lifetime. And the adventure does not end there! Following your dolphin experience, dive in and snorkel around a magnificent coral reef teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and the opportunity of seeing manta rays or whales.

Birds of paradise.

Oʻahu is a great destination for birdwatchers and those who love nature's colorful creatures. Oʻahu has almost 200 bird species, including 16 native to the island. You may see stunning golden ʻamakihi, vividly red ʻapapane, superb frigatebirds, and many more.

Consider organizing a trip with a local expert to increase your chances of seeing these incredible animals. Oahu Nature Tours, situated in Honolulu, provides guided tours to let you explore these wonderful species in their natural environment. Oahu Nature Tours, a proud member of the Hawaiian Audubon Society and the Conservation Council for Hawaii, focuses on "conservation through education," ensuring that the island's birds and habitats are conserved and valued.

Hawaii's Famous Honu

Honu, the native Hawaiian sea turtle, are a beloved icon of Oʻahu's beauty. They can be found on the island's beaches and in warm coastal waters. These gentle giants, which may weigh more than 300 pounds, like relaxing on the beach and basking in the Hawaiian sun.

Are you hoping to spot some honu during your visit to O'ahu? Visit Laniakea Beach, often known as "Turtle Beach," on the North Shore (approximately 33 miles from Prince Waikiki). Summer provides the best opportunity to catch a look, with peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Here, you may witness these gentle giants laze on the beach or swim gently in the ocean. While Laniakea is a popular destination, don't be disappointed if you don't see any turtles. In any case, the magnificent sunshine and ocean vistas make the trip worthwhile!

Unfortunately, these lovely turtles are a threatened species. To guarantee their survival for future generations, please keep a respectful distance of at least ten feet.

Wonderful whales.

Oʻahu's breathtaking shoreline and water make it a great destination for whale-watching excursions. Humpback whales, known as koholā in Hawaii, are frequently seen in the waters surrounding Oʻahu, especially during the winter months. From May to December, these magnificent gentle giants migrate to the warm Hawaiian seas to give birth to their calves.

Oʻahu offers whale-watching cruises led by skilled captains who expertly manage the waters, ensuring close encounters with majestic beasts while maintaining a safe distance. Go on an incredible adventure and see humpback whales breaching and splashing in their natural habitat!

Prefer to stay on land? There are numerous locations near Prince Waikiki where you might see spouting whales in the distance. Visit the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail (14 miles away) for breathtaking vistas, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (10 miles away) for a gorgeous setting, or Diamond Head Beach Park (just 4 miles away) for easy wildlife viewing.

Hawaii's own monk seal

Seals may not be the first creature that springs to mind when you think of Hawaii—you would image them hanging out in freezing waters and riding ice floes—but Hawaii has its own species of native monk seals! The Hawaiian monk seal is unique to Oʻahu and cannot be found elsewhere.

One of the best spots to watch monk seals is Kaena Point State Park, which is a beautiful 46-mile journey up the island's west coast from Prince Waikiki. The park has fantastic hiking opportunities, with pathways that provide amazing views of the ocean waves and plenty of spots to spot animals other than monk seals, such as albatrosses. Unfortunately, monk seals are considered endangered, with NOAA Fisheries estimating that there are only 1,500 living in the wild. Keep at least 10 feet away and respect their habitat.

Tips to Respect Oʻahu's Wildlife

With enormous access, comes great responsibility! Always remember to appreciate all of Hawaii's wildlife and avoid harming their natural habitats. Hawaiian wildlife is precisely that—wild! And we want to keep it that way for your safety as well as the safety of the many lovely animals that live on this island. Respect the animals of Oʻahu and avoid touching or feeding them. Many species in Hawaii are threatened or endangered, so safeguarding them helps ensure that future generations can enjoy these beautiful vistas for years to come.