Hawaii: Exploring the Islands Like A Native

Many people don't know this, but Hawaii is home to more than 700 endemic species, meaning that over 700 kinds of animals seen here cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Take the state bird, the Nene goose, as a prime example: at first gander (irresistible pun) you might think this fella looks a lot like his distant cousin, the Canadian Goose - a regular at many a mainlander's local eatery and public park. But the Hawaiian version is a Darwinian dream, as it has shed much of the webbing between its toes over the years to accommodate for its rugged lava landscape.

But forget about Darwin, he's had his day; here's how you can discover some of the unique creatures of the Big Island (which you can brag about, along with your spectacular tan, to all of your covetous friends):

1) Take a Hike

You probably already know that the Big Island boasts one of the world's coolest tourist attractions: an active volcano. But what might surprise you is that on Kilauea, a steaming, craterous beast, you can see some of the most beautiful and exotic birds. Aside from the Nene goose (who isn't all that "tropical" in appearance), you might get lucky to spot the ravishing red I'iwi, or the cute little Elepai'o on your trek down the four-mile Kilauea Iki trail in Volcanoes National Park.

The I'iwi is simply stunning. He heralds a long curved peach beak upon his ruby-red body, laced with a hint on black on the tips of his feathers and tail. You might spot one in the ohia trees - a native plant that is recognizable by its quarter-sized leaves and red lehua blossoms. These trees are a favorite among many of the local birds, as it provides a fertile resting spot for the scrumptious bugs and larvae preferred by most.

One cute and feisty little firecracker is the elepai'o. He might be hard to spot at first, as his speckled brown body blends in well with worn ohia bark, but once you hear him sing, you'll be glad you didn't miss him. In fact, his song is what gave him his name, as it sounds strikingly similar to an operatic singer crooning "ele-PAI-o."

2) Get Wet

The main attraction of the Hawaiian Islands has got to be the pristine Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean in the world. And of course, being the most isolated island chain on the globe, there are also a number of marine animals found only in this little stretch of wet real estate.

Rent yourself some snorkel gear (or better yet - if you're paranoid like me - buy a decent [germ-free] set at a local dive shop, like Nautilus Dive Center in Hilo, or Kona Boys on the Northern end of the island) and take a dive. If you're a real go-getter, grab a disposable underwater camera to document your dive.

The absolute best spot to snorkel is Kealakekua Bay on the Northwest facing shore of the Big Island. Oh, and if you're one of those 'Caribbean-ites' who think that Hawaii's water pales in comparison to the clarity of those other islands, you're in for a crystal clear treat.

When you've taken the plunge, keep your eyes out for the Hawaiian state fish: the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (amusing tip: make your friends say that three times, fast.) He is a small triggerfish with a pig-like nose, large black stripe down his belly, and a small black triangle near his tail. (The pig-face is no exaggeration on my part, for humhumu translates as "triggerfish with a snout like a pig."^*)

Incidentally, the humuhumu was dethroned about a decade ago (unbeknownst to be until I looked up his picture for this article), but has since regained his crown as officials granted him legal state swimmer status in March of 2007.

Another wild specimen you must spot is the bright yellow tang fish, who swims in groups. He is quite the trendy little fish, as he is plastered over many posters and ads for dive shops and commercial snorkeling organizations. There's also the bright orange and neon-blue parrotfish, the Raccoon butterfly fish (name is self-explanatory once you see him), and the black and yellow Moorish Idol, that you must see.

And of course, we must not forget the green sea turtle, who is so adorable it's a shame no one is supposed to come near him. He is a threatened species, as many fishermen apparently think it's fun to show off their turtle-shell prizes at their turtle-steak barbeque parties.

Hawaii is teeming with tourist attractions, but many people, seduced by the man-made paradises so plentiful here, often forget to see what nature really has to offer. So when you take that tropical trip, remember to get out and see the real goods.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_triggerfish