Hawaii’s Endangered Species

Many years ago, Hawaii was an isolated tropical paradise, far removed from the rest of the world.  Hawaii was discovered by the Polynesians around  400 A.D. and marked the end of Hawaii’s isolation.  Since the discovery of Hawaii by the Polynesians and the arrival of Europeans in the late eighteenth century, this has caused long-term, negative effects on Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

All foreigners who visit Hawaii, directly or indirectly alter the ecosystem of the islands, primarily through the introduction of alien species of flora and fauna.  New species have often overwhelmed Hawaii’s fragile habitat, obliterating many of the island’s native populations of plants and animals.  As a result, many species endemic to Hawaii have been classified as endangered species.

The U.S. government and the Hawaiian government have worked hard to protect the endangered species and prevent further damage to the island’s ecosystem. Several of the species are: the Humpback Whale, the Hawaiian Monk Seal, The Nene, the Hawaiian State Bird, and the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.