Natural History

Hawaii’s Native Birds

Posted: Oct 10, 2010

Roll over each bird to learn more Akiapolaau Akiapolaau Scientific name: Hemignathus munroi Status: Endangered Distribution: Hawai'i Island only, above 3,500' in 'ohi'a-koa forests. Best Adventures to Observe: Rainforest and Dryforest, Hakalau Forest Wildlife...read more

Evolution

Posted: Aug 8, 2010

Evolution, Hawaiian Style Lava Dubautia Alpine Dubautia Hawaii is a world-class showcase of evolutionary process. In fact, in many ways it surpasses the examples from the Galapagos Islands. Hawaii’s extreme isolation coupled with its phenomenal array of life zones allowed for the small pool of...read more

Biogeography

Posted: Aug 8, 2010

Biogeography of Hawaii World map Biogeography is the study of how geography affects the biological world. Geographic features play a dominant role in shaping Hawaii’s natural world and make it a great place for biogeographic studies. The Hawaiian islands make up the most extensive archipelago on...read more

Natural History of Hawaii

Posted: Aug 8, 2010

Big Island. Big Dreams. Big Adventures. Often referred to as one of the world’s greatest natural history stories, the incredible legacy of the Hawaiian island chain begins with geology. Trillions of tons of rock, driven up from the earth’s molten mantle through a localized hot spot, created...read more

Conservation

Posted: Aug 8, 2010

Conservation Pittosporum seeds eaten by rats Along with its world-class showcase of biology, evolution, geology, and astronomy, Hawaii has also gained the regrettable reputation as the endangered species capital of the world. Conservationists consider Hawaii to be at the forefront of the global...read more

Geology

Posted: Aug 8, 2010

Geology of Hawaii Hawaii’s volcanoes Everybody knows Hawaii has volcanoes. In fact, the Hawaiian islands are completely built up from the ocean floor. A volcano-making machine seethes deep beneath the island of Hawaii that geologists call a hot spot. Over the past 44 million years it has churned...read more