Connor Merritt

Hawaii is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. From the nene goose, the state bird, to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the islands boast an incredible array of fauna. But if you’re an outdoorsman planning a trip to Hawaii, you might be wondering: does Hawaii have bears? 

Does Hawaii Have Bears? The Short Answer is No 

That’s right — there are no bears in Hawaii. You won’t find grizzlies roaming the Big Island or black bears hiding in the forests of Kauai. The only bears you’ll see here are the stuffed souvenir versions in tourist shops. If you spot something large and furry in the woods, it’s probably just a lost dog — or an overgrown mongoose with a protein shake habit. 

Why Aren’t There Bears in Hawaii? 

Hawaii’s isolation is the main reason why it has no bears. The islands formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity and were never connected to any other landmass. This means that large land mammals like bears never had a natural way to migrate to the islands. The only land mammals native to Hawaii are the Hawaiian hoary bat. 

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A Hawaiian monk seal.

What Large Animals Can You Encounter in Hawaii? 

While bears won’t be crossing your path, you should still be mindful of other wildlife when exploring Hawaii’s great outdoors. Here are some creatures you might run into: 

• Wild Boars (Pua’a) – These tusked terrors can be found across the islands and are often hunted for sport and food. They can be aggressive if provoked, so keep your distance. 

• Feral Goats & Sheep – Introduced by early explorers, these animals roam many parts of Hawaii and can sometimes surprise hikers on remote trails. 

• Axis Deer – Originally brought to Hawaii as a gift, these deer have flourished on some islands and are often seen in open landscapes. 

• Mongooses – Brought in to control the rat population (and failing spectacularly at it), these critters are now common in many parts of the islands. 

• Hawaiian Monk Seal – The only mammal other than the Hawaiian hoary bat that is endemic to the islands. They are currently a conservation reliant endangered species. 

Does Hawaii Have Bears: Final Thoughts 

If you were worried about encountering a bear on your Hawaiian adventure, rest easy — there are none. Instead, enjoy the lush jungles, towering waterfalls, and pristine beaches without fear of furry, fish-stealing intruders. And if you still have an itch to see a bear, there’s always the Honolulu Zoo… or just watch The Jungle Book in your hotel room. 

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