The super-rare animals that can only be discovered on a trip to Hawaii

Kilauea, the inferno that's spewed 2,000-degree molten lava every day for 30 years is certainly a dramatic draw to Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park, but it's not Big Island’s only one-of-a-kind attraction.  

Some of the earth's rarest birds, animals, and plant life are members of an exclusive Hawaiian club that exists only within this isolated archipelago.

The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is renowned for seven ecological zones which provide refuge to more than 60 endangered species. Here's where (and how) to find some of the curious critters that call the Big Island home:

Carnivorous caterpillar

Known as the "meat-eating caterpillar", this little killer (ranging in size from just 6 to 19mm) dines on everything from flies and moths to crickets and cockroaches, and even other caterpillars. 

Cleverly disguised as a twig, the insectivore's go-to game plan is to remain motionless and wait for other insects to come within striking distance. To see it, seek out the hapuˋu pulu tree ferns near the Thurston Lava Tube.

Image: NPS Photo/Jay Robinson 

Happy face spider

Found in the rainforests of Oahu, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island, this non-poisonous resident is named for the unusual smiley face pattern found on its abdomen. 

Some happy face spiders appear to have different smiles, and some have none at all. One theory is that the patterns developed as a form of camouflage. To spot one, travel to the Thurston Lava Tube and inspect the undersides of the kōkpiko and kāwaˋu shrubs nearby.

Image: NPS Photo/Jay Robinson 

Hawaiian honeycreeper

The typical Hawaiian honeycreeper feeds on nectar, has brightly-coloured plumage and sings a canary-like song. 

More diverse than Darwin’s Galapagos finches, each species of honeycreeper developed special feeding habits and a corresponding unique beak shape to accommodate them over the years.

One of its most colourful family members, the vibrant crimson ˋapapane, can be spotted along the Halemaˋumaˋu Trail and in the koa and ˋōhiˋa canopy surrounding the Kilauea Visitor Centre.

Image: David Boyle

Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) 

The world’s rarest goose is also Hawaii’s state bird. In springtime the Nēnē makes an appearance in the national park after being less visible in autumn and winter, when they hunker down to nest and raise goslings. 
 
Though they fly between nighttime roosts and daytime feeding grounds, their reduced webbing and padded toes reflect an adaptation that allows the birds to cross rough terrain like lava plains.

Image: NPS Photos/Janice Wei 

It is encouraging that while there were only 30 Nēnē in 1950, today Hawaii is home to around 3,000.

A favourite viewing spot of park personnel is the Kīlauea Overlook (off Crater Rim Drive) at dawn, where you'll have the opportunity to see the geese that roost in the crater fly up and over its rim en route to daytime foraging areas.

Image: NPS Photos/Janice Wei 

Mauna Loa silversword

Known for its spectacular single stalk of fragrant flowers (sometimes as tall as three metres), these plants blossom only once in their lifetime, during which you’ll see tiny native yellow-faced bees visiting.

Image: NPS Photos/Mark Wasser and David Boyle

This is typically in June and July and when the plant is between 10 and 30 years of age; afterwards it completely dies. 

As they survive only on the slopes of Mauna Loa 1,500 to 2,500 metres above sea level, the prime place to view the silversword is at the top of Mauna Loa Road from a viewing area approximately 50 metres west of the parking area.

Image: NPS Photos/Mark Wasser and David Boyle. Main image: Brian Harig Photography

*Head to Flight Centre for all the advice and information you need to plan your perfect trip.