Squirrels in Hawaii: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

1. Where are squirrels most likely to be seen in Hawaii?

Because there are no wild populations, your best odds are at the Honolulu Zoo or in private collections. Some residents keep pet squirrels, but these are rare. If you see a squirrel-like animal in a park or forest, it is almost certainly a mongoose. Check out our wildlife hub for Hawaii for more on local mammals.

In Hawaii, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

2. What time of day are squirrels active in Hawaii?

Since wild squirrels don't exist here, this question applies more to the mongoose. Mongooses are diurnal, most active in early morning and late afternoon. If you want to spot a squirrel at the zoo, check feeding times, often mid-morning.

3. How to identify squirrel tracks and signs?

Squirrel tracks show four toes on front feet and five on hind, with a bounding pattern. In Hawaii, you will not find these in the wild. Instead, mongoose tracks have five toes on all feet and a distinctive tail drag. Look for small burrows in grassy areas. For more on squirrel identification, visit our squirrel animal page.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

4. What is the small Indian mongoose and where is it found?

The mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) was introduced to Hawaii in the 1880s to control rats. It is now common on all main islands except Kauai. It is active during the day, often seen crossing roads or hunting in fields. It resembles a slender squirrel but has a pointed snout and a long tail.

6. Can you see red squirrels or gray squirrels in Hawaii?

No. Neither eastern gray squirrels nor red squirrels occur in Hawaii. The only squirrels you might see are in zoos or as illegal pets. The Honolulu Zoo houses a few species in their small mammal exhibits.