Tree Frogs in Hawaii: identification guide and best places to start

1. Where are tree frogs most likely to be noticed in Hawaii?

Tree frogs in Hawaii, especially the coqui, favor damp, shady spots. Look in garden beds, under leaf litter, near compost piles, along stream banks, and in dense understory vegetation. They are often heard before seen. On the Big Island, they are widespread in the eastern rainforest belt. On Maui, they concentrate in the east and along the Hana Highway. Check areas with high humidity and little direct sunlight. For a broader look at Hawaii's wildlife, visit our Hawaii wildlife hub.

2. What time of year or weather conditions improve your chances?

Coqui frogs are most active during the rainy season, roughly November through March. However, they call year-round after rain showers. The best time to see them is on warm, humid nights just after a rainfall. They are nocturnal, so your best odds are between dusk and midnight. Even on dry nights, they may still call but are less active. Use a flashlight with a red filter to avoid startling them. For more tips on timing, see our tree frog spotting guide.

3. How to identify tree frogs in Hawaii and separate them from lookalikes?

The most common tree frog in Hawaii is the coqui frog, about 1-2 inches long, with a variable brown, gray, or greenish color and a distinctive wide white stripe down the back. They have large toe pads for climbing. Lookalikes include the greenhouse frog, which is smaller and lacks the white stripe. The coqui's loud, two-note call (ko-kee) is unmistakable. Juveniles are darker with less contrast. For more detailed ID cues, check our tree frog identification page.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

4. What does the coqui frog sound like?

The coqui frog's call is a sharp, two-part whistle: a short ko followed by a rising kee. It is often described as sounding like the frog is saying its name. Calls can reach 90 decibels and travel up to half a mile. Males call from elevated perches at night. The call is used to defend territory and attract females. Hearing this sound in Hawaii is a near certain sign of coqui presence.

5. Are tree frogs native to Hawaii?

No, tree frogs are not native to Hawaii. The coqui frog was accidentally introduced from Puerto Rico in the late 1980s, likely on nursery plants. It has no natural predators here and has become an invasive species. While beloved by some for its cultural sound, it is also a noisy pest. Other non native frogs include the greenhouse frog and bullfrog. For more on Hawaii's introduced species, visit our Hawaii wildlife overview.