Frogs in Hawaii: identification guide and best places to start
Hawaii has several frog species, mostly introduced. The coqui frog is the most common and heard at night in moist lowland areas. Start listening at dusk in backyards, wetlands, or forests after rain. Native frogs are rare; focus on the widespread introduced species for your best odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Cane Toad 路 Public domain CC0
Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog 路 Public domain CC0
Cane Toad 路 Emily Chebul CC BY-SA
- 6
- species recorded
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of frogs recorded in Hawaii
6 frog species have a verified observation record in Hawaii, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
6 of the 6 shown are recorded as introduced to Hawaii rather than native.
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Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,807 verified observations on iNaturalist of frog have been recorded in Hawaii, most often in June, July, May.
When frog are recorded in Hawaii
Hawaii has several frog species, mostly introduced. The coqui frog is the most common and heard at night in moist lowland areas. Start listening at dusk in backyards, wetlands, or forests after rain. Native frogs are rare; focus on the widespread introduced species for your best odds.
Where are you most likely to notice frogs in Hawaii?
Frogs in Hawaii are most active in warm, damp environments. Check backyards with dense vegetation, especially near water sources like ponds or drainage ditches. Wetlands, botanical gardens, and forest trails on the wet sides of islands (e.g., the Hilo side of the Big Island) are reliable. The coqui frog thrives in lowland areas and can be found even in suburban neighborhoods. Listen for its distinctive two-note call at dusk and through the night.
What season or weather patterns improve your chances of spotting frogs?
Hawaii's mild climate means frogs are active year-round, but they are most noticeable during the rainy season (November through March) when humidity is highest. After a heavy rain shower is the absolute best time to go looking. Frogs also call more frequently on warm, humid evenings. During drier months, focus on areas that stay moist, like shaded valleys or near streams.
How can you identify common frogs and separate them from lookalikes?
The most common frog is the coqui: small (1-2 inches), brown or gray, with a round body and toe pads that let it climb. Its call is a loud, high-pitched 'co-KEE!' that is easy to distinguish. The greenhouse frog is smaller (under 1 inch), brown with a dark stripe, and calls in a short chirp. The cane toad (a toad, not a frog) is much larger (4-6 inches), warty, and has a dry, bumpy skin. Native frogs are very rare; you are almost certainly seeing introduced species. For a broader ID guide, check ourfrog identification hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the best practices for a frog spotting session?
Go out after sunset with a red flashlight (red light least disturbs wildlife). Move slowly and listen first. Focus on areas with leaf litter and dense ground cover. Take a photo if you can, noting size, color, and any markings. Keep a journal of where you hear calls to return later. For more on Hawaii's wildlife sites, explore ourHawaii wildlife guide.
What are the most common frog species you'll see in Hawaii?
The coqui frog is by far the most common and widespread. The greenhouse frog is also common but quieter. The green and black poison dart frog (introduced) can be found on Oahu's Manoa and Waianae mountains. The bullfrog is present but less common. All are non-native. If you want to learn more about frog ecology, ourfrog species profileshave detailed information.
How can you support your frog spotting habit after the trip?
Once you've enjoyed Hawaii's frogs, you might want to keep the memory alive. Consider afrog-themed art printto display. The Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print captures the vibrant colors of a classic tree frog, perfect for a home office or living room.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
This print shows a red-eyed tree frog in striking detail, bringing a tropical feel indoors.Check Price and Availability
Another great option is thePine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print, which highlights the vibrant green of a less common species.
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
This print captures the bright green of the pine barrens tree frog, a beautiful addition to any wildlife collection.Check Price and Availability
For something more affordable, theWhimsical Frog Traveler printoffers a vintage style for a small price.
Whimsical Frog Traveler | Vintage PRINTABLE Cottagecore Animal Art
This digital download is perfect for a quick and quirky decoration.Check Price and Availability
Or browse ourwildlife t-shirtsfor more frog-themed gear.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see frog in Hawaii: June, July, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your frog sighting in Hawaii
Where to look in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Hawai驶i Volcanoes National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Kaloko-Honok艒hau National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Pu驶uhonua o H艒naunau National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Pu驶ukohol膩 Heiau National Historic Site 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Haleakal膩 National Park 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What frog species live in Hawaii?+
Frogs in Hawaii are most active in warm, damp environments. Check backyards with dense vegetation, especially near water sources like ponds or drainage ditches. Wetlands, botanical gardens, and forest trails on the wet sides of islands (e.g., the Hilo side of the Big Island) are reliable. The coqui frog thrives in lowland areas and can be found even in suburban neighborhoods. Listen for its distinctive two-note call at dusk and through the night.
Where can you see frogs in Hawaii?+
Frogs in Hawaii are most active in warm, damp environments. Check backyards with dense vegetation, especially near water sources like ponds or drainage ditches. Wetlands, botanical gardens, and forest trails on the wet sides of islands (e.g., the Hilo side of the Big Island) are reliable. The coqui frog thrives in lowland areas and can be found even in suburban neighborhoods. Listen for its distinctive two-note call at dusk and through the night.
When is the best time to see frogs in Hawaii?+
Frogs in Hawaii are most active in warm, damp environments. Check backyards with dense vegetation, especially near water sources like ponds or drainage ditches. Wetlands, botanical gardens, and forest trails on the wet sides of islands (e.g., the Hilo side of the Big Island) are reliable. The coqui frog thrives in lowland areas and can be found even in suburban neighborhoods. Listen for its distinctive two-note call at dusk and through the night.
Keep exploring
More places to see frog
More wildlife in Hawaii
Common questions about frogs