Squirrels in Hawaii: where to look and what signs to watch for

1. Where Are Squirrels Most Likely Found in Hawaii?

The only known population of wild squirrels in Hawaii resides on the island of Oahu. These are Japanese squirrels (Sciurus lis), introduced in the 1960s. They are most often seen in the Nuuanu Valley, near the Lyon Arboretum, and around the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. However, their numbers are small, and sightings are not guaranteed. For more on squirrel biology, visit our/animals/squirrelpage.

2. What Time of Day Offers the Best Chance to See a Squirrel?

Like all tree squirrels, the Japanese squirrel is diurnal. Your best odds are in the early morning (dawn to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (3 p.m. to dusk). They are less active during the heat of midday. Hawaii's mild climate means they can be spotted year-round, but seasonal breeding peaks may increase activity in spring and early summer.

3. What Field Signs Should You Look For?

Squirrel tracks show four long toes on the front feet and five on the hind feet, with small claw marks. Look for chewed kukui nuts or macadamia nuts, as squirrels gnaw distinctive holes. Nests (dreys) are messy balls of leaves in tree forks, often 20-30 feet high. Unlike rats, squirrels have a bushy tail that is almost as long as their body. For more on local wildlife, check our/wildlife/hawaiiguide.

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4. Which Hawaiian Islands Have Squirrels?

Only Oahu has a small, introduced squirrel population. The other main islands (Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai) have no wild squirrels. If you see a similar small mammal on those islands, it is likely a mongoose or a rat. Mongoose are slender with a pointed face and long tail; rats have scaly, hairless tails. Squirrels are not present there.

5. How Do You Identify a Squirrel Compared to Other Animals?

The Japanese squirrel is about 8-10 inches long with a bushy tail of similar length. Its fur is grayish-brown with a pale belly. It moves with a bounding gait and often sits upright on its hind legs. The Indian mongoose (common in Hawaii) is longer-bodied with a non-bushy tail and a more ground-dwelling habit. The Polynesian rat is smaller with a scaly tail. Use these clues to tell them apart in the field.

6. What Gear Can Help Your Search?

A good pair of binoculars and a camera with zoom are helpful for scanning treetops. Wear comfortable, quiet clothing for walking trails. If you'd like to show your appreciation for squirrel watching, consider a wildlife-themed shirt. Check out ourWild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel– a practical way to share your interest.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels in Hawaii

**Are there any squirrels in Hawaii?** Yes, a small population of Japanese squirrels exists on Oahu, but they are not common. **Can you see squirrels on other islands?** No, only Oahu. **What should I do if I see a squirrel?** Observe from a distance and do not feed it. Report sightings to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to help track the population. **Do squirrels cause problems?** They can damage gardens and trees, but their numbers are too low to be a major issue.

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