Tropical Rainforest, Oahu.
Of course, when people think of Hawaii - they think of the beach and the sunshine. However, the other side of that coin is the mountains and the rain. Hawaii is the only state in the USA with a tropical rainforest. Hawaii’s rainforests are not like you see in Tarzan movies. Here we don’t have monkeys, rhinos, hippos, or lions. In fact, we don’t have any snakes at all. Hawaii is snake free!
 Hikers at Manoa Falls, Oahu. |  'Ohi'a Lehua Flower with Honeycreeper bird. |
Our rainforests are mostly about flowers and birds. There are only two indigenous mammals in Hawaii - the Hawaiian Bat and the Hawaiian Monk Seal - though you might see some of our introduced mammals -the wild boar, mongoose, rats, or feral cats. Really though - it’s all about the birds and flowers. Shama Thrush’s, Honeycreepers ('I'iwi in the Hawaiian Language), 'Ohi'a Lehua, and of course Plumeria and Hibiscus flowers.
Shama Thrush birds.
So, where can you see the rainforest on Oahu? It’s easy. Head up to Manoa Falls or Lyon Arboretum if you are in town (Honolulu) or to the Waimea Valley on the North Shore. Both areas offer scenic and beautiful hikes and walks where you are sure to see Hawaiian birds, flowers, and other wildlife.
As an added bonus - the waterfalls at the tops of the valleys are spectacular places to cool off after a mild hike through the tropical rainforest.
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