By Mario Rana | 2026-04-14
Nēnē, the Hawaiian Goose
On 04/08/2026 01:29 pm by Janet Devadoss-Yoder | Website | Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
The iconic Nēnē or the Hawaiian goose, is a species of bird endemic to the Hawaiian Island and is the state bird of Hawaii. Adapted to life on volcanic landscapes, nēnē are primarily terrestrial and have partially webbed feet, allowing them to walk over rocky volcanic terrain more easily than swim.
This adaptation is crucial, as the nene spends more time on land than in water, unlike its more aquatic relatives.
Once near extinction due to hunting and introduced predators, conservation efforts have helped their population recover, though they remain an endangered species.
These three geese were spotted alongside the road near the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Kauai, Hawaii.
iPhone 16 Pro
Cropped image, used auto adjust.