Frogs and Toads of Hawaii

There are no native species of frogs or toads in Hawaii but there are a number of invasive species that should be eliminated if found there.

If you are looking to identify certain frogs and toads that you found and can’t figure it out from the page, you can check my Frog Identification and see how to contact me about helping you out.

Now, here is a few of the invasive species that are found in Hawaii.

Common Name: Green and Black Poison Dart Frog
Scientific Name: Dendrobates auratus
Location: Oahu

The Green and Black Poison Dart Frog was introduced in Hawaii to help control non-native insect populations on the island. They obtain their poison from their natural habitats so they should not be poisonous on the island.

Common Name: Cane Toad
Scientific Name: Rhinella marina
Location: Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu

The Cane Toad is one of the most notorious toads in the world. Australia is trying to kill off their invasive populations of the species and in Florida, they are trying too. They were introduced in Hawaii in 1932 to help control pests.

Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis)

Common Name: Cuban Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Osteopilus septentrionalis
Location: Oahu

The Cuban Tree Frog is a large tree frog species that is native to Cuba. No one is sure how it got to Hawaii but it is believed to be from people releasing them when they did not want them anymore as pets.

Common Name: Greenhouse Frog
Scientific Name: Eleutherodactylus planirostris
Location: Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu

The Greenhouse Frog was accidentally introduced to the island by shipments of plants. Hence, they received the name Green House Frog. They can eat native animal species, which can cause ecological problems..

Common Name: Common Coqui Frog
Scientific Name: Eleutherodactylus coqui
Location: Big Island, Maui, and O’ahu

The Coqui Frog was accidentally introduced in Hawaii around 1988. They are naturally found in the Caribbean. Their large appetite that puts native insects at risk. Also they are very loud, which annoys people.

American Bull Frog (Rana catesbianus)

Common Name: American Bullfrog
Scientific Name: Rana catesbianus
Location: Everywhere

The American Bull Frog has a big appetite and eats anything it can fit into its giant mouth. They are one of the largest frogs in the world. It is naturally found in the eastern half of the USA but has spread across the globe.

Common Name: Wrinkled Frog
Scientific Name: Rana rugosa
Location: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu

The Wrinkled Frog is native to Japan. The frog’s effects on the ecosystem of Hawaii is currently unknown.