Hawaii is known for its natural beauty, and one of the most stunning displays of this beauty can be found during the butterfly season. This magical time of year celebrates these delicate creatures’ colors, patterns, and movements as they flutter about in search of food, mates, and shelter.
The butterfly season on the Big Island usually starts in mid-April and lasts until early fall, with the peak season in June and July. This year the peak season started early and has been in peak season this month, April. During this time, the islands is home to over 20 species of butterflies, some of the most common ones being the Kamehameha Butterfly, Monarch Butterfly, and Gulf Fritillary Butterfly.
Today, I had an unforgettable experience while taking a walk. As I strolled along, I was surrounded by thousands of baby butterflies fluttering around me. It was a truly spectacular sight, and I tried to capture it on video, but these little creatures were so small that I couldn’t do them justice.
There’s something really magical about being surrounded by nature here on the island. Taking the time to stop, embrace it, and soak it all in is truly special, and it really made my morning extra memorable. I was amazed at just how many animals we have on this island if we take the time to pause and appreciate them.
A few butterflies landed on my hat as I sat there, enjoying the breathtaking ocean views. It was such a beautiful moment and made even more special when a monk seal swam by. I haven’t seen a monk seal in a while, and while their size can be intimidating, they’re usually not aggressive. Watching her swim by and poke her head out of the water to stare at me was truly a sight to behold. Moments like these remind me how lucky we are to live in such a magical place.
See the butterfly on my hat!
The Kamehameha Butterfly is a rare species only found in Hawaii, and is named after King Kamehameha, the first ruler of the Hawaiian Islands. This butterfly is bright orange and black, with distinctive white spots on its wings. It is also the official state insect of Hawaii.
The Monarch Butterfly is another species well-known in Hawaii and recognized for its bright orange and black wings with intricate patterns. These butterflies are known for their long migrations, and Hawaii is just one of their many destinations.
The Gulf Fritillary is another common species found in Hawaii. These butterflies are smaller than the Kamehameha and Monarch butterflies and have bright orange wings with black spots. They are known for their acrobatic flight patterns and can often be seen hovering and darting around flowers.
In conclusion, butterfly season on the Big Island is a time of wonder and awe, as we celebrate the natural beauty of these delicate creatures. Whether you are a visitor or a local, observing and appreciating these magnificent creatures can be a truly enriching and memorable experience. So, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity to witness the magic of butterfly season!
Brian Baldwin
April 21, 2023
This is fantastic Leeana. When my son was in preschool we took a field trip to learn about butterflies. I still remember a bunch of it. I especially remember that butterflies are attracted to the color red, cause my son wore a red shirt and got covered in butterflies.