If you’re curious about the types of geckos found in Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place.
Hawaii is home to several gecko species, each with unique characteristics and colors.
From the bright orange Pacific Gecko to the speckled House Gecko, there’s a gecko for every taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of geckos in Hawaii and discover the most popular ones.
1. Stump-Toed Gecko
One of Hawaii’s most commonly found types of geckos is the Stump-Toed Gecko (Gehyra mutilate).
This species is native to tropical regions of the world and can be found in many parts of Hawaii.
The Stump-Toed Gecko has a distinct appearance: a flattened body, short limbs, and a striped pattern along its back.
It is typically dark brown or olive but can also come in red, orange, or yellow shades.
The Stump-Toed Gecko is active and can often be seen hunting for food during the day.
It is known for its ability to climb walls and other surfaces and is a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts.
These types of geckos in Hawaii are also popular for their voracious appetite for insects and can help keep bug populations in check in areas where they are present.
Overall, the Stump-Toed Gecko is one of the most common types of geckos found in Hawaii.
With its unique appearance and reputation as an efficient hunter, it’s no wonder this species has become so popular in the region!
2. Common House Gecko
One of Hawaii’s most popular types of geckos is the Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus).
This gecko species are found in many parts of the world and is characterized by its small size and dark brown to light gray coloring.
In Hawaii, this gecko species can be found near homes, businesses, and other areas with human activity.
These types of geckos in Hawaii are also commonly seen on tree trunks, windowsills, and other surfaces.
The Common House Gecko is an omnivore that feeds on insects such as spiders, cockroaches, and ants. They also eat nectar and fruit.
These geckos are nocturnal and prefer to hide in crevices and cracks during the day.
As their name implies, they are also known for their vocalizations, which include chirping and barking sounds.
If you’re looking to spot types of geckos in Hawaii, keep an eye out for the Common House Gecko!
While they may not be the flashiest species, they are fascinating animals that can offer insight into local ecosystems and provide a unique experience for those who take the time to observe them.
3. Mourning Gecko
When talking about types of geckos in Hawaii, the Mourning Gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) is certainly one to mention.
This small gecko is native to much of the Indo-Pacific region and can be found on many islands in Hawaii and other tropical regions.
The Mourning Gecko usually ranges from 2 to 3 inches long and has distinct black, brown, and white markings that run along its body.
These unique lizards are active during the night and are known for their big, melodic calls that can often be heard from homes and hotels in the area.
Though they are mainly terrestrial, these geckos are known for their ability to climb walls, a trait that makes them a nuisance in areas with human activity.
4. Giant Day Gecko
The Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma Grandis) is one of the most recognizable types of geckos in Hawaii.
They have bright green coloring with pink and yellow stripes running down their backs and large eyes that look almost like they are made of glass.
These amazing creatures can grow up to 8 inches in length and are very active during the day.
They like to hang out on tree trunks, leaves, and rocks, hunting insects and other small creatures.
They also enjoy basking in the sun, which helps them stay warm and regulate their body temperature.
5. Orange-Spotted Day Gecko
When you think of Hawaii, you probably think of beautiful beaches and lush tropical forests, but the islands are also home to some amazing wildlife.
Among the wildlife, you’ll find several types of geckos. Here we’ll look at five types of geckos you can find in Hawaii.
The fifth on my list of types of geckos in Hawaii is the Orange-Spotted Day Gecko (Phelsuma Guimbeaui).
These colorful lizards measure 4 and 5 inches in length and have distinctive orange spots on their backs.
They prefer warmer climates and can be found living near human dwellings.
6. Indo-Pacific Tree Gecko
One of Hawaii’s most common types of geckos is the Indo-Pacific Tree Gecko (Hemiphyllodactylus typus).
Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, these gecko species are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Their small size and distinct coloration can identify them – usually a brownish yellow or pale grayish body with light spots or stripes and a bright yellow belly.
The Indo-Pacific Tree Gecko is an adept climber who prefers habitats that provide opportunities to scramble up vertical surfaces like trees, walls, and cliffs.
These geckos are nocturnal, meaning they spend their days tucked away in crevices and only come out at night to hunt insects.
In addition to being found in the wild, the Indo-Pacific Tree Gecko is often kept as a pet due to its relatively easygoing temperament.
While providing these geckos with plenty of space and exercise opportunities is important, these types of geckos in Hawaii don’t require much care or maintenance and can be enjoyable pets.
7. Tokay Gecko
The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is one of the most iconic types of geckos in Hawaii. This species can be found on Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
The Tokay Gecko is a large, hardy reptile with a vibrant patterning that ranges from blues and greens to yellows and reds.
Tokay Geckos are nocturnal creatures, active primarily at night. These types of geckos in Hawaii feed on insects, spiders, and small lizards, which they catch with their sticky tongues.
Despite their intimidating size, Tokay Geckos are harmless to humans and are not known to bite.
These fascinating creatures can live up to 20 years in captivity and play an important role in controlling insect populations.
While their presence in Hawaii is not officially listed as threatened or endangered, their populations are monitored closely to ensure these amazing animals will continue to thrive in the Hawaiian islands.
8. Gold Dust Day Gecko
Hawaii is home to several unique geckos, including the Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda).
This small gecko species is known for its beautiful colors and markings across much of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Gold Dust Day Gecko can reach up to 5 inches in length and is characterized by its olive-green body with yellowish-brown or gold dots along its back.
Its tail is usually green, although it sometimes has a pink hue.
These types of geckos in Hawaii tend to stick to the underside of leaves during the day while actively searching for food in the evening.
It primarily eats insects but will also consume nectar and fruit. Due to their small size, they are also preyed upon by birds, cats, and other larger animals.
9. Fox Gecko
The Fox Gecko (Hemidactylus Garnottii) is one of Hawaii’s many gecko types.
This species is quite common throughout the islands and can be seen sunning itself on rocks or trees or skittering away across the ground when disturbed.
The Fox Gecko is a small lizard growing to around 3-4 inches. It has smooth skin with bright markings of yellow or green, depending on its location.
The types of geckos in Hawaii can often be seen in large numbers near human dwellings, as they feed on insects attracted by lights.
Fox Geckos are semi-arboreal, meaning they spend some time in the trees and the ground.
They are active both day and night and like hiding in crevices or under rocks to stay safe from predators.
The Fox Gecko is one of the most interesting types of geckos in Hawaii, and its presence is an important part of the local environment.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter one of these little lizards, take the time to observe it as it goes about its daily activities!
Conclusion
Overall, Hawaii is home to a variety of types of geckos. Geckos are an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem and can be found in many different environments on the islands.
These include tropical forests, arid deserts, and coastal areas.
While there are some native species of geckos in Hawaii, many of the geckos found here are introduced from other parts of the world.
It is important to understand the different types of geckos in Hawaii to help ensure their populations remain healthy and balanced.
