Saving the Hawaiian Nēnē

The Nēnē is Hawaii's state bird and it is one of the world's rarest geese. Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, the Nēnē was driven to the brink of extinction by habitat loss, introduced predators like mongooses and rats, and hunting. By the 1950s, fewer than 30 birds remained in the wild.

Why the Nēnē Is Endangered

• Habitat destruction: Development and invasive plant species have dramatically reduced the native Hawaiian lowland and coastal habitats the Nēnē depends on.
• Introduced predators: Mongooses, rats, cats, and dogs prey on Nēnē eggs, chicks, and adults.
• Vehicle collisions: Nēnē are ground-nesting birds that often wander roads, making them vulnerable to traffic.
• Disease: Avian diseases introduced through non-native birds pose an ongoing threat.                                   

The Road to Recovery

Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, predator control, and habitat restoration, the Nēnē population has rebounded to approximately 3,000 birds today. While this is a remarkable success story, the Nēnē remains listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and continues to need our protection.

Our Commitment

At AlohaNēnē, the Nēnē is more than our name, it's the heart of our mission. We believe that celebrating the world means actively working to protect it. That's why 10% of every purchase goes directly toward Nēnē conservation efforts in Hawai'i. If you would like to directly support the Friends Of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Nēnē fund, visit their donation site and set the donation to the "Keep Nēnē Flying High" option: https://www.fhvnp.org/donate

Spread the Aloha

Share our mission with friends and family. Follow us on social media, tag your AlohaNēnē gear, and help us raise awareness for Hawaii's beloved state bird. Together, we can make sure the Nēnē never faces the edge of extinction again.

Mahalo for your support. 🌺