Hawaiian Rain Forest

Hawaiian rain forests typically occur at elevations between 1,350 and 6,300 feet. Lower areas are dominated by non-native vegetation, whereas more native vegetation occurs along ridges, higher gulches and near summits. Hawaiian rain forests are typically multi-layered with several tree, tree fern and shrub layers between the canopy and the ground. The rain forest canopy is dominated by 'Ohi'a, but koa is also very common.

Most of the biological diversity in Hawaiian rain forests exists in the understory. Common understory vegetation includes tree ferns, vines, mosses and flowering plants. Hawaiian forests are threatened by feral animals such as pigs that uproot plants and by weeds such as guava, bamboo and kahili ginger that displace native species.