Kamehameha Butterfly
This orange-and-brown butterfly occurs only in Hawaiʻi, where its caterpillars depend primarily on native māmaki and related nettle-family plants.
Artwork inspired by Isami Doi
The Kamehameha butterfly is one of only two butterflies native to the Hawaiian Islands. Adults take sap, rotting fruit, and nectar, while females place eggs on host plants such as māmaki; caterpillars fold leaves into shelters as they grow.
Habitat loss, invasive plants, introduced predators, and declining host-plant patches affect local populations. Planting verified native māmaki can help in suitable landscapes, but collecting caterpillars or moving them between islands can spread disease and disrupt genetics. Observe folded leaves without opening every shelter.
- Range
- Hawaiian Islands only
- Host plant
- Māmaki
- Status
- Official state insect
Quick guide
- Check plant
- Māmaki leaves may hold folded shelters.
- Compare
- Orange bands differ from introduced painted ladies.
Connect an endemic butterfly to its host plant
- Upper wing
- Orange-red bands cross dark brown wings with pale forewing spots.
- Under wing
- Mottled brown pattern helps a resting adult disappear.
- Caterpillar
- Larvae shelter inside a folded or rolled host leaf.
- Plant
- Native māmaki is the most familiar host and should remain undamaged.
Good to know
Introduced painted ladies and admirals can confuse a quick sighting. Photograph upper and lower wings when naturally possible, plus the host plant, without capturing or chilling the butterfly.
Notice these
- Orange-red wing bands
- Dark brown ground color
- Māmaki host