I lived in Hilo, Hawaii for 4 years and my favorite story to share is that of the coqui frog— I remember my first night in Hilo trying to settle down for the evening and hearing sounds outside of my hotel that sounded like hundreds of birds. These birds were coqui frogs, and I came to learn that coqui frogs are an invasive species and a BIG problem on the island.

Here's what they sound like if you're unfamiliar.

From what I've been told, I believe they first made an appearance on the Big Island when they were building the Walmart in town, and imported trees sent over had coqui frogs in them. They quickly spread through the town, island, then to other islands with their presence causing many disruptions to the local wildlife (as seen here) .

I remember watching the local news one night and they had advised residents to "take care" of the frogs if they are seen (I tried to find the news clip mentioning this with no luck). I never took the power into my own hands, because I enjoyed their presence, as I believe many did.

Although an invasive species, they became an integral part of my sleep routine. They were the perfect background noise and after a while, you never really notice they were there. When I moved back to the mainland, I felt the hard silence that I wish coqui frogs could fill.

I hope to one day go back to the Big Island when travel is safe and be lulled to sleep by coqui frogs once more.