Succinea konaensis is a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Succineidae endemic to Hawaii. The species is one of Hawaii's nine state snails, known in Hawaiian as Hini Hini Kua Mauna.
Description.
This species has a brown shell and a typical "Succinea" morphology. Unlike many other snails, it can not retract into its shell due to the large size of its body compared to the smaller shell.
Distribution and habitat.
"Succinea konaensis" is an endemic species to the island of Hawaii. It can be found in Kona, Hilo, Ka'u and on Mauna Kea. It lives mostly on the ground rather than plants.
Cultural Significance.
Governor Josh Green remarked that land snails are a huge part of music and the arts in Hawaiian culture. In 2024, "Succinea konaensis" was designated as the official snail of Hawaii Island.
Conservation Status.
"Succinea konaensis" can now be found in a much more reduced area than in the past, though many empty shells were recently found in its original range. This species' conservation status is imperiled.