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Rubus hawaiensis, also called the Ākala, is one of two species (with Rubus macraei) commonly known as Hawaiian raspberry, endemic to Hawaii. It is found on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, O'ahu, and Hawaii in mesic to wet forest at elevations of . In most areas it is not common, but in some places (such as the upper Koolau Gap in Haleakala and Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve) it can be a dominant member of the understory vegetation. Although similar to the other Hawaiian species, Rubus macraei, the two are believed to be derived from separate dispersals to Hawaii.
Although frequently described as prickle-free ("thornless"), and often used as an example of loss of defenses in island plants, most plants do have thin prickles at least when small. As the cane grows the outer layer of bark usually sheds, taking the prickles with it. Interest in breeding "thornless" varieties of edible raspberries (possibly even with distantly related species since most Rubus readily hybridize) has led to the introduction of several species of continental Rubus species which have since escaped plant and become pests. These include the yellow Himalayan raspberry, Rubus ellipticus, and the Florida prickly blackberry, Rubus argutus.
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