Guide to Birding the Hawaiian Islands

Hawai`i

To see the common forest birds, the best location is Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, especially the Kilauea Crater lookout near the visitor's center, the Thurston Lava Tube area, and Kipuka Puaulu. `Oma`o, `Apapane, `Amakihi,`Elepaio, `Io (Hawaiian Hawk) and White-tailed Tropicbird are likely possibilities. Watch for Nene (Hawaiian Goose) on the roadsides, and also in the drier areas around the Kipuka Nene on the Chain of Craters Road.

A good location to see the Palila, as well as Pueo (Hawaiian Owl), `Amakihi, `Elepaio, and possible `Akiapola`au, is Pu`u La`au. This is a montane dry forest region, and can be reached from the Saddle Road across the island - follow the dirt road to the north at the Hunter Check-in Station a few miles west of Mauna Kea State Park. This is also a good spot for introduced upland and grassland birds.

Hawai`i is not a particularly good island for seabirds and water birds, but you can check on Aimakapa Road, near Kona for waterbirds.

The best forest bird area of all is Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge. The Maulua Tract of the Refuge is open to the public for bird-watching, pig hunting, hiking, and photography on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Permission is required prior to entry - contact the Refuge Manager in Hilo at 808-933-6915 for current information on visiting opportunities.