WHERE
TO WATCH BIRDS IN HAWAI'I -WHERE
TO WATCH BIRDS IN HAWAI'I -
HAWAI'I
The Big
Island of Hawai'i is the most Easterly of the
Main Islands and is twice as large as all the other islands combined as well as being geographically the youngest.
The Island is dominated by the two large mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which rise almost 14,000 feet above
sea level, and in fact Mauna Kea is the highest Mountain on Earth, as it rises over 32,000 feet from the Ocean
floor. Mauna Loa makes up more than half of the Islands land mass and is in fact the largest mountain land mass
in the World.
Kilauea Caldera is still active and is currently regarded as the most active volcano on Earth, and has added over
500 acres of coastal land to the Island since its latest eruptions started in 1983.
The Island is one of great extremes, being generally wet on the east side and extremely dry on the West side with
habitats ranging from arid desert to lush, tropical forests to lava flows to snow-capped peaks.
The western side has little rainfall as the huge land masses of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa block most of the moisture
from the windward side of the Island. Due to this the west side has some of the best weather in Hawaii, as well
as sandy beaches and warm clear water.
Some of Hawai'i's most spectacular scenery can be seen on the Big Island at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, which
has a wide array of interesting features to observe - such as flowing lava, steaming vents and Sulfur emitting
craters.
The Human population of the Big Island is centered in two towns, Hilo on the windward side and Kailua-Kona on the
leeward side.
The Big Island is over 4035 square miles in area, is 93 miles long and 76 miles wide. South Point or Ka Lae is
the Southernmost point in the United States. It was originally formed by five large shield volcanoes - Kohala,
Hualalai, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The last two are still active.
For the birder there are many good birding opportunities to see endemic and introduced species as well as a good selection of areas to find migrants. The Island of Hawai'i could produce a greater number of endemic species than any of the other Islands: Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Koloa, Nene, Hawaiian Hawk, Hawai'i 'Elepaio, Hawai'i Creeper, 'Apapane, I'iwi, Hawai'i 'Amakihi, Hawai'i 'Akepa, O'mao, 'Akiapola'au, Palila, and with a great deal of luck, perhaps even Hawaiian Crow - although this chance is decreasing each day. There may even be some of the presumed extinct species just managing to hang on to existence in some extremely remote area, such as O'u or Nuku'pu'u, but these have not been seen for many years despite searching and so one should not hold out too much hope of glimpsing one of these!
The following sites are dealt with below:
3). Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
| 1).
AIMAKAPA POND, KONA Open Access All Year. No entrance Fee. Link: Hawai'i's Birding Hotspots - Aimakapa Pond Located on the Kona side a short distance to the South of Keahole airport and just North of the Honokohau Boat harbor. Follow signs to the boat Harbor and park sensibly at the North side of the parking lot and walk to the Northern edge of the entrance road by the boat storage area. Cross over the low stone wall here (there are many gaps) and walk through the scrub and small Kiawe wood until you come out on the beach. There is a small restroom area inside the Kiawe wood. Once you reach the beach walk North for a short while until you see the pond on your right, there are several spots to view different areas of the pond. Note that the beach is partly a nudist beach and there may well be people sunbathing nude whilst you are watching birds.  The Pond has hosted many rarities and migrants over the years, as well as providing habitat for endemic Stilts and Coots. It is also the only known Hawaiian breeding site of Pied-billed Grebe, although the numbers nesting has dropped quite considerably. Blue-winged Teal also has nested here, but the numbers are small and a permanent population of nesting birds does not currently seem to be established. Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler are regular in winter in quite considerable numbers and other regular migrant waterfowl include Greater and Lesser Scaup, Tufted Duck, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal and Bufflehead. Scarcer species have included Garganey, Redhead, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon and Canvasback.  Although the water is sometimes too deep on the whole for shorebirds the edges often hold Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Wandering Tattler and Pacific Golden Plover and scarcer migrants have included Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, Sandpipers and Plovers. Osprey are sometimes seen hunting for fish over the pond and Hawaiian Owl can be seen quartering the nearby scrubby areas. Night Herons and Cattle Egrets are commonly seen along the edges of the pond and there is always the chance of a rare Heron or Egret turning up. Two White-faced Ibis were seen here in the late 1990's. It is always worth checking the reef on the beach on the way to the pond as it often holds migrant shorebirds, and amongst the Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and Sanderling there may be something a bit rarer, such as Red-necked Stint or Gray-tailed Tattler, both of which have been sighted here. In the scrubby areas on the way to the pond there are several introduced species to keep an eye out for and include Saffron Finch, Yellow-billed Cardinal, African Silverbill and Gray Francolin.  Early morning and evening are
probably the best times to visit as the area will have been less disturbed. The composition of species at the pond
changes quite frequently as well and so it is a good idea to make as many trips as possible during a visit to the
Big Island.Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles often haul out onto the beaches here to rest or lay eggs. Best Time To Visit: Fall and Winter |
| 2). HILO PONDS Open Access All Year. No Entrance Fees.  There are two main ponds in
Hilo which regularly attract migrants: Loko Waka pond, to the NE of the airport and Waiakea Pond (pictured right)
in the center of Hilo. They are both easily located on maps of the area. Both are quite disturbed areas but often
the birds seem to ignore the noise and large numbers of people that are present, however visits during the early
morning are probably best.Lokowaka Pond is off Kalanianaole Avenue which runs along the waterfront North of the Airport. Waiakea Pond is situated between Manono Street and Kilauea Avenue. Parking is available on both sides, but is probably easier on the Eastern side (Manono Street side). Waiakea Pond is visible as you drive over the bridge on Kamehameha Avenue. Resident species include Hawaiian Coot, Night Heron and Cattle Egret, as well as at Waiakea Pond a wide variety of introduced feral Ducks and Geese, which often swim around with true migrants! American Coots have been seen in the past, most recently one was present during the winter of 2001-2002, and so it is worth checking closely all Coots on these ponds.  During the winter there are
usually a few Northern Shoveler and Pintail present as well as Wigeon
(both Eurasian
and American), Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck
(right). A long list of migrants and rarities have occurred and include Green-backed Heron, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Pied-billed Grebe, Canada, Snow and White-fronted Geese, Tufted Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Redhead, Canvasback, Osprey and Belted Kingfisher - so obviously anything could turn up.  Several Gulls and Terns have been recorded here and most winters there is at least one species present, such as Bonaparte's, Ring-billed or Laughing Gull or Common Tern. Rarer species have included Glaucous-winged, Western and Mew Gull and a Black Tern was recorded on Mohouli Pond, which adjoins Waiakea Pond.  Birds will often be asleep under
overhanging vegetation so it is worth walking around the whole of the pond (at Waiakea) to ensure observation of
all species present. Birds will sometimes fly between the two sites, as did a Belted
Kingfisher in the late 1990's, and so it may be worth checking both sites several
times. The south end of Waiakea Pond (right) where a wide variety of feral ducks are present will often attract
a few true migrants too, such as Ring-necked Duck, Blue-winged Teal or American Wigeon.Best Time To Visit: Winter |
| 3). HAKALAU FOREST NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Restricted Access. Access by arrangement or on organised tours only.  Link: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Link: U.S. FWS Refuge checklists Link: Directions to Refuge Link: Hawai'i's Birding Hotspots - Hakalau Forest NWR For access details birders should contact The Refuge Manager, Hakalau Forest NWR, 32 Kinoole Street, Suite 101, Hilo, HI 96720 or telephone 1 808 933 6915.. This is the first National Wildlife refuge to be established purely for the management of native forest birds and now includes about 16,500 acres of land. Hakalau Forest (and Lower Pua Akala Tract) is one of the best birding spots in Hawai'i and is home to many endemic species, many which occur in larger numbers here than any other location. Public access is allowed into the nearby Upper Maulua Tract, on weekends and public holidays. You need to book a week in advance on (808) 933-6915 and to get the combination to a locked gate. The road beyond the gate needs a high clearance vehicle, but it is not far (ca. 2 miles) and could easily be walked. Maulua Tract has all the birds except Akepa.  Hawai'i 'Elepaio, O'mao,
I'iwi, 'Apapane, Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i 'Akepa, 'Akiapola'au, Hawai'i 'Amakihi and I'o
(Hawaiian Hawk) can all be found in this amazing area, and in many cases without
too much difficulty. I'iwi and 'Akepa seem to occur here more commonly than at any other site and one can almost
imagine what it would have been like in a native forest a few hundred years ago.The fantastic 'Akiapola'au is present in small numbers and can sometimes be seen foraging along branches and using its bill to hack and dig insects out from tiny crevices - it is certainly one of Hawai'i's most amazing birds. Red-billed Leiothrix can often be found feeding amongst the vegetation, as well as the ubiquitous Japanese Whiteeye, although even this seems to be less common than at many similar sites.  On the way up to the refuge there
are several ranch ponds which hold Koloa (some re-introduced)
and occasionally migrant ducks. Erckel's Francolin, Chukar, Kalij Pheasant, Turkey and California Quail can often be seen from the road on the way to the refuge and very rarely there may be a Gambel's Quail, amongst the California
Quail, an uncommon sight nowadays.The details for this site are short for two reasons, firstly with no current access to most people the need for detailed directions is unnecessary and secondly, if one does arrange access the refuge staff will guide you (nobody is allowed to just wander around) and provide details of access to the refuge, ie. How to get there. The best way of going to the refuge at present is to join a tour company visit, as they are often very successful at finding the birds and also their donations help towards the upkeep of this fragile area. Please do not attempt to enter the refuge unguided as it constitutes trespassing and it may result in the disturbance and damage of this unique area and create further problems for the endemic species that reside here. Best Time To Visit: All Year |
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4). HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Open All Year. Entrance Fee, Link: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Link: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park This unique location contains two active volcanoes, tropical beaches and a snow-capped
mountain and must be regarded as one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Kilauea Caldera, the sunken center
of Kilauea Volcano is still steaming and has been producing lava constantly since 1983, making it the most active
volcano in the World. Accessed from Hilo on Highway 11 from the North and from Kona on the same Highway from the
South. A
detailed map is issued when you enter the park and pay the admission fee, alternatively copies are available at
the Park Center and is well worth getting as it shows many trails beyond the scope of this site.
The Park's main road is Crater Rim Road, which circles the Kilauea Caldera, and from where most of the Park's attractions
can be seen. The remaining sites can be seen from Chain of Craters Road, which goes South for 20 miles to the coast
and ends near to the most recent volcanic activity. Even without the special birds the area is well worth exploring just for the amazing geological
features that can be observed here - where else on Earth can you witness a live volcano with such ease?
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| 5). PU'U
ANAHULU Open All Year. No Entrance Fee. Access in North Kona, about nineteen miles from Kailua near the Pu'u Wa'a Wa'a Cinder cone and reached from either Waimea or Kailua. Route 190 traverses the area and after you pass Huehue ranch the highway crosses lava flows and scrub. At the base of Puu Waa Waa cinder cone is the entrance to the ranch. Park on the side of the road where it turns sharp left and climbs uphill. There is a wider pullout area here where it is safer to park. Here you can look from the road into the tree tops and down into the grassy scrub areas below. Make sure that when searching the area and along the roads to be out of the way of passing cars and also not to accidentally trespass on private property.  This area was the original release site for many Gamebirds and introduced Finches. Some of the species have disappeared from Hawai'i completely,
whilst others have spread more widely, but this is still one of the best places in Hawai'i to see several of the
introduced Estrildids.All of the following species can be seen here in varying numbers, depending on the stage of seed growth and the length of the vegetation: Red-cheeked Cordonbleu, Lavender Waxbill, Black-rumped Waxbill, Red Avadavat, African Silverbill and Yellow-fronted Canary. Although all these species are present in the area, not all species will always be present and on show and some such as Black-rumped Waxbill and Cordonbleu may not be present for several days or even weeks at a time. Several visits may be required to see all the desired species.  Also in the area it is possible
to see Nene, I'o,
Black and Erckel's Francolins (Left), Kalij
and Ring-necked Pheasants, Wild
Turkey, Mourning
Dove and both Hawaiian
and Barn Owls.
There is even the outside chance of a flyover Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Common 'Amakihi are often seen
in the tree tops opposite the pullout.Best Time To Visit: All Year |
| 6). WAIMEA
PLAINS Open Access All Year. No Entrance Fee. Take Care not to Trespass on Private Property. Waimea Town is the headquarters of the Parker Ranch and the town is very much centered around the Ranch, as much of the land and property here is owned by them. To reach Waimea from Kona take Route 190 NorthEast and watch the plains from anywhere after the turning to Waikoloa Village. To reach the Transfer Station take the road West out of Waimea along Route 19 and it is on the left a little way out of town. DO NOT jeapardise access or goodwill of the transfer station owners by parking in obstructive areas or causing a nuisance whilst there. The main reason for visiting the Waimea Plains is for Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse, an introduced Asian species found in Hawai'i only on these Plain. Birds can be seen at any time of the day flying over Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) or South of Kawaihae Road, which runs from Waimea Town to Kawaihae. Any time of day may produce sightings but mornings are generally best. Flocks of 80 or more birds may be seen at any one time, although usually flocks are much smaller. Birds are only very rarely observed on the ground. The Refuse Transfer Station just West of the Town is a good vantage point and birds are regularly seen from here. Birds are more likely to be seen during the later, hotter part of the morning when they may move around looking for watering holes.  Aside from the Sandgrouse there are not that many
bird species to see here although Black and Gray Francolin (left) are
present and Pueo or
Hawaiian Short-eared Owl
are frequently seen quartering the vast expanse of rolling hills. Pacific Golden Plover are present on the Plains too and if seen
distantly in a flock may be mistaken for the Sandgrouse - a telescope is often useful here. Skylarks are also very numerous here and can be observed very closely.
The "usual" urban birds may be seen in and around the Town.NOTE: The Concrete Plant cited in some older publications as a good observation point is a definite NO ACCESS area, and birders entering the site are liable to be confronted by irate workers! There is no need to enter this site as the Sandgrouse can be observed relatively easily from other areas. Best Time To Visit: All Year |
| 7). PU'U LA'AU Open Access All Year. No Entrance Fee. Be Sure to Close All Gates Behind You and To Try To Avoid Tracking Seeds into The Forest.  Pu'u La'au is the easiest location
to observe the Palila, a Finch-like member of the
Hawaiian Honycreeper family, and the only one most birders are likely to see.Access is off the Saddle Road, best reached by taking Rout 200 (The Saddle Road) from the Northern End off Route 190 (Mamalahoa Highway) Continue along the Saddle Road until you pass the Waikii Ranch on your right, this is about two-thirds of the way to the turning for Pu'u La'au, continue until you see the Kilohana Girl Scout Camp on your right and a little further on is a turning for Pu'u La'au on the Mauka (mountain) side of the Saddle Road. The road/track up to Pu'u La'au is passable in a standard rental car if the weather has been dry (although the tires may slip a little), but should not be attempted in wet weather unless done so in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The track leads up to a gate which is the entrance to the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and although access is allowed by vehicle it is probably the best place to park and explore the area on foot. Most rental companies do not allow driving on the Saddle Road and so it is up to the individual to assess the risk of driving this route.  The mamane-naio forest here
is a unique habitat which is the haunt of the Palila,
a beautiful and rare bird which feeds almost entirely on the green pods of the mamane tree. Although the birds
are quite large they can be frustratingly elusive, even if calling. If the trees have a good crop of seeds then
birds may be more widely scattered as there is a plentiful food source, but the population may be higher and therefore
easier to see. In times of drought when the trees have few seeds birds may be extremely difficult to locate as
there will be fewer individuals and they will spend less time feeding at each site. As well as Palila, there are several other endemic species here: 'Apapane, Hawai'i 'Amakihi and the mamane-naio form of the Hawai'i 'Elepaio, some of which have almost white heads. I'iwi are sometimes seen here and very rarely 'Akiapola'au, although this species should not be regarded as regular or probable at this site.  The track on the way up is good
for California Quail and occasionally Gambel's Quail, a species which is probably under-recorded. Erckel's Francolins are also a noisy presence along the track and forest edges. Wild
Turkey and Kalij Pheasant are
present too, although the Pheasants can be surprisingly elusive and are more easily seen in Volcanoes National
Park. Turkey are probably more easily seen in the pastures along the saddle Road on the way to Pu'u La'au from
the North.  Short-eared owls are frequent visitors to the slopes here, as well as over the
pastures along the Saddle road, birds often perch on the roadside fences and can provide great photographic opportunities.Above: Birders search for Palila at Pu'u La'au. Introduced birds in the forest itself include Red-billed Leiothrix, Yellow-fronted Canary, Spotted and Zebra Doves, Melodious Laughing Thrush and House Finch. Skylarks are easily seen, and heard over the whole area. Best Time To Visit: All Year, but especially January to March. |
| 8).
MANUKA STATE PARK Open All Year. No Entrance Fee. Restrooms. Located on the Mauka side of Route 11 between Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and MacFarms of Hawai'i on the South Western side of the Island a little beyond the turning to South Point if coming from the East and a few miles past the Macadamia Nut Farm if arriving from the West. The park is best known for its important collection of plants, many of which are labelled - some are rare and endangered and are well worth having a look at.  Birdwise this an excellent place
to get fantastic and close views of Hawai'i 'Amakihi
- this is probably the easiest site to get good photographs of the species. They are particularly attracted to
the newly opened flowers of the Wiliwili Trees here, of which the white-flowered variety seems to be especially
favored. Birds may feed down to a few feet from observers in the trees by the restrooms.Hawai'i 'Elapaio and 'Apapane may also be seen here a little way into the forest as well as introduced species such as Japanese Whiteeye, Spotted and Zebra Doves, Melodious Laughing-Thrush and House Finch. Hawaiian Hawk or I'o are fairly regularly observed flying over or along Route 11 to the North of the State Park. A pair has nested several times in a large pine tree on the Mauka side of the road about two miles North of the Park. Best Time To Visit: All Year, although December to March seems to be good and many trees are in bloom. |
9).
KEALAKEKUA BAY Open All Year. No Entrance Fee. Restrooms nearby. Kealakekua Bay is best known as the landing site in Hawai'i of Captain James Cook, on January 17th 1779. It is also, of course, the site where he later died over a mis-understanding! The Bay can be reached Route 11 between South Kona and Honaunau. Take Na'po'opo'o Road from the town of Captain Cook or Middle Keei Road off Route 11 and follow the road down the mountainside to the Bay, which is part of the Kealakekua Bay Historical Park. A little further to the South is the City of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Hanau'au national Historical Park) which is interesting for its cultural value but holds little in the way of birds.  Na'po'opo'o Beach Park at the end of Napo'opo'o Road is an unassuming little bay which is good for snorkelling and swimming. On the far side of the Bay is a monument to Captain Cook. The main bird attraction here is Hawaiian Hawk which are regularly seen over the hillsides here, although not necessarily over the beach. Yellow-billed Cardinals are easily seen here and often come to drink at the small muddy backwater which is hidden in the trees behind the beach, which may also hold a couple of Night Herons, Wandering Tattler or even a migrant Shorebird - a Spotted Sandpiper was recorded wintering here in the past, and presumably other migrants may stop here occasionally. The path out to captain Cooks monument (from Captain Cook Town) will also produce these species and Saffron Finches and sometimes Lavender Waxbill, further on from the monument along the rocky shoreline Pacific Golden Plovers, Turnstones, Sanderlings and Tattlers can often be seen. The "usual" urban birds are also present. Hawaiian Hoary Bats can also be seen here at Dusk. Hawaiian Hawk photo ©Bob Michael. Best Time To Visit: All Year. Fall and Winter to look for migrant Shorebirds. |
| 10). PUNALU'U BEACH PARK & SOUTH POINT Open All Year. No Entrance Fee. Restrooms.  Located off Route 11 between
Waiohinu and pahala on the South side of the Island, just South of the Town of Punalu'u.Birdwise the area does not have too much to offer but Black Noddy and Wedge-tailed Shearwater can be seen offshore. Brown Boobies are frequently seen and sometimes Red-footed Booby might be spotted cruising by too. Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling are frequently seen in winter on the beach when there are not too many tourists and Wandering Tattler are present during the winter too. A possible Gray-tailed Tattler was seen here in 2001. The small pond behind the beach is usually only inhabited by barnyard ducks but has attracted the occasional Gull and migrant Shorebird. This Beach Park is worth visiting
for the presence of nesting Hawksbill Turtles
as well as a good location to see Green Sea Turtles.
The Green Sea Turtles may be sighted at any time of the day hauled out on the beach, but the Hawksbills usually
only haul out at night, when most visitors have gone. DO NOT
approach any Turtles too closely as this disturbs them and can result in fatality
if forced back into the water before they are ready. To report violations of the law (harassment, killing, harming
and disturbing) click here for numbers to
call.Nearby South Point (Ka Lae) is the Southernmost point in the United States (and the town of Na'alehu is the Southernmost town) and is a good location to watch for seabirds, including those mentioned above. Bristle-thighed Curlew have also been seen here and Short-eared Owls regularly hunt the pastures nearby. Rock Doves here are at least living on cliffs and so may be more countable than those seen in parks and towns! Note: This area has a bit of a reputation as being unsafe and a hang-out for some of the less desirable locals, so it is wise to not visit if you are alone, and if you do visit to keep aware of the situation and atmosphere. Best Time To Visit: All Year. Seabird passage is probably best in Spring and Fall. Shorebirds in Fall and Winter. |
