An Overview of Birding in Hawaii

Like other tropical locations, the weather in Hawaiian Islands is generally pleasant and warm but at higher elevations, the weather changes abruptly. Millions of seabirds as well as wetland birds find habitat in these remote islands. It is said that out of (roughly estimated) 283 species in Hawaii, 90% are found nowhere except Hawaii. The beauty of Hawaii and large variety of birds makes it a perfect place for birding.

In the main land, the class of birds, that strikes the visitors is, seabirds. Noddies, Albatross, Frigate birds, Terns, Tropicbirds, and Boobies are some of the seabirds in Hawaii which don’t require visitors to search for them. These can easily be seen from land, anywhere in Hawaii. Don’t forget to see the Hawaiian Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater. If you are interested in watching the breeding birds, you will have to catch some height to have a better view of it. It will also give you a chance to see some rare migrant seabirds.

Most famous wetland species in Hawaii are Laysan Duck, Nene and Koloa. Laysan Duck is limited to Layson Island. Koloa can be seen in Kauai, where it is found in large number. Nene is Hawaiian goose and named as the state bird of Hawaii. This endangered specie is still fighting for its long-term survival, as currently; only 500 nenes exist in the whole Hawaiian Islands. You can see nene in the state parks of Maui, and the Big Island. Moreover, Alala is the Hawaiian native crow which is endangered as well.

Another must-see bird in Hawaii is Pueo, the Hawaiian owl. The locals consider it a good sign if you spot a Pueo. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are the islands where you can see the short-eared owl at any time in the day. You can visit Waimea Canyon for watching Pueo as well as other topical birds.

Molakoi and Kauai are two islands which you must visit if you are looking for birding. In some states; Native endangered birds of Hawaii have been kept under special care and strenuous protection in parks to give them natural environment. If you visit the state I suggest you grab a rented Nissan or other vehicle and explore all the islands if you have time.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea State Park in Big Island are two destinations in Hawaiian Islands which have good varieties of native birds. Flora and fauna are the birds, worth to be seen in the Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea Point which is located at the north shore of Kauai is an ideal place for seabirds sighting.

Kokee state park in Kauai is one of the biggest sanctuaries for endangered native birds of Hawaii. Red colored apapane and iiwi, endangered albatross and olive-green colored amakihi must be seen here. You can also watch the Red Polynesian Junglefowl and honeycreepers which are the most common native bird in Hawaii. Nearly 32 species of these alien birds are known to breed in this park.