Bird Watching on the Big Island: A Guide to Native Birds

The Hawaiian archipelago is one of the most isolated island chains on Earth, a fact that has given rise to a stunningly unique collection of native birds. For visiting birders, the Big Island of Hawaiʻi offers an experience that is both thrilling and poignant. Here, you can seek out jewel-toned honeycreepers flitting through ancient forests, but you'll also come face-to-face with the fragile reality of extinction and the importance of conservation.

This is not your typical mainland birding trip. It requires planning, a bit of luck, and a deep respect for the delicate ecosystems you'll be entering. But the reward—the flash of a crimson ʻIʻiwi against a green ʻōhiʻa canopy—is a memory that will last a lifetime.

A Birder's Paradise: Understanding Hawaiʻi's Avifauna

Before you grab your binoculars, it's helpful to understand the birds you might see. They fall into three main categories:

• Endemic: These are species found only in Hawaiʻi and nowhere else in the world. They are the primary prize for most visiting birders. The iconic Hawaiian honeycreepers, like the ʻIʻiwi and ʻAkiapōlāʻau, are prime examples.
• Indigenous: These birds are native to Hawaiʻi but also found elsewhere. This group includes many seabirds and waterfowl, like the Kōlea (Pacific Golden-Plover) which migrates to Hawaiʻi for the winter.
• Introduced (Non-native): These are species brought to Hawaiʻi by humans, either intentionally or accidentally. They are often the most common birds you'll see in urban and lowland areas, such as the Northern Cardinal, Japanese White-eye, and Common Myna.

Sadly, many of Hawaiʻi's endemic birds are critically endangered or already extinct due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and avian diseases like avian malaria, which is spread by non-native mosquitoes. This is why the best birding is often found at higher elevations (typically above 4,000 feet), where colder temperatures limit the mosquito population.

Where to Go: Top Bird Watching Spots on the Big Island

The Big Island's sheer size and diverse elevations create distinct habitats, each hosting different bird species. Here are the premier locations, from restricted-access rainforests to easily accessible national parks.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Often called the "crown jewel" of Hawaiian birding, Hakalau Forest on the windward slopes of Mauna Kea is the single best place to see a wide variety of native forest birds. This pristine, high-elevation rainforest is a sanctuary for some of the rarest honeycreepers.

Access to Hakalau is strictly limited to protect its fragile ecosystem. You cannot simply drive up and enter. The only way for the public to visit is through a permitted tour with one of the few guide companies authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While these tours can be pricey, they are absolutely worth it for the serious birder. Your knowledgeable guide will know exactly where to look and listen for target species.

Key Species to Spot: ʻIʻiwi, ʻAkiapōlāʻau (critically endangered), Hawaiʻi Creeper, Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, ʻAkepa, ʻŌmaʻo, and ʻElepaio.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

For those without the time or budget for a specialized Hakalau tour, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers fantastic and accessible birding opportunities. The park's varied elevations and habitats support a good number of native species. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the park is a refuge for many of the island's endangered plants and animals.

• Kīpuka Puaulu (Bird Park): This one-mile loop trail winds through a lush oasis of older forest surrounded by younger lava flows. It's an excellent spot for an introductory walk, with chances to see ʻApapane, Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, and ʻŌmaʻo.
• Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): The forest around the lava tube is rich with ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, a favorite food source for the brilliant red ʻApapane. Their complex, wheezing songs often fill the air.
• Mauna Loa Road: The drive up this road takes you to higher elevations, increasing your chances of spotting native birds away from the crowds. Keep an eye out for the state bird, the Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), often found foraging in grassy areas within the park.

Check out our full guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for more on planning your visit.

Puʻu Lāʻau and the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve

This high-elevation birding adventure is for the dedicated specialist. The dryland māmane-naio forest on the western slope of Mauna Kea is the last remaining habitat for the critically endangered Palila. This finch-billed honeycreeper feeds almost exclusively on the green seed pods of the māmane tree.

To get here, you'll need a robust 4WD vehicle to navigate the rough road. The Palila is found along the Palila Discovery Trail and the surrounding forest. The air is thin up here (around 7,000-9,000 feet), so take it easy. Even if you don't spot the Palila, you're likely to see Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, ʻElepaio, and game birds like the Erckel's Spurfowl.

Waterbirds and Coastal Species

Don't neglect the coast! The Big Island has several important wetlands and coastal areas for native and migratory waterbirds.

• Aimakapā Fishpond (Kona): Located within the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, this is one of the best places to see the endangered ʻAlae Keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian Coot) and Aʻeo (Hawaiian Stilt). It's an easy, flat walk from the visitor center.
• Waiākea Pond (Hilo): This large pond in central Hilo is another reliable spot for Nēnē, as well as wandering tattlers and other migratory shorebirds in the winter.
• Kamilo Point & South Point (Kaʻū): The remote southern coastline is an excellent place to scan the ocean for seabirds like the ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel) and White-tailed Tropicbird (Koaʻe Kea).

When to Go Birding

Fortunately, birding on the Big Island is a year-round activity. Most endemic forest birds are resident and can be found at any time. However, their activity often peaks during the breeding season in the spring (roughly March to June), when they are more vocal and territorial.

The fall and winter months are the best time to see migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, such as the Kōlea (Pacific Golden-Plover) and ʻAkekeke (Ruddy Turnstone), which are common in coastal parks and wetlands.

Weather is a bigger factor than season. Early mornings are almost always best, as birds are most active and the winds on the high-elevation slopes are often calmer.

Essential Gear for Birding in Hawaiʻi

Packing the right gear can make the difference between a frustrating outing and a successful one.

Responsible Birding and Conservation

Birding in Hawaiʻi comes with a profound responsibility. You are a guest in the home of some of the rarest creatures on Earth. Please follow these guidelines to minimize your impact.

• Stay on the Trail: Going off-trail can trample fragile native plants and disturb nesting birds.
• Keep Your Distance: Use your binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look. Never flush a bird or approach a nest.
• No Playback Calls: Using recorded bird calls to lure birds is highly discouraged, especially for endangered species. It causes them significant stress and wastes precious energy.
• Decontaminate Your Gear: Help prevent the spread of invasive seeds and diseases like Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) advises cleaning your hiking boots and gear before and after entering any forest, removing all soil and then spraying with a 70% rubbing alcohol solution.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Practice Leave No Trace principles and leave every area better than you found it.

By being a mindful and respectful birder, you help ensure that these magnificent species can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Related Reading

• A Complete Guide to Mauna Kea
• The Big Island's Best Hikes for All Skill Levels