HONOLULU (KHON2) — Birding in Hawaiʻi offers an extraordinary experience that is distinct from any other location in the United States due to our isolated location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s National Birding Day. So, are you ready to experience Hawaiʻi’s birds?
The islands are host to some unique species, many of which are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). while this makes Hawaiʻi a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, residents are able to experience these wonders any time.
Hawaiʻi’s bird species are as varied as they are fascinating, ranging from the colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers in the forested uplands to seabirds along the coasts.
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss; non-native predators, like rats and mongoose; and diseases, such as avian malaria, many of Hawaiʻi’s native birds are now critically endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these unique species.
The islands offer a range of habitats that are relatively easy to access, from the rainforests of Kauaʻi to the alpine regions of Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island, each supporting different bird communities.
For example, the Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve in Kauai is known for its native honeycreepers, and the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaiʻi Island is a sanctuary for the critically endangered Hawaiʻi ʻakepa and Hawaiʻi creeper.
Birdwatchers in Hawaiʻi may also encounter an array of non-native species that have adapted well to the local environment. Birds like the Japanese white-eye, common myna and red-crested cardinal can be spotted even in urban areas and are now part of the Hawaiʻi’s landscape.
Seabird watching is another highlight. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, are vital breeding grounds for millions of seabirds, including albatrosses, frigatebirds and terns.
On the main islands, places like Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauaʻi offer opportunities to see seabirds like the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), Laysan albatross and red-footed booby.
For a truly local experience, the annual Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds brings together bird enthusiasts from around the world. This event features guided birdwatching tours, talks from ornithologists and opportunities to participate in conservation activities.
In terms of practical advice, birdwatchers should consider bringing binoculars with good light gathering capabilities due to the dense foliage of Hawaiian forests and a field guide to Hawaiian birds to better understand and identify the diverse species encountered.
Birding in Hawaiʻi is not just about the pursuit of rare species; it’s an immersive experience into the ecosystems of one of the most isolated archipelagos in the world.
It offers a chance to see firsthand the beauty and fragility of these unique avian populations and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect them for future generations.