There are not many native Hawaiian birds that exist but that does not mean that bird watching in Hawaii is not at all impressive. There are various different birding opportunities available for all people that enjoy birding. However, in order to experience bird watching, there is a pretty good possibility that you will go through a mucky, tough landscape.
The best bird watching is always going to be available on the main island. The main reason why people visit is to see the 3 Hawaiian birds as they are only found here:
- Akiapolaau – similar to a woodpecker, one that is considered to be a wannabe, with a head that is shaped as a war club.
- Nukupuu – a yellow bird that has a curved beak. She is simply beautiful.
- Alala – endangered Hawaiian crow that is really hard to locate while in the wild.
If you are a beginner bird watcher, it is important to go to someone that knows his way around. You can easily contact the Hawaii Forest & Trail in Kailua-Kona in order to enroll in the popular Rainforest & Dryforest Adventure. This is a bird watching tour that takes you through the rainforest in order to see the endangered and rare Hawaiian birds. Another advantage of the tour is that you would get to learn about the region’s unique evolution and botany. You would go through a full day tour that is around $180 and comes with lunch, binoculars, rain gear, walking sticks, beverages and all you would need.
If you want to go on a solitary bird watching experience, the following locations are the top ones in Hawaii:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you are an accomplished birder, this is where you want to go for a great experience. The ohia forests here are great for the activity during sunset or sunrise. This is when little forest birds are really active. You can get the opportunity of seeing the Hawaiian nene goose at the Kipuka Nene Campground. On the golf course present there you can often see pheasants and geese.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
This is the first ever national wildlife refuge that was established for bird management, located right above Hamakua Coast. You can go birding there during state holidays, Sundays and Saturdays. Bird watchers that are interested in a visit need to make reservations.
Hilo Ponds Bird Watching
The birds that you can see here include herons, coots, ducks, snow geese, cattle egrets and much more. You can reach the destination through Kalanianole Highway and you will then go towards Waiakea Pond and Loko Waka Pond.
