How to Go Bird Watching in Hawaii

Bird watching in the tropical paradise of Hawaii is the birding experience of a lifetime. Hawaii has long been a favorite travel destination for millions of Americans, and bird watchers can enjoy many bird species that they could not see stateside. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of beautiful tropical birds that match the lush Hawaiian flora. Combine a Hawaiian vacation with bird watching and experience the best of both worlds.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird watching guide
  • A spotting scope or binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Notebook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start any bird watching trip to Hawaii by taking a look at the endangered state bird the Nene or Hawaiian Goose. The state bird is the only surviving member of the original 9 species of Hawaiian geese. The others were flightless members and quickly disappeared with the arrival of humans. Since the 1970s, the staff of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have conducted a captive breeding program. The area around the park offers birders the best chance to see this amazing bird.

    • 2

      Visit the Haleakala National Park, which is one of the top destinations for birders who visit Hawaii. In the park and you can see such unusual native species as Honeycreepers, Short-Eared Owl and other exotic indigenous bird species. The Park has a trail system that visitors can follow through spectacular scenery and richly diverse habitats. Remember to bring along a camera, as the scenic backdrop for birding is irresistible.

    • 3

      Travel over to the westernmost island of Kaua'i. This island is home to Mount Wai'ale'ale which is often referred to as the wettest place on Earth; the tropical rains create the lush vegetation that is home to Hawaii's endemic bird species. The island of Kaua'i did not suffer as much non-native bird species introduction as the other Hawaiian islands, and so it has some of the best bird watching spots for seeing native Hawaiian species such as the Greater-Necklaced Laughing-Thrush.

    • 4

      Complete your Hawaiian bird watching trip on the island of Oahu. The most populated island is well-known for tourism, and it also has some great bird watching locations for viewing native Hawaiian forest birds such as the Oahu 'Amakihi, which is only seen on Oahu.

    • 5

      Print out bird species checklists, maps and park guides before leaving for Hawaii. The beaches of Hawaii are the first thing visitors imagine, but with a little planning, the birds of Hawaii will leave a lasting impact as well.