On a quiet morning in the mountains, before the trail fills with footsteps and voices, the forest hums with life. Leaves rustle. Wind stirs through the canopy. And somewhere above, a high, whistling call cuts through the stillness. This is Hawaiʻi as few visitors experience it — alive with native Hawaiian birds whose songs have echoed across these islands for generations.
The intricate bird song of these native species is not just a call but a complex melody that plays a crucial role in their territorial behavior and mate attraction. You don’t need to be a birder to appreciate their beauty. You just need to slow down, listen, and look up. Whether you’re planning a hike through the upland rainforest or visiting a coastal wildlife refuge, this guide will help you discover the birds that call Hawaiʻi home — and understand why their presence is so meaningful.
red-footed booby (Shutterstock)
Native Hawaiian Birds that Shaped the Islands
Hawaiʻi once had over 130 native bird species, each uniquely adapted to island life. Separated by thousands of miles from any continent, these birds evolved into colorful nectar-feeders, ground dwellers, and canopy singers, who played vital roles in the forest’s health.
But these birds are more than beautiful or biologically unique — they are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi. Many are honored as aumākua, ancestral guardians that watch over families and guide them in times of need. Their feathers once adorned the cloaks and helmets of aliʻi, crafted with care and ceremony, each plume representing a connection to the divine.
Their vocalizations echo through oli (chants) and appear in hula that celebrate the land, its winds, and its forests. The wood thrush, known for its unique ability to produce two simultaneous tracks from separate voice boxes, parallels the cultural significance of bird songs in Hawai’i, showcasing the intricate beauty and complexity of avian communication. They are present not just in the trees, but in the stories that shape identity and place.
While some have vanished, many remain — darting through native forests, gliding above the wetlands, or soaring silently over open plains. To see one is more than a lucky sighting. It’s a moment of connection. A glimpse into the living spirit of Hawaiʻi.
Endangered Hawaiian Goose (Shutterstock)
Seven Native Species You Can Still See Today
Whether you’re wandering a misty trail or pausing at a lookout, these native Hawaiian birds and their songs still ruminate across the islands. You just have to know where — and when — to look.
ʻIʻiwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper)
Few birds are as striking as the ʻiʻiwi. With vibrant red feathers, black wings, and a curved coral-colored beak, it flits through the forest like a living flame.
The ʻiʻiwi feeds on nectar from native flowers like ʻōhiʻa lehua. It’s most commonly seen at higher elevations, where the air is cool and the forests remain mostly intact. When the ʻiʻiwi bird sings, its melodious notes add to the enchanting atmosphere of the high-elevation forests. Similarly, the brown thrasher is known for its remarkable singing ability, producing a vast repertoire of songs, with one individual noted for singing 4,654 different songs during a two-hour session.
Where to look: Hakalau Forest (Big Island), Hosmer Grove (Maui)
Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose)
Hawaiʻi’s state bird, the nēnē, is a conservation success story. These gentle geese have soft brown feathers and striped necks. They’re often seen grazing calmly near trails or roadsides.
They may look like Canadian geese, but the nēnē has special adaptations to survive in a volcanic landscape with less water, and more lava rock. Always give them space, especially during nesting season. During early March, the Nēnē can often be seen engaging in their morning routines, adding to the springtime experience for birdwatchers.
Where to look: Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks, Kīlauea Point (Kauaʻi)
ʻApapane
Another bright red honeycreeper, the ʻapapane is slightly smaller than the ʻiʻiwi but just as delightful to watch. It has a cheerful song — part chirp, part whistle — that carries through the trees, distinguishing its bird call from more complex songs. Similarly, the tufted titmouse is known for its vocalizations and interactions with other birds, providing insights into their behaviors and relationships within the environment. The ʻapapane favors ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms, making them relatively easy to find in native forests.
Where to look: Volcano-area trails (Big Island), Hosmer Grove (Maui), Alakaʻi Swamp (Kauaʻi)
ʻAmakihi
Olive-green with a slightly curved beak, the ʻamakihi is one of Hawaiʻi’s most adaptable native birds. Unlike many of its cousins, it can be found at both high and low elevations.
These birds eat nectar, insects, and fruit, and are known for their curious nature. If you sit quietly on a forest trail, one might even come close. The ʻamakihi is known to sing a variety of tunes, making it a delightful companion on any forest trail. Similarly, Bachman’s sparrow is celebrated for its complex and beautiful songs, adding to the rich tapestry of avian soundscapes.
Where to look: Found on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and parts of Kauaʻi
Pueo (Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl)
Graceful and quiet, the pueo is one of the few native birds of prey. You can often see them during the day as they glide low over fields hunting or perched on fence posts.
The pueo holds cultural significance as an aumākua — a spiritual guardian in Hawaiian tradition. Many believe it appears to protect or guard loved ones. The soft hoots of the Pueo can often be heard at dusk, adding a mystical element to the Hawaiian landscape.
Where to look: Upcountry Maui, Saddle Road (Big Island), Kōkeʻe State Park (Kauaʻi)
Aʻeʻo (Hawaiian Stilt)
This elegant wetland bird has long, pink legs and striking black-and-white plumage. It wades through shallow ponds with slow, deliberate movements, often alongside other waterbirds. The gentle sounds of the Aʻeʻo cutting through the water create a serene atmosphere in the wetlands. Aʻeʻo are sensitive to disturbance, so give them a wide berth and enjoy watching from a distance.
Where to look: Keālia Pond (Maui), Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge (Kauaʻi), James Campbell Refuge (Oʻahu)
Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian Duck)
Often mistaken for mallards, koloa maoli are shy, brown native ducks that prefer quiet wetlands and forest streams. Pure koloa is increasingly rare due to hybridization, but they’re still out there, paddling among reeds and dabbling in shallow water. Listening for the soft quacks of the Koloa Maoli can help birdwatchers locate these elusive ducks in their natural habitat.
Where to look: Hanalei and Keālia refuges, and parts of Hawaiʻi Island
The endangered ‘Amakihi, a honey creeper (Shutterstock)
Best Birdwatching Spots by Island
You don’t need to trek into remote wilderness to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s native birds. Here are some favorite locations to visit for casual birders and nature lovers:
Big Island
- Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge: Explore rare forest birds and native plants by guided tour only.
- Puʻu Makaʻala Reserve: A lush habitat for honeycreepers near Volcano.
Maui
- Hosmer Grove (Haleakalā National Park): An easy trail for an early morning birdsong. You can hear their call even through bedroom windows, making Hosmer Grove a magical place to start the day.
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Wetland birds, boardwalk access, and interpretive signs.
Kauaʻi
- Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge: Seabirds and nēnē with ocean views.
- Alakaʻi Swamp Trail: A prime location to watch birds, the high-elevation rainforest of Alakaʻi Swamp is reminiscent of the rich bird habitats found in Central America.
Oʻahu
- Kaʻena Point National Area Reserve: Coastal seabirds and occasional albatross during nesting season. During nesting, you can hear the singing as they establish their territories.
- James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge: Seasonal tours offer access to restored wetlands.
How to Watch Hawaiian Birds Respectfully
Birdwatching in Hawaiʻi is about more than just spotting rare species and checking it off your life list —it’s about honoring the land and the creatures that live here.
- Stay on designated trails: Protect sensitive habitats and avoid trampling native plants.
- Keep your distance: Use binoculars or a zoom lens, and never approach nests or fledglings.
- Be quiet: Sound travels far in the forest. Move slowly and let the birds come to you, listening carefully to their calls and songs.
- Don’t feed wildlife: Even if it seems harmless, it disrupts natural behaviors.
- Clean your shoes and gear: Before and after hikes, remove mud and seeds to avoid spreading invasive species.
