The Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure trove of amazing birdwatching hotspots. From lowland rainforest areas with century-old ohia trees to spectacular sandy beaches with stunning sea views, there’s something for everyone when spotting the island’s incredible feathered friends. Whether you’re a birder just starting or an experienced photographer wanting to capture beautiful shots in wild and remote places, this blog outlines some of the best locations to observe birds in their natural habitat on the Big Island.
Types Of Birds You Can See On The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a vast variety of bird species, making it one of the premier birdwatching locations in the world. From native Hawaiian birds, like I’iwi and Apapane, to soaring Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and sprightly Yellow-faced Honeycreepers, you will undoubtedly find something interesting during your stay on the Big Island.
For more adventurous bird watchers, you can observe Northern Cardinals in their unique habitat, or lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of a Red-footed Boobie–one of nature’s genuine oddities! No matter what type of bird you choose to observe on the Big Island, you will surely be delighted by its beauty, form, and grace.
Big Island Bird Watching Hotspot
Finding the right location is one of the most significant parts of bird watching. The Big Island has excellent sites and places to observe birds, but some are better than others. Here are a few of the top birdwatching destinations on the Big Island:
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a birder’s paradise, housing an incredible variety of unique species that can’t be found anywhere else. With its different climates and terrains, from steamy rainforests to alpine meadows and deserts, it’s a perfect spot for seeking out some of the rarest birds on the planet. Some of the more popular sightings one could hope for include the ‘Apapane, ‘I’iwi, Hawai’i’ Amakihi, Hawai’i Elepaio, Nene, and plenty of other endemic species.
The park also provides spectacular landscapes for birders to explore – not just with regards to avifauna but also in terms of active volcanic sites such as Kilauea and Mauna Loa. With so much to see and plenty of well-maintained trails throughout the park, it’s no wonder why birding enthusiasts make a point to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park at least once in their lifetime.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Kea, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for birdwatchers. Its diverse, lower-elevation coastal forests provide homes to endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers and numerous rare birds and other wildlife. The high elevation combined with unique microclimates gives birdsong a special melodiousness rarely heard elsewhere, creating an unforgettable experience for any who visit this Nature Conservancy refuge.
Birdwatchers will also be pleased to find many trails in the refuge that contribute to better presentation and viewing of species here, allowing them to have up close and personal encounters with some of the most beautiful bird species in the world.