From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, communities take root in the land and in water. We live, work, laugh and grow alongside our human and animal neighbors alike. We may not know their names or always see them, but we recognize their songs, their tracks and, when they’re gone, their absence.
Hawaiʻi is a uniquely isolated place, sitting up to 2,400 miles away from any major coast in any direction. When you think of these islands, Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world, or Mauna Kea, which is the tallest mountain from its sea floor base to peak in the world measuring 33,474 feet (about 4,000 feet taller than Everest) may come to mind. Or you may conjure images full of vibrant colors from flower leis, poké bowls, surf boards and hula dancers.
Aloha 'aina means love for the land. While many kama'aina — the term for locals, literally meaning "child of the land" — love their foods, culture, and landscape, they also love their vibrant feathered neighbors who highlight the islands' tropical forests and blue skies.
Meet the Birds of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiians and tourists alike may catch a glimpse of the Nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, or Ae’o, Hawaiian stilt, when visiting the wetlands or by the water. Or they may spot either of the only two predator raptors on the islands: the Pueo, the Hawaiian short-eared owl, or ‘Io, the Hawaiian hawk, soaring around the forests watching for prey.
But kama’ainas may have their eyes peeled for the most famed birds endemic to the islands' forests: the honeycreepers. Their beautiful plumage — from the vibrant vermillion red of the ‘I’iwi to the bright yellow of the ‘Akiapōlā‘au and olive green of the ʻAlawī — and extreme diet adaption variations have captured the interest of natives, scientists and birders worldwide.
While there are some birds who make a brief stopover in Hawaii during their migration between the Arctic and South Pacific, most of the birds found here are endemic, or found nowhere else on Earth. In fact, Hawaiʻi was once home to at least 113 endemic bird species. But then explorers and settlers brought new diseases and predators to the islands and destroyed habitat for their developments. Today, only 42 known endemic bird species remain.
Where Can You See Hawaiʻi’s Birds?
Because many of the remaining endemic birds are endangered and there's limited space for appropriate habitat on the islands, there are limited options to see them. Hawaii’s National Wildlife Refuges and National Parks act as the last strongholds for these birds and many therefore have restricted public access to keep the birds safe.
Haleakala National Park and Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai'i and Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kaua'i all remain fully accessible. You can also look into scheduling a tour of one of Oahu’s refuges.
Do Hawaiʻi’s Birds Have Unique Songs?
The next time you are privileged to explore one of Hawaiʻi’s refuges or parks, keep your eyes and ears opened for these special birds. Their rarity may make it difficult to see them, so try to listen for some of the more unique songs.
The easiest may be the honks of the Nēnē, which sound similar but are quieter and higher-pitched than Canada geese. The Ae’o, pronounced like ay-oh, is named for the screeching sound it makes. These stilts also have a loud and sharp “kip kip kip” warning call.
The most challenging to identify may be the I’iwi. Hawaiian scarlet honeycreepers are famous for their varied voices and bizarre, unmelodious song. Some describe the sharp, metallic call to a squeaky and rusted door. Others have tried to write the shifting textures of the song in a string of “gurgle-creak-whistle".
Regardless of how close you listen, you are sure to be greeted in the morning with a chorus of bird song.
Hawaiʻi: Once an Isolated Haven
What was the draw, for a bird, to Hawaiʻi? Before human explorers reached the islands’ shores, Hawaiʻi was an isolated haven for birds.
The islands feature the highest concentration of climate zones in the United States. From the continuously wet Princeville coast to dry, semi-arid Kohala slopes, Hawaiʻi has four of the world’s five major climate zones and eight of the 13 subzones. There are even polar tundras at the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
This variety of habitats allows each type of bird to find space and food without heavy competition.
Additionally, Hawaiʻi’s geographic isolation once made reaching the island impossible for any animal who could not fly or swim there. There are no native land reptiles and only one native land mammal, the ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a or Hawaiian Hoary Bat, to the islands. This meant no predators, beyond the few raptors, were present.
This predator-free haven was unfortunately disrupted as explorers arrived, bringing their cats, rats and mongoose.
A Shared Home in Need of Protecting
The greatest threat to our endemic birds is predation from outdoor cats, non-leashed dogs and mongoose, along with some dogs going after ground-dwelling birds. Additional problems include disease spread, increased pressures from invasive species and the destruction of their habitat from human activity. The good news is locals and visitors to the great state can help.
Local pet owners can help by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leashes. You can also embrace “Aloha Culture” which refers to the way of life centered on connection, love and deep respect for people, nature and spirit. Use your voice to advocate for protecting native lands, including limiting developments and expansion on wild lands, and for continuing the protection of the several threatened and endangered birds calling the islands their only home.
Everyone can also stay on trails when exploring the outdoors and practice "leave no trace" by packing out what you bring in and only taking memories away with you.
Every year Hawaiʻi displays pride for its bird residents through a Festival of Birds. Nicknamed BirdFest, this full day event celebrates the native birds and supports the recovery work of Wildlife and Conservation organizations. This year’s event will be on October 24, 2026 on the Big Island.
Take Pride in Your Bird of Paradise Neighbors
Imagine Hawaiʻi without its volcanoes and ocean surfers. Imagine the people without colorful flower leis or forests without vibrant feathers fluttering among them. What would the Aloha State look like without its birds? Dreary.
The next time you take pride in being a kama’aina, take pride in the wild souls who share this home with you. Bring your love to the festivities. Lock cats inside and keep dogs leashed while enjoying the outdoors. Let your voice be heard for the birds you love. And then, when you think you know it all about your fellow ‘ohana birds, challenge yourself to learn about the other wildlife sharing our beautiful home.
What's your favorite Hawaiian wildlife? Have an incredible bird story? Share with us in the comments or send us your photos! Then, stay tuned for our next wild local in Arizona.
Author
Danielle Mowat
