Birding in Hawai‘i
Below are recommendations for birding sites on various islands. For assistance with bird identification, please refer to the 7th edition of our Hawaiʻi’s Birds book, available in our online store. It is organized by habitat and includes photos, distributions, descriptions, voices, and habits of the native and introduced birds in Hawaiʻi today.
More resources for birdwatching and bird conservation include FB groups like Hawaiʻi Birdwatching or Hawaiʻi Bird Lovers, which are independent of the Hawai‘i Audubon Society. Members (beginner through experienced birders) share their observations, sightings, anecdotes, questions, and articles related to birding within the islands.
 | Seabirds Shorebirds Waterbirds Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond Open Country Birds Forest Birds Urban Birds |
 | Seabirds Shorebirds Waterbirds Open Country Birds Forest Birds Urban Birds |
 | Seabirds Shorebirds Waterbirds Open Country Birds Forest Birds Urban Birds
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 | Seabirds Shorebirds Waterbirds Open Country Birds Forest Birds Urban Birds |
 | Download the Moloka‘i Birding Guide. Moloka‘i has small populations of forest birds with limited upland refuge free from disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, at Kamakou Preserve birders can spot ‘Amakihi, ‘I‘iwi, ‘Apapane, and Oloma‘o (the rarest forest bird to observe). Visits to the refuge can be arranged by calling 808-553-5236. Water birds may be seen at Kakahaia National Wildlife Preserve, about five miles east of Kaunakakai town. During the winter months, migratory seabirds, waterbirds and shorebirds can also be found here. Look for Wild Turkey Crossing signs (and of course, the bird itself) in various parts of Moloka‘i. |
The Hawai‘i Birding Trails website by the State of Hawaiʻi is your guide to finding birding trails. Use the interactive map to explore hotspots along our birding trails and plan your trip with printable checklists.