This refuge was established to protect endangered and threatened waterbirds, including the koloa (Hawaiian duck), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen), ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose). In addition, these wetlands host a number of vagrant and migratory waterbirds. To ensure the continued protection of the birds that live in Hanalei NWR, ...
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Home to colonies of thousands of migratory and resident seabirds, this coastal refuge is a premier location for observing a diverse array of species, including both white and red-tailed tropicbirds, Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and more. The historic lighthouse and plunging sea cliffs provide dramatic and awe-inspiring views as you look seaward toward ...
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Located within the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve, this 4 mile out-and-back hike provides scenic vistas as you walk among tree ferns and towering eucalyptus. This trail offers the opportunity to see the native apapane, along with a number of introduced species, like the greater necklaced laughingthrush, western meadowlark, and white-rumped shama. Kuilau Trail ends at a ...
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Formerly a sand and gravel mining site, Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary is a manmade wetland, created and preserved to provide a healthy habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. This site is home to native species ʻalae ʻula, ʻalae keʻokeʻo, aeʻo, and ʻaukuʻu and is regularly visited by nēnē.
Beginning at the awe-inspiring Puʻu O Kila Lookout, the Pihea Trail offers scenic forest views and some of the best opportunities for viewing Kauaʻi’s native forest birds. This trail is considered to be a difficult hike.
A moderate challenge, this 4.8 mile forested loop hike begins and ends in the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area. The ʻAiea ridgeline offers some of Oʻahu’s best opportunities for spotting native forest birds such as the Oʻahu ʻamakihi, Oʻahu ʻelepaio, and ʻapapane as well as some exciting introduced species, including the endangered Mariana swiftlet and ...
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Named in memory of McKinley High School teacher and environmental activist Betty Bliss, this special viewing point provides a look into the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge- an area dedicated to the protection and management of endangered waterbirds and endangered plants. Accessible year-round by walking or biking along the Leeward Bikeway (also known as the ...
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This urban park provides an easily accessible opportunity to view Honolulu’s many indigenous and introduced birds. This is a popular spot to see Manu-o-Kū (white tern) and rose-ringed parakeets.
The trail begins as a paved road, eventually turning into a dirt track and transitioning from guava to native koa-ʻuluhe forest. This hike offers opportunity to see or hear several native forest birds. A challenging trek, this ridge trail features 1,600-ft. elevation gain and may often be muddy and slippery.
This scenic, paved hike presents breathtaking views of expansive coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater, as well as views of the iconic red-roofed Makapuʻu lighthouse. Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot passing seabirds and humpback whales (humpback whale season runs from November through May).
Encompassing 830 acres of land, Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining wetland in Hawaiʻi today. Once an important place for fishing, kalo farming, and cultural practice, Kawainui Marsh is now being restored to create suitable waterbird habitat for endangered aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian gallinule), and ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot).
A guided tour through the refuge is led by experienced birders who serve as volunteers with the Friends of Oʻahu Refuges group. During the two hour walking tour, participants learn about endangered water birds, migratory shorebirds, and waterfowl, as well as the history and conservation efforts of the Refuge.
Waimea Valley features botanical gardens, important cultural sites, a waterfall, and more. Managed by non-profit organization, Hiʻipaka LLC, Waimea Valley is accessible to the public with the purchase of admission. The valley is home to around 15 of the endangered ʻalae ʻula.