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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Salt Pond Beach Park offers a calm bay, protected by a stretch of reef which serves as a natural breakwater. Allowing a view into the adjacent salt ponds in addition to the ocean views, this site provides opportunity to observe sea birds and wetland birds. Between the months of December and April, this beach is ...
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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.
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 protected lagoon provides habitat for a variety of native and endangered waterbirds. The adjacent Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park is a family-friendly viewing point for the lagoon. The calm waters of the lagoon offer a peaceful backdrop for birds and parkgoers alike.
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).
This picturesque point features scenic views of an offshore sea arch, offshore seabird sanctuary, and coastline. The point’s proximity to the seabird sanctuary offers a convenient opportunity for viewing passing seabirds, especially ʻuaʻu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater), ʻā (red-footed and masked boobies), and the occasional noio koha (brown noddy).
Easily accessed just off Kalanianaʻole Highway (HI-72), this scenic lookout is a popular spot for viewing seabirds and for watching whales (whale watching season is from November through May). In addition to bird and wildlife, on a clear day, this vantage point can offer views of Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Maui.
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is nestled between Kīhei and Ma‘alaea towns and features a coastal salt marsh habitat. Start your trip at the Visitors Center to learn all about the area and its feathery inhabitants. Nearby, the Kanuimanu Ponds offer an up-close view of waterbirds. A must-see is the Coastal Boardwalk that offers a ...
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The Kanahā Ponds were designated a State Wildlife Sanctuary in 1951 and provides a safe habitat for many native and vagrant waterbirds. Located near the Kahului Airport and the main towns of Kahului and Wailuku, this site is an easy escape to view nature.
A side trip on the road to Hana is always an adventure! The Wai‘ānapanapa State Park is a perfect rest stop steeped in Hawaiian culture. The off-shore rocks and cliffs provide excellent sightings of shore and seabirds, viewable from ancient shoreline trails.
Named after Hawai‘i’s first Superintendent of Forester, Ralph Hosmer, this grove of eucalyptus (planted by Ralph in 1909) and the adjacent nature trail though sub-alpine shrubland provides an excellent venue to sign Hawai‘i’s colorful native forest birds.
High up on the cliffs of Haleakalā Crater is the Leleiwi Overlook. On the short trail to the overlook, you may see nēnē and other native and common birds. From the lookout, you may glimps soaring tropic birds and seabirds returning to their burrows at night.