Finding Birds on the Big Island is like a treasure Hunt!

I am adding this page to the site for the benefit of all the people who come to Hawaii and want to get the most out of their time here when it pertains to birding.  I will be adding more birding spots as time goes on so check back or contact me for more up to date information.

The maps on this page are active and all of the controls work, so you can look closely to help you find the locations listed.

The number one birding location on the Island per Ebird is located very close to Kailua-Kona.

Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP–Ê»Aimakapā Pond

This location attracts a lot of vagrant birds and is easy to find, it is best from late August through the winter months.

Here are some of the birds you are likely to encounter in this location depending on the time of year you visit.

The Number two birding Hotspot is:

Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant

Again this location is very good in the fall and winter.

These four pictures were all taken at the Treatment Plant and it is worth the effort to walk out to this bird attracting spot, but make it early as it can be warm later in there day!

This is location number 3 and has been a good spot at times and very easy to get to, except for the fact you have to drive over to Hilo to get there.

Wailoa River SP — Waiakea Pond

 

The shots below were all taken at this location to give you an idea what you can expect.  The Pied-billed grebe is a bird that once had a breeding population on the Island but this bird is the only one left and is not always around.

Now we will take a look at other areas on the Island that you may want to explore, the top three spots are because they are easy to get to and contain the largest number of birds of which most are not native birds.  We will now take a look at areas where you can find the native birds and they do not have large numbers so they do not show up on the top spots list.  Some of these are reasonable to get to and others will take a bit of hiking but they are well worth the effort.

This location is a favorite of mine, it is found very close to Kailua on the only road that takes you up on the small volcano, Hualalai that is located there.  This location is where you will be able to start finding the Native Forest birds.

Top of Kaloko Drive and Huehue Street (restricted access)

 

This Hotspot is the only location on the Island where you can find the Palila, it is high on the south side of Mauna Kea and you have to drive up a winding dirt road to get there.  It is in the dry forest and you will be hiking a circular trail that runs around a fenced off area of Mamane trees, the tree that the Palila lives on.  This is a must for any serious birder to the Island as this is one of the truly endangered Forest Birds.

Pu’u La’au, Palila Discovery Trail and Ka’ohe GMA

 

This next Hotspot is a place that requires a bit of hiking but can be well worth the effort.  It is a good place to see the Iiwi and recent reports have had the Akiapola’au and Akepa reported.  These are two of the very difficult birds to find on the Island.  The Oma’o, Elepaio, Apapane & Amakihi are also here.  You will be up at the 5,000 ft mark so it is a wonderful opportunity to find some of the true Hawaiian birds.  Be sure to wear good hiking footwear and carry water and it can also be cool with fast moving clouds and possible rain.  A special thanks to my friend and Master birder for his photo contribution to this page.

Pu’u O’o Trail, Kipuka Ainahou section (first 2 miles)