Hawai‘i is known for many things: volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, but spend a little time listening to the trees, and you’ll quickly realize there’s another treasure here that often gets overlooked: the island’s native Hawaiian birds. From bright red honeycreepers fluttering through the ʻōhiʻa trees to the honking calls of nēnē grazing near the trails, the Big Island is one of the best places in the world to experience avian wildlife in Hawaii.
Staying at our Big Island bed and breakfast puts you just minutes from one of the best birding destinations in the state, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Home to more than 200 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s dream. Here’s your guide to some of the island’s most iconic species and the best places to spot them during your stay.
Why Hawai‘i Is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Hawai‘i’s isolation in the middle of the Pacific has shaped its birdlife in incredible ways. Many Hawaiian birds are found nowhere else on Earth, making them some of the most treasured species on the planet. However, they’re also some of the most threatened, with habitat loss and invasive species putting many native birds at risk. This makes spotting them in the wild even more special.
Birdwatching is one of the most rewarding things on the Big Island, and you don’t need to be an expert or carry fancy equipment to participate. Just bring your curiosity, a pair of binoculars if you have them, and a sense of adventure.
Native Hawaiian Birds to Watch For
The ʻIʻiwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper)
Bright red with a curved beak, the ʻiʻiwi is one of the most striking Hawaiian birds you’ll see in the rainforest. Its vibrant color and high-pitched calls make it a favorite among birders. Look for it flitting through ʻōhiʻa trees, feeding on nectar from lehua blossoms.
The ʻApapane
Another red honeycreeper, the ʻapapane is smaller but equally active. You’ll often spot them in groups, chattering as they dart between tree branches. Their acrobatic feeding style and cheerful song make them a joy to watch.
The Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose)
Recognizable by its soft honking and unique black-and-white feather pattern, the nēnē is Hawai‘i’s state bird. Once nearly extinct, conservation efforts have helped their population recover. You’ll often see them grazing near trails or resting in grassy areas.
Other Notable Hawaiian Birds to Watch For
While the bright crimson ʻIʻiwi and the honking nēnē might steal the show, they’re far from the only feathered residents worth spotting on the Big Island. If you slow down and take your time on the trails, you might catch a glimpse of the ʻAmakihi, a small greenish-yellow honeycreeper often seen flitting through the forest canopy. The ʻOmaʻo, or Hawaiian Thrush, is another local favorite. This shy, grayish-brown bird is found only on the Big Island and plays an important role in spreading native plant seeds through the forest.
One of the most fascinating birds you might encounter is the ʻAkiapōlāʻau. This rare honeycreeper has a truly one-of-a-kind beak: long and curved on top, short and straight on the bottom, perfectly adapted for prying insects from tree bark. It’s a unique sight, and spotting one feels like discovering a hidden treasure in the rainforest.
Overhead, keep an eye out for seabirds like the ʻUaʻu, or Hawaiian Petrel. These endangered birds nest in the remote, high-elevation slopes of Mauna Loa. Biologists estimate there are fewer than 60 breeding pairs left within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, making them one of the rarest species on the island. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them soaring at dusk or hear their distinctive calls. The Koa‘e kea, or White-tailed Tropicbird, is another seabird to watch for. Known for its elegant, long white tail feathers, it can often be seen gliding gracefully above cliffs and craters.
Best Birdwatching Spots Near Volcano Village
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
If you are looking for the best place to begin your birdwatching adventure, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is hands down the top choice. With over 200 bird species recorded here, the park offers incredible opportunities to spot both native and migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Bird Park (Kīpuka Puaulu) Trail
One of the easiest and most rewarding spots is the Bird Park (Kīpuka Puaulu) Trail, located just a short drive from the park entrance. This peaceful, family-friendly loop winds through a pocket of old-growth forest filled with towering ʻōhiʻa and koa trees. Keep an eye out for native honeycreepers like the ʻApapane and ʻAmakihi, along with the elusive ʻOmaʻo, or Hawaiian Thrush. The trail’s well-maintained pathways make it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed nature walk.
Pu‘u Pua‘i Overlook
Another great location is Pu‘u Pua‘i Overlook, one of the many photography hotspots found along Crater Rim Drive. While most visitors come here for the stunning views of Kīlauea Iki Crater, the overlook’s surrounding vegetation makes it a surprisingly great birdwatching spot. You’ll often see nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, grazing nearby, especially in the early morning. Listen carefully, and you might also hear the melodic songs of native forest birds fluttering in the trees.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
For more adventurous birders, take a walk along the Kīlauea Iki Trail, where you can experience a mix of open lava landscapes and shaded forest edges for a chance to see species that thrive in both environments.
Volcano Village Itself
You don’t even need to leave the village to enjoy birdwatching. The rainforests surrounding our property are filled with the songs of native honeycreepers. Take a quiet morning walk along Hale Ohia Road or through nearby trails to spot ʻapapane, ʻiʻiwi, and more.
Kīpuka ʻĀinahou Nēnē Sanctuary
Located just outside the boundary of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kīpuka ʻĀinahou is a State Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the endangered nēnē and other native species. While the sanctuary itself is not open to casual public access in order to protect these sensitive habitats, its preservation efforts are an important part of Hawaii’s broader conservation story. You can learn more about the sanctuary and its mission on the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
No matter which trail you take or overlook you visit, remember to respect the wildlife and stay on marked paths to help protect the birds and their fragile habitats. Hawai‘i’s native birds face many challenges, and every little bit of care helps preserve their future.
Learn More at Local Events and Festivals
If you’re visiting in spring, keep an eye out for birding events hosted by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. These guided walks and educational talks are great ways to learn more about the island’s unique wildlife in Hawaii. You can check the park’s event calendar for upcoming activities.
Experience Wildlife Up Close During Your Stay
When you stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you’re surrounded by nature. Wake up to the songs of the forest, spend your days exploring trails rich with birdlife, and unwind in your private bungalow at night. Birdwatching is just one of the many unforgettable things to do on the Big Island, and there’s no better place to start than right here in Volcano Village.
Ready to experience the island’s wildlife up close? Book your stay today and let your Big Island birding adventure begin.