Hawai’i’s endemic birds have been decimated since European colonization due to habitat loss and especially the introduction of mammalian predators like cats, pigs and mongooses. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park remains a stronghold for native birds and is one of the places where you can realistically see endemic species.

One of the most visible, and charismatic, is Hawai’i’s native goose, the nēnē. You can often see these native geese roaming the lava fields. Look for more on the interesting nēnē in an upcoming Cool Green Science blog.

Endemic forest birds are much more challenging to spot. Their rainforest habitat is quite dense and the presence of many small non-native birds can made identification a challenge. With a little work, though, you can have rewarding views of some really beautiful species.

On a recent trip to the national park, I was able to spot such species as the ‘i’iwi, ‘apapane and Hawai’i ‘elepapaio.

The popular Crater Rim Drives is an excellent starting point for forest birds, particularly if you take time to walk slowly along the forest trails. The Mauna Loa Drive offers opportunities for higher-elevation species and smaller crowds.

The Nature Conservancy has a long history of working with Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, including a 133,000-acre addition in 2003. In 2018, the Conservancy transferred another 222-acre parcel that helps connected protected areas and protect native bird habitat.

Side Trip: If you’re on the “Big Island” of Hawai’i, there’s a good chance you’ll spend time on the coast. Another great stop is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park. It offers a great introduction to cultural history, as well as great opportunities to see the endemic Hawaiian coot and Hawaiian subspecies of the black-necked stilt.