Birds of Hawaii with Kids: A Nature Explorer Guide (+ Free Map)

Hawaii is one of the most extraordinary birding destinations on Earth — and one of the most heartbreaking. For families who visit Hawaii with open eyes, the birds are a window into one of nature's most extraordinary — and most threatened — ecosystems.

Engage your kids in outdoor exploration with Nature Explorer Club's Birds of Hawaii Activity Book to track every bird your family discovers.

Best Spots for Birding in Hawaii

We mapped the best birding locations in Hawaii so you can plan your adventure before you go.

1. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai — One of the finest waterbird refuges in Hawaii — a beautiful valley taro farm that provides critical habitat for Hawaii's endangered waterbirds including the Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Stilt, and Hawaiian Duck. The refuge overlook gives excellent views without disturbing the birds.

2. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai — A dramatic sea cliff on Kauai's north shore with one of the finest seabird colonies in Hawaii. Red-footed Boobies nest in the naupaka bushes, Laysan Albatrosses soar overhead, and the historic Kilauea Lighthouse adds a beautiful backdrop. Outstanding for families.

3. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Big Island — The finest native forest birding in Hawaii — a protected rainforest on the slopes of Mauna Kea where native honeycreepers including the 'Apapane, 'Amakihi, and 'I'iwi are reliably found. Access requires advance planning but the birding is extraordinary.

4. Puko'o Wetland, Molokai — A small but productive wetland on Molokai's south coast with excellent waterbird viewing. Less visited than other Hawaiian wildlife areas, giving families a quieter and more intimate birding experience.

5. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Maui — A coastal wetland on Maui's south shore that is one of the best waterbird viewing areas on the island. Hawaiian Stilts, Hawaiian Coots, and migrating shorebirds are reliably found here throughout the year.

6. Waimea Valley, Oahu — A beautiful botanical garden and nature preserve on Oahu's north shore with excellent birding in its mature native and introduced forest. Red-Crested Cardinals, Japanese White-eyes, and introduced songbirds are all reliably found along the valley trail.

7. James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Oahu — One of the most important waterbird breeding sites in Hawaii — protecting critical nesting habitat for Hawaiian Stilts, Hawaiian Coots, Hawaiian Moorhens, and the endangered Hawaiian Duck.

8. Makalawena Wetlands, Big Island — A remote coastal wetland on the Big Island's west coast with excellent waterbird viewing. The combination of wetland and adjacent lava field habitat creates conditions for an unusual mix of species.

9. Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, Maui — A protected coastal wetland near Kahului Airport with outstanding waterbird viewing — Hawaiian Stilts are always present and the viewing area is easily accessible for families.

10. Ala Wai Canal, Honolulu — Surprisingly good urban birding along the canal that borders Waikiki. Common Mynas, Red-vented Bulbuls, Japanese White-eyes, and occasionally waterbirds are all reliably found here — perfect for families staying in Waikiki who want a birding walk without leaving the city.

Family Tips for Birding in Hawaii

• Bring binoculars. Hawaii's native forest birds are small and often high in the canopy. Even a basic pair of binoculars transforms the experience — native honeycreepers that are invisible to the naked eye become vivid when you can see their colors and behavior clearly.

• Visit Kilauea Point for the easiest outstanding birding. Red-footed Boobies nesting in the naupaka, Laysan Albatrosses soaring overhead, and the dramatic sea cliff setting make Kilauea Point the single best family-friendly birding destination in Hawaii. No hiking required.

• Look for Kolea on lawns and golf courses. The golden-brown Pacific Golden Plover is everywhere in Hawaii from August through April — on hotel lawns, golf courses, and parks. Teaching kids to recognize this extraordinary long-distance migrant turns every lawn walk into a nature encounter.

• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for native birds. The park's high-elevation native forest is one of the best places to find 'Apapane and 'Amakihi without a special permit. Walk the forest trails near the Kilauea Visitor Center in the early morning for the best native bird activity.

Frequently Asked Questions: Birds of Hawaii with Kids

What is the state bird of Hawaii?

The Nene — also called the Hawaiian Goose — is Hawaii's state bird. It nearly went extinct in the 1950s with fewer than 30 individuals surviving on Earth. A captive breeding program began recovery, and today over 3,000 Nene live wild in Hawaii. They are commonly seen in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park grazing in open lava fields near the caldera.

Where is the best place to see native Hawaiian birds?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is the most accessible location for native forest birds — 'Apapane and 'Amakihi are regularly seen in the native 'ohi'a forest near the visitor center. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai is the best for seabirds. Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island has the finest native forest birding but requires advance planning for access.

Are Hawaii's native birds endangered?

Many of Hawaii's native birds are critically endangered or already extinct. The Hawaiian Islands have lost more bird species than any other place on Earth. The main threats are avian malaria spread by introduced mosquitoes, introduced predators like rats and mongooses, and habitat loss. Conservation programs including predator control, captive breeding, and mosquito reduction are actively working to save remaining species.

What birds will kids see most commonly in Hawaii?

The most commonly seen birds across all Hawaiian islands include the Common Myna, Zebra Dove, Japanese White-eye, Red-Crested Cardinal, House Sparrow, and House Finch — all introduced species. Native birds commonly seen include the Kolea (Pacific Golden Plover) on lawns and open areas from August through April, and the Nene in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In native forest areas the 'Apapane and 'Amakihi are regularly seen.

What is the Kamehameha butterfly and where can you find it?

The Kamehameha is Hawaii's state insect and one of only two native butterfly species in Hawaii. It has orange wings with bold black markings and a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches. It depends entirely on the mamaki plant for its caterpillars and prefers high-elevation damp native forests. It is most reliably found in native forest areas on the Big Island and Maui where mamaki grows.

Also Exploring Hawaii's Volcanic Landscapes and Beaches?

Read our family guides to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Kids and Seashelling in Hawaii with Kids for the complete Hawaii nature adventure.

Planning a full Hawaii adventure? The Hawaii Explorer Pack bundles the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Seashells of Hawaii, and Birds of Hawaii activity books together — everything your young explorer needs for land, sea, and sky.

Turn Your Hawaii Trip Into a Real Bird Watching Adventure

Give your kids a mission before you go. Our Birds of Hawaii Activity Book is a  nature journal for ages 7 to 12 — with a bird tracker, detailed illustrations of every bird to find, fascinating facts about each species, bird category guides, drawing pages, games, and puzzles.