Birding at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Big Island, Hawaii

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Some of the best birding in Hawaii can be found at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area on the Big Island of Hawaii. Eight of the 14 native bird species occurring at Hakalau are endangered. Thirteen migratory bird species and 20 introduced species, including eight game birds, as well as the endangered ʻopeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus semotus) also frequent the refuge. Twenty-nine rare plant species are known from the refuge and adjacent lands. Twelve are currently listed as endangered. Two endangered lobelias have fewer than five plants known to exist in the wild. Only the Upper Maulua Unit of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife is open to the public for wildlife-dependent activities such as hiking, bird watching and photography. All other units of the refuge are closed. Access to Upper Maulua is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between sunrise and sunset. Every visitor to Upper Maulua is required to have a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling the Hakalau Forest NWR office at least one week prior to entry. This unique forest refuge is a short drive west of Hilo, or across the Saddle Road east of Kona.

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