1. Hanalei & Kilauea National Wildlife Refuges (North Shore): Close proximity and completely different suites of species make these two spots a “can't miss”. Kilauea has the seabirds, and Hanalei has the waterbirds. The Hanalei Refuge is closed to the public but there is a single-lane road that goes through the refuge. The road is primarily for farming and local residents. Please watch for vehicles in both directions and avoid obstructing the road. Drive slow to avoid killing native birds. The sole parking area is at the Okolehao Trail.

2. Koke'e State Park (High Elevation): Our favorite easy spot for forest bird species, and the only way to have a reasonable chance of finding Akeke'e, is near the intersection of the Alakai Swamp and Pihea Trails. This spot can be reached by either trail head (4-WD or paved road) but is significantly more strenuous from the Pihea Trail at the end of the paved road. Also the first miles of both the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi Trails have nice examples of Hawaiian mesic forest and many of the non-endangered forest birds. Elepaio, Apapane, and Amakihi can all even be found easily along the nature trail that starts behind the Koke'e Museum.

3. Hanapepe Salt Ponds and Kawaiele Bird Sanctuary west of Kekaha (West Side): Both of these spots are great for native waterbirds and winter migrants. Both are “drive-up and step out of the car” type birding.

4. Kauai Lagoons at the Marriot, or any other golf course (East, North or South Sides). Golf courses make for great viewing of nene, which should be easily found from the parking lots, clubhouse or along any water body. The terrain will be easy going but birders should probably be respectful of employees, golfers, and hotel guests.

5. Poipu Area Resorts (South Shore): The trail along the road between the Kuku’iula development and Spouting Horn is a low-difficulty walk with some waterbirds such as Hawaiian Stilts, migratory species like Kolea, and the occasional Nene. Just about any irrigation ditch, large lawn, or golf course in the area has the potential for native birds like Kolea, though the vast majority seen will still be non-native species.

Map courtesy: Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project

Download your copy of the map here.