Bird Watching at Haleakala National Park

Haleakalā National Park is in Hawaii’s Maui island. The name has its origin from none other than the Haleakala volcano, a dormant one. In the Maui county region, the 33,265 acres park has 24,719 acres of wilderness. The land got national park status back in 1976, and it was in 2005 that they expanded the coverage area. The greenery in the otherwise volcanic land makes bird watching at Haleakala National Park a satisfying experience.

Major Attractions at Haleakala National Park

One of the most popular activities in the Haleakala National Park is watching sunset and sunrise. There is something about seeing the sun change colors up close, showcasing a vibrant range of colors.

Hiking is a given and often part and parcel of birding. The famous trails are the Hosmer Grove trail, Halemauu trail, supply trail, and the sliding sands trail. Lots of people go to upcountry Maui for horseback riding. There is no need to have any experience. The only requirement on your part is to enjoy the moment.

Haleakala Zipline Tour is that sweet spot between adventure and aesthetics you were searching for. Nothing beats the absolute thrill of flying above the treetops and getting a wide view of the Haleakala National Park.

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Bird Watching at Haleakala National Park

One of the most famous birding trails in Haleakala is the Hosmer Grove trail. The name of the trail originates from Forester’s first superintended in Hawai’i, Ralph Hosmer. A eucalyptus grove planted by Hosmer in 1909 and the nature trail with sub-alpine shrubland characterizes the path. On the way, you will come across all kinds of native forest birds of Hawaii.

The park is acquainted with all kinds of Honeycreepers, especially Apapane. You are likely to find them either in Hosmer Grove or the backcountry Palikū Cabin. I’iwi and Apapane appear similar in color, but the latter has a shorter bill. I’iwi happens to frequent the same areas. Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill share the same habitat.

For Amakihi, you have to visit either Paliku Cabin or Kalahaku Overlook. Alauahio flitters around both Hosmer Grove and Waikamoi Preserve. Nene can be anywhere in shrublands and grasslands. Often, they are on scenic roads, so you have to be careful while driving. They appear to have a preference for backcountry cabins and the Kalahaku Overlook.
Ua’u or Hawaiian Petrel are sea birds who end up on Haleakala National Park from May to September for nesting. One can hear their call from Haemau’u Trail and the wild area around Hōlua Cabin. Among the 286 species observed in Hawaii, 280 have been observed in Haleakala alone.

5 Birds to See at Haleakala National Park

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are small and white with a yellow bill and legs. They are originally from Africa. However, they first came to North America in 1952. Now that they are in North America, Cattle Egrets are often at the feet of cattle or riding on their backs. Since being introduced in North America, their population has increased and now appears to be stable. They make their homes near farmland and along highway edges. These birds enjoy eating grasshoppers and other small animals. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and make platform nests in colonies. Cattle Egrets are migratory birds that migrate south to Central and South America.

Rock Pigeon

Rock Pigeons are blue-gray in color. They live throughout North America. Their population is steady and not at risk of being endangered. They make their homes in cities, farms, and around bridges. Rock Pigeons feed on food thrown away by humans. Rock Pigeons were used in World War I to carry very important messages. They can find their homes from far distances even without using sight. These birds lay 2 eggs, 5 times a year. They build their nests in the same spot each time and sometimes build them in rain gutters and window ledges. Rock Pigeons are not migratory birds.

Barn Owl

Barn Owls have a white face, chest, and belly. You can find these birds along the coasts and in the southern region of North America. Their population experienced a decline, but their numbers are increasing and becoming stable. They make their homes in barns, farms, and woodlands. Barn Owls are nocturnal and have good night vision. They feed mostly on small rodents and mammals. Barn Owls have an eerie call, unlike most owls. They lay 3 to 8 eggs and build their nests in hollow trees, caves, church steeples, and barn lofts. Barn Owls migrate south in the fall.

House Finch

House Finches have a bright red head and chest. They live all throughout North America. Their population is steady but declined some due to sickness. They make their homes near farms, canyons, and suburbs. They like to eat sunflower seeds, berries, and buds. House Finches sing a lot and like to be around other birds. They lay 4 to 5 eggs at a time and build their nests out of grass, twigs, leaves, and sometimes string and feathers. House Finches migrate in flocks by day.

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals are a vibrant red color with a crest. They also have a short thick orange bill. Northern Cardinals can be found mainly in the eastern half of the United States. Their population is steady and has seen an increase during the last century. Northern Cardinals live near thickets, gardens, and woodland edges. They are known for a sweet song, which can be heard early in the morning. They like to visit bird feeders and eat sunflower seeds. Northern Cardinals are the state bird of seven states! They make their nests lower to the ground and lay 3 to 4 eggs. They are not migratory birds and like to stay in the same area.

Final Thoughts

Birds in Hawaii have been facing a decline due to a combination of environmental problems. Climate change is detrimental to their health as it is. Side effects such as loss of habitat, increase in diseases from mosquitoes and becoming food to predators certainly are not helping matters. So if you plan on birdwatching at the Haleakala
National Park, please maintain distance to avoid startling them.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Haleakala National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.