Spring Hawaii - March 2025
Dates: March 5 - 15, 2025
Leaders: Erik Bruhnke & Kevin Burke
E-bird
Total Species: 86 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Our annual Spring Hawaii tour is an exciting adventure—a birding treasure hunt every day while exploring the charm of three special Hawaiian islands. Native and endemic species are a focus. As in past years, this year’s tour was filled with incredible moments, highlights, and many fun surprises along the way.
Fantastic dining is one of the many charms of this tour, most often featuring a special taste of the area’s local cuisine. On our first evening together, it was a pleasure to reconnect and share excitement about the days ahead over a delicious welcome dinner. Our first morning started on a fun note as we enjoyed a kaleidoscope of birds in the park right next to our hotel. Seeing Pacific Golden-Plovers strutting across the grass was wonderful, each in its own stage of molt toward breeding plumage. Like all the birds to come, we took time to appreciate and enjoy them day by day. Rose-ringed Parakeets called overhead as Red-vented Bulbuls called back and forth in the canopies. A major tour highlight was very close to us in the park: White Terns. They were flying overhead, many carrying small fish. We even found several perched on branches, with one pair actively nesting on the branch they were occupying. It was incredible to see this species right away.
Later in the day we headed to Wiliwilinui Trail, where we scored views of the endemic Oahu Amakihi. White-rumped Shamas caroled along the trail. After a fun lunch (while being serenaded by Zebra Doves), we enjoyed views of masses of Sooty Terns, both Red-footed and Brown Boobies, and Red-tailed Tropicbirds.
We ended our day with another major target, the endemic and endangered Oahu Elepaio. While watching this incredible bird, we noticed it was building a nest! We felt fortunate to witness this and to hear the bird whistling while it worked. An Oahu Amakihi sang overhead during the encounter. Oahu magic. We were speechless.
The next day was our final full day on Oahu, and after a festive breakfast, we set out for some golf course birding. Before lunch we had incredible views of a Bristle-thighed Curlew, one of our key targets on the island. It was a pleasure to discuss this remarkable species and its life history, including— for those who join our tours in Nome—that it breeds in Alaska and is a target species on that tour. A Laysan Albatross passed overhead as the curlew slowly walked by. After some excellent farm-to-table dining, we made our way to the southern tier of the island, where we saw birds such as Hawaiian Coot, Black-crowned Night Heron, and African Silverbills, among others.
The next morning, we headed to Kauai, where new birds and new vistas awaited us. We started with wonderful views of Nene, trotting along a grassy stretch. This state bird of Hawaii brought smiles as we watched them feeding and calling together. A kaleidoscope of seabirds swirled in front of us at Kilauea Point NWR. Both White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds were seen very well, and the nearby nesting Red-footed Boobies did not disappoint. We saw them flying around and at their nests, with a few actively building. It was a thrilling birding experience at this overlook. A visit to Hanalei NWR offered great views of many more birds, including seven Koloa (Hawaiian Ducks). We took time to scan for breaching Humpback Whales and a distant Wedge-tailed Shearwater on the drive to our oceanside hotel. What an exciting day!
We made our way to Koke’e State Park the next day, where intermittent rain did not dampen our enthusiasm. The earlier part of the morning was dry, and we had views of Black Francolin and White-tailed Tropicbirds on the drive uphill. Our first Apapane of the tour chattered in the parking lots and along our walks. As our walk continued, we had views of two Anianiau, a briefly seen Kauai Amakihi, and several adorable Kauai Elepaio, all endemic to the island. It was incredible.
The next morning, we flew to the Big Island, starting with some water treatment birding. From Yellow-billed Cardinals and Ruddy Turnstones to Laughing Gulls and Gray Francolin (to name just a few of the many species we saw), it was a lively mix of birds. We also enjoyed views of resting Honu (Green Sea Turtles). It was special to see these endangered turtles relaxing in a safe area. Red-masked Parakeets flew over just before lunch. In the afternoon we saw nesting Rosy-faced Lovebirds, two Northern Mockingbirds, and a few of us glimpsed flying Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. After some downtime at our beautiful lodging, we made our way to dinner. Kevin and I noted that the meal that night was possibly one of the best we’ve ever had—locally sourced, beautifully presented, and full of exceptional flavor.
On our first full day on the Big Island we explored Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge with our friends Gary and John of Hawaii Forest and Trail. They are outstanding birders and master naturalists of the area, and it was a pleasure to work with them again. Several Erckel’s Spurfowl were seen on the drive to this legendary woodland, home to many native and island-endemic species. Our visit to Hakalau was a clear highlight of the tour, and with patience we saw all of the key targets of this remarkable native forest. I’iwi greeted us with their “honking” notes, while Hawaii Amakihi trilled nearby. We watched a family of Alawi (Hawaii Creepers) foraging together, with juveniles staying close to their parents. Further down the trail we observed several male and female Hawaii Akepa feeding in the upper canopy, their preferred foraging zone. Omao, the Hawaiian Thrush, gurgled and sang around us, and several charming Hawaii Elepaio came into view as well. It was both wild and deeply peaceful. We were fortunate to be within this intact, sacred landscape, home to both native birds and plants. After a picnic lunch and a dark morph Io (Hawaiian Hawk) flying through the clouds, we carefully searched and eventually found the very rare Akiapolaau pecking in nearby koa trees. More Hawaiian magic. We also had views of a Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl) as we headed home.
We had one more morning with Gary and John, filled with exploration and birding along the way. We headed up to Pu’u La’au, and although the declining Palila did not show, we observed at least 28 Hawaii Amakihi, several Io (Hawaiian Hawk), and displaying Eurasian Skylarks. We also discussed conservation at length. A special thank-you to Gary and John for their continued friendship, expertise, and outstanding birding camaraderie year after year. Later in the day we headed to Hilo for the latter part of the tour.
After a tasty Hawaiian breakfast, we did some pond birding around Hilo. We found several very cooperative Saffron Finches glowing in the morning light, along with a Belted Kingfisher feeding over a pond with Northern Shoveler, Nene, Blue-winged Teal, and American Wigeon. The duck diversity on the Hawaiian Islands is interesting, to say the least. A Snow Goose was a surprise shortly afterward, as a Wandering Tattler fed on the rocks. A fantastic bakery stop fueled our afternoon birding, where we enjoyed Northern Pintail, Black-necked Stilts, and a vast black sand beach with resting Honu along the bright blue surf.
On our last day we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, another highlight of the tour. We hiked through an old lava tube and explored lava fields while discussing lava types and geology. Apapane and Omao sang throughout the day, and the vivid orange feet of nesting Black Noddies along the coast were a treat. Following recent eruptions leading up to this year’s tour, we found several Pele’s tears and Pele’s hair among the lava fields.
There is so much color and life to enjoy every day of this tour, along with an exceptional diversity of native and endemic birds. Mahalo to everyone who joined, and mahalo Hawaii for the incredible experience. I had a great time leading this tour with Kevin Burke—one of many tours we’ve led together. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Spring Hawaii tour!
Day-by-Day Summary
March 5 - Arrival in Honolulu and transfer to hotel. Evening welcome dinner with the group, time to reconnect, review the journey ahead, and enjoy Hawaiian cuisine.
March 6 - Morning birding in the park near the hotel with early sightings of Pacific Golden-Plovers, White Terns (including nesting behavior), Rose-ringed Parakeets, and Red-vented Bulbuls. Afternoon continues Oahu birding with relaxed exploration and acclimation.
March 7 - Morning hike on Wiliwilinui Trail with Oahu Amakihi and White-rumped Shama. Afternoon seabird viewing with Sooty Terns, Red-footed and Brown Boobies, and Red-tailed Tropicbirds. Evening encounter with nesting Oahu Elepaio.
March 8 - Golf course birding highlights include Bristle-thighed Curlew and Laysan Albatross flyby. Afternoon exploration of southern Oahu wetlands with Hawaiian Coot, Black-crowned Night Heron, and African Silverbills.
March 9 - Morning flight to Kauai. Birding highlights include Nene, Kilauea Point NWR seabird colonies (tropicbirds and boobies), and Hanalei NWR with Hawaiian Duck and wetland species. Whale watching opportunities en route.
March 10 - Upland forest birding in Koke’e State Park with Apapane, Anianiau, Kauai Amakihi, and Kauai Elepaio. Rainy but productive day focused on endemic forest species.
March 11 - Flight to the Big Island. Water treatment ponds and coastal birding with Hawaiian Coot, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Ruddy Turnstone, Laughing Gull, and sea turtles. Evening arrival and settling in.
March 12 - Full-day guided birding in Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge. Key sightings include I’iwi, Hawaii Amakihi, Alawi (Hawaii Creeper), Hawaii Akepa, Omao, Elepaio, Akiapolaau, and Hawaiian Hawk.
March 13 - Morning high-elevation birding at Pu’u La’au (Hawaii Amakihi, Hawaiian Hawk, Skylark). Afternoon transfer toward Hilo and relaxed exploration.
March 14 - Morning pond birding near Hilo with Saffron Finch, ducks, Snow Goose, and Wandering Tattler. Afternoon coastal stop with black sand beaches, shorebirds, and resting sea turtles.
March 15 - Final day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with lava tube walks, volcanic landscapes, Apapane, Omao, and nesting seabirds. Evening wrap-up and departure preparations.
Wildlife Seen:
Common Name
Scientific Name
Waterfowl
Anatidae
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
We found one goose at Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Hawaiian Goose (Nene) (E)
Branta sandvicensis
Wonderful experiences with this delightful state bird of Hawaii. Seen up-close with young, on the north side of Kauai at various locations, and throughout the Big Island. We saw a total of 63 throughout the tour!
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Quite scarce for this tour, we found one at Lokowaka Pond
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata
We found a big gathering at Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant, and at Lokowaka Pond
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
One seen at Lokowaka Pond
Hawaiian Duck (Koloa) (E)
Anas wyvilliana
Nice study of this species at Hanalei NWR
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Seen several times around the coastal areas/wetlands of Oahu, and also seen on the Big Island
Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
We found a gathering of them at Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant and also one at Whittington Beach Park
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
We found one at Aimakapa Pond, an uncommon duck species for the tour
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Several seen at Aimakapa Pond
Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
One seen among a flock of Lesser Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
A flock seen at Aimakapa Pond
Pheasants, Grouse & Allies
Phasianidae
Erckel's Spurfowl
Pternistis erckelii
Impressive birds, we saw a total of nine throughout Old Saddle Road and also heard from the Pu'u La'au area
Black Francolin (I)
Francolinus francolinus
Our first francolin of the tour, the most challenging one to see. Found along Waimea Canyon area
Gray Francolin (I)
Francolinus pondicerianus
Seen Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant and also around Waikoloa Skatepark
Red Junglefowl (I)
Gallus gallus (Domestic type)
We found a gathering at Koke'e State Park
Ring-necked Pheasant (I)
Phasianus colchicus
Observed along Old Saddle Road
Kalij Pheasant (I)
Lophura leucomelanos
A stunning species, seen up close while exploring Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge
Wild Turkey (I)
Meleagris gallopavo
Seen several times among an array of open areas throughout the Big Island
Pigeons and Doves
Columbidae
Rock Pigeon (Feral)(I)
Columba livia
Observed near-daily throughout the tour
Spotted Dove (I)
Spilopelia chinensis
Seen every day of the tour
Zebra Dove (I)
Geopelia striata
Seen nearly every day of the tour.
Mourning Dove (I)
Zenaida macroura
Uncommon, we found one at Waikoloa Skatepark
Sandgrouse
Pteroclidae
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (I)
Pterocles exustus
Very brief flyby at Waikoloa Skatepark
Rails, Gallinules & Coots
Rallidae
Common Gallinule (Hawaiian)
Gallinula galeata sandvicensis
Great to see them on three days of the tour, throughout Oahu and Kauai
Hawaiian Coot (E)
Fulica alai
Common, seen on all three islands among various bodies of water
Stilts & Avocets
Recurvirostridae
Black-necked Stilt (Hawaiian)
Himantopus mexicanus knudseni
Wonderful study of this species among bodies of water on all three islands. Gorgeous, and neat to see how dark-toned their complexion is.
Plovers and Lapwings
Charadriidae
Pacific Golden-Plover
Pluvialis fulva
Common and gorgeous, seen daily. A treat to see among so many grassy areas.
Sandpipers & Allies
Scolopacidae
Bristle-thighed Curlew
Numenius tahitiensis
We saw one very well at Kahuku Golf Course. A thrill to see, and with some patience, seen cooperatively feeding quite close to us
Wandering Tattler
Tringa incana
Seen on all three islands, uncommon but present on the right rocky shores
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Fairly common, seen in various parks and ponds around Oahu and the Big Island
Sanderling
Calidris alba
We found a gathering of them at the Kealakehe water treatment plant
Gulls, Terns & Skimmers
Laridae
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Seen among the Kealakehe water treatment plant bird gatherings
White Tern
Gygis alba
Fabulous experience with this species, right across from our starting hotel in Oahu. Great to see them nesting and flying around with food. A few were also seen from Lana'I Lookout. A highlight for many on the tour!
Black Noddy (melanogenys)
Anous minutus melanogenys
Seen at Whittington Beach and in Hawai'I Volcanoes National Park. Their orange feet are such a neat feature, of this already beautiful species!
Sooty Tern
Onychoprion fuscatus
Incredible views of hundreds of them, while birding the southeastern coast of Oahu
Tropicbirds
Phaethontidae
White-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon lepturus
Seen well from Kilauea Point NWR and also seen well throughout our second day's travel throughout Kauai
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon rubricauda
Seen from the southeastern coast of Oahu and also very well from Kilauea Point NWR. Their acrobatics and displays, seen at eye-level at times, were incredible!
Albatrosses
Diomedeidae
Laysan Albatross
Phoebastria immutabilis
Seen well from Kahuku Golf Course and also while birding throughout the edges of Kauai. What a fantastic species, a springtime highlight!
Shearwaters & Petrels
Procellariidae
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Ardenna pacifica
One seen at a distance from Kealia Scenic Lookout, while Humpback Whales were breaching! A magical moment
Frigatebirds
Fregatidae
Great Frigatebird
Fregata minor
Seen from the southeastern coast of Oahu, and very well from Kilauea Point NWR!
Boobies & Gannets
Sulidae
Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
At least 200 seen at Kilauea Point NWR, a special highlight for many! Seen both nesting and flying. Also seen around other areas of Kauai shoreline and along the southeastern coast of Oahu. It was fun to see a few behind our hotel on Kauai!
Brown Booby
Sula leucogaster
Two were seen from Makapu'u Point
Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
Ardeidae
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Common throughout the tour, seen many days of the tour when ponds/sheltered shoreline were available.
Western Cattle Egret (I)
Bubulcus ibis
Very common, seen daily.
Hawks, Eagles & Kites
Accipitridae
Hawaiian Hawk (Io) (E)
Buteo solitarius
A fantastic raptor, seen three times throughout our time on the Big Island (great to see this endemic). It was a treat to see a dark morph soaring through clouds at Hakalau
Owls
Strigidae
Short-eared Owl (Pueo)
Asio flammeus
We found one flying very cooperatively and hunting along the Old Saddle Road.
Kingfishers
Alcedinidae
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
We found one at Lokowaka Pond, finding plenty of fish
Old World Parrots
Psittaculidae
Rose-ringed Parakeet (I)
Psittacula krameri
We saw many at Kapiolani Park, a big morning movement on the way up along Waimea Canyon, and a few while exploring the Kauai Coffee Company
Rosy-faced Lovebird (I)
Agapornis roseicollis
We found them nesting in a tree in Waikoloa Village
African & New World Parrots Psittacidae
Red-masked Parakeet (I)
Psittacara erythrogenys
Four seen around Aimakapa Pond
Monarch Flycatchers
Monarchidae
Hawaii Elepaio (E)
Chasiempis sandwichensis
Hawaii Elepaio (Hilo Coast)
C. sandwichensis ridgwayi
Five seen sell at Hakalau NWR. Amazing little birds!
Kauai Elepaio (E)
Chasiempis sclateri
Charming as ever, we got to see three through intermittent rain!
Oahu Elepaio (E)
Chasiempis ibidis
The rarest of the Elepaios. We found a nest, and witnessed one building a nest before our eyes. Pure Hawaiian magic, a special highlight for all of us! We were left speechless with smiles.
Larks
Alaudidae
Eurasian Skylark (I)
Alauda arvensis
Seen well while on the Big Island, among various grassy areas
Bush Warblers & Allies
Scotocercidae
Japanese Bush Warbler (I)
Horornis diphone
Brief views, however they were heard loud n' clear on several days of the tour
Bulbuls
Pycnonotidae
Red-vented Bulbul (I)
Pycnonotus cafer
Common throughout our time on Oahu
Red-whiskered Bulbul (I)
Pycnonotus jocosus
Uncommon, seen at Wiliwilinui Trail and also at Kahuku Golf Course
White-eyes, Yuhinas & Allies
Zosteropidae
Warbling White-eye (I)
Zosterops japonicus
Common, observed every day of the tour
Laughingthrushes & Allies
Leiothrichidae
Chinese Hwamei (I)
Garrulax canorus
Observed at Koke'e State Park and heard well at Kauai Coffee Company
Red-billed Leiothrix (I)
Leiothrix lutea
Many heard and some seen well too, among Wiliwilinui Trail, Hakalau Forest NWR, and the Pu'u La'au area
Mockingbirds & Thrashers
Mimidae
Northern Mockingbird (I)
Mimus polyglottos
Uncommon/patchy at most for the tour. We found four of them, throughout Kauai and the Big Island!
Starlings
Sturnidae
Common Myna (I)
Acridotheres tristis
Very common, seen every day of the tour
Thrushes & Allies
Turdidae
Omao (Hawaiian Thrush) (E)
Myadestes obscurus
Fabulous bird, seen and heard well at Hakalau NWR. One of the magical highlights of our visit to the refuge that day.
Old World Flycatchers
Muscicapidae
White-rumped Shama (I)
Copsychus malabaricus
We enjoyed the views and melodious song of them along Wiliwilinui Trail, also around Kapapapuhi Point Park
Waxbills & Allies
Estrildidae
African Silverbill (I)
Euodice cantans
Uncommon and patchy in roaming flocks. We saw them at Kapapapuhi Point Park and at Waikoloa Skatepark
Java Sparrow (I)
Padda oryzivora
Robust and flashy little birds, seen on four days of the tour among various areas, including right in front of our starting hotel!
Scaly-breasted Munia (I)
Lonchura punctulata
We found one at Whittington Beach Park
Chestnut Munia (I)
Lonchura atricapilla
We found several flocks while birding throughout Kauai
Common Waxbill (I)
Estrilda astrild
Tiny birds with vibrant accents, seen scattered among vast grassy areas and noted on four days of the tour.
Old World Sparrows
Passeridae
House Sparrow (I)
Passer domesticus
Seen every day of the tour
Finches, Euphonias & Allies
Fringillidae
Apapane (E)
Himatione sanguinea
Wonderful views of this stunning species. Seen at Koke'e State Park, Hakalau NWR, and throughout Volcanoes National Park. What a bird!
Iiwi (E)
Drepanis coccinea
We had many show-stealing moments with Iiwi at Hakalau NWR. So striking and quite chatty, among the other native birds there.
Akiapolaau (E)
Hemignathus wilsoni
Great views of this scarce species. We found one readily chiseling-out food from the Koa trees at Hakalau NWR.
Anianiau (E)
Magumma parva
We found two at Koke'e State Park
Hawaii Amakihi (E) (Hawaii)
Chlorodrepanis virens virens
It was great to see all three Amakihi species. We had great views of Hawaii Amakihi throughout the wild areas of the Big Island
Oahu Amakihi (E)
Chlorodrepanis flava
Oahu Amakihi was seen and heard well (it fed and called right over us) on our first morning on Oahu!
Kauai Amakihi (E)
Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri
An uncommon Amakihi species, seen and heard while visiting Koke'e State Park
Hawaii Creeper (E) (Alawi)
Loxops mana
We observed NINE Alawi while birding Hakalau NWR!
Hawaii Akepa (E)
Loxops coccineus
We saw and heard five of these fabulous little birds, at Hakalau NWR!
House Finch (I)
Haemorhous mexicanus
Observed most days of the tour
Yellow-fronted Canary (I)
Crithagra mozambica
Seen occasionally feeding on the grassy areas in little flocks, noted on four days of the tour
Troupials & Allies
Icteridae
Western Meadowlark (I)
Sturnella neglecta
Heard well, while birding the northern edge of Kauai
Cardinals & Allies
Cardinalidae
Northern Cardinal (I)
Cardinalis cardinalis
Common, observed every day.
Tanagers & Allies
Thraupidae
Red-crested Cardinal (I)
Paroaria coronata
Common throughout Oahu and Kauai
Yellow-billed Cardinal (I)
Paroaria capitata
Seen well among a variety of environments and locations on the Big Island
Saffron Finch (I)
Sicalis flaveola
Observed most days of the tour, vibrant little birds they are!
MAMMALS
Mongooses
Herpestidae
Small Indian Mongoose
Herpestes javanicus
Seen once on Oahu, and several times throughout the latter stretch of the tour on the Big Island
Pigs
Suidae
Wild Boar (Feral Pig)
Sus Scrofa
We saw them on three different days, including a "conga line" of piglets through the grass.
Bison, Sheep & Goats
Bovidae
Feral Sheep
Ovis aries
Observed on two days of
exploring the Big Island
Feral Goat
Capra aegagrus hircus
Observed on three days of exploring the Big Island.
Rorqual Whales
Balaenopteridae
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Scoped at a distance, we had lots of fun viewing several breaching Humpback Whales off the east shore of Kauai, among some seabirds moving around too.
INSECTS
Butterflies
Blackburn's Blue (E)
Udara blackburni
Seen once on the Big Island. So exciting to see this beautiful, endemic butterfly species
Monarch
Danaus plexippus
Seen several times throughout Oahu and the Big Island
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Seen once, on the Big Island
Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta
Dragonflies
Common Green Darner
Anax junius
Seen several times on Oahu
REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS
Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
Chelonia mydas
Amazing experience with the Honu, seen very well on both the west coast and southeast coast of the Big Island. It is such a treat to see them basking on the beach!
Gold Dust Day Gecko
Phelsuma laticauda
Seen and heard on both Oahu and the Big Island
Coqui Frog
Eleutherodactylus coqui
Heard calling frequently at night around our hotel in Hilo.
Jackson's Chameleon
Chamaeleo jacksonii
We were surprised to see one, found while birding on Oahu