Birds of the National Parks in Hawaii

by William W. Dunmire

WHERE TO SEE THE BIRDS

You will probably be amazed at the extremes of climate in Hawaii, especially on Kilauea Volcano. This is one of the rare places in the world where you can walk a few hundred yards from an area of heavy rainfall to one of striking dryness. The change is due to prevailing trade winds which force moisture laden clouds up over the mountain masses from the northeast, then allow the clouds to dissipate on the leeward side of the mountains. By taking the Crater Rim drive at Kilauea, you will pass through lush fern jungle on one side of the crater and barren desert on the other.

Birds are very sensitive to these differences in climate. Most of the species you find at Thurston Lava Tube will never be seen at Halemaumau, less than 3 miles away. The same thing is true at Haleakala, although less dramatically so. To help you locate the most rewarding sites for bird study in the park, here are a few suggestions: