Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle, and this beautiful island is home to gorgeous views, beautiful waters, and a whole host of wildlife. Do you consider yourself a nature lover? If so, you’ll love visiting and seeing all of the stunning birds of Kauai.
Kauai has one of the most diverse bird populations in Hawaii, and these birds are quite a wonder to behold! Come with us as we explore the Ultimate Nature Lover's Guide to the Birds of Kauai.
Hawaii’s State Bird: The Nēnē
We’d be remiss to write a blog post on the birds of Kauai without mentioning the iconic Nene or Hawaiian goose. The Nene is the official State Bird of Hawaii!
This species is endemic (or native) to all Hawaiian islands, but experts estimate that about 60% of the species population lives on Kauai. Nenes are herbivores and feed on grass, berries, flowers, and leaves. They’re large birds, measuring 25-30 inches long and weighing 4-6 pounds. You can find them in open grasslands, shrublands, and lava flows.
Keep your distance from a nene if you see one; it is illegal to touch or harass this state bird. They're federally protected and considered an endangered species. Nenes are staples in Hawaiian culture, often seen as symbols of protection and good luck.
Pacific Golden Plover
These small birds (about 9 inches long) migrate to Kauai in late April/early May and head out in late September/early October. You can spot them in fields, on beaches, and on sand dunes!
Pacific Golden Plovers are often spotted foraging for earthworms. They also eat grasshoppers, leeches, spiders, and other insects! During nesting season, they typically lay up to four splotched eggs, and their young leave the nest after about four weeks.
Red Junglefowl
If your first thought was that this bird looks a lot like a chicken, you’d be correct. Red junglefowl are the primary ancestor of the domestic chicken! Chickens were domesticated from these birds about 8,000 years ago.
There are some key differences between this bird and the chickens you may be used to seeing on farms in the continental US, though. Red junglefowl are smaller and brighter in color than chickens. They’re also much shyer!
The only true Red Junglefowl exist deep in the forests of Kauai. The other birds you’ll see around the island are descendants that have mixed with domestic chickens.
Hawaiian Stilt (Ae’o)
The Hawaiian Stilt is another small, endangered bird on Kauai. As its name suggests, it’s an extra long-legged bird with a pointy, narrow beak—it looks like it’s on stilts!
Some say this bird is reminiscent of both penguins and flamingos from a color scheme point of view due to its distinctive black and white feathers and bright pink legs. You’ll more than likely hear these birds before you see them. They’re always squawking a loud “kip kip kip” as they flap around the island! You’re guaranteed to see some at wildlife refuges, but you can also spot some in the wild near ponds.
Hawaiian Petrel (Ua’u)
This bird is indigenous to Hawaii and considered endangered at the state and federal levels. It’s unique among seabirds because it nests in burrows at high elevations in lava landscapes.
Hawaiian Petrels are a highly distinctive bird in Kauai. Their 36-inch wingspan makes them easy to spot. They have a sooty black head, wings, and tail, with a slightly paler back and white forehead and underbelly.
There are several places you can spy a Hawaiian Petrel in the wild. Consider checking out the Hanapepe Peninsula, a top spot for land-based seabird observation, or Makauena Point to get a closer look at these magnificent creatures!
‘Alae ‘ula, or Hawaiian Moorhen
This small striking waterbird is another Hawaiian native. The species’ history and breeding biology are actually quite poorly known. What we do know, is that they’re native to Hawaii, and nowadays they’re considered an endangered bird.
Like most Hawaiian birds, the ‘Alae ‘ula is threatened by habitat loss, introduced and native predators, environmental contaminants, avian diseases, and climate change. In the last 110 years, approximately 31 percent of coastal plain wetlands have been lost, making the species’ habitat shrink smaller and smaller. Environmental conservation and bird species conservation go hand in hand!
Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary
Want to be sure you’ll see your favorite birds in Kauai while you’re here? Pay a visit to the Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary!
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this sanctuary is an excellent place for bird lovers to see some of their favorite fowl. The park is a whopping 35 acres and is home to birds like the Nene and the endangered Hawaiian moorhen. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars along when you explore here!
Stick to the path and keep a respectful distance from the birds, and they will pay you the same respect back. Be prepared for species like the Hawaiian stilts to get a little close for comfort though—it’s in their protective nature. They won’t harm you as long (as you don’t get too close to their eggs)!
Book Your Trip to Kauai Directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!
Wow, now you know almost everything there is to know about the incredible bird species of Kauai. Now that you’re an expert on these beautiful creatures, it’s time to visit so you can see them in person! When you travel to Kauai, book the best accommodations around when you choose to stay at Kauai Vacation Rentals.
Whether you want to search by location or amenity, you’ll find all that you need here with our wide range of vacation rental accommodations. Is it important for you to have a rental with a hot tub so you can relax in paradise? What about a pool? You’ll find rentals with all these amenities and more amongst our selection. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your trip to Kauai directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!