[Tweeters] Birding Guide for a day on Maui

[Nagi Aboulenein]

Agree totally on Hosmer’s Grove - it’s must see for birders on Maui, and the best accessible place for some of the endemics. When visiting Hosmer’s Grove, which is inside Haleakala National Park, they should also go to the top and look for ‘Ua’u, aka the Hawaiian Petrel. We’ve also found Waihe’e Refuge fun to bird, and got some lifers there. Additionally, on the northern tip of Maui there is a spot called Nakalele Point Lighthouse, from where we managed to catch White-tailed Tropicbirds as well as Greater Frigatebirds. And you can always get surprised by various seabirds (Petrels, Shearwaters, Boobies, etc) if on a dive or snorkel boat.

Someone already mentioned Ke’alia NWR, so won’t go into that. Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary can be fun too.

Lastly, a place on the “Road to Hana” called the Garden of Eden Arboretum has some good birding too - just be aware that entrance is pricy at $20/person.

Since previous posters mentioned the Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi hike, just wanted to add a word caution regarding that hike - it is wonderful, and yesterday Taghrid and I were extremely fortunate to see two critically endangered species there: the Akohekohe (only around 1200-1400 left in the wild, and only inside the preserve), and the Kiwikio (Maui Parrotbill), which is in even worse shape with only 100-120 left in the wild. Two potential downsides: one is that it can be tough on the knees with some steep terrain and a narrow boardwalk, and the second is that Waikamoi hike is also referred to as the birders’ lottery because it can be tough to sign up for a spot due to high demand with only 6-8 person being allowed on the once-per-month hike.

Other than the Waikamoi hike, all the other spots are pretty readily accessible and a guide isn’t really needed.

Good luck and good birding!

Nagi

On Jul 9, 2023 at 04:43 -1000, Ronda Stark <rondastark18 at gmail.com>, wrote:

> Hello,

>

> I visited Maui in May and Audubon leads a trip up to Haleakala on the second Saturday of the month. However, in May, they required participants to have hiking boots, rain gear, and other equipment. I had brought my scuba gear so there is no way I could have brought what I consider winter gear as well even if I had known in advance. It may be different in mid-summer.

>

> Ronda

>

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On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 7:20 AM Joan Miller <jemskink at gmail.com> wrote:

> HI,

>

> Sorry I don't have a guide recommendation. I did sign up for a guided trip, but was the only one so it got cancelled. I don't recall the name of the place. There didn't seem to be much on Maui, but on the Big Island you would find an excellent one - Hawaii Forest & Trail. I can tell you that THE place to bird on Maui is Hosmer Grove at Haleakala National Park. Also the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. There may be other birdy areas, but those two stand out in my memory.

>

> Hope you see some good birds!

>

> Joan Miller

> West Seattle

> jemskink at gmail dot com

>

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