Shore birds

Question

We are visiting Kauai towards the end of April and had hoped to visit the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge to see seabirds rarely seen from land, like the red-footed booby, great frigate bird, and Laysan albatross, and with luck the Hawaiian goose.

Unfortunately, the Refuge is temporarily closed for repairs - does anyone have any recommendations on where else on the island we might go to see these rare birds? TIA!

Answer

Kauai is a fantastic place for birdwatching, even with Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge temporarily closed. While that site is the premier spot for seeing seabirds like red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and Laysan albatross, there are several alternative locations on the island where you can observe seabirds and the native Hawaiian goose (nēnē).

Alternative locations for seabirds:

Makana (Na Pali Coast Lookouts) – Some of the cliffside lookouts along the Na Pali Coast, accessible by guided boat or helicopter tours, offer sightings of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds in their natural cliffside nesting areas.
Lawai Beach and Poipu Coast – Along the southern coast near Poipu, you can occasionally see frigatebirds and other seabirds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Kekaha and Polihale State Parks – Remote beaches on the west side attract shorebirds and occasionally seabirds that come close to land.
Boat tours along Na Pali Coast – While not on land, boat tours provide excellent access to seabird nesting cliffs, and knowledgeable guides can point out Laysan albatrosses and other rarities.

Alternative locations for Hawaiian goose (nēnē):

Alaka‘i Swamp / Kōke‘e State Park – Nēnē can sometimes be spotted along the trails in the higher elevations of the Alaka‘i Plateau and Kōke‘e Forest Reserve. Early morning is best.
Wailua and Lihue areas – Certain golf courses and open grassy areas occasionally have nēnē sightings, though less reliably than the upland areas.

Additional tips:

Bring binoculars and a field guide for Hawaiian birds, as some species can be difficult to spot from a distance.
Check with local birding groups or Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project for updates on sightings and recommended viewing spots.
Respect wildlife regulations and maintain a safe distance, especially for nesting seabirds.

While Kīlauea Point is ideal for seeing the full variety of seabirds and nēnē, these alternative locations still offer excellent opportunities for observing rare birds in Kauai’s diverse habitats. Combining a few of these spots with a guided boat or helicopter tour will increase your chances of seeing the species on your list.

Shore birds

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