Cardinals in Hawaii: where to see them and how to identify them

Where are cardinals most likely spotted in Hawaii?

Cardinals are most common on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, with sightings also reported on Kauai. They favor urban gardens, botanical gardens, and lowland shrublands. Start with Honolulu’s Lyon Arboretum or the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo for your best odds.

What is the best season or time of day to see cardinals in Hawaii?

Cardinals are active year-round in Hawaii’s mild climate. Early morning and late afternoon are prime viewing times when they forage on the ground or sing from perches. Breeding peaks from March to August, but you’ll see them any month.

How can you identify a cardinal compared to similar species in Hawaii?

Male cardinals are unmistakable with their all-over bright red plumage, a black face mask, and a thick orange-red bill. Unlike the closely related red-crested cardinal, cardinals lack a crest. Females are buffy brown with red tinges on wings and tail, while the red-crested cardinal female has a gray-brown body. Another lookalike is the house finch, but male cardinals are larger and lack streaks.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Where do cardinals live and nest in Hawaii?

Cardinals occupy dense shrubs, thickets, and forest edges from sea level up to about 5,000 feet. They build open cup nests in forks of branches, often using vines and grasses. Look for them in overgrown gardens, along stream corridors, and in kiawe thickets.

What do cardinals eat and how can you attract them?

Cardinals eat seeds, fruits, and insects. They readily visit bird feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds or safflower seeds. To attract them, place a feeder near dense shrubbery. They also appreciate birdbaths for drinking and bathing.