Best Time to See Birds in Hawaii
March, December and January is the best time to see birds in Hawaii. Based on 146,354 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when birds are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
146,354 verified observations of birds in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When birds are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
16,338 records (11.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 14,259 | 9.7% |
| February | 12,530 | 8.6% |
| Marchpeak | 16,338 | 11.2% |
| April | 13,671 | 9.3% |
| May | 13,746 | 9.4% |
| June | 12,155 | 8.3% |
| July | 9,550 | 6.5% |
| August | 9,668 | 6.6% |
| September | 9,080 | 6.2% |
| October | 9,249 | 6.3% |
| November | 11,090 | 7.6% |
| Decemberpeak | 15,018 | 10.3% |
Birds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-crested Cardinal | 9,343 |
| Zebra Dove | 8,920 |
| Common Myna | 7,889 |
| Pacific Golden-Plover | 7,258 |
| Western Cattle-Egret | 6,356 |
| Red Junglefowl | 6,049 |
| Hawaiian Goose | 5,238 |
| Black-crowned Night Heron | 4,914 |
Sightings of birds in Hawaii peak in March, when 16,338 of the year's 146,354 verified observations are logged — about 11.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, December and January.
The quietest stretch is September, October and July, when birds are hardest to find — September sees just 9,080 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The birds you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Red-crested Cardinal, Zebra Dove and Common Myna — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see birds in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a bird tour in Hawaii
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bird viewing in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see birds in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, December and January, based on 146,354 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are birds hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for birds in Hawaii, with only 9,080 verified records.
Are birds active year-round in Hawaii?+
Birds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More wildlife in Hawaii