Best Time to See Owls in Hawaii
March, May and December is the best time to see owls in Hawaii. Based on 481 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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.
481 verified observations of owls in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
65 records (13.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 44 | 9.1% |
| February | 41 | 8.5% |
| Marchpeak | 65 | 13.5% |
| April | 33 | 6.9% |
| Maypeak | 57 | 11.9% |
| June | 33 | 6.9% |
| July | 35 | 7.3% |
| August | 32 | 6.7% |
| September | 28 | 5.8% |
| October | 37 | 7.7% |
| November | 29 | 6% |
| Decemberpeak | 47 | 9.8% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Short-eared Owl | 396 |
| American Barn Owl | 84 |
Sightings of owls in Hawaii peak in March, when 65 of the year's 481 verified observations are logged — about 13.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, May and December.
The quietest stretch is September, November and August, when owls are hardest to find — September sees just 28 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Short-eared Owl and American Barn Owl — 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 owls 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
Booking.com
Stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see owls in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, May and December, based on 481 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for owls in Hawaii, with only 28 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in Hawaii?+
Owls are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.