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Although you can glimpse a variety of birds all over the Park, one trail will take you to the center of the action. Nicknamed the Bird Park, Kipuka Puaulu takes you through the Koa and Ohia Forests where you can observe native birds and enjoy their sweet songs.

Nene

The nene is the state bird of Hawaii, though it is also on the endangered species list. With only around 800 of these birds left, it is pretty tough to find a good place to observe these creatures. Yet, since they tend to live on the volcanic slopes, catching a glimpse of this bird at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is inevitable if you know what you’re looking for. The nene has a black head, black back from the neck, brownish red wings with white tips, tan cheeks, tan or red chest, black legs and feet, and black eyes. If you truly want to see one of these exotic creatures, go on a guided hike with one of the rangers. Good luck!

Hawksbill Turtle

If you make it to the coast of the Park, you might be able to see one of the nesting sites of the marine animal known as the Hawksbill turtle. With only 5 nesting sites left in the Hawaiian Islands, 3 out of those 5 are found in the Park. Mongoose and feral cats have threatened this species to extinction by feasting on the turtles’ eggs.