Hawaii is known for its natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that it is also a great place to see a unique and amazing variety of birds. Waipahu, HI, located on the island of O’ahu, serves as the perfect home base for birdwatching.
4 Great Spots for Birdwatching Near Waipahu, HI
1. James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors to James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge see a range of seabirds, migratory shorebirds, and migratory waterfowl. This habitat in this refuge is also home to four endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. During breeding and nesting season, the 150-acre O’ahu refuge is closed to the public. But during the non-breeding season, the refuge offers tours and educational activities.
This wildlife refuge is located at 56-795 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku and is about an hour’s drive from Waipahu.
2. La’ie Point State Wayside
Although it’s a little off the beaten path on the northeast coast of O’ahu, La’ie Point State Wayside offers scenic views of an offshore sea arch as well as an offshore seabird sanctuary. Because the point juts out into the ocean, this is a great spot to see passing seabirds. Hawaii’s three boobies – the Red-footed, “Forster’s,” and Masked – can all be spotted here.
La’ie Point State Wayside is located in Laie at the end of Naupaka Street, HI-83, and is roughly an hour’s drive from Waipahu. The overhead console with storage in your Nissan Rogue will be the perfect spot for stashing binoculars, cameras, and birding guides on your way there.
3. Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park
Kahana State Park is an ideal spot to see various Oahu birds, including migratory species such as plovers, wandering tattlers, and black-tailed herons as well as the endangered ‘alae ke’oke’o and ‘ala ‘ula. This park offers two loop trails that are one mile and two-and-a-half miles in length. Located in Kaaawa at 52-222 Kamehameha Hwy., Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park is a roughly 45-minute drive from Waipahu.
4. Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve
Located on the western point of O’ahu, Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve is home to a colony of Laysan Albatrosses and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. Birdwatchers can enter the 59-acre reserve and view the birds up close. If you hike to the tip of Ka’ena Point, you’ll find a nesting seabird sanctuary.
To reach Ka’ena Point from Waipahu, take the H1 freeway west, which will eventually turn into Route 93. Route 93 eventually becomes a two-way road that ends at the entrance to this state park. Allow about an hour to reach this park from Waipahu.
With so many excellent birding opportunities, you’ll need to have a good vehicle on hand for exploring. Head to Tony Nissan and pick out your next car or truck today!
Image by Christiane from Pixabay
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