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Step 1
Find endangered hawksbill turtles in the waters off the island. Halape, Apua Point and Keauhou Beaches serve as nesting points for the turtles, along with several other areas in Hawaii. You can volunteer to help watch the beaches for nesting activity.
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Step 2
Listen for native songbirds. Six species of songbirds call the park home including honeycreepers and the Hawaii creeper. Field guides can help you locate these birds around the park.
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Step 3
Watch for nene, an endangered Hawaiian goose, in traditional flocking grounds during the summer. Park rangers can guide you to areas where they are likely to be. The nene is Hawaii's most noticeable large animal native to the Islands.
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Step 4
Look for petrels in the park's steep, rocky terrain. This endangered bird spends most of its time flying over the sea, but it returns to nest, breed and raise their young. Petrels come to the nesting spots in February to prepare the nests and incubation takes place in April and May.
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Step 5
See whales off the coast of the island. Humpback whales are common sights during the winter months. You may also see dolphins and seabirds.
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Step 6
Spend a few hours looking for freshwater creatures like shrimp and rock-climbing goby. Ask at the visitor center to find freshwater spots. As water attracts other forms of wildlife, you'll also increase your chances of seeing other species.
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Step 7
Hike some of the park's trails. This is the best way to view wildlife in the park, getting you up close to various habitats. If you can, hike into several different habitats like the shrub land and the rain forest. Pack binoculars to spot rare birds along the way.
