Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Join our 2024 Nā Manu Nahele Origami Project

Educators, students, and manu enthusiasts of any age can join our 2024 Nā Manu Nahele Origami Project. Our webpage has photos and information about birds on your island for inspiration, as well as instructions on how to submit your completed origami to an on-island coordinator. Your completed origami may be displayed at a future event on your island, and by the end of 2024 we hope to collect all submitted origami on Oʻahu to show our collective manu aloha in one place. Read up on your bird(s) of choice, find some origami paper, and let your creativity soar.

Educator instructions and bird flyers: 2024 Nā Manu Nahele Origami Project

Nā Manu Nahele Finger Puppet Activities

Great for students of all ages, our finger puppets are simple papercraft activities that teach you a bit about our birds and let you pretend to be your favorite manu. Our downloadable finger puppet activities include these species:

• ʻAkepa finger puppet: English | ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• ʻAkiapōlāʻau finger puppet: English | ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• ʻIʻiwi finger puppet: English | ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi finger puppet: English | ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• ʻAlalā finger puppet
• Hawaiʻi ʻElepaio finger puppet

Find the full set and plenty more to do on our Activities page.

Nā Manu Nahele Masks: Become Your Favorite Bird

A great activity for classroom or home, this downloadable PDF can be printed for a simple paper craft. You’ll need a bit of tape and string to wear it, and make sure you learn how to make your manu’s birdsong by visiting our audio pages above. You can find the full collection at our Activities page, or directly download your manu mask from the links below:

• ‘I’iwi Mask
• ‘Alalā Mask
• ‘Elepaio Mask
• ʻIo Mask
• ʻĀkohekohe Mask

Make your own ʻIo Flyer

Paper airplanes got nothing on our ʻIo Flyer, which you can download, print, and build yourself. Your paper ʻio will soar across your classroom or home, just like our beloved Hawaiian hawk.

Download the ʻIo Flyer craft and instructions

Get outside and go birding!

Birding is for everyone. If you’re interested in birds but don’t know how to find them, the resources below can help. Remember not to approach or disturb birds, just observe them. Many of our native birds are endangered. Near residential areas or on common trails, you’re most likely to see non-native birds. Whatever birds you observe, you’ll see them best with binoculars, patience, and minimal noise.

How to use binoculars: a printable cheat sheet to carry with you while birding

Brilliant Backyard Birds: a guide to common, non-native birds in Hawaiʻi from Kamehameha Schools

Hawaiʻi Birding Trails: a guide to Hawaiʻi’s public trails and which birds you might find along each trail

Classroom Curriculum: Hawaiian Forest Bird Unit Plan from the Symphony of the Hawaiian Birds

In 2018 the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, University of Hawaiʻi, and many other partners worked to develop the Symphony of the Hawaiian Birds, a multimedia art performance that traveled across the state. As part of the project, a curriculum on Hawaiian forest birds was developed for educators to use in classrooms. Though the symphony performances are no longer happening, the unit plan is still a great resource for educators. 

Download the Hawaiian Forest Bird Unit Plan – SYMPHONY OF THE HAWAIIAN BIRDS

Battle of the Beaks (Bishop Museum)

This classroom game invites students to try picking up differently shaped objects with various styles of “beaks.” A printable scorecard helps keep the game competitive as it invites students and educators to talk about how our birds have evolved beaks that are specialized for eating seeds, insects, or nectar.

Download the Battle of the Beaks game

Kauaʻi Forest Bird Match Up Game

Cut out the forest birds and then match them up with their habitat in the images of Kauaʻi’s forests. Students can learn about bird habitat and behaviors while playing a simple match up game. This game was developed by Kauaʻi Forest Birds Recovery Project.

Download the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Match Up Game Here

Hawaiʻi’s Forest Birds: An Online Learning Resource

The Kauaʻi and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Projects worked with Hamline University to produce this interactive learning tool. Students can explore videos and photos, there are activities for teachers to use, and there are field stories from kūpuna.

Launch the Hawaiʻi Forest Bird Online Learning Resource

Learning Resources from Three Mountain Alliance

Three Mountain Alliance, a watershed partnership based on Hawaiʻi Island, has a variety of excellent educational activities including several that focus on forest birds and learning the names of forest bird body parts or observing birds in the wild.

Visit Three Mountain Alliance’s educational resources

Jeo”Bird”y Classroom Quiz Game

I’ll take “Bird Words” for $200, Alex. Educators can play host for the classroom game show JeoBirdy, developed by the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project. Students can select a category, get a clue, and try to solve for questions about Kauaʻi’s endangered birds. The game runs via Google Slides is easy to set up and play with a classroom projector or screen.

Play Jeo”Bird”y via Google Slides

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Coloring activity: Create your own Ānuenue Manu for Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele

Download and print this coloring page and see if you can recreate the Ānuenue Manu (rainbow of birds) we are using to celebrate Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele. You can pick your own colors for the birds, or you can do a bit of research on this page to learn the correct colors to fill in for each species. The featured species from left to right are: ʻakikiki, ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane, Hawaiʻi ʻakepa, palila, ʻakekeʻe, kiwikiu, puaiohi, ʻākohekohe, and ʻalalā.

You can download the coloring page here.

Kauaʻi Forest Birds Coloring Book

Download and print this coloring book that features Kauaʻi’s forest birds. The book includes facts about each bird and a guide on the cover if you want to know how the birds are colored in real life.

Coloring Book: Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project

Maui Forest Birds Coloring Book

Download and print this coloring book that features Maui’s forest birds. The book includes a detailed set of facts about each bird.

Coloring Book: Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

Songbird: A Virtual Moment of Extinction in Hawaiʻi (360˚ Video)

This 360˚ video from The Guardian tells the story of when local scientist Jim Jacobi encountered what is believed to be the last Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, in the 1980s. Jim recorded the lonely song of the ʻōʻō, calling out for a mate that he would never find. Though the story is sad, it is beautifully animated in this video and is a tale (and a birdsong) that everyone should hear.

Watch the 360˚ Video

ʻIʻiwi Holiday Ornament

This ʻiʻiwi holiday ornament from Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project can brighten a room any time of year. Download and print the PDF to get started.

Free: Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele Digital Swag

Bring Hawaiʻi’s forest birds to your next Zoom meeting or decorate your phone or computer wallpaper with our Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele Digital Swag. Choose a manu that is special to you, or bring the full rainbow of Hawaiian forest birds to your devices.

Click here to download manu nahele wallpapers & backgrounds

Free: Request Manu Stickers, free from Forestry & Wildlife

Show your manu aloha by adding forest bird stickers to your water bottle, laptop, or wall. DLNR Forestry & Wildlife will be handing out stickers at events all year long, or you can send us an email with a mailing address and we’ll send you a couple of manu stickers. For Hawaiʻi-based teachers we’ll send you a pack of 10-15 for your students that you can give out as prizes or to students particularly interested in birds. If you’re not a teacher and just want a sticker for your water bottle, that’s fine too- we’ll send you a sticker or two by mail, for free

Free: Nā Manu Nahele o Hawaiʻi Classroom Poster

Get our brand new manu poster to bring Hawaiʻi’s forest birds into your classroom (or home). The poster features 12 of our remaining forest bird species, reproduced in the style of digital oil paints and labeled with each bird’s name, distribution, and IUCN risk status. Our poster is available for free to Hawaiʻi educators and residents, and shipping is free to Kauaʻi, Maui Nui, or Hawaiʻi Island. Just email us at [email protected] and provide a mailing address for us to send your poster. If you email us, we may also add you to our occasional Educator Bulletin for new items (you can unsubscribe any time).

For those on Oʻahu, stop by our office to pick up a copy in person (we are not shipping on Oʻahu due to shipping costs and demand). We are open from 7:45-4:30pm M-F at 1151 Punchbowl St, Rm 325, Honolulu, no appointment is necessary.

Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project Merchandise & Donations

Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project offers a variety ways to celebrate Kauaʻi’s birds and support to their program:

Donate & Get Swag from Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project offers donation opportunities and items you can purchase to support their program. Get an ʻiʻiwi stuffed animal that sings when you squeeze it, and ʻalalā hat, shirts, stickers, notecards, and more.

Visit Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project’s page to view swag and donate

Donate to Bishop Museum’s Honeycreeper Carving Project

Ornithologist and master woodcarver Haruo Uchiyama has created a set of exquisitely lifelike Hawaiian honeycreeper carvings to educate the public about these amazing birds. These carvings give people a way to see birds that they will likely never encounter in real life due to their rarity. You can read here about this project at Bishop Museum, and keep an eye on our Events Calendar for news about an exhibition at the Science Adventure Center in early 2024. To support growing this collection of carvings, you can donate to this project at Bishop Museum.

Click here to donate to the honeycreeper carving project Bishop Museum. Select “Uchiyama Honeycreeper Carving Project” from the dropdown menu.

2024 Manu o Kū Festival

April 27, 2024, 10am-2pm, ʻIolani Palace coronation grounds

This will be the 9th annual festival and will officially start after an opening ceremony by students of Ka Papa Lo‘i ‘o Kānewai. The day will follow with exciting guest speakers, ukulele performance, bird tours, spotting scopes, painting with Patrick Ching and much more.  Also making its first debut is a life size Manu o Kū, Ranger Rick, and Hina, the Monk Seal.  Grab a passport and participate in the exciting learning activities provided by participating groups and agencies, all focused on native species, with the Manu o Kū as their ambassador for the day.

We’ll be there with our mascot Pono the Nēnē and Kaleo the Pueo, celebrating Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele and all birds in Hawaiʻi.

Learn more at the Conservation Council of Hawaiʻi’s website

Walk for the Birds or Donate to Support KFBRP Walkers

May 4, 2024, Vidinha Stadium, Kauaʻi

Join the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project at the 45th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk:

• 100% of registration/donation funds goes to Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project. Click this link to register/donate. 
• Donations and number of registered walkers earn points for KFBRP and are matched (depending on total donations received).
• Registered walkers will receive a t-shirt, gourmet breakfast and are entered in prize drawings for hotel stays and restaurant gift cards.
• Charity Walk takes place on Saturday, May 4, 7am at the Vidinha Stadium Soccer Field!
• Please help us to reach our goal of raising $2000 this year! Mahalo for your support!

Lā ʻOhana Nā Manu Nahele

May 4, 9:30-11:30 am, Kauaʻi Community College

Alohe e nā kamāliʻi (PreK-5th grade)! Join NPN Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi CC, Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project, Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, Birds Not Mosquitoes, and ʻŌhiʻa Love as we celebrate and learn ways to mālama and protect the native birds of the forest. Letʻs have fun, play games, create art, and explore ways to protect our precious manu o ka nahele.

Register by April 25, limited to 40 participants: https://tinyurl.com/24manu. For more information, call Nā Pua Noʻeau o Kauaʻi at 808-245-8387.

Mahalo to Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu for funding NPN programs.

Volunteer Mālama ʻĀina Day in Waikamoi Preserve

May 27, 2024, Maui

Available for a small group of volunteers ages 12+ to remove invasive ginger in Waikamoi Preserve’s Maile Trail. Possible forest birds to see include ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and ʻalauahio. Sign ups open 1 month prior to event at https://tncmaui.ivolunteer.com/#3.

Forest Bird Exhibit at Bishop Museum Science Adventure Center

Summer, Oʻahu

The Science Adventure Center at Bishop Museum is getting a new exhibit in March 2024. The new exhibit will feature Hawaiian forest birds and will include the exquisitely lifelike carvings of ornithologist and master woodcarver Haruo Uchiyama, helping visitors view and appreciate birds that are either too rare to see in person or extinct. You can read here about this project at Bishop Museum.

Bishop After Hours: Forest Birds

Summer, Oʻahu

Bishop Museum is planning to host an After Hours event focused on Hawaiian Forest Birds. The event will likely feature the Uchiyama bird carvings in the Science Adventure Center with more celebrations outside on the Great Lawn. Details will be available here and at the Bishop Museum website when finalized.

Nā Manu Nahele in the Hawaiʻi State Library Summer Reading Series

June/July 2024, Statewide

This summer we plan to partner with the Hawaiʻi State Library System to bring presentations about our native forest birds to libraries across the state, and provide a summer reading list for manu enthusiasts.

Volunteer Mālama ʻĀina Day in Waikamoi Preserve

August 3, 2024, Maui

Available for a small group of volunteers ages 12+ to remove invasive ginger in Waikamoi Preserve’s Maile Trail. Possible forest birds to see include ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and ʻalauahio. Sign ups open 1 month prior to event at https://tncmaui.ivolunteer.com/#3.

Walk for the Wild, Sponsored by Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

October 5, 2024. Registration will go live on August 28

The third annual WALK FOR THE WILD will be held this fall at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. The WALK FOR THE WILD is a unique opportunity for the public to visit a magical destination on MaunaKea that was created to protect endangered Hawaiian birds. The free 5k walk includes the opportunity to chat with knowledgeable biologists, botanists, entomologists, and other natural history interpreters stationed along the 5k loop. Browse natural history exhibits (including activities for the young and the young at heart) at the start of the walk. Last year over 450 people registered and enjoyed the walk. Registration for the Walk will go live again on August 28. You’ll be able to register at https://friendsofhakalauforest.org/walk-for-the-wild/

Kauaʻi Art Show: “Wings and Woodlands: A Tribute to Native Birds and Forests”

November 2-8, 2024, Kauaʻi

Library Film Screening & Crafts: Hawaiʻi’s Native Forest Birds

February 10, 2024, 11:30am, Hawaiʻi State Library (478 S King St, Honolulu)

Join staff from DLNR Forestry & Wildlife as we share about Hawaiʻi’s beautiful forest birds and the threats they face. We’ll be screening two short documentaries: Realm of the Gods (8 min) describing the cultural impact of threats to our mauka forest birds, and Nā Manu ʻEha (4 min), a video showing a new hula composed for the four most critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds. Weʻll have native bird stickers, coloring books, finger puppets, and masks for kids to take home.

Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Forests

Multiple times, February 15, Oʻahu

Symphony of the Hawai‘i Forests brings together music, art, science, hula, and storytelling to better connect the keiki with the forests of Hawai‘i through an immersive performance that fully embodies the collaborative spirit. Come watch the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra as they perform new music and animation of newly created ka‘ao (folktales) that tell of unforgettable stories about the forests of Hawai‘i.

There will be day-time performances for 4th-12th grade students, teachers, chaperones. Advance registration by schools is required. Educators can visit Symphony of the Hawai’i Forests for more information and to register your school.

At 6pm on Feb 15 there will be a performance that is open to all ages. Tickets are available here: https://www.myhso.org/concerts/2024-symphony-of-the-hawaii-forests

Volunteer Mālama ʻĀina Day in Waikamoi Preserve

February 19, 2024, Maui

Available for a small group of volunteers ages 12+ to remove invasive ginger in Waikamoi Preserve’s Maile Trail. Possible forest birds to see include ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and ʻalauahio. Sign ups open 1 month prior to event at https://tncmaui.ivolunteer.com/#3.

Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawaii: ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i ‘Oe

February 2024, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, & Maui

Knowing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi can help you correctly pronounce and understand the names of our nā manu nahele. Kanaeokana will be sponsoring events promoting learning and speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi starting in February (which is also Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi).

Ola Ka I: Ko’olau: February 3 @ Windward Mall 8 am-3 pm

Ola Ka I: Kaua’i/Ni’ihau: February 10 @ Kukui Grove Market Place 10 am-2 pm

Ola Ka I: Maui Nui: February February 17 @ Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center 8 am-3 pm

Ola Ka I: ʻEwa: February 24 @ Kamakana Ali’i 8 am-3 pm

You can find more details and free language-learning materials at the Kanaeokana website.

ʻImiloa 18th Lā Hānau Celebration

Hanohano Nā Manu Māulukua- Honoring Native Forest Birds of Hawaiʻi

February 25, 2024, 10 am – 3pm at ʻImiloa (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island)

This free, 1-day birthday event for ʻImiloa will highlight native Hawaiian manu (forest birds), with an emphasis on the critical need for conservation efforts to preserve their species and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. ʻImiloa will welcome local families, community members, and visitors to enjoy specially-curated activities and experiences, including interactive exhibits and live planetarium presentations with natural resources experts. More details to come, at https://imiloahawaii.org/

Annual Blessing: Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project

11am-2pm, March 1, at Kanaloahulululu Meadow in Kōke’e, Kauaʻi

The Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP) is holding its annual Hawaiian blessing of its 2024 field season on March 1st at Kanaloahulululu Meadow in Kōke’e.

From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m KFBRP and the Kaua’i Invasive Species Committee will have informational booths set up next to the pavilion. 

At 1 p.m., Kumu and Hanauma of the Ka `Imi Na`auao o Hawai’i Nei Institute and staff and volunteers from KFBRP will gather to bless the upcoming field season with songs and dances to invoke the protection and good will of the gods and the elders for Kaua’i’s native forest birds and their habitat. This event is free and open to everyone. Please prepare for cold, windy and/or rainy weather conditions at Kōke’e. Due to the presence of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on Kaua’i, participants are kindly asked to clean all boots and equipment before traveling to Kōke`e. You can learn more at the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project website.

Kāhili Workshop with Maui Bird Conservation Center

March 2, 2024, Maui

Kāhili Pālima Workshop with Kumu Kauʻi Podlewski and Mālama ʻĀina with MBCC. 8:30am – 11:00am. Work with Hulu Practitioner Kumu Kauʻi and end the day planting native plants that will benefit our native birds. Ages 12+, 20 participants maximum.

Registration opens at 8am on Feb 3 at the following link: https://forms.gle/9BDc5Ys9Jzahx3CY8

Forest Flutters: A Bird Day Party

An immersive art experience by Capitol Modern and Honolulu Theatre for Youth

Feb 24, March 3, and March 9 at Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum)

Volunteer Mālama ʻĀina Day in Waikamoi Preserve

March 21, 2024, Maui

Available for a small group of volunteers ages 12+ to remove invasive ginger in Waikamoi Preserve’s Maile Trail. Possible forest birds to see include ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and ʻalauahio. Sign ups open 1 month prior to event at https://tncmaui.ivolunteer.com/#3.

Party for the Planet at Honolulu Zoo

April 13, 10am-2pm, Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is throwing our Party for the Planet this Saturday, April 13th!  Join us and our community conservation partners in celebrating Earth, the greatest and only home we have!  Participation is free with admission from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and includes access to crafts, games, prizes, & more during your visit to the Honolulu Zoo! Join us in celebrating Earth Day!

We’ll be there celebrating Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele with coloring pages, stickers, and more. Learn more about the Honolulu Zoo at their website.

Culture to Canvas Paint & Sip

April 13, 3-5:30pm, Cabana Bar & Grill, Poʻipū, Kauaʻi

April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month, and Cabana Bar & Grill has designed this new painting to make this a very special experience! It’s titled, “Pakele I Ka Ulu ‘Ōhi’a” in honor of one of the last female ‘akikiki or Kaua’i creepers remaining. The ‘akikiki are endemic to Kaua’i and are critically endangered. Found nowhere else in the world, they make their home in the remote altitudes of the Alaka’i bogs amongst the lehua forests at the summit of Mount Wai’ale’ale. It is estimated that only 5 ‘akikiki still exist in the wild. They exist nowhere else in the world. The ‘ōhi’a lehua forests are their primary habitat. As the keystone species of our native Hawaiian forests, ‘ōhi’a lehua are also crucial to our watersheds. Join native Hawaiian artist and kumu hula, Kēhaulani Kekua and the Culture To Canvas team as they guide you step-by-step in creating your very own keepsake masterpieces! Advance registration required and can be made at https://culture-to-canvas.square.site. All instruction, quality materials, acrylic paints, supplies and a pre-sketched stretched canvas included! Space is limited, so sign up now!

Forest Bird Film Screening: “Realm of the Gods” and “When Silence Becomes the Song”

April 19, 2-3pm, Hawaiʻi State Capitol Auditorium

Representatives Linda Ichiyama and Luke Evslin present a screening of two new short films about Kauaʻis forest birds, in partnership with the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project. The screening is designed for legislators to learn more about the plight of Kauaʻi’s forest birds, but is open to the public. A Q&A with staff from the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project will follow the film screening.

Bishop Museum Science & Sustainability Festival

April 20, 2023, 9 am to 3 pm at Bishop Museum, Honolulu

Reduced admission – $5 kamaʻaina and military

Bishop Museum’s Science & Sustainability Festival brings together Museum scientists, educators, cultural practitioners, and community partners to highlight the ongoing work needed to protect biodiversity and build a sustainable future in Hawai‘i.

This one-day festival features keiki activities, workshops, exhibition highlights, special presentations, and interactive performances with scientists, cultural practitioners, and community organizers on the front lines of biodiversity research and conservation efforts in Hawai‘i. Visit activity and information booths that showcase the vital work of community partners and the interconnectivity between conservation initiatives across Hawai‘i. All day, Enjoy music and performances with food and drink vendors on the Museum lawns.

Visit the Bishop Museum website for more details.

Birdie Brunch: Get to Know Kauaʻi’s Forest Birds

April 20, 2023, 10am-12pm, at Keoki’s Paradise in Poʻipu, Kauaʻi

Join Allie Cabrera with Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project to learn how you can help their efforts to defend Hawaiʻi’s threatened ʻiʻiwi bird, and three federally endangered species: puaiohi, ʻakikiki, and ʻakekeʻe, from extinction. Attendees will also have the chance to win a free ʻōhiʻa tree! Reservations required.

Call Keoki’s Paradise at 808-742-7534 to save your spot.

ʻŌlelo Youth XChange Award Ceremony

April 23, 2024, Oʻahu

Finalists in the video competition will be invited to Honolulu for an award ceremony that will be televised on ʻŌlelo Community Media. We’ll be sharing the winning videos in our Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele category to the DLNR website and will share them statewide.

Details will be at https://olelo.org/yxc2024.