Manu is Hawaiian for bird. And here in Hawaii my favorite birds are the Pueo (Hawaiian Short Eared Owl), Moli (Laysan Albatross), and the Iwa (Great Frigate Bird). You can find these birds-- and more!-- on my home island of Kauai. If you are a birder you'll love Kauai. On your visit be sure to check out the Kilauea Lighthouse, which is a wildlife refuge where you will be sure to find Boobies, Moli (in season), Shearwaters, Petrels, Nene and Iwa. There are also two other bird sanctuaries on Kauai-- one on the north shore and one on the far west side. At these spots you'll likely find a few Hawaiian Ducks, Hawaiian Stilts, lots of Nene and Night Crowned Herons. And don't forget about Koke'e State Park. Here you'll be sure to find the Apapane and, if you're lucky, the I'iwi (Hawaiian Honey Creepers) and several other endemic species. And roosters, you'll see those everywhere. 

Now, let's look at some pictures. 

First, my favorites-- Pueo.

Amakua Pueo!a pueo or hawaiian short-eared owl is known to be an amakua or guardian protector throughout polynesia. i spent three days shooting them one summer while in waimea and found this one to be the most special one.
Kauai, Hawaii Aumakua Pueo

Pueo Prepares for FlightBig Island, Hawaii Pueo Prepares for Flight

Jump!Big Island, Hawaii Jump!

TeamworkA barn owl chills.
Kauai, Hawaii We have barn owls, too!

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Now, our seasonal friends-- the Moli (Laysan Albatross). I love these birds. They have such beautiful eyes!!!

I Love Their EyesKauai, Hawaii Moli

FreeA layman albatross flies through the deep blue Kauai sky.
Kauai, Hawaii Free

CourtshipKauai, Hawaii Courtship

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And for the arial acrobats, the Iwa.

Wings (Fly! Iwa, Fly)Frigate Bird in flight just above the iron wood pines in the early morning light.
Kauai, Hawaii Wings

The SearchKauai, Hawaii Iwa!

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Hawaii's state bird, the Nene.

Nene FlyingKauai, Hawaii Nene, Hawaiian Goose

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And a few boobies...

Yo!a red footed booby says hello.
Kauai, Hawaii


Awards
2013 Nature Photo Contest Finalist (Wildlife Category) Yo!

Little BoobieKauai, Hawaii Juvi

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And lastly an Apapane

Apapane and Pali

Apapane and Pali

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To see more of these manu come to Kauai! or click the link here.

Finito.

Aloha,

Lee