Wildlife Viewing

Native wildlife today in the park is limited to a few native bird species.

Plan Around Wildlife Viewing

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Wildlife Viewing Details

The isolation of the Hawaiian islands meant that a number of endemic species arose, but native flora and fauna were unprepared for competition from introduced species that came along with European contact. Much of the park's wildlife and plant life has been usurped by invasive species and ungulates such as pigs and goats; native wildlife in the park today is limited to a number of endangered bird species, including the Hawaiian petrel ('ua'u) and Hawaiian goose (nene). The largest known nesting colony of 'ua'u is at the top of Mount Haleakala, but visitors should take care not to disturb the endangered birds. Nene can be seen at a number of areas in the park, including parking lots and along trails. Visitors should drive with caution and not leave marked trails so as not to disturb fragile ecosystems.

Difficulty

Open

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