Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Hawaii

Hawaii has a handful of hawk, eagle, and falcon species, mostly accidental in occurrence. A native of the state, the Hawaiian hawk (‘io), adapts uniquely to the islands’ habitats. All these raptors, albeit few in number, play vital roles in local ecosystems and highlight Hawaii’s distinct avian diversity.

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Hawaii

Eagles

There are only three types of vagrant eagle species living in Hawaii.

White-tailed Eagle (Accidental)
Steller’s Sea Eagle (Accidental)
Golden Eagle (Accidental)

Hawks

Hawaiian Hawk
Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accidental)
Rough-legged Hawk (Accidental)

The Hawaiian hawk is the only native hawk species in the state, while the others are vagrants. The native name of the endemic species is ‘io, and it was considered endangered till its name was scrapped from the list in 2020. It is still in a ‘Near Threatened’ status, though, as it faces many threats, including degradation and loss of forest habitat. It only inhabits the Big Island, but fossil evidence suggests it lived on many islands earlier.

Falcons

Peregrine Falcon
Merlin (Accidental)

The merlin is extremely rare, with only a few sightings of the bird being recorded. On the other hand, the peregrine falcon is a regular visitor here from October to May. Having said that, the numbers have dwindled over the years, with only around two peregrines living on the islands during the winter.

Ospreys

Osprey

Harriers

Northern Harrier (Accidental)

The Hawaiian hawk can be seen in the restricted Pua Akala Tract in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the kipukas along Saddle Road (especially on the Pu’u O’o Trail through Kipuka Ainahou), the central part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Waipio and Pololu Valley area.