Discover 5 Hawaiian Endangered Birds With Timbers Kaua‘i Unique Wildlife Tour

23.08.2023 - 11:11 / forbes.com

Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala, the award-winning, oceanfront resort community, has just launched an incredible Bird & Wildlife Tour. Led by the property's naturalist, Alan Silva, this one-of-a-kind tour is an interactive, immersive exploration of the native Hawaiian ecosystem led by the property's naturalist, Alan Silva. Silva's Bird & Wildlife Tour offers guests the true meaning of “Malama (to protect and care for) Kaua‘i” and a close-up view of all the avian endangered species that call the property home.

Guests will also get the chance to see several seabirds, shore birds, and non-native birds that inhabit or visit the property throughout the year. Additionally, each tour gives guests the opportunity to view Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, the pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl), and even humpback whales during the season.

“We have five different endangered birds who call Hokuala home,” says Silva. “We have the Hawaiian nēnē goose, the Hawaiian coot, the common gallinule, Hawaiian stilts and Koloa Duck and it’s not uncommon to view all five during the Bird & Wildlife Tour. A portion of the tour takes place along the coastline where other endangered species, such as Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles can be spotted on occasion, spinner dolphins and humpback whales during migration season.”

Silva’s sustainability and conservation efforts at Timbers Kaua'i have incorporated fostering a small flock of 15 birds to an impressive 800 birds, including several endangered species, most notably Hawaii’s state bird - the nēnē. The tour is complimentary, with the intention to foster within visitors a desire to protect, preserve, and understand Hawaiian native species.

"Under the direction of Timbers’ Resorts, Hōkūala has become stewards of this rare swath of land, focusing on authenticity and preserving natural wildlife.” Silva states. “Now, our rewilded areas provide ideal conditions for various bird species to reproduce, shelter, and raise their young. Having the opportunity to feed the chickens, swing from the tree vine, and see the vibrant rainbow eucalyptus trees adds to the tour's excitement. It's gratifying to see both kids and adults become excited about what they've experienced and ignite a passion for conservation.”

Chris Gampon, general manager of Timbers Kaua'i, applauds Silva's commitment to environmental stewardship and the Hōkūala community. Gampon emphasizes the vital role Silva continues to play in maintaining the balance of the surrounding ecosystem, as well as his dedication to increasing the local bird population. In fact, Silva’s transformative work has led to an amazing resurgence of various bird species on the property.

"Through these tours, we hope to build a bridge of