Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project Putting Extinction in the Past:
Community, Kuleana, Conservation

06/03/2026

Beside a little stream in the forest ❤️

The deep, arched flowers of the rare ʻōhā wai (Clermontia sp) perfectly match the curve of the ʻiʻiwi’s beak. When this ʻiʻiwi reaches deep into the flower for nectar, the tip of the flower dusts the bird’s head and feathers with pollen, which the bird then carries to the next flower.

Hawaiʻi’s native forest birds, like ʻiʻiwi, are vital to the regeneration and health of Hawaiian forests.

Both ʻiʻiwi and ʻōhā wai are facing serious threats to their survival. Because of their deep interdependence, the decline of one species directly impacts the survival of the other.

🎥 Koa Matsuoka/MFBRP

05/28/2026

A little foraging time.

The humble stretch of Maui forest on the slopes of Haleakalā continues to be graced with the presence of ʻalalā. Through the passing weeks & months of this year and a half journey, the five ʻalalā on the landscape continue to thrive.
We love watching these beauties foraging for a wide variety of forest foods. And the vocalizing — we love that too. ❤️

It’s nesting season and the field team reports that the paired birds are regularly moving sticks around — potential nest building endeavors. We will see. And we will keep you posted!

🎥 MFBRP

Mauiʻs remaining native forest birds live high on the slopes of Haleakalā, finding refuge from the small but lethal sout...
05/21/2026

Mauiʻs remaining native forest birds live high on the slopes of Haleakalā, finding refuge from the small but lethal southern house mosquito.

Southern house mosquitoes are not native to Hawaiʻi and are deadly to our native birds. These tiny brown insects carry diseases like avian malaria and avian pox. Mosquito-spread disease is causing major declines to our native forest bird populations.

You can help!
🍃 Keep gutters clean of debris and water
💦 Get rid of mosquito-breeding habitat in your backyard
🤙🏼 Treat standing water with mosquito dunks (natural larvicide)
💚 Share this post!

In the dappled light of Maui’s high elevation native forest, a view of kiwikiu (kee-wee-q), one of Hawaiʻi’s rare honeyc...
05/13/2026

In the dappled light of Maui’s high elevation native forest, a view of kiwikiu (kee-wee-q), one of Hawaiʻi’s rare honeycreepers. ❤️

The critically endangered kiwikiu is found nowhere else on earth. These feathered island community members are a vital part of our island ecosystem and Hawaiian culture.

We work with our partners to ensure kiwikiu survival for generations to come.

📸 MFBRP

High on the slopes of Haleakalā, in a tiny stretch of remote healthy native forest, getting a glimpse of ʻākohekohe is a...
05/07/2026

High on the slopes of Haleakalā, in a tiny stretch of remote healthy native forest, getting a glimpse of ʻākohekohe is a special experience. ❤️

Nectar-lovers, these fancy little members of the honeycreeper bird family can be found running across the branches of ʻōhiʻa lehua, seeking sustenance from (and pollinating) the ʻōhia tree’s bright pom-pom shaped flowers.

Only found on Maui, ʻākohekohe are critically endangered and we continue working with our partners to ensure they have a future here in the islands for generations to come.

‘ākohekohe (ah ko-heh ko-heh)

📸 MFBRP

04/29/2026

Mahalo nui to those of you who were able to submit your comments during legislature sessions. ❤️

—————-

archived.
URGENT: Action Needed!

Disease from introduced mosquitoes continues to push Hawaiʻi’s native forest birds toward extinction.

The Green Fee is meant to protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources, watersheds, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

State budget discussions are happening now.
* legislators are making final decisions *

✅ Please contact elected House & Senate budget officials encouraging them to:

👉🏼 Please retain full funding for mosquito suppression in the final Green Fee budget.

➡️ This is urgent funding needed to prevent the extinction of Hawaiʻi’s native birds. Without timely suppression of these invasive mosquitoes, our native birds are at risk of disappearing in our lifetimes.

Links for contacts:
Senate
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/legislators.aspx?chamber=S
House
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/legislature/legislators.aspx?chamber=H

— Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz
— Rep. Chris Todd
— Rep. Kyle Yamash*ta
— Sen. Lynn DeCoite
— Sen. Troy Hashimoto
— Rep. Tyson Miyake

🎥 ʻiʻiwi, Jack Jeffrey

04/28/2026

Five ʻalalā continue their journey in a Maui forest on the slopes of Haleakalā.

Known for their vast vocal repertoire, these young ʻalalā fill the forest with all sorts of delightful calls.
Here’s a tiny selection. 🎶😎

🎥 MFBRP

04/22/2026

Celebrating this one beautiful planet we share, our home.
Happy Earth Day ❤️

📸 juvenile ʻiʻiwi, Gus Forrest/MFBRP

04/09/2026

Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi flitting about in pilo bliss.

ʻAmakihi are one of the most adaptable of Hawaiian honeycreepers. They enjoy nectar, insects, and fruits from native plants.

🎥 Alexandria Sinker/MFBRP

03/30/2026

Hawaiian forests and native forest birds are vital to the island ecosystems upon which we all depend.

We are all connected. Each age-old relationship plays an important part in sustaining life here in the islands.

As we look mauka to the native forest, letʻs remember our connections and kuleana.

🎥MFBRP: Maui forest, ʻiʻiwi, Maui ʻalauahio, ʻākohekohe, kiwikiu

🎶 Stick Figure “what a feeling”

Address

2465 Olinda Road
Makawao, HI
96768

Telephone

(808) 573-0280

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