You will probably be amazed at the extremes of climate in Hawaii,
especially on Kilauea Volcano. This is one of the rare places in the
world where you can walk a few hundred yards from an area of heavy
rainfall to one of striking dryness. The change is due to prevailing
trade winds which force moisture laden clouds up over the mountain
masses from the northeast, then allow the clouds to dissipate on the
leeward side of the mountains. By taking the Crater Rim drive at
Kilauea, you will pass through lush fern jungle on one side of the
crater and barren desert on the other.
Birds are very sensitive to these differences in climate. Most of the
species you find at Thurston Lava Tube will never be seen at Halemaumau,
less than 3 miles away. The same thing is true at Haleakala, although
less dramatically so. To help you locate the most rewarding sites for
bird study in the park, here are a few suggestions: