_Thurston Lava Tube._ This is the heart of Hawaii’s tree-fern jungle and
an excellent habitat for several native species, such as the apapane,
iiwi, and amakihi. Spend a few moments looking for these at the exhibit
overlook, then take the quarter-mile loop path that leads through the
lava tube. On the other side of the lava tube parking area a trail
descends into Kilauea Iki, the site of the 1959 eruption. This
delightful walk also passes through fern jungle. Be on the lookout for
the io (Hawaiian hawk) in Kilauea Iki.
[Illustration: _Grass slopes on the Mauna Loa Strip_]
_Halemaumau._ A most unlikely place for birds; however, there are almost
always a few white-tailed tropic-birds soaring within the pit.
_Kipuka Puaulu._ A popular name for this area is “Bird Park” and for
good reason, for this kipuka, a hundred acre island of well developed
vegetation surrounded by a recent lava flow, harbors 11 or more species.
The commonest here are the white-eye, red-billed leiothrix, and house
finch—all exotics. When the ohia trees are in bloom, and usually there
are at least a few, large numbers of iiwis and apapanes are attracted to
the kipuka. Other interesting birds often seen here are the elepaio,
Japanese blue pheasant, and cardinal.
_Mauna Loa Strip._ More kinds of birds (18) have been recorded from the
koa parkland along the Mauna Loa Strip road than from any other locality
in the park, but you are not likely to see large numbers in any one
place along the strip. The road ascends the lower slopes of Mauna Loa
from 4,000 feet at Kipuka Puaulu to 6,663 feet. Several introduced game
birds—Japanese blue pheasant, California quail, and chukar—may be
flushed as you drive up the road. Skylarks and house finches are fairly
common along the grassy flats, and you are almost sure to see an amakihi
in the koa grove at the end of the road. If you are lucky you might be
rewarded with a glimpse of a nene somewhere on these upper slopes.