Wildlife

Hawaiian Hawk

An endangered species, with a population estimated to be in the hundreds, the Hawaiian Hawk is called 'Io by the Hawaiians. If you are lucky, these amazing birds can be seen in the late afternoon hours patrolling the area right in front of the Pololu Valley lookout. Often a lone 'Io can be spotted circling in the air, waiting for a chance to fall upon it's prey...

Pololu valley has been studied extensively and is said to be the home of a population of some 200+ Hawaiian Hawks. 'Io can be seen hunting high in the air throughout Kohala, but more commonly as you approach wilderness areas.

The 'Io plumage has two color phases, a light underpart/dark upper parts parts phase (pictured), and and a dark brown (adult) phase. Females are larger than males. Diet seems to consist of mice, rats, frogs, spiders, insects and their caterpillars. Photographic evidence has been seen of an 'Io diving on a mongoose, which had been crossing the road, and killing it instantly with a precise incision of its razor sharp talons into the cervical spine. The hawk was then tenacious in refusing to give up the prize it had won, and proceeded to display threateningly when approached (still on the roadway). Similar behavior can be expected in defense of nests or young... Nesting from May through October, the 'Io can be seen soaring in large circles, at considerable heights. The diurnal Hawaiian Owl, or Pueo, also soars... Iolani was a sacred hawk in Hawaiian mythology...

Illustration by Evans and Wilson

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