Hurricane Lala Displaced Honolulu Manu-o-Kū Chicks

Strong winds from the recent storm forced dozens of the official city birds from their tree nests in Honolulu.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Bird Watching

Gouache-painted illustration of a small white bird in a tree nest with a blue ribbon, depicting the rescue of Hawaii's official bird. — The recent passage of Hurricane Lala displaced dozens of manu-o-Kū chicks in Honolulu, prompting community-led rescue efforts to return the native birds to their nests. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local communities modify urban planning to better protect native bird species?

Hurricane Lala caused widespread displacement of manu-o-Kū chicks in Honolulu, leading to 45 reports of fallen birds over five days. The storm, which brought wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, also resulted in the loss of 29 eggs and 14 chicks.

Why it matters

As the official bird of Honolulu, the manu-o-Kū requires protection during severe weather events to maintain its urban population. The displacement highlights the vulnerability of the species during hurricane-force winds that can easily knock chicks from their perches.

During the five-day storm period, peak wind gusts reached 40 mph in Honolulu. Reports confirmed the loss of 29 eggs and 14 chicks, while 45 individual reports of displaced birds were filed.

The players

Hui Manu-o-Kū

This volunteer organization formed in 2016 to advocate for and protect the white tern population in Honolulu.

Feather & Fur Animal Hospital

This veterinary facility in Kailua provides triage services for injured birds, including the manu-o-Kū chicks impacted by the recent storm.

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center

This institution manages the long-term rehabilitation of birds recovered after emergency medical triage.

The details

Volunteers from the Hui Manu-o-Kū organization have been working to rescue the displaced chicks by using long paintrollers to return uninjured birds to their nests. Trees serving as nesting sites are marked with blue ribbons to protect the birds from accidental injury during maintenance or tree trimming.

The Hui Manu-o-Kū organization formed in 2016.
Hurricane Lala caused chick displacement in September 2026.

Culture Shift

The rescue efforts are part of the ongoing Hui Manu-o-Kū urban tree nesting preservation initiative that has redefined how Honolulu manages its urban canopy. This focus reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing native species conservation within densifying city environments.

Residents should remain vigilant for fallen chicks near trees marked with blue ribbons in their neighborhoods. If an uninjured bird is discovered, residents are encouraged to contact local volunteers for assistance rather than attempting to handle the wildlife directly.

The takeaway

The displacement of manu-o-Kū chicks emphasizes the necessity of community-led monitoring during severe weather events in urban areas. Protecting designated nesting trees allows residents to play a direct role in maintaining the health of the city's official bird population.