Manu o Kū Festival

Manu o Kū, also known as the White Tern, is Honoluluʻs official bird and one of the only native Hawaiian seabirds flourishing in downtown Honolulu. These birds are strikingly beautiful with white plumage, black eyes, and black bill. They nest in trees along busy roads, beaches, and even small boat harbors. A multi-island partnership protects these special seabirds.

The Manu o Kū Festival is an annual event usually held in May to coincide with the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Itʻs a free event with guest speakers, bird walks, Hawaiian dance and music performances, games and prizes for keiki (children), booths manned by groups and organizations working together to help Honoluluʻs official bird thrive in our urban environment, and other activities.

The Festival takes place on the stately Coronation Grounds of Iolani Palace, founded by a partnership with Conservation Council for Hawaii and the National Wildlife Federation, and includes festival sponsors Hawaii Audubon Society, the Hui Manu-o-Kū, and Pacific Rim Conservation. The guests of honor—the Manu O Ku—are already there, a half dozen tending eggs and chicks in trees on the Palace grounds.

Bring the whole family and come join in this yearʻs celebration of our Manu O Ku!