Inspiration As of 2023, there are only 1300 ‘Akiapōlā’au left in the wild. This critically endangered bird is native to the Big Island of Hawai’i and plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Conservation Status FederalEndangered🔶 StateEndangered🔶 State recognized Endemic💛 Species Description The Akiapōlā‘au is a small Hawaiian bird with a 4.5 – 5.5-inch curved…
Tag: hawaii
Endangered Hawaiian Honeycreeper: Showcasing the ‘I’iwi
Inspiration The ʻiʻiwi (Drepanis coccinea) was first documented scientifically by naturalists during Captain James Cook’s third Pacific voyage, which took place from 1776 to 1780. The ʻiʻiwi was historically abundant across the Hawaiian Islands and could easily be spotted in native forests and in areas of flowering plants where they foraged for nectar. However, over…
Wai’aha Beach Park (aka Honl’s Beach)
I really like this sweet little beach in Kona — there’s plenty of shade and white sand for a peaceful place to read a book or to watch surfers. It’s not a snorkel or swimming beach, but rather a quiet, shady spot with perfect views of palm trees, waves, and crystal clear waters. This beach…
Papakōlea Beach
This is a beautiful olive green sand beach, carved out of cinder cone on the South shore of Hawai’i island. Commonly known as Green Sand Beach, a trip to this special natural wonder is definitely worth it. It’s a ~2.25 mile hike (one way) to get to this beach, so we left our North Kona…
Hawaii Birds – Watercolor Cards
Inspired by a couple (non-native) birds that come to visit me in my studio, here are a few recent creations. Saffron finch drinking from a bird of paradise Japanese White-eye swinging on rainchain My photos are pretty poor, but there’s enough detail to grab a quick sketch. Hope you enjoy. Medium: Arches 140lb cold pressed…
Anaeho’omalu Bay “A-Bay” Beach
Beautiful white sand beach, on the South Kohala Coast. Shoreline access is next to the Lava Lava Beach club and there’s plenty of free beach parking (look for signs). There are decent changing rooms, outdoor showers, and flush toilets. Plenty of shady spots if you need a break from the sun. Paddling, shore fishing, snorkling…
Inga J Smith 