In Search of Birdies, Eagles & Whales

In Search of Birdies, Eagles & Whales

Breathtaking scenery is to be expected on Hawaii golf courses—as it is everywhere around the tropical archipelago—but many golfers are surprised at the variety of fauna to be seen among the verdant flora during a round.

Fortunately, this being Hawaii, there are no snakes, no man-eating mammals, not a single critter that poses a golfer any threat. But many do offer oohs and ahhs. The most dramatic by far are humpback whales. From late November through April, these two-ton cetaceans call Hawaii home. Whether they're spouting, slapping tails on the surface, or leaping completely free of the sea and landing with a tremendous splash, humpbacks are a delightful distraction.

Among the Big Island courses from which golfers have reported sighting whales: Hapuna, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa, and Kona CC.

While whales almost always induce a "wow," dolphins almost always elicit a smile. Make a double-bogey, see a pod of dolphins leaping past, and it's like the double never happened. Dolphins have been spotted from each of the aforementioned courses.

Lucky golfers, and those with good eyes, may also see sea turtles bobbing just outside the shore break or Hawaiian monk seals sunning on a beach. While seeking birdies and eagles on the course, golfers can also do some colorful—and significant—bird-watching. Significant because Hawaii leads the United States in species extinctions, and several members of the federal endangered species list can be seen on island golf courses. They include the Hawaiian goose (nene), Hawaiian duck (koloa), Hawaiian coot, and Hawaiian stilt (as well as the monk seal). In particular, the nene, the state bird, finds a happy home on lakes at Hapuna.

Feathered friends range from the bright red American cardinal, seen throughout the islands, to the bright yellow saffron finch, seen primarily at Kona CC and at seaside resorts along the Kona Coast. At Hapuna, wildlife biologists credit the creation of new courses for increasing bird habitat and the number of birds. The number of new species doubled here, including the Hawaiian owl (pueo). The pueo is important in Hawaii, where it was a totem of the ancient Hawaiian religion and today remains an aumakua, family deity, for some native Hawaiians. The Waimea CC on the Big Island has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its resident population of wild turkeys. The golden plover is seen on many courses while it winters over on the Big Island after spending its summer in Alaska. Like the humpback whale, the golden plover migrates back and forth each year between Alaska and Hawaii.

A final wildlife note: no threats to health and well-being here, but there are some conniving thieves. At many courses, mynah birds, the most human of birds, have been known to steal a sandwich left in a cart while the owner is hitting a shot between bites. Golfers beware, and protect your lunch.