White Terns Thrive in Honolulu's Urban Landscape

Native seabird population surges 50% in past decade, defying fate of other Hawaiian birds

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:18am

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Despite the concrete towers, traffic, and hotels of Honolulu, the white tern seabird native to Hawaii has seen its population surge more than 50% in the past decade, thriving in the city's urban landscape. The birds, known as manu-o-Kū, are the only seabirds that don't build nests, instead laying their eggs on bare tree branches and cliff ledges. Experts are unsure why the terns are doing so well in Honolulu, but factors like reduced predators and well-maintained city trees may be contributing to their success, offering a stark contrast to the decline of many other native Hawaiian bird species.

Why it matters

The white tern's ability to adapt and thrive in Honolulu's urban environment is remarkable, as many other native Hawaiian bird species have struggled and declined due to introduced diseases and predators. The terns' population growth in the state's largest city highlights their resilience and the potential for some native species to coexist with human development, providing hope for conservation efforts.

The details

The most recent population survey in 2023 found Oahu's breeding adult white tern population has jumped 1.5 times to 3,600 compared to 2016. Experts believe the city may be hospitable for the birds because humans have reduced predators like rats and cats, and busy roads can deter other predators like barn owls and mongoose. The well-maintained trees in Honolulu also provide ideal nesting sites for the terns, which lay their eggs on bare branches.

  • The white tern population on Oahu has increased more than 50% in the past decade.
  • The most recent population survey was conducted by Hui Manu-o-Kū in 2023.

The players

Kaʻiulani Murphy

A traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe navigator who has guided canoes to Tahiti, Japan, and Rapa Nui, and who often spots white terns while at sea as a sign of land nearby.

Rich Downs

The coordinator of the volunteer organization Hui Manu-o-Kū, which monitors the white tern population in Honolulu.

Eric VanderWerf

The executive director of Pacific Rim Conservation, a nonprofit that supports native birds in Hawaii and the Pacific.

Joyce Hsieh

A photographer who has been taking photos of white terns in Honolulu for the past eight years, often spotting them in trees near a Target parking garage.

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What they’re saying

“This is our big city. It's crazy to me that they're getting to such a big population within Honolulu.”

— Kaʻiulani Murphy, Traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe navigator

“All the lights and the noise, the commotion of people and traffic, and things like that, doesn't seem to bother them.”

— Eric VanderWerf, Executive Director, Pacific Rim Conservation

The takeaway

The white tern's ability to thrive in Honolulu's urban environment offers hope for the conservation of other native Hawaiian bird species, demonstrating the resilience of some species in the face of human development and the potential for coexistence between wildlife and cities.