Our 5th annual, but 1st ever “Virtual” Festival celebrated Honolulu’s official bird, the Manu O Kū in May 2020!
The Conservation Council for Hawaii, National Wildlife Federation, Hui Manu O Ku, and our valued festival partners bring you the festival “on demand” below!
Manu O Kū is the Hawaiian name for the White or Fairy Tern.
In Hawaiian, manu means bird and Kū refers to one of the four great Hawaiian gods.
These small seabirds are found across the tropical oceans of the world, and on the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Here on Oahu, they thrive and raise their young only on southern O‘ahu. In 2007, the City and County of Honolulu designated the Manu O Kū the city’s official bird. The Manu O Kū is the perfect urban wildlife ambassador.
Manu O Kū Festival Sponsors
Mahalo nui loaLaurence H. Dorcy Foundation
Culture Day
Day 2Culture Day
What is the ancient Hawaiian story of the Manu O Kū?
Makahiapo Cashman, the Director of UH Manoa Ka Papa Lo’i O Kanewai, tells the story of Manu O Kū and Maui!
Seafaring Navigation with the Manu O Ku
Polynesian Voyaging Society shows you how watching these birds gives you clues that have saved lives!
Rescue and Volunteer Day
Day 7Rescue and Volunteer Day
We share enchanting video from the people and organizations that help rescue birds in need, to nurture and then release them so they may live!
We’ll hear from Susan Scott, The Hawaii Wildlife Center, Honolulu Zoo, and Hui Manu O Ku, as well as share stories and images from people who care.