Booby Birds in Maui: 4 Species and Where to Spot Them

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Garden tours out of Maʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.

Last updated: January 2026

Quick Answer: Maui has four booby species you might see—Red-footed, Brown, Masked, and (more rarely) Cocos. Your best odds are offshore on boat crossings (especially near Molokini); from land, scan rocky points with binoculars—and never approach nesting areas or attempt to land on seabird sanctuaries.

Aloha! When you think of Maui, you probably picture clear waters, colorful fish, and lush green mountains. Our island paradise is known for great snorkeling and the chance to swim with sea turtles and colorful coral reefs. But you might also see another amazing group of residents flying above or nesting along the shore. We’re talking about booby birds—a fun name for some of Hawaii’s most amazing seabirds!

These aren’t your everyday pigeons, folks. Boobies are sleek, agile seabirds with a knack for dramatic dives and distinctive appearances. Spotting one during your Maui vacation is a real treat, adding another layer of wonder to your island experience. While the name might sound a little silly, these birds are anything but! They are skilled hunters and captivating to watch.

While you may not see all the booby bird species found worldwide in Maui, we do have some special visitors. These birds either call our islands home or stop by during their time at sea. Let’s take a closer look at the booby birds you might encounter during your Maui adventures.

Where To See Booby Birds In Maui

• Molokini (view from the boat; landing is prohibited — see Molokini rules & seabird sanctuary guidelines)
• Rocky shorelines / coastal points (La Perouse Bay, Kapalua, Ke‘anae Peninsula)
• Offshore islets/seabird sanctuaries (view with binoculars from shore)

Planning tip: Calm mornings usually offer the best visibility and the easiest bird spotting from boats. See our Best Time to Snorkel Maui (Monthly Guide).

What Are Booby Birds?

Booby birds, known as ʻā in Hawaiian, are large seabirds with long wings, sharp beaks, and webbed feet. (For the brown booby, Hawaiʻi Birding Trails also lists akeake as an alternate name.) They belong to the family Sulidae, which includes several species that thrive across the Hawaiian Islands.

Booby sula are expert hunters. They fly high above the ocean, then dive straight down like arrows to catch flying fish and squid. Watching them dive is a real treat—it’s fast, powerful, and super cool to see!

In Maui, you can find four main types of booby birds:

1. Red-footed Booby

2. Brown Booby

3. Masked Booby

4. Cocos Booby

Let’s explore each one!

Red-footed Booby

Red-footed boobies are named for their bright red/orange feet. Juveniles don’t have fully red feet yet. These are the most common of all booby species. They live in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, including parts of Hawaii.

What to look for: Red-footed Booby Birds come in a few color forms, called morphs. Some are mostly brown (brown morph), while others are white with black-tailed wings or a white morph form. The easiest way to identify them is by their vibrant red legs! They also have a pink or pale blue pouch at the base of their beak. These boobies are smaller than many of their cousins and often nest in small trees or shrubs.

Where you might spot them in Maui: You may not see them often near the main tourist spots. But keep watch on boat trips to smaller, uninhabited islands or along remote coastlines. Think Molokini Crater or offshore cliffs where they nest in colonies. They are skilled fliers and can often be seen in large colonies soaring gracefully overhead or resting in shrubs by the sea. Our Maui Snorkeling Tours often go to this area, so bring your binoculars just in case!

Fun Facts:

• Red-footed boobies are great at flying long distances.
• They often form breeding pairs that return to the same nesting site year after year.
• They live in large groups called colonies, often on small islands or steep cliffs.

Brown Booby

The Brown Booby is another booby species that you have a good chance of spotting around Maui. As their name suggests, these birds are primarily a rich, chocolatey brown color with a contrasting white belly.

What to look for: They are medium-sized birds with a pale yellow beak and white tail feathers. Their black wing tips and strong flight feathers help them dive with precision. You’ll often see them flying low over the water to catch fish or resting on rocks and cliffs along the coast. They are known for their spectacular plunge-dives, precisely hitting the water to snatch their prey.

Where you might spot them in Maui: Brown Boobies are often seen on Maui’s cliffs and rocky shores. Look for them near spots like La Perouse Bay or Kapalua. They also hang out near Molokini Crater, so there’s a good chance you’ll spot one during a tour with us!

Fun Facts:

• Brown Boobies like to nest on rocky ground or ledges.
• They fly close to the water, skimming the waves in search of fish.
• They are strong and fast divers—watch out for splashdowns!

The Masked Booby is a striking bird with a predominantly white body and dark wings and tail. Its name comes from the black “mask” around its eyes, which contrasts sharply with its white face.

What to look for: Masked Boobies are one of the larger booby species. They have a long, pointed yellow or orange beak. They are powerful fliers and often forage further offshore than Brown Boobies. You might see them individually or in small groups.

Where to find them in Maui: Like the Red-footed Booby, Masked Boobies are often seen on offshore islands or during boat trips. They tend to nest on flat or gently sloping ground. Keep your eyes peeled during our snorkeling excursions to Molokini Crater!

Fun Facts:

• These birds prefer remote islands and don’t nest on Maui very often.
• They are excellent flyers and can travel long distances for food.
• They dive from higher up than other boobies—sometimes from 100 feet in the air!

Cocos Booby

The Cocos booby (Sula brewsteri) is a rarer visitor in Hawaiʻi and is closely related to the brown booby. It’s often discussed as part of the “Brown–Cocos booby complex,” and confirming an ID can be tricky without a good look or a photo.

What to look for: Compared with a typical brown booby, Cocos boobies can show a more noticeably pale/whitish head and neck (especially males), a darker-looking iris, and in flight may show more brown in the underwing coverts (the pale underside “panel” can look more broken or striped). Field ID can be subtle—photos help a lot.

Where you might spot them in Maui: Sightings are uncommon, but your best chance is usually offshore—on boat crossings and around remote seabird habitat. If you see a brown-booby-like bird that looks “different” (especially a noticeably pale-headed bird), snap a quick zoom photo so you can compare field marks later.

Fun Facts:

• Cocos boobies have been appearing in new areas of the Pacific in recent years.
• They are regularly seen in California, and in 2017 began breeding on Sutil Rock in the Channel Islands (Western Field Ornithologists (PDF)).
• Like other boobies, they can make grunting or quacking sounds at colonies.

Want the deep dive on ID details? See: Western Field Ornithologists: Identification & distribution of Brown vs Cocos boobies

Why Are They Important?

Boobies aren’t just fun to watch—they also help the environment. These seabirds are part of the ocean’s food chain, and they help scientists understand how healthy the ocean is.

Here’s how:

• If booby birds are doing well, it means there’s plenty of fish in the sea.
• If their numbers drop, it might be a sign that something’s wrong in the ocean.

They’re also a big part of Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian name ʻā shows that these birds have been known and respected for many generations.

Tips for Spotting Them on Maui

Want to see one of these awesome birds while you’re in Maui? Here are a few tips:

• Bring binoculars – They’re great for spotting birds in the air or perched far away. (If you want a bigger wildlife game plan, start with our Maui Wildlife Guide.)
• Go early when you can – Mornings are often calmer with better visibility. See Best Time to Snorkel Maui.
• Check conditions – Wind and swell can change what you see (and where). Use Maui snorkel conditions: wind, swell, & visibility.
• Watch the skies – Look up while on the boat or walking the beach. Boobies often fly overhead.
• Visit cliffs and rocky coasts – Places like La Perouse Bay or the Ke‘anae Peninsula are great for bird watching.
• Bonus seabird to look for: The Great Frigatebird (huge wingspan and unforgettable silhouette).

And of course, don’t forget your camera!

Responsible Booby Bird Watching in Maui

Boobies are incredible to watch—but they’re also wild seabirds that need space, especially around nesting areas. Here’s how to spot them respectfully (and keep Maui’s seabird habitat protected):

• Don’t land on offshore islets or seabird sanctuaries. Molokini is a seabird sanctuary—enjoy it from the boat/water only. For more details, see Molokini rules & seabird sanctuary guidelines.
• Use binoculars (or a zoom lens) instead of getting closer. You’ll see more detail without stressing the birds.
• Keep your distance and keep the noise down near cliffs and nesting areas—avoid shouting, loud music, or sudden commotion.
• Never feed wildlife or toss food scraps overboard (it changes animal behavior and can harm them).
• Want more ocean etiquette? Read Things you should never do when snorkeling in Maui

Explore Maui With Maui Snorkeling

You get more than an amazing underwater adventure when you join us at Maui Snorkeling. You also get a front-row seat to Maui’s seabird show! Whether you’re watching for flying booby birds or swimming with tropical fish, every trip is packed with nature’s magic.

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour (7 AM – 12 PM)

• Visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town
• Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful reef fish
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and all your gear
• Perfect for early risers who want a full morning on the water

Afternoon Snorkel Tour to Coral Gardens (1 PM – 4 PM)

• Snorkel the Coral Gardens, known for vibrant reefs
• Look for booby birds and playful marine life
• Includes lunch and snorkeling gear
• A great option if you like to sleep in!

Both tours are family-friendly and guided by a fun, experienced crew. And who knows—you might just see a booby bird dive right before your eyes!

Review Molokini snorkeling safety & etiquette before you go.

Final Thoughts

From red feet to black masks, booby birds bring color and excitement to the skies of Maui. These graceful birds are a big part of the island’s wildlife, and they make every boat ride more special.

So next time you’re out on the water, take a moment to look around. You might spot a Red-footed Booby flying by or a Brown Booby diving for fish. Keep your eyes open, your camera ready, and your sense of wonder strong.

And remember—your Maui adventure isn’t just about what’s under the sea. It’s about the amazing creatures above it, too! 🐦

FAQ: Booby Birds in Maui

Where are the best places to see booby birds in Maui?

Your best odds are typically on the water—especially during boat rides and crossings—because boobies spend most of their time offshore, flying and plunge-diving for fish.

From land, look along rocky points and coastal cliffs (and bring binoculars), since boobies may cruise the shoreline or rest on exposed rocks on calm days.

Can you see booby birds at Molokini?

Yes—Molokini is one of the best places to spot seabirds from the boat, including boobies soaring overhead.

Just remember: Molokini is a protected seabird sanctuary and landing is prohibited. All snorkeling and sightseeing is done from the boat and in the surrounding water.

For details, see Molokini rules & seabird sanctuary guidelines.

Are booby birds in Maui year-round?

In Hawaiʻi, boobies are generally present year-round, but your day-to-day chances depend a lot on ocean conditions and how much time you spend offshore.

Calm mornings and smoother crossings usually make it easier to spot birds in flight or resting on remote rocks.

What time of day is best for spotting booby birds?

Morning is often best—visibility tends to be clearer, and the ocean is frequently calmer before trade winds build.

If it’s windy or choppy, seabirds may still be out there, but it’s harder to scan the water and track fast-moving birds.

If you want to plan around conditions, check Maui snorkel conditions: wind, swell, & visibility.

Can I see booby birds while I’m snorkeling?

Most of the time, you’ll spot boobies above the water—gliding, circling the boat, or plunge-diving.

While you’re snorkeling, you might catch them overhead during breaks at the surface, but the best bird-watching usually happens during the boat ride and when you’re scanning the horizon between swim sessions.

What’s the easiest way to tell the 4 booby species apart?

• Brown booby: dark brown body with a clear white belly (high contrast).
• Red-footed booby: adults have red/orange feet (juveniles can be trickier).
• Masked booby: mostly white with a darker “mask” and dark wings/tail.
• Cocos booby: rare; often looks most like a brown booby but with a paler head/neck and a darker-looking eye; photos help a lot.

Are Cocos boobies common in Maui?

No—Cocos boobies are considered a rare/less common sighting around Maui compared with the other booby species.

If you think you saw one, try to grab a quick photo (even a blurry one) and compare key features later—rare seabird IDs are often
easiest to confirm with a picture.

What’s the most respectful way to watch booby birds?

Give them space. Use binoculars, keep noise down near cliffs, and never feed wildlife.

And don’t attempt to access offshore islets or sanctuaries—enjoy them from the boat or from shore viewpoints.

For general ocean etiquette, read Things you should never do when snorkeling in Maui.

What other seabirds might I see on a Maui snorkel trip?

Depending on the day, you might also spot other iconic seabirds like frigatebirds and tropicbirds.

If you see a huge bird with long wings and an unmistakable silhouette, it could be a frigatebird—here’s a quick guide: Meet the Great Frigatebird.

Sources & Further Reading

• Cover photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
• Hawaiʻi Birding Trails – Red-footed booby
• Hawaiʻi Birding Trails – Brown booby
• DLNR (DOFAW) – Maui Offshore Islet Seabird Sanctuaries / Molokini rules
• Western Field Ornithologists (PDF) – Brown vs Cocos booby identification (includes the 2017 California breeding note): Identification and Distribution of the Brown and Cocos Boobies (VanderWerf, 2025)
  

Plan Your Snorkel

• Molokini Snorkeling guide
• Best Time to Snorkel Maui
• Morning vs Afternoon Snorkeling Maui
• Book Morning Molokini Tour
• Book Afternoon Coral Gardens Tour