These nightingales are not medically trained, and they do not have wings. Most of them are shades of grey, taupe and even dark brown almost undetectable against the dry brush and lava fields in which they live. These nightingales are so important that they have yellow highlighted signs with their likeness posted along highways. More recently, a bright flashing highway sign was posted to warn motorists amidst the emptiness of a dark and long stretch of Waikoloa Road.
These four-legged creatures all hold a piece of Hawaii’s Kona coffee past. The original herds were brought to Hawaii to help in the coffee fields. Sure-footed and strong, these donkeys earned their keep by hauling heavy bags of coffee beans up and down the steep slopes of South Kona and in the process have become a beloved part of island history.
Today the descendants of the original herd can be found roaming the hillside between Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Mamalahoa Highway on the Big Island. Now numbering in the hundreds, they roam freely with only an occasional fence to keep them from straying into oncoming traffic.
During typical years, only glimpses of the herds could be seen. Clustering in groups in the rolling hills alongside of Waikoloa Road they can be found typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon. With the recent biblical drought in South Kohala, they have been seeking water from resort golf course water hazards, pools and wandering uninvited into the mega-resorts along the Kohala Coast.
Needless to say, the nearby property owners have waged war on these un-aggressive animals. Golf course workers were rallied to shoo the adults and babies off golf greens. Rumors flew about association attempts to euthanize the animals. Condominium associations contacted governmental agencies and insisted upon action. Local animal rescue organizations have campaigned to adopt a nightingale and have separated many from the herd. As the drought worsened, the complaints got louder and agencies began shouting that there are hundreds of them that need relocating.
Then one day the rain came. Lots of rain. Today the South Kohala area is off the drought list, and the hillsides are green and lush once again. The nightingales have retreated into the higher elevations to roam freely and undisturbed. What remains until the next drought are only glimpses at sunrise and sunset.
To spot a nightingale is certainly one of the more exciting parts of a vacation Hawaii style. The Hawaii Guide Me travel app can certainly help you celebrate the nightingales and find other wonderful Hawaii experiences.
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