 It is currently found only in the highest elevation native rainforests of Kokee State Park and the Alakai Wilderness Preserve on Kauai.Subfossil records indicate that it was once found at sea level as well, and thus may have inhabited a wider range of habitats, including dry forest.The akikiki is often compared to the nuthatches of North America because it forages by hopping along the trunks and branches of both live and dead trees, picking off arthropods.