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The hakawai was a ‘mystery bird’ formerly found on islands off Stewart Island; although never seen, its startling call was heard at night. The call of the hakawai, and its distribution and decline are described. The hakawai (under several spelling variations) is widely mentioned in myths and legends of the Maori throughout New Zealand; these records are summarised and the various theories for the hakawai’s identity are discussed. Evidence for non-vocal aerial displaying by New Zealand snipe (Coenocorypha) is presented. The hypothesis that the hakawai was an aerial display of Stewart Island Snipe (C. aucklandica iredalei) was investigated by comparing the distribution and decline of snipe with that of the hakawai, and by playing a tape recording of an aerial display of Chatham Island Snipe (C. pusilla) to people who had heard the hakawai. These data support the hakawai = snipe hypothesis. The historical distribution of Stewart Island Snipe included Big South Cape, Pukeweka, Solomon, Pourama, Jacky Lee, Herekopare, Ruapuke and Green Islands in the last 100 years. The extinction of snipe on these islands is attributed to introductions of ship rats (Rattus rattus, two islands), weka (Gallirallus australis, four islands) and a combination of weka and cats (Felis catus, two islands). It is proposed that subfossil remains of Coenocorypha from the North Island and the South Island be referred to C. a. barrierensis Oliver 1955 and C. a. iredalei Rothschild 1921 respectively.