This data release includes data and metadata on 1) avian diet 2) seed rain 3) understory plant composition 4) seedling abundance and 5) sampling locations for these sites. In addition it includes data on seedling abundance, grass cover and light levels for a grass removal/seed addition experiment . All sites were within Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii Island. This study looked at multiple biotic interactions that potentially lead to self-reinforcing feedbacks within intact forest and degraded forest sites. Most of this study was done with sampling, however we also implemented an experiment in which we manipulated grass biomass and seed addition to specifically ask how these factors limit native plant recruitment. As a part of this, we also documented light levels under the different canopy trees and across the different habitat types where we had implemented the experiment.