Because of their similar size, shape, and unusual bill, the ʻakekeʻe and the ʻakepa (Loxops coccineus) were for some time classified as a single species.

The 'akeke'e is extremely threatened and is predicted to face imminent extinction if mosquito control efforts on Kaua'i are not implemented.

It has been heading toward extinction because of its lack of tolerance to alteration of its habitat, which is based on mesic and wet forests, especially ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees.

Forest clearing in different parts of the island of Kauaʻi has caused the loss of habitat for this and many other bird species.

[3] The conservation status for this species was updated to critically endangered in 2008 due to a rapid decrease in population over the preceding decade.