Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure

39 Reviews4.97 out of 5 stars Based on 39 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Big Island of Hawaii, USA

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12 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. Once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it’s home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. The Pua Akala tract we access is not open to the public and is an excellent example of successful conservation practices. Enjoy first-class comfort adventuring in our 4-wheel drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinter along with a more intimate experience with a small group size of 10 guests. Join your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide to search for rare native plants, animals, and endemic Hawaiian birds such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo. Riding in style with our best-in-class field guides to a restricted-access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
Meeting point

Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, 73-5593 A, 73-5593 Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Open in Google Maps

Please look for our headquarters that is located across the street from Home Depot.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Time • 06:30 AM

What To Expect

Join us on an unforgettable day of exploring restricted lands at the Hakalau National Forest Reserve, home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. Your adventure begins in a comfortable 4-wheel-drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinters. These vehicles are perfect for our birdwatching tours as they are designed for smaller, more intimate groups (10 guests max) and deliver a rugged build that allows access to those off-the-beaten-path locations. Journey across Hawaii Island through its diverse climates and ecosystems before turning off-road to reach your destination. Follow your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide into Hakalau's forests and fields of the Pua Akala tract as you discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders. Your guide will help you search the treetops with your binoculars for Hawaiian endemic bird species such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io, and Pueo. Your day includes a deli-style lunch, snacks, beverages, and filtered water. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore protected and private Hawaiian native forested lands.

What's Included

  • Binoculars
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
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Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Guests on this tour should not be physically challenged or unable to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Must be able to do short hikes of 1.5 to 4 miles.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-2804P32

Reviews

4.97
39 reviews

Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 39 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
38
4 stars
1
3 stars
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1 star
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