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Kailua-Kona · Hawaii · United States
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive
Starting From
From $287.96 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Hakalau Forest, named by Hawaiians for its “many perches,” is Hawaii’s most critical rainforest bird habitat. Our special use permit allows us access into the Puakala tract, a place with one of the highest concentrations of endemic forest birds in the Hawaiian Islands and not open to the general public. Whether you’re a casual or avid birdwatcher or just a lover of nature, this tour will leave you deeply enriched as you encounter some of the rarest birds and plants on earth.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Entry into the restricted Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, led by our experienced bird guides
- Search for native & endangered birds including Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, Akepa, Akiapolaau, and Iiwi
- Discover rare plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happyfaced spider
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
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 Sprinter. 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.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Kailua-Kona
Birdwatching.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Trekking poles, binoculars, day packs, sunscreen, and rain gear
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, a light jacket, personal sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
Restrictions
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. - The refuge access road can be rough and bumpy and requires 4WD. Due to the possible rough road conditions, this tour may not be suitable for guests who have neck or back issues, those prone to motion sickness, or pregnant individuals. - Expect to cover approximately 2 to 4 miles of hiking in 4 hours. - Other tour restrictions may apply.
Meeting & Pickup
Hawaii Forest & Trail, Four Seasons Resort, Kona Village, The Queens' Marketplace, and Waikoloa Plaza.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
-Hotel Name or Accommodations: needed for proper timing of meeting location. -Sandwich or GF Salad Choices: Turkey, Ham, Pastrami, or Veggie
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 8 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
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