Bird Watching Tours - Hakalau Wildlife Refuge & Endangered Native Habitats, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island

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Bird Watching Tours - Hakalau Wildlife Refuge & Endangered Native Habitats
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Embark on a guided eco adventure with sensational bird watching opportunities! Explore amazing trails and experience the Big Island's unique wildlife.

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Observe the natural world around you with new eyes, scouring Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge or the dense forest trails at the base of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa for colorful forms fluttering from branch to branch. These areas on the Big Island boast an incredible diversity of endemic and introduced species that your guide will be more than happy to point out and help you identify. With varied landscapes ranging from dry forest to rainforest, these tours have something to offer nature lovers, hikers, bird watchers and anyone just looking to try something new.

Breakfast Menu: Egg burrito, potatoes, croissants, oatmeal, fresh island fruit and banana bread, 100% pure Kona coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and juices.
Lunch Menu: Sandwich choice of turkey, ham, tuna or veggie, chips, cookie, sodas and juice drinks.
**Gluten free options available upon request.

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Price

Endangered Native Habitat Adventure - Most Popular!

Book Now

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1 Select a date

2 Select the amount (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

You can book a maximum of 12.

Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)	USD 218.85 USD 218.85

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Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)

USD 218.85

~~USD 231.39~~ 5%off

GE Tax included

Bird Watching Adventure: Akiapolaau

Explore two rare habitats, the cloudmist rainforest on Mauna Loa and the sub-alpine dry forest of Pu‘u Lā‘au on Mauna Kea. Here are two places that represent Hawaii before human contact, where plants and birds found nowhere else on earth reveal the evolutionary epic of the islands. Witness Hawaii's native forests and birds at both of these contrasting climate zones.

Target species include: Nene, Palila, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo

Rated: Hike is rated moderate. Expect to cover approximately four miles in the rainforest and one mile in the dry forest, with an elevation gain of between 350-500 feet throughout the day.

Duration (incl. transportation): 9.5 - 12 hour(s)
Available: Weekday
Pick-up: You can choose either Pick-up or Check-in (free).
Inclusion: Bottled water / Breakfast / Lunch / Warm clothing / Rain Gear / Walking Sticks / Binoculars / Day Packs / Guide

Schedule
　
Pick-up/Check-in
Time & Location
　
Drop-off/Check-out
Time & Location

06:30-07:25 Check-in at Kona Office & Pick-up from Waikoloa
08:30 Breakfast at Dry Forest trailhead
09:45 Arrive at Dry Forest trail (2 hrs)
11:45 Drive to Rain Forest trail
12:15 Arrive at Rain Forest trail & Picnic style lunch in the forest (3.5 hrs)
15:45 Depart from Rain Forest trail
16:30-18:30 Drop-off in Waikoloa & Check-out at Kona Office

Package detail / Schedule

Hakalau Forest Adventure

Book Now

View calendar

1 Select a date

2 Select the amount (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

You can book a maximum of 9.

Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)	USD 225.13 USD 225.13

USD 0.00

Total:

Next >

Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)

USD 225.13

~~USD 231.39~~ 3%off

GE Tax included

Bird Watching Adventure: Akepa

Hakalau means “many perches,” and was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds. It is also home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. Access the Pua 'Akala tract, which is not open to the general public, and see a variety of birds, such as the Nēnē, Palila, 'Akiapōlā'au, 'Amakihi, 'Apapane, Hawai'i Creeper, 'I'iwi, 'Elepaio, 'Ōma'o, 'Io and Pueo.

Target species include: Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo.

Rated: Hike is rated moderate. Expect to cover between 2-4 miles in four hours, with an elevation gain of approximately 650 feet throughout the day.

Duration (incl. transportation): 8.5 - 11.5 hour(s)
Available: Tue, Wed, Thu
Pick-up: You can choose either Pick-up or Check-in (free).
Inclusion: Bottled water / Breakfast / Lunch / Warm clothing / Rain Gear / Walking Sticks / Binoculars / Day Packs / Guide

Schedule
　
Pick-up/Check-in
Time & Location
　
Drop-off/Check-out
Time & Location

06:30-08:00 Check-in at Kona Office & Pick-up from Waikoloa
08:30 Breakfast at Mauna Kea State Park
10:00 Arrive at Hakalau National Refuge
12:30 Picnic style lunch
15:45 Depart Hakalau National Refuge
16:30-18:00 Drop-off in Waikoloa & Return to Kona Office

Package detail / Schedule

Notes

Restriction(s)

All Packages
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
Endangered Native Habitat Adventure - Most Popular!
- Children 8 years old and above can participate in this activity.
Hakalau Forest Adventure
- Children 12 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Required Items to Bring & Attire

All Packages
- Closed toe shoes
- Long pants

Additional Note(s)

All Packages
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuity is not included in the price.

Booking Requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

Endangered Native Habitat Adventure - Most Popular!
- You can book a maximum of 12.
Hakalau Forest Adventure
- You can book a maximum of 9.

Activity provider

Hawaii Forest & Trail

FAQ

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Are we allowed to feed the birds?

No, for the health and safety of the birds, you are not allowed to feed them.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, but please note that lunch and drinks are included.

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least 4-5 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is often possible, but limited.

Is giving a tip (gratuity) required?

Gratuity is never required, but if you enjoyed your experience a tip is always greatly appreciated!

Is this activity suitable for children?

This activity is not recommended for children under 8-years-old since it is a rather strenuous four-mile up-hill hike.

Please click HERE to send an inquiry about this activity

Payment/Cancellation policy

Payment type

Credit card payment

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations made after 16:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

Related Activities: Hiking (See all)

From USD 218.85

Taxes & fees included

1% Reward Points

(4.71/5.00)

(7 reviews)

Pick-up	Available
Duration incl. transportation	8.5 - 12 hour(s)
Availability	Weekday
Meal	Breakfast, Lunch

LATEST 5-STAR REVIEWS

by: Ms Williams

I truly enjoyed the birdwatching trip.

I truly enjoyed the birdwatching trip. Our guide, Mark, was fantastic -- he educated us on the birds we would hopefully see and was helpful with questions about other wildlife in the area. I also en...more

by: Tanya W

Went above my expectations

This trip was worth every penny and more. The guide, Garry, was knowledgeable and went beyond to find all the birds on our list and spent extra time helping all see them. Guide, John, knew every nativ...more

by: Mr. Anonymous

surprisingly fun

My wife, who is an avid bird watcher, convinced me to come on this tour. Okay, she basically dragged me here...and I seriously thought I was going to be miserable and bored the whole time....but I was...more

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