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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.
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Price
Endangered Native Habitat Adventure
1 Select a date
2 Select the amount (participants, hours, vehicles, etc.)
You can book a maximum of 12.
Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)
USD 205.00
USD 205.00
Instant ConfirmationUSD 0.00USD 0.00
USD 0.00
USD 0.00
Total:
*The price is subject to change depending on the start time or add-on(s) you choose.
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Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)
USD 205.00
USD 205.00
GE Tax included
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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.

Rated: Hike is rated Moderate. All guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain as well as in potentially cool, wet or muddy conditions. 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: 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
  • 　

  • 06:30-07:25 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
1 Select a date
2 Select the amount (participants, hours, vehicles, etc.)
You can book a maximum of 9.
Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)
USD 235.00
USD 235.00
Instant ConfirmationUSD 0.00USD 0.00
USD 0.00
USD 0.00
Total:
*The price is subject to change depending on the start time or add-on(s) you choose.
Next >
Adult/Child (Age 8 & over)
USD 235.00
USD 235.00
GE Tax included
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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.

Rated: Hike is rated Moderate. All guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain as well as in potentially cool, wet or muddy conditions. 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: 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
  • 　

  • 06:30-08:00 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
    • 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.)
Activity provider
Hawaii Forest & Trail
FAQ
Expand all
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.
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From USD 205.00
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Taxes & fees included

1% Reward Points
(4.75/5.00) 4.75 / 5
(4 reviews)
Pick-up Available
Duration incl. transportation 8.5 - 12 hour(s)
Availability Weekday
Meal Breakfast, Lunch
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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
Read all reviews
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