NATURE LOVERS AND BIRDWATCHERS

Name: Volcano Tours
Price range: $$

Beautiful birds in their natural setting

BOOK BIG ISLAND HIKING TOUR

Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

5/5 (272 Reviews)

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Looking to get up close and personal with some of Hawaii's most beautiful birds? Our Hakalau Birdwatching Adventure is perfect for you! Our 4WD Mercedes Sprinters are designed for smaller groups, so you'll get an intimate experience with our expert field guides. Plus, the rugged build of the vehicle means we can take you to all the best off-the-beaten-path locations. So come join us for a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure - you won't be disappointed!

From: $275^.00

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12-Hour Hakalau Forest Reserve Hike With Lunch From Waikoloa & Kailua-Kona Town
Starting at
$275^.00
per adult

Adults Ages 13 yrs+

$ 275^.00

Children Ages 8-12 yrs

$ 275^.00

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We'll pick you up at 6:30 AM from Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters.
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We'll pick you up at 6:50 AM from Kona Village Resort.
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We'll pick you up at 6:50 AM from Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
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We'll pick you up at 7:15 AM from Queens' Market Place (by The Yoga Barre)
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We'll pick you up at 7:25 AM from Waikoloa Plaza.
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Starting At: $0 USD

Nature Lovers And Birdwatchers Features

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers trail road

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers through forest

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers guests having fun

Hike The Hakalau Forest Unit

There’s no better place to go birdwatching than the Hakalau Forest Unit on the Island of Hawaii. Established in 1985, the Hakalau Forest Unit was created to protect and manage endangered forest birds like the Hawaii ʻākepa, ʻakiapōlāʻau, and ʻiʻiwi. The 32,733-acre unit also supports a diversity of native plants. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, the Hakalau Forest Unit is sure to have something for you.

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers guests watching birds

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers bird on tree

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers yellow bird

See Rare And Colorful Birds

Hawaii is a place where uniquely adapted plants and animals, like the ʻIʻiwi, exist at the brink of extinction. The ‘I’iwi is a large, nectar-eating honeycreeper about 6 inches in length. They are brilliant scarlet with black wings and tail. Their bill is long, deeply decurved, and peach colored. The Akiapōlāʻau is medium-sized honeycreeper endemic to Hawaii Island. Males have a bright yellow head and a greenish back and wings. It creeps along trunks and branches searching for grubs within the bark, and its song is a loud, rapid-fire warble. Throughout this hike, you will see more colors of birds than you ever knew existed.

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers guide

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers visitors watching

hawaii forest nature lovers birdwatchers waterfall

Learn While You Hike

Bird watching is a popular activity among visitors to Hawaii. The island is home to many rare and endemic species of birds, making it a hotspot for birding enthusiasts. Our Hawaii birding tours offer the perfect opportunity to experience the island’s unique wildlife. With the help of our experienced guides, you will encounter many rare bird species while learning about the threats that these vulnerable habitats face.

Nature Lovers And Birdwatchers Details

Elements

Enter a restricted-access National Wildlife Refuge
Discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders
Search for native and endangered birds including Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, Akepa, Akiapolaau, and Iiwi
Our interpretive guides are expert bird trackers

Light breakfast, trail snacks, and deli lunch
Small tour group sizes for a personalized experience
Sightseeing through the rainforest and mountains
Discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders

Insight

Hakalau Forest is currently closed to the general public and only offers access to bird tour guide operators under Special Use Permit (SUP). This is to protect the at-risk species within, and it means that expeditions to see these amazing animals are truly something special. The Hawaiian meaning of the name of the forest, Hakalau, is “many perches." There could be no more fitting name, considering just how many opportunities there are within to see the rare and incredible endemic birds of these islands. You will ride in style to access this area known to be home to dozens of bird species. Your expert guide will be with you as you encounter new breeds and species while learning why these vulnerable habitats have been threatened to the brink of extinction.

We believe that by inspiring a deep connection with our natural world, and we have created a fun and safe learning experience for all. On this tour, you will have access to the Pua Akala Unit. In this area of the Refuge, you have an excellent chance of seeing some of Hakalau's most endangered birds. Riding with our best-in-class field guides to this restricted access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

Cost

12-Hour Hakalau Forest Reserve Hike With Lunch From Waikoloa & Kailua-Kona Town

AdultsAges 13 yrs+	$275^.00
ChildrenAges 8-12 yrs	$275^.00

Provided

Snacks, deli-style lunch, assorted beverages
2–4-mile hike
Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos.
Experienced interpretive guide

Departure and Return

Tour time is 11 - 12 hours round trip. Travel time round-trip is approx. 4 hrs.

Regulations

Equipment Supplied: Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm clothing, and rain jackets are provided.
Recommended Attire & Essentials: Guests should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and a light rain jacket. It is recommended that guests bring their own water bottles.
Limitations: Guests should be capable of hiking on uneven or rocky terrain, as conditions can be cool, wet, or muddy. The Refuge access road is rough and bumpy, requiring a 4WD vehicle. Due to these conditions, the tour may not be suitable for guests with neck or back issues or those prone to motion sickness. Additional tour restrictions may apply.

Booking

Any request for a refund prior to 72 hours is honored with a full cash refund. No refunds issued for any tours within the 72 hour period, prior to the start of your tour.

Family Friendly Awards Hawaii Tours Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Hiking Do We Do?

Expect to cover approximately 2 to 4 miles in 4 hours
Is There Elevation Gain?

Over the course of the hike the elevation change is approximately 650’
What Is The Difference In The Birds Seen On Hakalau Vs. Rainforest And Dryforest?

The Akepa and Hawaii Creeper are found on our tour through Hakalau, while the Palila is found on the Rainforest and Dryforest Adventure. Akiapolaau can be found on both adventures, though is more dependably seen on Rain/Dry
Is It Possible To Use A Spotting Scope?

Due to the behavior of Hawaii’s endemic birds, the use of a spotting scope can be challenging. If you feel up to the test, we do encourage you to bring your own birdwatching gear. We do provide binoculars on the tour for guest use.

Is It Possible To Get Photos Of The Birds?

Typically, there are many opportunities for a determined photographer to photograph birds along the way
How Is The Drive To Refuge?

The first part of the drive is on paved roadways. However, the second half of the drive on the Wildlife access road takes place on a dirt road that is rough, muddy, and can be very bumpy.

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On-Island Full-Service Concierge

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Great Guides With Local Knowledge

Have an amazing experience with our small group tours in comfortable vehicles driven by certified, professional guides.

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