Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure

5.0
(45 reviews)

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12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Snacks
Lunch
Binoculars
Interpretative Birding Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Filtered water, juices and flavored sparkling waters
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

PLEASE NOTE: Your pick-up time will be different than the tour start time displayed online. Please contact us to verify the meeting time.

OR
Meeting point

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

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.

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.
Supplied by Hawaii Forest &Trail

Tags

Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Bird Watching
Wildlife Watching
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Involves Animals
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 45 45 reviews
5 stars
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4 stars
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Likely to sell out
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