Hakalau Exclusive Birdwatching Tour

This Hakalau birdwatching adventure is run with 4WD Mercedes Sprinters. These vehicles are perfect for this birdwatching tour as they are designed for smaller, more intimate groups and deliver a rugged build that allows access to those off-the-beaten-path locations. Riding in style with the best in class field guides to a restricted access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

Highlights Include:

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

Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.

Please note the Refuge access road can be rough & bumpy, and requires 4WD. Due to the possible rough road conditions this tour may not be suitable for those guests who have neck or back issues or those who are prone to motion sickness. Other tour restrictions may apply.
1. How much hiking do we do? Expect to cover approximately 2 to 4 miles in 4 hours
2. Is there elevation gain? Over the course of the hike the elevation change is approximately 650’
3. What is the difference in the birds seen on Hakalau? The Akepa and Hawaii Creeper are typically found on our tour through Hakalau. The Akiapolaau can make appearances as well.
4. 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
5. Is it possible to get photos of the birds? Typically, there are many opportunities for a determined photographer to photograph birds along the way
6. 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.
Breakfast snacks, trail snacks, deli style lunch, assorted beverages, refillable filtered water.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and a light rain jacket. Guests should bring their own water bottles.
Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos.

Photo Credits:

Michelle Mishina
Dale Crawford

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Pricing:

Until November 30, 2024
Adult (13+): $260.00 + taxes and fees
Child (8-12): $260.00 + taxes and fees

From December 1, 2024
Adult (13+): $275.00 + taxes and fees
Child (8-12): $275.00 + taxes and fees

*Price subject to change. Please check booking calendar for up to date pricing.

Availability and Schedule:

Availability varies; please check booking calendar for up-to-date information.

Approximate Pick-up Time:
6:30 AM

Approximate Return Time:
5:30 – 6:30 PM

Transportation:

Pick up from Hotels not available.

Tours depart from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters (73-5593 A, Olowalu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740). Please check in by 6:15 AM. Travel time is approximately 4 hours round-trip.

Check your confirmation emails for pick up details.