Adventure

Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour

Activity provider: Hawaii Forest & Trail
Adventure

Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour

Activity provider: Hawaii Forest & Trail

From US$ 246.07 per person

Hop into a comfy 4WD and explore the lush Hakalau Forest on this day trip. Search for native and endangered birds, and wildlife with your expert bird tracking guide, and enjoy a packed lunch.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Departures are dependent on availability of restricted-access permits. Your guide will stop at both pickup locations, at Queen’s Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters.
Small group
Limited to 9 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Spend a day in the exclusive Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
  • Search for native and endangered birds including Amakihi, Apapane, and Elepaio
  • Discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars
  • Learn about Hawaiian nature and wildlife with a professional guide
Full description

Join a group tour perfect for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers. Journey across Hawai'i island to the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge in search of rare, endangered birds and wildlife.

Enjoy your full-day trip into the country's first refuge established for forest birds with a licensed guide. Hakalau Forest is home to some of the rarest plants, birds, and insects on earth.

Keep your eyes peeled for endangered birds. You'll see the vibrant red I'iwi and ‘Apapane, the wide-eyed Pueo, the bright yellow ‘Akiapōlā’au and ‘Amakihi, the unassuming but marvelous Hawai‘i Creeper, ‘Elepaio and ‘Ōma’ō, and the Hawaiian hawk, ‘Io.

Shake your legs out with moderate hikes up to 4 miles long, and get up close and personal with wildlife. Cross the entire refuge in the comfort of a 4WD short wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter to access those off-the-beaten-track locations.

Includes
  • Pickup and drop-off from Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa and the local partner's headquarters in Kona
  • Professional bird tracking guide
  • Transportation in a 4WD Mercedes Sprinter
  • Breakfast Snacks
  • Deli-style lunch
  • Water station for refills (but no water bottles)
  • Snacks
  • Daypacks
  • Hiking sticks
  • Rain gear
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Binoculars
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips (optional)
Not suitable for
  • Children under 8 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with motion sickness

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Jacket
  • Long pants
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Clothes that can get dirty
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Reusable water bottle

Not allowed

  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Pets
  • Shorts
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Open-toed shoes

Know before you go

  • You should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain for this tour
  • It's best to dress in layers as temperatures can vary, and conditions are sometimes cool, wet, or muddy
  • Other tour restrictions may apply

Product ID: 406422