AdventureInHawaii.com | Bird Watching Tours

Rainforest and Dry Forest Birding - rare birds found nowhere else on earth

Expert guides will hand out the binoculars and help spot the birds

The spectacular Hawaiian i‘iwi bird is unforgettable!

Explore remote locations that are not accessible to the general public

Bird Watching Tour Big Island pueo Hawaii's endemic species of owl

The Pueo is Hawaii's endemic species of owl

The people are fun to watch too!

Hakalau Wildlife Refuge Adventure - unique bird species found no where else

Expert guides on local flora and fauna accompany you

Bird Watching Tour Big Island in the Hakalau reserve

Exotic birds in their beautiful natural surroundings in the Hakalau reserve

Bird Watching Tour Big Island hiking in the Hakalau Reserve

Hakalau means “many perches” and it can be a challenge to find them!

This is an extremely rare Hawaiian bird called an Akepa

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Endangered Native Habitats

A supreme study in contrast, the Endangered Native Habitats takes you to two very different environments. At Puu Laau, you will roam the sub-alpine dryland forest on the west side of Mauna Kea, home of the endangered palila and the bryani sub-species of elepaio. Our other locale is the Puu Oo Trail, in a cloudforest habitat on the northeastern slope of Mauna Loa. There you will look for the endangered akiapolaau, omao (Hawaiian thrush), iiwi, apapane, and other endemics.

On the drive to our two primary locales, you will head north along the coastline before starting the climb to the old Mamalahoa Highway, keeping an eye out for open-country birds. From there the tour will connect to the Saddle Road and begin car-birding, primarily for game birds as well as for the Pueo, or short-eared owl. Depending on the weather, the tour will stop for a bit of breakfast along the Saddle Road, often at Mauna Kea State Park at Pohakuloa.

General Information

Schedule: Monday through Friday on demand

Duration: 11 hours

Hiking distance: Approximately 4 miles. Elevation gain is 500′.

Check In: Departure is from the Hawaii Forest and Trail Store (73-5593 A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Click to view map) OR the Waikoloa Kings’ Shops (69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738 Click to view map) OR the Junction of Highways 190 and 200 Click to view map).

Tour includes: Continental breakfast including fresh local fruit, baked goods, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate,deli-style lunch, with assorted soft drinks, juices and bottled water.

Gear Provided: Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos.

Restrictions: Minimum age is 8. Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

What to Bring & Wear: Sturdy closed-toed shoes or boots, long pants, and a light rain jacket.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the start of the event.

Rare Hawaiian birds found only in Hawaii

The spectacular & endangered I'iwi bird

Cruise Ship Passengers

The Bird Watching tours are not available for cruise ship passengers due to their length.

Activity Tips

Kevin Ditamore – Owner / Manager

This is a unique opportunity to enter into a rare, native eco-system. Much like our endemic marine life, Hawaii is home to birds that are not found anywhere else in the world! On this tour, you can expect to hike about 4 miles in the Rainforest portion and less than 1 mile in the Dryforest portion. You must be able to hike on uneven and rocky terrain. Sometimes we encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions so sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots are required. You will want to wear long pants and bring a rain jacket as well.

You will visit the last wild Palila habitat in search of this rare & endangered bird, and also be on the lookout for Amakihi, Iiwi, Elepaio, Apapane, and our endangered Akiapolaau. Binoculars are provided on this tour, but feel free to bring any of your own birdwatching gear. There is usually opportunity to take pictures, so bring your camera as well … the longer and faster the lens the better, but do keep in mind the weight issues and the importance of protecting camera gear from the elements. This tour provides a continental breakfast including fresh local fruit, baked goods, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate and a deli-style lunch, with assorted beverages.

The specific days that this tour is offered changes based upon demand. Please check with us by phone, email or chat before submitting your reservation request so we can check availability for you during your stay.