Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hakalau Forest Reserve's rich biodiversity
- Spot native Hawaiian birds like the Pueo owl and I'o hawk
- Enjoy guided insights into Hawaiian ecosystems
- Experience a full-day immersive nature adventure
- Capture stunning forest and wildlife photographs
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hakalau Forest Reserve
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Transportation to and from the reserve
- Meals and snacks
Meeting point
Start Location
Hawaii Forest & Trail, Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven trails.
- Availability may vary; check the latest schedule before booking.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; contact the provider for age-specific guidelines.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy footwear suitable for varied terrain.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Consider packing a light rain jacket, as weather conditions can change.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler reviews
Wonderful Forest Experience
Beautiful forest, rare birds, great guide, first-class vehicle, food and snacks. Plus, they provided everything you need: rain gear, daypacks, walking sticks, binoculars.
Hakalau Forest Birding Tour
Incredible experience, with an excellent guide! We were lucky enough to see Elepaio, Amakihi, Akepa, I'iwi, Apapane, Alawi even Akiapola'au and Oma'o.
Unique Experience!
This was an amazing experience!!! My granddaughter and I took part in this excursion while on the Big Island. Our guide was very knowledgeable and found several of the endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers as well as other species. Both of us are birders and it was such a thrill to see these endangered birds in their natural environment. I would very much recommend this tour!
Exceptional bird watching experience in a unique and carefully protected environment.
Incredible experience— Gary was an amazing guide. He identified all the birds by ear and found everything we were looking for! His expert knowledge of the birds, their habitat, other flora and fauna, and the general geographic region and its history was extensive. Very patient in answering all questions and making sure everyone had a chance to see and spend enough time looking at and photographing the birds. The experience of seeing these rarest of Hawaiian birds can’t really be compared to just walking around the parks on one’s own, since the Hakalau Reserve is carefully restricted to access from permitted visitors only (such as Hawaii Forest & Trails), in order to protect the birds and their habitat, and the habitat is very specific. We had the good fortune to have perfect weather and the birds were very active. An absolutely fabulous day of birdwatching in very beautiful and special place.
Awesome endemic birding
Great for seeing the endemic birds of the high country. Relatively vigorous but not out of reach for anyone who is in reasonable shape. We were blessed with ideal weather and saw all of the endemic birds that are present. Only the palila was not seen and that requires a trip to a totally separate area. Gary Dean is a great guide and knew the area and birds intimately. We also saw many great birds on the way there and back from the Kona area that added both Hawaiian Hawk and the Hawaiian Short-eared Owl.