Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour

Exploring the lush Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii’s Big Island promises an unforgettable bird-watching and hiking adventure. Led by seasoned guides, this 12-hour excursion offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s delicate ecosystem, spotting rare and endangered native species like the vibrant honeycreepers and the critically threatened Hawaiian Hawk. With transportation provided in a comfortable 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van and the use of binoculars throughout the 5-hour guided hike, participants can expect a well-rounded experience that sheds light on the vital role of birds in the island’s natural wonders. But the true highlight lies in what awaits those who venture forth.

Key Points

12-hour excursion to explore Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island, led by a knowledgeable live guide.
Opportunity to observe rare and endemic Hawaiian bird species, including the critically endangered Hawaiian Hawk.
Guided hiking through varied terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams, with moderate difficulty and ample breaks.
Provision of necessary gear, such as daypacks, hiking sticks, rain gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and binoculars.
Not recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back/mobility issues or prone to motion sickness.

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Tour Details

The Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour is a comprehensive 12-hour excursion that offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich avian diversity and natural landscapes.

The tour is limited to just 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience led by a knowledgeable live guide who provides commentary in English.

The tour includes round-trip transportation in a 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van, allowing participants to access the remote Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, where the primary focus is on spotting native and endangered bird species.

Throughout the day, you will enjoy breakfast snacks, a deli-style lunch, and a water station, as well as the use of provided daypacks, hiking sticks, rain gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and binoculars.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

For the Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour, participants can be picked up and dropped off at one of four convenient locations: the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Waikoloa Plaza, the Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters, and the Queens Marketplace. This allows for easy access to the tour, no matter where visitors are staying on the island. The tour van will transport participants to and from the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, where the main activities take place. At the end of the day, the van will return everyone to their original pickup locations.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai	Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Waikoloa Plaza	Waikoloa Plaza
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters	Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
Queens Marketplace	Queens Marketplace

Itinerary Highlights

A key highlight of the Big Island: Native Bird Watching & Hiking Tour is the 5-hour exploration of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

Participants venture into this protected habitat, led by a professional bird tracking guide, to search for native and endangered bird species.

The tour includes van transportation to and from the refuge, with ample time for guided walking and hiking through the lush forest.

Along the way, guests keep their eyes peeled for rare bird sightings, while also taking in the natural beauty of the landscape.

With binoculars provided, participants can get an up-close look at the diverse avian life that calls the Hakalau Forest home.

Transportation and Gear

Transportation to and from the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is provided via a 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van, which participants board from one of the four designated pickup locations.

The tour company provides all the necessary gear for the day, including daypacks, hiking sticks, rain gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and binoculars. This ensures that guests can focus on the wildlife and natural wonders of the reserve without worrying about packing their own equipment.

The van’s 4WD capabilities allow it to navigate the rugged terrain leading to the Hakalau Forest, providing a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation throughout the entire tour.

Native Bird Watching

The tour’s primary focus is on spotting and observing Hawaii’s native and endangered bird species within the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, a protected habitat teeming with avian diversity. Led by a professional bird tracking guide, you will have the opportunity to:

Seek out elusive, brightly-colored honeycreepers, such as the Iiwi and Apapane, known for their unique beak shapes and vital role in pollinating native plants.

Scan the treetops for the critically endangered Hawaiian Hawk, one of the rarest birds of prey in the world, and learn about conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.

Listen intently for the melodic songs of endemic forest birds, like the Omao and Elepaio, and appreciate their significance as indicators of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Guided Hiking Experience

Beyond the search for native birds, the tour also offers an immersive guided hiking experience through the lush, verdant landscapes of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, knowledgeable guides lead participants on a leisurely trek, pointing out the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Guests can expect to encounter a range of outdoor features, from dense, towering forests to open meadows and winding streams. The hike is designed to be accessible for most visitors, with ample breaks and support provided as needed. Ultimately, the guided hiking component complements the bird watching, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Big Island’s natural wonders.

Feature	Description
Duration	5 hours
Terrain	Varied, including forests, meadows, and streams
Difficulty	Moderate, with ample breaks and support
Guides	Knowledgeable, experienced naturalists

Inclusions and Exclusions

What does the tour package include to enhance the overall experience? Aside from the guided hiking and wildlife viewing, the tour provides a variety of complementary amenities to ensure a comfortable and well-equipped outing. These inclusions encompass breakfast snacks, a deli-style lunch, and a convenient water station to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Plus, the tour supplies the following:

Daypacks, hiking sticks, and rain gear to help participants navigate the trails and handle any unexpected weather conditions.
Reef-safe sunscreen to protect against the strong island sun.
Binoculars to aid in spotting and observing the elusive native and endangered birds.

These thoughtful inclusions contribute to a seamless and enjoyable experience for the tour participants.

Tour Restrictions

While the tour offers an immersive experience in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, it does have certain restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, as the hiking and wildlife viewing may prove challenging for younger adventurers. Pregnant women are also advised against joining the tour, as the physical demands could potentially pose risks.

Plus, those with back or mobility issues, as well as those prone to motion sickness, may find the tour too strenuous and are discouraged from participating.

The tour organizers prioritize the well-being of their guests, and these restrictions are in place to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, so personal cameras and lenses are encouraged to capture the experience.

What Do I Need to Bring for the Hiking Portion?

For the hiking portion, guests should bring comfortable, closed-toed hiking shoes, lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a small backpack, and any necessary personal items like sunscreen and water. The tour provides essential hiking gear like daypacks and hiking sticks.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Provided Meals?

The tour includes breakfast snacks, a deli-style lunch, and water. It does not specify any dietary restrictions, so the meals likely accommodate common dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, or kosher options. Participants should notify the tour operator of any special dietary requirements.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator does not offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour is a set 12-hour itinerary and cannot be lengthened. Any requests to extend the tour would need to be handled separately by the customer.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers a private option with a customized itinerary and pickup/drop-off locations to accommodate the group’s needs. Group size is limited to 9 participants.

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