Birdwatching and native plant-finding on a private Hawaiian nature preserve? Talk about once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Picked up by your naturalist guide, you’ll hit the backroads of the Hakalau National Forest Reserve, where you’ll spend the whole day sighting Akepa, Apapane, Omao, happy-faced spiders, carnivorous caterpillars, and dozens more endemic species. Break for lunch between scouting adventures, and return to civilization with a handful of lifers under your belt!
- Several locations to choose from for hassle-free pickup and drop-off
- Venture to the privately owned Pua Akala tract of the Hakalau National Forest Reserve
- Following your naturalist guide, you’ll spot Akepa, Apapane, Omao, and more rare bird species
- Lunch, snacks, drinks, and binoculars included
What To Expect
Join us on an unforgettable day of exploring restricted lands at the Hakalau National Forest Reserve, home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. Your adventure begins in a comfortable 4-wheel-drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinters. These vehicles are perfect for our birdwatching tours as they are designed for smaller, more intimate groups (10 guests max) and deliver a rugged build that allows access to those off-the-beaten-path locations. Journey across Hawaii Island through its diverse climates and ecosystems before turning off-road to reach your destination. Follow your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide into Hakalau's forests and fields of the Pua Akala tract as you discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders. Your guide will help you search the treetops with your binoculars for Hawaiian endemic bird species such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io, and Pueo. Your day includes a deli-style lunch, snacks, beverages, and filtered water. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore protected and private Hawaiian native forested lands.
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Guests on this tour should not be physically challenged or unable to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Must be able to do short hikes of 1.5 to 4 miles.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Include
Air-conditioned vehicle
Binoculars
Lunch
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Filtered water, juices and flavored sparkling waters
Interpretative Birding Guide
Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Exclude
Gratuities
Max group – 10
