Hakalau Wildlife Refuge Birdwatching Adventure Hawaii Forest and Trail

Hakalau was named by Hawaiians long ago.  It's name means "many perches."  Today it is still recognized as a critical bird habitat. It was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds.  It is home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. Hakalau is not open to the public. We access the Pua Akala tract by special permit.

From HFT we will head up to Mamalahoa Highway heading north towards Waimea and the Saddle Road. There will be opportunity for some car-birding primarily for game birds and the Pueo or the Hawaiian Short-eared Owl on Saddle Road. We stop en route on the Saddle Road for a continental breakfast of breads, fresh fruit, pound cake, juice, coffee, and an assortment of teas. After the breakfast stop we continue to the Pua Akala tract of the refuge. The drive takes two and a half hours each way. Don't worry about the drive time.  The drive is enjoyable.  You will be amazed at the constantly changing scenery and fascinated by your Naturalist’s guide interpretation of Hawaii’s remarkable cultural, natural and geologic history.

Once we arrive at the Forest you will notice that Hakalau is a fascinating example of conservation in action. The forest is recovering from 100 years of grazing by cattle and damage from pigs. The Pua Akala meadow is not open to the public but our permit allows us to bird watch there. It is amazing to see the native plants sprouting through the old pasture grass. The forest here is filled with the sounds of Hawaii’s rare birds. Often, we will encounter researchers or resource managers on our walks who are always willing to share current facts and information. Some of the native plants encountered are Giant koa trees, ohia-lehua trees estimated to be a thousand years old, ferns, and rare lobeliads.  Hakalau, because of the history of grazing, has a park like setting.  Our trail is a 4-wheel drive road that bisects the meadow. The distance we walk is small but there is some elevation gain and loss of about 650 feet.

You will truly enjoy this remarkable place with amazing vegetation and a lot of birds.