🌳 Hawaii Forest & Trail - Hakalau Wildlife Refuge Birdwatching Adventure
Hakalau is 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. On this tour, we access the Pua Akala tract by special permit.
From the check-in location, we will head up to Mamalahoa Highway heading north towards Waimea and the Saddle Road. There will be an 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 for a continental breakfast of breads, fresh fruit, pound cake, juice, coffee and an assortment of teas.
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.
Some of the native plants encountered are giant koa trees, ohia-lehua trees estimated to be a thousand years old, ferns and rare lobeliads. 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.
🌟 Tour Highlights
- Entry into a restricted-access National Wildlife Refuge
- Birdwatching in the Hakalau forest led by one of their most experienced bird guides – a critical bird habitat that is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species on earth
- Special permit to access the Pua Akala tract is included
- Our interpretive guides are expert bird trackers
🎟️ Tour Inclusions
- Breakfast snack
- Deli-style lunch (choice of turkey, ham, pastrami or veggie sandwich or salad)
- Assorted beverages
- Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs and rain ponchos are provided
Hawaii Forest & Trail Bird Watching FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of native Hawaiian birds might be seen on this tour?
Possible sightings include rare and endemic species such as palila, aki'apola'au, 'i'iwi, 'amakihi, 'apapane and 'elepaio. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the tour visits habitats specifically chosen for their importance to native forest birds.
What types of habitats are explored during the bird-watching tour?
The itinerary visits two very different native ecosystems: a cloud-mist rainforest on Mauna Loa and a subalpine dry forest on Mauna Kea. Exploring both habitats gives guests a chance to see different native plants, landscapes and bird species in a single day.
How physically demanding is the Hawaii Forest & Trail bird-watching tour?
The full-day experience is rated moderate to strenuous and may involve walking on uneven natural terrain while spending long periods outdoors. Guests should wear sturdy footwear, dress in layers and be prepared for changing temperatures and potentially wet or muddy forest conditions.
