Mandy just dropped us off after a wonderful day of birding in Hakalau on the Big Island. She is a superb birder and guide. Our group was not a high level birding group but she patiently lead us to all but one of the target rare native Hawaiian birds. Her knowledge is extensive about all things Hawaiian – geology, native species, and history. She has traveled extensively to bird watch and brings much knowledge of many bird species into our discussions. Mandy is more than a great guide for bird watching – she covers all the unappreciated things – patience with needed stops, food, any request – all with good humor. She is passionate about Hakalau – a rare corner of Hawaii most people never see. Hurry if you want to see the few remaining beautiful birds on the island
Experience Hawaiian Honeycreeper Heaven on this Exclusive Big Island Birding Tour
Join our expert guides for a tour that takes you to Hawaiian Honeycreeper heaven in the only area of Hawaiʻi where native forest bird populations are actually increasing! We’ll be spending the day in Hakalau Forest NWR, home to many of Hawaii’s endangered plants, native arthropods, and endemic forest birds. This is the only place you can still encounter 10 endemic Hawaiian bird species with 6 of those being Hawaiian honeycreepers and our guides are experts at locating them! Birding this publicly restricted native forest with one of Hawaii’s premier birding guides is sure to be the highlight of your Hawaiʻi vacation.
Why Choose This Tour?
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Group tour: $295 per person plus tax
Private tour: $1,995 plus HI tax for up to 10 people
Departure time
6:30 am
Meeting points
For guests staying in Kailua-Kona and Captain Cook:
- 6:15 am in the parking lot of the Kona Safeway: 75-971 Henry St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Safeway is open 24 hours and the Starbucks inside opens at 6am.
For guests staying in Waikoloa, Puakō and Waimea:
- 7:00 am in the parking lot by Island Vintage Coffee at Kings’ Shops: 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Unit A10. Waikoloa Village, HI 96738. This casual local coffee house opens at 6am for drinks and light snacks.
For guests staying in Hilo, Pāhoa and Volcano:
- 8:00 am in the Puʻu Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot. The parking lot is on the South side of Hawaiʻi Route 200 aka Saddle Road, directly across from the highway’s intersection with the Mauna Kea Access Road. Please note this is NOT the trailhead in Volcanoes National Park. You can use this link to direct you (19°41’19.4″N 155°27’60.0″W).
Availability
Weekly, throughout the year
Duration
10 hours
Group size
Minimum 4, maximum 8
Included
- Water
- Transportation to and from meeting points in Kona, Waikoloa, and, Pu’u Huluhulu
- Snacks
- Online checklists
- Local picnic lunch
- Transportation to and from Kona and Waikoloa
- Fun!
- The use of a walking stick if needed
Scopes generally don’t work well, as small endemic forest birds tend to move quickly throughout the canopy.
Not included
- Gratuity
- The use of binoculars (Available for rental at an additional cost)
What to bring
- Lightweight long pants
- Lightweight sweater/ fleece
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sun protection
- Quick dry layered clothing
- A daypack for carrying your lunch and water into the field
- Waterproof jacket, and pants if you have them
- Closed-toed, waterproof shoes with good grip and support
- A refillable water bottle
Participation requirements
- This tour involves a 1 -2 mile walk on uneven and often wet terrain in search of Hawaiian endemic birds with a slight incline. Walking sticks and foldable stools are recommended for those with difficulty standing and walking for several hours at a time. Please note that the refuge access road requires four wheel drive and the ride in our 4×4 12 passenger van will be bumpy.
- The trail difficulty is not challenging but conditions may be cool, wet and slippery with an incline. We will be birding between 6,000′and 6,500′above sea level on Mauna Kea with temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, in an area that receives 80 -100″ of rainfall per year (misty afternoon rain is typical).
About your guide
1 expert guide
Target Species List
Important Info
Read Why People Love Us
I spent two fantastic days on the Big Island birding with Mandy Talpas. It was an excellent experience all around! Mandy is very knowledgable about the birds, has a great ear, and knows where to find those elusive endemics. Not only that, but she is so personable, energetic, and fun to be with that you’ll be sorry when the day ends. We spent a day in the Hakalau Forest and a second day on a pelagic off the Kona coast, and both days were extremely productive, well-organized and a lot of fun. I HIGHLY recommend Mandy for any serious birding adventure.
