What a wonderful introduction to endemic and introduced bird species on Oahu! Mandy is an amazing source of island knowledge on birds, ecosystems, flora, and conservation. She is engaging and caring as she tries to create the best experience for each person on her tour by building the day around what birds each participant is hoping to see.
Throughout our wonderful day travelling in Mandy’s comfortable van, we made our way to eight different birding locations: urban, rural, mountainous, forest, wetland, and ocean. Each stop was unhurried but purposeful! So much more than just a “list and go” with a chance to observe behaviours and hear great info about each species from Mandy.
This day of birding was definitely a highlight of our holiday!
The Ultimate Oʻahu Day Tour for Bird & Nature Lovers
Looking for day tours in Oʻahu? They don’t come better than the Ultimate Oʻahu Birding Experience! Leave the city of Honolulu behind to experience the best wildlife viewing Oʻahu has to offer while searching for some of Hawaii’s most beautiful birds. This tour encompasses Oʻahu’s highlights for the nature enthusiast and birder alike while enjoying stunning scenery along the south and north shore. You will go on an unforgettable journey through tropical rainforests for Oʻahu’s endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper, searching the suburbs for flashy finches and exploring the rugged southeastern coastline for majestic seabirds. That’s not all! We also search for sought-after shorebirds on secluded beaches, endemic water birds, and breeding seabirds along stunning coastlines. This full-day trip is the ultimate introduction to Oʻahu’s wildlife with casual walks and sometimes includes incidental big waves, basking sea turtles, and Hawaiian Monk Seal sightings.
Why Choose This Tour?
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Group tour: $280 per person plus tax
Private tour: $1,895 plus HI tax for up to 10 people
Departure time
7 am
Meeting points
- 6:30 am on Mahukona Street off Atkinson Drive FOR GUESTS STAYING OUTSIDE OF WAIKĪKĪ. This is along the side of Ala Moana Hotel aka Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra: 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI 96814. There is a Starbucks inside the hotel lobby and lots of free and secure parking at the Ala Moana Center (shopping mall). This shopping mall and parking garage is massive, so please make a note of where you parked your car rental. Please give yourself enough time to arrive promptly with weekday Honolulu rush hour traffic.
- 6:40 am at flag poles in front of the ʻIlikai Hotel aka ʻIlikai Hotel & Luxury Suites: 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Ala Moana Boulevard.
- 6:45 am at the Ka La’i Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts: 223 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Saratoga Road.
- 6:50 am at the Ambassador Hotel of Waikīkī, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: 2040 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
- 6:55 am at the Hyatt Regency aka Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort And Spa: 2424 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Koa Avenue under the green awning. We recommend arriving early, as one of our favorite local coffee shops, Kai Coffee Hawaii, is on the first floor of the hotel.
- 7:00 am at the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel aka Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Kapahulu Avenue facing Honolulu Zoo. Knots Coffee Roasters in the lobby of the hotel opens at 6 am.
Availability
Our season is mid August through early May, weekly
Duration
10 hours
Group size
Minimum 3, maximum 8
Included
- Water
- Snacks
- Mosquito repellent
- Online checklists
- Transportation to and from Waikīkī
- The use of a walking stick if needed
- Fun!
Not included
- Gratuity
- Lunch – we will make a local lunch stop where you can choose and purchase your lunch.
- The use of binoculars (Available for rental at an additional cost)
What to bring
- Comfortable lightweight, quick dry clothing
- Closed-toed shoes with good grip and support
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sun protection
- Lightweight rain gear
- A refillable water bottle
- Cash
- Debit or credit card to purchase your own lunch (~$20 per person)
- A day pack to carry your valuables with you at all times (unfortunately car break-ins, even during the day, are common on Oʻahu).
Participation requirements
You must be prepared to walk 1 -2 miles on uneven and often muddy terrain in search of Oʻahu Elepaio. Walking sticks and foldable stools are recommended for those with difficulty standing and walking for several hours at a time.
About your guide
1 expert guide
Target Species List
Important Info
Read Why People Love Us
Mandy is fantastic. My husband Mark and I spent a day with her in Oahu and could not have been happier. She knows so much about birds, conservation, Hawaii in general. And such a nice, fun person. We saw the endangered Oahu Elepaio, Oahu Amakihi, Bristle-thighed Curlew and many close-up Laysan Albatross. 24 life birds! I cannot recommend her enough and would love to come back to bird with her again on Kauai and the Big Island.


