I loved my birding in Hawaii with Mandy. I highly recommend her guided birding tours. Mandy found us the local specialties across the three islands we visited without rushing or stressing over logistics. I appreciate her local knowledge and her ability to put the birds and environment in context. It is encouraging to see the efforts being invested to preserve and improve sensitive Hawaii habitats. Seeing the results, in terms of wild spaces and the birds that thrive there, was a great counterweight to understanding how and why some species will not continue to survive in the wild. I was on the April 10-19, 2023 “Hawaii’s Best Birding Tour: Endemics to Palagics” with a fun group of birders. Thank you, Mandy, for making it a great experience.
Experience Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with Hawaiʻi’s ONLY Bird Tour Experts
Our local guide’s knowledge of the park’s fascinating history, ever changing geology, and endemic wildlife – amidst one of the world’s most active volcanoes – makes for a truly unforgettable adventure. From seabirds soaring over young lava fields, to Hawaiian honeycreepers foraging through ʻŌhiʻa forest canopies, we will explore diverse habitats in search of unique birds, while taking in stunning scenery and experiencing the wonders of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
Why Choose This Tour?
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Group tour: $295 per person plus tax
Private tour: $1,895 plus HI tax for up to 9 people
Meeting points
6:30am – For guests staying North of Hilo and Downtown Hilo: Moʻoheau Bus Stop
329 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
Thereʻs free city parking next to the bus stop. The only option for restrooms at this hour would require going to a local restaurant that allows bathrooms for its customers; and the only one consistently open at that time is McDonaldʻs, a 5 minute walk away at 255 Kinoole St, Hilo, 96720.
6:40am – For guests staying at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (front lobby)
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
6:45am – For guests staying at Grand Naniloa (outside crown room located outside the front lobby)
6:50am – For guests staying at SCP Hotel (front lobby)
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI 96720
A short walk away is Big Island Coffee Roasters (opens at 6:30am at 76 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720).
7:00am – For guests staying closer to Puainako Shopping Center: Safeway/Target parking lot: curbside in front of the building in between Target and Safeway (buildings are connected)
391 Makaʻala Street, Hilo, HI 96720
Thereʻs free public parking in the lot for the stores. Bathrooms and Starbucks can be found in both Safeway and Target.
7:20am – For guests staying in Pāhoa and Puna: Keaʻau Ace Hardware (in front of the building).
16-586 Old Volcano Road, Keaʻau, HI 96749
Thereʻs free public parking in the lot for the store. There are public restrooms outside the Foodland grocery store and breakfast options (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Countryside Cafe) all at the same shopping plaza: the Keaʻau Shopping Center (16-586 Old Volcano Rd, Keaau, HI 96749).
7:50am – For guests staying in Volcano: Volcano True Value (in front of the building)
19-4084 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, HI 96785. Thereʻs free public parking in the lot for the store.
A 1-minute drive away is Eagleʻs Lighthouse Cafe with restrooms at 19-4005 Huanani Rd, Volcano, HI 96785.
Availability
Weekly (week days only), throughout the year
Duration
9.5 hours
Group size
Minimum 4, maximum 8
Included
- Water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Transportation to and from meeting points in Hilo side of Big Island
- Online checklists
- The use of a walking stick if needed
- The use of our Kowa Spotting Scope if needed for shorebirds, waterbirds, and raptors; as our forest birds are usually moving quickly through the canopy
- Fun!
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
- 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 begins with a 1 mile walk with moderate incline and decline. There will be other short walks at various stops in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
- The trail difficulty is not challenging but conditions may be cool, wet and slippery. Visitors to the park are advised to prepare for weather that can be either cold and wet, or hot and dry. We are likely to experience both, beginning at 4,000’ elevation on Mauna Loa (temperatures between 50-70 °F), in an area that receives approximately 200” of rainfall per year. After that, we visit the typically sunny, dry and hot (75-90 °F) coastline of Kilauea.
About your guide
Target Species List
Important Info
Read Why People Love Us
I have birded regularly with Mandy, and she is top-notch. Excellent birder, very personable, and thorough in her preparation. Everything is fully compliant with all permits, insurance and trip details. The pelagic trips from Kona, when combined with some forest birding for the endemic passerines, will build your list and show you the real magic of these islands. Mandy is the Best!
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.
