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, amongst 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 hopes of seeing Madame Pele’s molten glow.
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 at the Hilo Safeway parking lot: 381 E Maka’Ala St, Hilo, HI 96720. Safeway is open 24 hours and the Starbucks inside opens at 5am. (FOR GUESTS STAYING OUTSIDE OF HILO)
6:45am at The SCP Hotel: 126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI 96720
6:50am at The Grand Naniloa Hotel: 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
6:55am at The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
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 involves a 1 mile walk on an uneven gravel tail and short walks on lava fields
- The trail difficulty is not challenging but conditions may be cool, wet and slippery. We will start out birding between 5,000’ and 5,500’ above sea level on Mauna Kea with temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, in an area that receives over 150” -200” of rainfall per year, before we return to humid coastal areas that can be above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
