Hakalau Forest Bird Watching Tour: Small Group Private Access

Search rare Hawaiian birds in a protected forest most visitors never reach

This 12-hour bird watching tour on Big Island takes small groups (up to 10 guests) into Hakalau Forest Reserve's restricted Pua Akala tract via 4-wheel-drive vehicle, led by an interpretative naturalist guide searching for endemic species like the Iiwi, Akepa, and Pueo. The tour includes binoculars, trekking poles, rain gear, lunch, and snacks. Pickup from central locations is included. Moderate fitness and ability to hike 1.5 to 4 miles on uneven terrain are required.

The experience

If your first days on the Big Island have been beaches and resorts, this tour takes you inland to forest that most visitors never see. You'll ride in a Mercedes Sprinter 4WD vehicle (built small enough for intimate groups but rugged enough to handle off-road terrain) across the island's diverse climates before turning off-road to reach the Pua Akala tract. This section of Hakalau National Forest Reserve is not open to the public. It's a working example of how conservation practices bring back native species. Your guide is an interpretative naturalist expert in Hawaiian birds, and the whole day is built around what you can spot in the treetops and on the forest floor.

The hikes themselves are short (between 1.5 and 4 miles depending on the day), but the terrain is uneven and rocky, so you'll move slowly and stop often. Binoculars and trekking poles come with you. Your guide will help you pick out species like the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io, and Pueo. You'll also see rare native plants and animals found nowhere else on earth: carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders among them. The group stays under 10 people, which means less crowding at the best viewing spots and more time for your guide to answer questions about what you're seeing.

Lunch is a deli-style sandwich (turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie) with chips, a locally baked cookie, and chilled beverages. Filtered water is available throughout the day. The 12-hour commitment includes the drive from your central pickup location, so plan for an early start and a late return. Bring your own water bottles (they'll be refilled), and wear layers. The forest sits at elevation and weather changes fast.

What’s included

• Expert interpretative naturalist birding guide leading the full day.
• binoculars, trekking poles, daypacks and rain gear provided.
• deli-style lunch with your choice of sandwich, chips, locally baked cookie, and chilled beverages.
• filtered water refills throughout the day.
• private reserve access to the restricted Pua Akala tract.
• central pickup and drop-off.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Bird watching adventure through the Hakalau Forest Reserve, lasting a full dayGuide in English · 06:30

Private Ohana OutingGuide in English · Available from 28 Oct 2027Experience a bird watching adventure in the Hakalau Forest Reserve as a private tour, reserved only for your family or a small group. Travel is by private Sprinter van, and pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hawaii Forest &Trail

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're comfortable with a full day of hiking on uneven terrain and want to see Hawaiian forest birds most visitors never encounter. The small group size and expert guide make the difference between scanning trees randomly and actually understanding what you're looking at, but the 12-hour commitment and moderate-to-challenging hikes mean it's not a casual outing.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What Hawaiian bird species will I have a chance to see on this tour?

The Hakalau Forest Reserve is home to endemic Hawaiian birds including the Iiwi, Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Elepaio, Omao, Io, and Pueo. Your guide will help you spot them in the treetops and explain their behavior and conservation status.

Is the Pua Akala tract really closed to the public?

Yes. The Pua Akala tract of Hakalau Forest Reserve is restricted-access land, and this tour is one of the few ways to enter it. It was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established specifically for forest birds.

How difficult are the hikes, and how far will I walk?

Hikes range from 1.5 to 4 miles depending on the day, on uneven and rocky terrain. You'll need at least moderate fitness and the ability to walk on uneven ground. The pace is slow with frequent stops for birding. Trekking poles and rain gear are provided.

What's included in the 12-hour tour, and what should I bring?

The tour includes binoculars, trekking poles, daypacks, rain gear, a deli-style lunch with your choice of sandwich, snacks, and beverages. Bring your own reusable water bottles (filtered water will be refilled throughout the day), and wear layers for changing forest weather.

Where does the tour pick me up, and what time does it start?

Pickup is from central meeting locations on the Big Island. Your confirmation will specify the exact location and start time. The full 12-hour commitment includes the drive from pickup, so plan for an early departure and late return.

Can I book this as a private group instead of joining other guests?

Yes. The tour offers a Private Ohana Outing option for groups traveling together, as well as the standard Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure with other guests (up to 10 total). Both options access the same restricted Pua Akala tract with the same expert guide.