Join your best in class birding field guide to the restricted access of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge for an unforgettable day of hiking in native Hawaiian forests and searching for endemic Hawaiian birds. Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as a critical bird habitat today. Hakalau, once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it’s home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth.

Outfitted with all the necessary gear for the day, enjoy a once in a lifetime, off-the-beaten path experience with your naturalist bird tracking guide! Your small group adventure also includes a off-road experience in order reach and access the remote Hakalau Refuge. Your interpretive specialist guide will safely navigate the offroading journey to reach the Hakalau Wildlife Refuge in your comfortable 4-wheel drive touring van. As you travel across Hawaii Island to the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea to this special forested reserve, take notice of the ever-changing landscapes and plants; it is a place like no other in the world!

Once inside the Refuge, your guide will lead on a 3-4 mile hike exploring the Pua Akala tract. This private area that we access is not open to the public and is an excellent example of successful conservation practices. Your birding guide will search for target species such as: Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo. Your day also includes a delicious, packable deli-style lunch which you can enjoy on the trail during your birding expedition. After a full day for exploring this beautiful nature reserve full of wildlife and forest, sit back and relax as you reflect on the your many memorable moments in Hakalau as your guide safely drives you back to your meeting location

For your convenience, we provide roundtrip transportation from our Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona HQ as well as at select convenient central meeting locations including: Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, Kona Village Resort, Queens MarketPlace in the Waikoloa/Kohala Resort area, and the Waikoloa Plaza in the Waikoloa Village area.