Birdwatch Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Explore a restricted-access Hakalau rainforest with expert bird trackers
Duration
Around 11 to 12 hours
Ideal For
Max 10 people
Includes
Lunch, beverages, binoculars
Highlights
Hike through the dense rainforest of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge as guides share the story of Hawaiʻi’s endemic flora and fauna. Look for rare native and endangered birds along the way.
- Gain access to a restricted-entry National Wildlife Refuge
- Spot native and endangered birds like ʻAmakihi, ʻApapane, ʻElepaio, ʻAkepa, ʻAkiapōlāʻau, and ʻIʻiwi
- Learn about endemic plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders
- Hike 2 to 4 miles with about 650 feet of elevation change
- Travel in a 4WD vehicle on a rough, muddy, and bumpy refuge access road
- Join a small group tour with a maximum of 10 guests
What's Included
- Deli-style lunch
- Assorted beverages
- Walking sticks
- Binoculars
- Day packs
- Rain jackets
Things to know
Ages 8 and older. You must be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. The rough 4WD access road may not be suitable if you have neck or back issues or are prone to motion sickness.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. Private tours: full refund with 72 hours notice. Cancellations within the cancellation period and no-shows are charged the full amount.
FAQs
Expect to hike about 2 to 4 miles over roughly 4 hours.
Plan for about 650 feet of elevation change during the hike.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants. Bring a light rain jacket, a reusable water bottle, and any personal sun protection (hat, sunglasses, etc.).
More about Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge sits high on the windward slopes of Mauna Kea, a misty sanctuary of native koa and ʻōhiʻa forest that has become one of the most important strongholds for endangered Hawaiian birds anywhere in the islands. Established in 1985, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 32,000 acres of upland rainforest where conservation work has actively restored habitat for species found nowhere else on Earth. Because the refuge is closed to general public access, joining a guided birdwatching tour is one of the few ways to step inside this protected world and experience the quiet, cloud-draped beauty of a forest that feels worlds away from the coast.
This experience leads small groups along refuge trails in search of rare native honeycreepers, including the crimson ʻiʻiwi, the bright yellow Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, the ʻakiapōlāʻau with its distinctive curved bill, and the endangered ʻakepa. Mornings at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge often begin in cool mountain mist, with sunlight filtering through towering koa trees and the air carrying the calls of birds moving between blossoming ʻōhiʻa. Your guide shares the natural history of the refuge, points out flashes of color in the canopy, and explains the ongoing restoration efforts that have made Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge a global model for native forest recovery. Sturdy boots, layered clothing, and binoculars help make the most of the changing weather and the long sightlines through the understory.
This tour is perfect for serious birders chasing a life list, photographers seeking rare endemic species, and curious travelers who want a deeper, quieter side of the Big Island beyond beaches and volcano viewpoints. Families with older children interested in nature and conservation will find it equally rewarding. For anyone who values intimate access to wild places, a day inside Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge offers a rare chance to witness Hawaiʻi as it once was, alive with song and color in the high forest.