Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive
We may earn a small commission - it's never added to your price.
Who this tour fits
Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.
- Minimum age
- 8 years
- Physical intensity
- moderate
- Group type
- Yes
- Max group size
- 10 guests
- Duration
- 690 minutes
- What's included
- Equipment, Lunch, Guide, Transportation
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Cool, wet, or muddy conditions may be encountered. The Refuge access road is rough and bumpy, requires 4WD. Not suitable for guests with neck or back issues or those prone to motion sickness.
Verified Sep 1, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
Verified Sep 1, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
About this tour
Enter one of Hawaii's most restricted and ecologically significant habitats on this full-day birdwatching expedition into the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Perched high on the windward slopes of Maunakea, this dense montane rainforest is home to some of the rarest birds on Earth - and Hawaii Forest & Trail holds special access permits to bring small groups into this otherwise closed reserve.
Over 11 to 12 hours, your expert bird-tracking guide leads you on a 2 to 4-mile moderate hike through old-growth ʻōhiʻa forest, searching for endangered and endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers including the Akiapolaʻau, ʻAkepa, ʻIʻiwi, ʻApapane, ʻAmakihi, and ʻElepaio. Beyond the birds, discover remarkable endemic species like carnivorous caterpillars and Hawaiian happy-faced spiders in this pristine ecosystem.
Binoculars, trekking poles, day packs, and rain jackets are provided, along with a deli-style lunch and beverages. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, and layers - the forest is cool, wet, and often muddy at this elevation. The 650 feet of elevation change over natural terrain earns this hike a moderate rating.
Please note that the refuge access road is rough, bumpy, and requires 4WD - this tour may not be suitable for guests with neck or back issues or those prone to motion sickness. Groups are limited to 10 guests. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Pickup is available from the Hawaii Forest & Trail office, Four Seasons Resort, Queens' Marketplace, and Waikoloa Plaza.
Why book this operator
- Local operator in Kailua-Kona
- 4.9 out of 5 (725 Google reviews)
How booking here works
We do not take your payment or set prices, and no operator pays for placement here. What changes is who holds your booking, not what you pay.
What's included
Included
- Equipment
- Lunch
- Guide
- Transportation
Not included
- Gratuity
We have not confirmed the departure time for this tour, so we are not listing it here. Check with the operator when you book.
Tour details
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate
- Distance
- Approximately 2 to 4 miles
- Duration
- Around 11 to 12 hours
- Food Included
- full_meal
- Free Cancellation Window
- 24 hours
- Group Size
- small
- Guided
- Yes
- Health Restrictions
- back problems
- Hotel Pickup
- No
- Includes
- Equipment, Lunch, Guide, Transportation
- Infant Policy
- prohibited
- Maximum Group Size
- 10 people
- Maximum Passengers
- 10 guests
- Meeting Location
- Hawaii Forest & Trail, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona Village, Queens' Marketplace, Waikoloa Plaza
- Minimum Age
- 8 years
- Physical Intensity
- moderate
- Private Option
- Yes
- Private Option Available
- Yes
- Total Duration
- 690 minutes
- Transport Included
- hotel_pickup
- Weather Dependent
- Yes
- What to Bring
- Sunscreen, Water Bottle, Camera, Hiking Shoes, Light Jacket, Hat
Frequently asked questions
How long is Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive?
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive lasts about 690.
How much does Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive cost?
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive costs $275 per person.
Is there a minimum age for Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive?
The minimum age for Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive is 8 years old.
Where does Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive meet?
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive meets at Hawaii Forest & Trail, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona Village, Queens' Marketplace, Waikoloa Plaza.
What is included with Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive?
Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive includes Equipment, Lunch, Guide, and Transportation.
What is the cancellation policy for Hakalau Forest Reserve Birdwatching Exclusive?
Full refund with 24 hours notice. Private tours require 72 hours notice. Minimum of 4 guests required; if not met, guests are notified 24 hours in advance and may reschedule or receive a full refund. No refund for cancellations within the window, no-shows, or guests not meeting requirements.
Direct Booking Guarantee
Book direct with the operator. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
Your tour is run by Hawaii Forest & Trail.
Tour details can change. Please review the operator's current schedule, meeting or pickup information, requirements and cancellation policy during booking. If information shown during booking differs from this page, the booking information controls.