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Endangered Native Habitats
Recommended for your Big Island of Hawaii trip
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
12 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Overview
Discover Hawaii’s remarkable wildlife on a full-day, small-group birdwatching tour into the Big Island’s Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Travel on foot and by four-wheel drive as you explore dry forest and rainforest habitats that shelter the endangered palila honeycreeper, the Hawaii amakihi and the Hawaii ‘elepaio. Listen for the calls of endemic songbirds as you traverse an otherworldly lava trail, then follow a local, bird-loving guide along forest paths into the distinctive, high-elevation mamane-naio ecosystem.
- 12-our birdwatching tour in Hawaii
- Small group adventure in the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve
- Different forest habitats with unique indigenous bird species
- Expert local guides and bird enthusiasts
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Saved to wishlist!
Meet your guide and group at a prearranged spot to embark on your full-day bird watching adventure.
Travel together in a comfortable vehicle to the start of the Puu Oo Trail. This historic cattle drive route is located at the 6,000 foot (1800 meters) level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern side.
Cross the 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) of trail, surrounded by the misty clouds that are common on the windward side of the island. Listen for the calls of the birds as you enter the Kaohe Game Management Area, then travel up the western side of Mauna Kea to an elevation of nearly nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 meters).
Keep an eye out for species like elepaio, omao, amakihi, apapane and iiwi. Use the provided binoculars to look for the elusive akiapolaau, easy to identify by its multipurpose beak. At the gate to the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve, climb down from your vehicle and take in some scenic vistas before proceeding on foot.
Following your expert birder guide's lead, focus on spotting specimens of the critically threatened palila.
After a full day of searching for Hawaii's indigenous bird life, return to your meeting point for drop-off.
Travel together in a comfortable vehicle to the start of the Puu Oo Trail. This historic cattle drive route is located at the 6,000 foot (1800 meters) level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern side.
Cross the 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) of trail, surrounded by the misty clouds that are common on the windward side of the island. Listen for the calls of the birds as you enter the Kaohe Game Management Area, then travel up the western side of Mauna Kea to an elevation of nearly nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 meters).
Keep an eye out for species like elepaio, omao, amakihi, apapane and iiwi. Use the provided binoculars to look for the elusive akiapolaau, easy to identify by its multipurpose beak. At the gate to the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve, climb down from your vehicle and take in some scenic vistas before proceeding on foot.
Following your expert birder guide's lead, focus on spotting specimens of the critically threatened palila.
After a full day of searching for Hawaii's indigenous bird life, return to your meeting point for drop-off.
Itinerary
Enjoy your scenic ride on the way to the two rare habitats alone Saddle Road. Your tour guide will have an immense amount of knowledge about Hawaiian culture and will educate you of things you see as well as answers any questions that may arise.
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Included
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "Extremely interesting look at specifics of Hawai’i and its geology and wildlife with a focus on birding." See review
Reviews
Questions?
Product code: 2804RDBA
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