Big Island Birding Tours

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of birdlife while exploring stunning landscapes? Our Big Island birding tours take you on an unforgettable adventure, led by seasoned experts, to some of the world’s most breathtaking environments.

The Big Island of Hawai’i is a paradise for birdwatchers! Here, you will find endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Its diverse habitats are home to a variety of unique bird species. From the vibrant honeycreepers in the lush rainforests to the majestic raptors soaring over open savannas, the island offers a birdwatching experience like no other.  Here, endemic Hawaiian birds showcase the island’s exceptional biodiversity. The chance to observe these rare species in their natural environments makes birding Hawai’i a truly special pursuit.

Our Big Island birding tour is designed to enhance your experience; our expert guides will help you spot and identify the Hawaiian birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious novice, this tour provides personalized guidance, ensuring you experience the best the Big Island has to offer. From endemic species to scenic landscapes, there’s no better place for bird lovers. Join us as we explore the birds of the Big Island.

Experience the unique avian life of Hawaii:

• Explore the State Forest Reserves in search of endemic Hawaiian Birds
• Have the opportunity to view the endemic: I’iwi, Apapane, Amakihi, Elepaio, Alawi, Akiapolaau, Alawi, Akepa, Omao, Pueo, Nene, and I’o
• Some of these birds are found nowhere else in the world but the Big Island of Hawai’i!
• Learn about the native plants and their relationship to the native birds
• Enjoy breathtaking views throughout the day of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

Starting at $1095, with private group rates as low as $223 per person (based on eleven guests)

Our Hawai’i birdwatching tour on the Big Island offers guests a unique opportunity to witness native birds in their natural habitats. They provide a chance to appreciate the birds’ beauty, understand their ecological roles, and learn about the efforts to protect them. Guided by our expert naturalists, this tour offers insights into the birds’ behaviors and ecology. We cater to different levels of birdwatching expertise, from beginners to seasoned ornithologists. We are not just about spotting birds but about understanding and appreciating them.

• After pickup from your place of lodging, begin your Big Island birdwatching tour by traveling up the Saddle Road to the high elevations of the Big Island. Based upon the conditions for the day, your guide will select from one of the State Forest Reserves to start from. Locations may include but not limited to: Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve, and Hilo Forest Reserve.
• Hawaiian honeycreepers are emblematic of the island’s extraordinary birdlife. These birds, with their vibrant colors and unique adaptations, captivate bird enthusiasts around the world. Each honeycreeper showcases the vast spectrum of evolutionary creativity found in Hawai’i. We have the potential to see all these native forest birds listed plus some other introduced species.
• I’iwi: The I’iwi, also called the scarlet honeycreeper, is not just a visual delight but also an essential pollinator within its rainforest habitat. With its vibrant red plumage and sickle-shaped bill, it’s a standout. Its bill is perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from native tubular flowers. This ecological role makes it essential for pollination, supporting diverse plant life.
• Akiapolaau: The Akiapolaau is a marvel of evolutionary innovation. Found only on the Big Island of Hawai’i, it possesses a unique beak, with a long, curved upper bill and a shorter, straight lower one. This adaptation allows it to peck like a woodpecker and probe like a nectar-sipper. This honeycreeper’s diet includes insects and nectar, showcasing its versatile feeding habits. Found in the high elevation forests, the Akiapolaau is a symbol of adaptability.
• Apapane: The Apapane is known for its striking red feathers and captivating song. Its melodies echo through the forests, creating a harmonious natural soundtrack. This honeycreeper is commonly seen flitting among Ohia trees, where it feeds on nectar. Adapted to various forest environments, the Apapane is a resilient species. Its presence signifies a healthy forest ecosystem. Birdwatching tours are often treated to both visual and auditory delights, making the Apapane a favorite among enthusiasts.
• Amakihi: The Hawai’i Amakihi demonstrates remarkable adaptability. It thrives across varied habitats, from rainforests to dry scrublands. This honeycreeper’s flexibility is key to its survival amidst environmental shifts and threats. Mostly yellow to olive-green feathers, the Amakihi is less flamboyant but no less important. It feeds on nectar and insects, supporting ecosystem functions. Its adaptability makes it a vital part of the Big Island’s avian community.
• Elepaio: The Elepaio is a curious and active monarch flycatcher, also our one of our guides personal favorites. Observers often find it following them along trails, a testament to its inquisitive nature. In Hawaiian mythology, it is considered an omen of good fortune to canoe builders.
• Alawi: The Alawi is also called the Hawaii Creeper. Found only on the Big Island, this bird scours tree trunks for insects. Its distinctive foraging behavior aids in pest control. Despite threats from habitat loss, this small bird remains a vital ecosystem component.
• Akepa: The Akepa, found only of the Big Island, has a distinct overlapping bill shape. This adaptation emphasizes the specialization seen in Hawaii’s native birds. This honeycreeper expertly prys open new growth of the Ohia tree to search for insects. The smallest of the honeycreepers, weighing only 9 grams, and males are a striking orange color.
• Omao: The Omao, or Hawaiian Thrush, adds to the island’s symphony with its melodious call. This reclusive songbird prefers the island’s higher elevations. Its captivating songs resonate through the forests, enriching the natural soundscape.
• Palia: The critically endangered Palila is found only on the slopes of Mauna Kea! It relies exclusively on the seeds of the mamane tree. Found in the dry forests of Mauna Kea, it serves as a reminder of the delicate interdependence between species and their habitats. The survival of one depends on the other.
• Pueo: The Pueo, or Hawaiian Short-eared Owl, is Hawaii’s only endemic owl species. These birds are known for their silent flight and piercing yellow eyes. They hold a significant place in Hawaiian folklore as protectors and messengers.
• Nene: The Hawaiian goose, the Nene, is Hawaii’s state bird. Once on the brink of extinction, this native goose has made a remarkable comeback. Conservation efforts have successfully bolstered its population, offering hope for other endangered species.
• I’o: The majestic Hawaiian Hawk, or ‘Io, is another bird only found on the Big Island. This raptor, with its keen eyesight and swift flight, symbolizes the island’s wild majesty. Revered in Hawaiian culture, the ‘Io is vital for maintaining ecological balance as a top predator.
• While walking through the native forest during your birdwatching tour listen and watch as your naturalist guide points out the native plant life in the area and their relationship with the birds of the forest.
• Search for endemic birds with your provided Nikon ProStaff binoculars. These binoculars give you a wide field of view in high definition, expanding the possibilities for what you will see on your Big Island birdwatching tour.
• Enjoy spectacular views at two of the largest volcanoes on planet earth as you enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
  

All photographs were taken by Shawn on various birdwatching activities.

• Admission into all venues and parks
• Pick up and drop off at your place of lodging 
• Fully guided naturalist tour with insights into bird behaviors and ecology by our top of the line tour guides
• Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos with our large zoom lenses shared via Adobe Cloud for easy accessibility while traveling

• Lunch: Picnic style lunch surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii’s unique forests
• Snacks: trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, beef jerky, chips, chocolate 
• All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate

• Patagonia rain jacket and Nano puff
• Nikon ProStaff binoculars
• Black Diamond Hiking Poles
• Umbrellas

Upon booking your tour, one of our guides will contact you to discuss custom options we have available for your tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time star gazing, enjoy more time at our private waterfall location, or enjoy an extended guided hike, we’re here to make this experience memorable and most importantly – ALL ABOUT YOU!

Don’t just admire birds from afar—create lasting memories in their natural havens. Book your Big Island birdwatching tour in Hawai’i today!

We look forward to taking you on an amazing adventure!