Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 50 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure worth booking?
Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure is a 12-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $288 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 50 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (50)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $288 per person
Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. Once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established fo
What you get
About this experience
Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. 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. The Pua Akala tract we access is not open to the public and is an excellent example of successful conservation practices. Enjoy first-class comfort adventuring in our 4-wheel drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinter along with a more intimate experience with a small group size of 10 guests. Join your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide to search for rare native plants, animals, and endemic Hawaiian birds such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo. Riding in style with our best-in-class field guides to a restricted-access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.
What's included
Included
- Small Group Bird Watching Adventure
- Binoculars, Trekking poles, daypacks and rain gear
- Lunch
- Local Taxes
- Bottled water
- Private Reserve Access
- Interpretative Birding Guide
- Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please park in a non-reserved parking stall.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Please park in a non-reserved parking stall.
Options you can book
Private Ohana Outing
Private Tour: Experience a Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure exclusively with your family or small group Private Sprinter Van Pickup included
Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Forest &Trail
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests on this tour should not be physically challenged or unable to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Must be able to do short hikes of 1.5 to 4 miles.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 50 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
50 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic day in Hakalau with guide Gary
Hawaii Forest and trail is a fabulous company for finding some big island native and endemics. On our tour we were able to spend 6/7 hours in Hakalau Forest with our guide Gary. Gary was incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic host. He was willing to answer all and any questions and seemed genuinely happy to be there and us find birds! The day is good value for money, and gives you access to an otherwise private area. With a max of 10 guests on the tour, it feels personal and not crowded. This was great for not scaring away any birds and feeling connected with the landscape. Best for any birders or nature enthusiasts who want to spot some incredibly unique bird life and have a great atmosphere along the way!
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the fantastic review! We are so glad Garry could share his passion and help you spot some of the Big Island’s incredible native birds in Hakalau Forest. Providing small-group access to such a special, pristine landscape is what we love to do, and we appreciate you recommending us to fellow birders and nature enthusiasts!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Forest Experience
Beautiful forest, rare birds, great guide, first-class vehicle, food and snacks. Plus, they provided everything you need: rain gear, daypacks, walking sticks, binoculars.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the fantastic review! We are so glad you enjoyed the Hakalau Forest Birdwatching Adventure. Providing everything you need for a comfortable adventure—from first-class vehicles to binoculars and rain gear—is exactly what we aim for. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to your guide, and we hope to see you back on the trails again soon! Aloha!
via Viator
Hakalau Forest Birding Tour
Incredible experience, with an excellent guide! We were lucky enough to see Elepaio, Amakihi, Akepa, I'iwi, Apapane, Alawi even Akiapola'au and Oma'o.
Response from the operator: Wow, what an incredible list of sightings! We are thrilled you got to see so many of Hawaii's rare native birds. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with your guide. Mahalo for joining us!
via Tripadvisor
Unique Experience!
This was an amazing experience!!! My granddaughter and I took part in this excursion while on the Big Island. Our guide was very knowledgeable and found several of the endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers as well as other species. Both of us are birders and it was such a thrill to see these endangered birds in their natural environment. I would very much recommend this tour!
via Viator
Exceptional bird watching experience in a unique and carefully protected environment.
Incredible experience— Gary was an amazing guide. He identified all the birds by ear and found everything we were looking for! His expert knowledge of the birds, their habitat, other flora and fauna, and the general geographic region and its history was extensive. Very patient in answering all questions and making sure everyone had a chance to see and spend enough time looking at and photographing the birds. The experience of seeing these rarest of Hawaiian birds can’t really be compared to just walking around the parks on one’s own, since the Hakalau Reserve is carefully restricted to access from permitted visitors only (such as Hawaii Forest & Trails), in order to protect the birds and their habitat, and the habitat is very specific. We had the good fortune to have perfect weather and the birds were very active. An absolutely fabulous day of birdwatching in very beautiful and special place.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu
- Price range
- $288 to $462
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure cost?
+
Prices start at $288 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure take?
+
Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 50 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure?
+
Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
+
The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
+
April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Big Island: Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure.
Pick your date
