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Bird
photos by Jack
Jeffrey
Full
Day Adventure
This
is a great complement to our Rainforest/Dryforest tour. It's a special
tour that - under the conditions of our permit - we are only able
to offer 18 times annually. (Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge is
not open for use by the general public). Named by Hawaiians long
ago, hakalau means "many perches" and is still considered critical
bird habitat today. Once part of large cattle ranch, it was the
first National Wildlife Refuge established in the United States
for forest birds. It is home to some of the rarest plants and animal
species on earth.
12
hours roundtrip from our Headquarters in Kailua-Kona. Rated Moderate.
Ages 12 & Up.
“...ace
birding guides.”
— Wildbird Magazine
General
Tour Information:
Price: Adults:
$159. + tax
Full-Day Adventure
Tours include: Pickup from selected locations, mid-morning Snack
with Kona Coffee, Tazo Teas, Fresh Fruit and Pastries, Deli Lunch
with Beverages, Daypacks, Bottled Water, Binoculars, Walking Sticks,
Warm Wear, and Raingear.
Group Size:
Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests.
Restrictions:
Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes
encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions
may apply.
Payment:
Cash, Travelers Checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice charged full tour
price.
Full
Description:

The
Drive: From
HFT we will head up to Mamalahoa Hwy. heading north towards Waimea
and the Saddle Road. Once on the Saddle Road there will be opportunity
for some car-birding primarily for game birds and the Pueo or the
Hawaiian Short-eared Owl. We stop in route on the Saddle Road for
a restroom stop and a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, breads,
and pound cake along with juice, Kona coffee, and an assortment
of teas. After the breakfast stop we follow the unpaved Keanakolu
Road 11 miles to the Pua Akala tract of the refuge. Plan on two
and a half hours of driving each way. Don't worry about the drive
time; you'll be amazed at the constantly changing scenery and fascinated
by your Naturalist Guide's interpretation
of Hawaii’s remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.
The
Forest: Hakalau is a fascinating example
of conservation in action. The forest you’ll access is recovering
from a hundred years of grazing by cattle and damage from pigs.
Our permit allows us to bird the Pua Akala meadow, which is not
open to the public. It is exciting to see the native plants sprouting
through the old pasture grass. Giant koa trees, ohia-lehua trees
estimated to be a thousand years old, ferns, and rare lobeliads
are just some of the native plants encountered. Like our Rainforest
and Dryforest Birdwatching Adventure the forest here is filled with
the sounds of Hawaii’s rare birds. Often, we will encounter researchers
or resource managers on our walks who are always willing to share
up-to-date information. Unlike the Rainforest and Dryforest Birdwatching
Adventure whose understory is mostly intact, Hakalau, because of
the history of grazing, has more of a park like setting; our trail
is a four-wheel drive road that bisects the meadow. While the distance
we walk is small, there is some elevation gain and loss of about
650 feet. It’s a beautiful place with lots of birds.

The
Birds:
Our primary target species are the native forest endemics though
we do pick up other exotic species. Native species include: Pueo,
Io*, Omao, Elepaio,
Hawaii Amakihi, Akepa*,
Hawaii Creeper*, Akiapolaau*,
Iiwi, and Apapane.
(* denotes endangered species)
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Click
here for a short video clip
Hakalau Birdwatching Adventure
(2.4MB - 52 Seconds Playing Time)
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Click
here for complete HFT Birdlist.
Click
here for Hawaii Forest & Trail Trip Report.
Click
Here to see a selection of bird photos and hear bird calls and
song.
Reservations
Map
of Adventures Locations
Map
to HF&T
Map
to King's Shops
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