Introduction to the Spectacular Birding of Hawaii: Oahu Island and Big Island Birding
Most birders add 40 to 50 plus bird species to their ABA list with this short trip to two of Hawaii’s islands. You will love seeing over fifteen Hawaiian endemic bird species including Palila, Oahu Elepaio, I’iwi, Hawaiian Hawk (‘Io), Akiapolaau, Omao, Oahu Akepa, Alawi and more (see list below). You will see some of the islands’ other specialty birds, such as White Tern, Mariana Swiftlet, two (sometimes three) species of tropicbirds plus more. A number of spectacular introduced species (see list below) are now countable in the ABA area. Other birding includes two (and sometimes three) species of tropicbirds. Hawaiian Petrel and Wedge-tailed Shearwater and more species are added with our one day pelagic trip.
Birding in Special Natural Areas: Many Hawaiian visitors never get to some of the natural jewels of Hawaii. Beyond the beautiful beaches, there is fantastic beauty in the islands’ forested areas. Many natural areas hide Hawaii’s endemic bird wonders. Our Hawaiian guide, Mandy Talpas, has worked hard to earn special licensing and access to these critical birding sites. Some birding sites are not accessible to any birder unless they are with a guide with these special licenses. Mandy will get you great looks at the birds found at these sites, in a manner respecting the bounds of species protection in this mega-endemic-rich birding paradise.
More details about this trip:
Pricing: $2,990 USD, or £2,320 for 7 Days and 6 Nights
Group Size: Price is based on a group size of 8 participants.
Upcoming Dates:
September 23 to 29, 2019
February 17 to 23, 2020
The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (Honey Creeper Heaven) offers one of the top Hawaiian birding experiences. In one day, you will likely see ten Hawaiian endemic bird species, including six species of honeycreepers (Hawaii Creeper (Alawi), Apapane, I’iwi, Hawaii Amakihi, Hawaii Akepa and Akiapolaau). Plus, you will see several other Hawaiian endemic bird species, including Hawaiian Hawk, Hawaiian Goose, Puaiohi, Omao and Hawaii Elepaio. Because this is a restricted area (available to our groups as you are birding with Mandy’s special license), the birding group will have the place to themselves (on most visits).
Mammals
Humpback Whale, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Spinner Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale
Other Highlights
Waikiki beach, Koolau Mountains, Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Kokee State Park, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a pelagic birding adventure. We can help you with trip extensions, such as a visit to Pearl Harbor.
Birds
Hawaiian native species: Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Coot, Pacific Golden-Plover, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, White Tern, White-tailed Tropicbird, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Hawaiian Hawk, Hawaii Elepaio, Oahu Elepaio, Omao, Palila, Apapane, Iiwi, Akiapolaau, Hawaii Amakihi, Oahu Amakihi, Hawaii Creeper and Hawaii Akepa
Introduced species: Erckel’s Francolin, Black Francolin, Gray Francolin, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Mariana Swiftlet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Eurasian Skylark, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Japanese Bush Warbler, Japanese White-eye, Chinese Hwamei, Red-billed Leiothrix, White-rumped Shama, Yellow-fronted Canary, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Saffron Finch, Common Waxbill, Red Avadavat, African Silverbill, Scaly-breasted Munia and Java Sparrow
Introduction to the Spectacular Birding of Hawaii: Oahu Island and Big Island Birding with Mandy Talpas: February 17 to 23, 2020--FEW SPACES AVAILABLE
Introduction to the Spectacular Birding of Hawaii: Oahu Island and Big Island Birding with Mandy Talpas: September 21 to 27, 2020
