I'iwi. Photo by Donald Quintana, Audubon Photography Awards
Hawaii: Birding the Aloha Way
October 1 to 9, 2024
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Hawaiian-Short-eared Owl. Photo by Kelly Hetrick, Audubon Photography Awards
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Chukar. Photo by Geoff Hickcox, Audubon Photography Awards
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Guide: Adam Betuel (Birds Georgia), Mandy Talpas (Hawaii Bird Tours)
Group Size: 7 people maximum
Fees:
Member: $8,750*
Non-member: $8,800* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $1,325/person
*Based on double occupancy and 7 participants. See more details below if traveling solo
For many, Hawaii is synonymous with paradise. Crystal blue water, lush montane forests, diverse landscapes, and the smell of plumeria flowers make this island archipelago, the most isolated in the world, intriguing to travelers. These volcanic islands are home to another alluring characteristic ... a unique and complicated avifauna. Hawaii is home to over 40 endemic bird species, most of which are beautiful, very local, and greatly endangered. Honeycreepers dominate this group, rainbow colored descendants of a single finch ancestor. It is also a place to find a plethora of seabirds, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere in the United States. In addition to the stunning native bird life, Hawaii has proven to be a haven for many nonnative bird species, introduced from all stretches of the globe. With its addition to the American Birding Association list, many of these species are now countable for those who keep a US/ABA list.
On this nine-day tour, we will visit three of the major Hawaiian islands; Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii (the Big Island). We will visit locations known by people across the world such as Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu, and Kona as well as spots equally famous among the birding community including Kilauea Lighthouse NWR, Hakalau Forest NWR, and the Pacific’s Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon. Additionally, we will take a thrilling pelagic boat trip out of Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island, looking for the tubenoses and other species that thrive out at sea. When not distracted by the stunning views, ocean mist, and relaxing island breezes, we will look for a few birds. Some of the top targets include ʻAkiapolaʻau, Bristle-thighed Curlew, White (Fairy) Tern, I’iwi, Apapane, Hawaiian Petrel, Oahu Elepaio, Hawaii Creeper, Hawaiian Hawk, Nene (Hawaiian Goose), and Mottled Petrel to just name a few.
Join director of conservation, Adam Betuel, as well as the top bird guide on the Hawaiian Islands, Many Talpas of Hawaii Bird Tours, for a remarkably beautiful and birdy getaway.
Group Size: 7 people maximum
Fees:
Member: $8,750*
Non-member: $8,800* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $1,325/person
*Based on double occupancy and 7 participants. See more details below if traveling solo
For many, Hawaii is synonymous with paradise. Crystal blue water, lush montane forests, diverse landscapes, and the smell of plumeria flowers make this island archipelago, the most isolated in the world, intriguing to travelers. These volcanic islands are home to another alluring characteristic ... a unique and complicated avifauna. Hawaii is home to over 40 endemic bird species, most of which are beautiful, very local, and greatly endangered. Honeycreepers dominate this group, rainbow colored descendants of a single finch ancestor. It is also a place to find a plethora of seabirds, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere in the United States. In addition to the stunning native bird life, Hawaii has proven to be a haven for many nonnative bird species, introduced from all stretches of the globe. With its addition to the American Birding Association list, many of these species are now countable for those who keep a US/ABA list.
On this nine-day tour, we will visit three of the major Hawaiian islands; Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii (the Big Island). We will visit locations known by people across the world such as Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu, and Kona as well as spots equally famous among the birding community including Kilauea Lighthouse NWR, Hakalau Forest NWR, and the Pacific’s Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon. Additionally, we will take a thrilling pelagic boat trip out of Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island, looking for the tubenoses and other species that thrive out at sea. When not distracted by the stunning views, ocean mist, and relaxing island breezes, we will look for a few birds. Some of the top targets include ʻAkiapolaʻau, Bristle-thighed Curlew, White (Fairy) Tern, I’iwi, Apapane, Hawaiian Petrel, Oahu Elepaio, Hawaii Creeper, Hawaiian Hawk, Nene (Hawaiian Goose), and Mottled Petrel to just name a few.
Join director of conservation, Adam Betuel, as well as the top bird guide on the Hawaiian Islands, Many Talpas of Hawaii Bird Tours, for a remarkably beautiful and birdy getaway.
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel at via email.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Trip Information
Click on each day below for more information.
DAY 1 - OCT 1: ARRIVE IN HONOLULU
Upon arrival in Honolulu (HNL), we’ll take a shuttle to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki, where a room will have already been reserved in your name. Check-in is any time after 3pm. If time and energy levels allow, we can explore the nearby area and maybe even spot our first Java Sparrow or Red-crested Cardinal. We will gather in the lobby at 6pm to meet before our welcome dinner together.
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
DAY 2 – OCT 2: CITY BIRDING & THE KO’OLAU MOUNTAINS
This morning we will start our day in Kapiolani Park, next to our hotel, to admire visiting Pacific Golden Plovers and Honolulu’s city bird, the beautiful White Tern. While exploring the park we are sure to encounter a myriad of introduced species among the banyan and rainbow shower trees, such as Common Myna, Red-crested Cardinal, Red-vented Bulbul, Yellow-fronted Canary, Java Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, and Rose-ringed Parakeet. After breakfast we will leave the city behind and enter the rainforests of the Ko’Olau Mountains in pursuit of Oahu’s endemic honeycreeper, the Oahu Amakihi, before we transcend down into the valleys to search for the endangered Oahu Elepaio. While on our endemic bird adventure we will most likely encounter White-rumped Shama, noisy flocks of Red-billed Leiothrix, an occasional Red-whiskered Bulbul, and chattering Warbling White-eyes.
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
DAY 3 - OCT 3: THE NORTH SHORE
Today we journey up the picturesque windward side to experience the serenity of Oahu's North Shore in search of visiting shorebirds, such as the Wandering Tattler and sought-after Bristle-thighed Curlew. While cruising the coastline, famous for world class surf beaches and secluded coves with basking sea turtles, we are sure to find some flashy finches, such as the Saffron Finch and Chestnut Munia. The North Shore is also home to some of the last family farms on Oahu with crops of coffee, cacao, eggplant, papaya, pineapple, apple banana, and even scattered shrimp farms with Black-crowned Night Heron, the endemic Hawaiian Coot, Common Gallinule (endemic subspecies), and Black-necked Stilt (endemic subspecies). We will soak up our last tastes of Oahu before calling it a night back at our hotel.
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Overnight: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
DAY 4 - OCT 4: The Big Island & The Saddle Road
After breakfast, we will fly to the Big Island. On our way to the sub-alpine dry forests of mamanae, sandalwood, and naio we will bird Saddle Road for Short-eared Owl (endemic subspecies), Eurasian Skylark, Chukar, California Quail, Wild Turkey, Erckel’s, Black, and Gray francolins and more. From the high elevations of Pu`u La`au along the slopes of Mauna Kea, we will drive to Waikoloa in search of more introduced species, like Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and African Silverbill, on our way back to Kona.
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
DAY 5 - OCT 5: HAKALAU FOREST NWR
Experience Hakalau aka Hawaii’s honeycreeper heaven! Hakalau Forest NWR is a publicly restricted cloud forest reserve and is home to many of Hawaii's endangered plants, native arthropods, and endemic birds. We will search for the unique Hawaii 'Alawī (Creeper), the gorgeous day glow orange Akepa, the stunning long billed Akiapolaau, the ʻIo (Hawaiian Hawk), Omao (Hawaii Island’s endemic thrush) with beautiful I’iwi, Hawaii Amakihi, and Apapane all over the blossoms of ancient ohia trees enshrouding us.
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
DAY 6 - OCT 6: A Day at Sea
We embark on a pelagic birding charter out of Honokohau Harbor with an experienced local captain for Black Noddy, Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, Brown Booby, White-tailed Tropicbird, Great Frigatebird, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, and Bulwer’s Petrel with hopes of finding: Masked Booby, Hawaiian Petrel, Black-winged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, Juan Fernandez Petrel, White-necked Petrel, Newell’s Shearwater, Christmas Shearwater, Leach’s Storm Petrel, Band-rumped Storm Petrel, all three jaegar species, South Polar Skua, incidental cetacean sightings, and more!
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Overnight: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
DAY 7 - OCT 7: The Garden Island
After breakfast we fly to Lihue and discover the beauty of Kauai's North Shore in pursuit of impressive seabirds along Kilauea Lighthouse NWR’s stunning coastline and more endemic water birds amongst Hanalei NWR’s historic loʻi ponds. While scanning the rugged cliffs of Kilauea covered with Red-footed Boobies and surveying the skies for Brown Booby, spectacular Red-tailed and White-tailed tropicbirds, majestic Laysan Albatross, and soaring Great Frigatebirds, we will enjoy up close views of Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene (Hawaiian Goose). We will then explore Hanalei valley’s lush important bird area for more of Hawaii’s endangered water birds, such as the Hawaiian Duck. It will be a fantastic day on Hawaii’s greenest island with its famous red soil.
Overnight: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Resort
Overnight: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Resort
DAY 8 - OCT 8: INLAND KAUAi
Today we will embark on a rainforest adventure with astounding views of Waimea Canyon, the Pacific’s Grand Canyon, on our journey into Kokee State Park to find Kauai’s endemic Kauai Amakihi, Apapane, Anianiau, and Kauai Elepaio with hopes of a glimpse of the rare Akekee. Other forest birds we should encounter in Kokee include Red Junglefowl, the skulky Japanese Bush Warbler and melodious Hwamei.
Overnight: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Resort
Overnight: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Resort
DAY 9 - OCT 9: Final targets and departure
On our last morning on Kauai we will search for the rare Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush and any of Kauai’s specialty species we haven’t already found before our checkout at 11:00 AM. Safe travels!
Number of bird species expected: 70 to 80
Additional Details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Payments:
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip.
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by March 1, 2024
3. Full payment must be made by June 7, 2024
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by February 29, 2024 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between March 1, 2024 and June 6, 2024 a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- All meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages) including tips from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9
- All ground transportation
- Flights between islands
- Pelagic boat trip
- Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
- Expert local guide plus Birds Georgia guide
- All park entrance fees
- Donation to local conservation organization
- Paper trip checklist
- eBird checklists and final trip report
Price does not include:
- Airfare to and from Hawaii (into Honolulu, out of Lihue) including any transfers out of Hawaii
- Tips (for the local guide, boat captain and any crew, shuttles, housekeeping, etc.)
- Alcoholic or specialty beverages
- Optional activities not specified on itinerary
- Snacks
- Laundry
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Medical costs
- Souvenirs
- Other incidentals participants may wish to purchase
- ** Nights can be added to the start or the end of the tour at the group rate at each hotel. Let Adam know is you are interested**
Payments:
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip.
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by March 1, 2024
3. Full payment must be made by June 7, 2024
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by February 29, 2024 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between March 1, 2024 and June 6, 2024 a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
Travel Information
Physical Requirements & Pace
Reaching the highland forests where the native birds are found and searching for pelagic birds by boat will require us to start some of our days early (5:00 to 6:30 AM breakfast), as we’ll want to be near our destinations close to dawn. Other departures will be more leisurely, but we do make sure we are out in the morning when bird activity is highest and the heat and/or chance of rain is lowest. Much of our birding will be easy walking on roads, wide trails, and boats. The Koolau Mountain trails (Oahu) can often be rocky, humid, slippery, muddy and buggy with a gradual and slight elevation gain. The Alakai (Kauai rainforest) is one of the wettest places on Earth with temperatures of 50-70 degrees F and Hakalau (Big Island) is also a montane rainforest. Even if it’s not raining, it will still be slippery and muddy. Shoes with good grip and ankle support are recommended. Birding along the north shore will be within short walks from the van. Much of the Kauai forest birding is possible from wooden boardwalks (some in poor state). Birding along the north shore of Kauai and Oahu will be within short walks from the van. You should be able to easily get in and out of a van (sometimes repeatedly), and able to walk at least two miles, some of it on slopes where traction may not be the best and where footing is uneven. You should be prepared to bird in hot and humid environments, expect some rain, and realize the highlands can be quite brisk or even cool. Sea conditions on the pelagic trips can range from calm seas to moderately rough, so you must have decent balance and an ability to steady yourself on a moving boat if you plan to take those trips. Those with balance and stability issues should bring a collapsible walking stick with a wrist loop, and those who find it difficult to stand for long periods should bring a small travel stool.
Meals/Dietary Restrictions
Food should be a highlight of this trip, in addition to the birds and landscapes. Most/all meals will be from local restaurants/providers though some meals at hotels likely. At certain times, birding activities will dictate more basic meals or food in the field. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Photography
We will be visiting a wide range of habitat types, including dense forest, open grasslands, and open ocean. Photography opportunities will be quite variable for birds/wildlife. Landscape photography opportunities will be abundant. That said, this is primarily a birdwatching tour, so while there will be chances for photography along the way, we will not be making special considerations for photographers.
Weather and Packing Considerations
Weather conditions will vary greatly on this trip. It can be warm in the lowlands and quite cool at higher elevations. Rain or wet conditions are very likely at some locations and humidity can be high. Windy can also be consideration on the beach or at higher altitudes. The pelagic boat trip is likely to be warm and sunny so you will need light clothing with sun protection. Lightweight clothing, with layers, is always recommended for protection from the sun and changing conditions. Be prepared with layers of clothing that can adapt to chilly mornings and hot, sunny afternoons. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes that can handle wet/muddy conditions are likely needed. Good rain gear is recommended as well as a hat for sun protection.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. Sunscreen is useful given the often-sunny conditions. Biting insects are generally not a major problem. Please consider bringing a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is preferred by some. Our guides will each have spotting scopes for our use. If you would like to bring your own, please reach out to Adam to discuss.
Seat Rotation/Vehicle
We will employ a seat rotation system on this tour. Participants will need to be flexible enough to maneuver to the back of the vehicle. Those who experience motion sickness will need to bring medication for the tour. We will not reserve forward seats for medical conditions. Contact Adam if you have any questions about this.
Bathrooms
All efforts will be made to stop at modern, comfortable restrooms. However, participants should be prepared to make a comfort stop in nature if they cannot wait until the next indoor facility.
Tipping
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our local guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. Tips at restaurants are included in the tour price.
Reaching the highland forests where the native birds are found and searching for pelagic birds by boat will require us to start some of our days early (5:00 to 6:30 AM breakfast), as we’ll want to be near our destinations close to dawn. Other departures will be more leisurely, but we do make sure we are out in the morning when bird activity is highest and the heat and/or chance of rain is lowest. Much of our birding will be easy walking on roads, wide trails, and boats. The Koolau Mountain trails (Oahu) can often be rocky, humid, slippery, muddy and buggy with a gradual and slight elevation gain. The Alakai (Kauai rainforest) is one of the wettest places on Earth with temperatures of 50-70 degrees F and Hakalau (Big Island) is also a montane rainforest. Even if it’s not raining, it will still be slippery and muddy. Shoes with good grip and ankle support are recommended. Birding along the north shore will be within short walks from the van. Much of the Kauai forest birding is possible from wooden boardwalks (some in poor state). Birding along the north shore of Kauai and Oahu will be within short walks from the van. You should be able to easily get in and out of a van (sometimes repeatedly), and able to walk at least two miles, some of it on slopes where traction may not be the best and where footing is uneven. You should be prepared to bird in hot and humid environments, expect some rain, and realize the highlands can be quite brisk or even cool. Sea conditions on the pelagic trips can range from calm seas to moderately rough, so you must have decent balance and an ability to steady yourself on a moving boat if you plan to take those trips. Those with balance and stability issues should bring a collapsible walking stick with a wrist loop, and those who find it difficult to stand for long periods should bring a small travel stool.
Meals/Dietary Restrictions
Food should be a highlight of this trip, in addition to the birds and landscapes. Most/all meals will be from local restaurants/providers though some meals at hotels likely. At certain times, birding activities will dictate more basic meals or food in the field. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Photography
We will be visiting a wide range of habitat types, including dense forest, open grasslands, and open ocean. Photography opportunities will be quite variable for birds/wildlife. Landscape photography opportunities will be abundant. That said, this is primarily a birdwatching tour, so while there will be chances for photography along the way, we will not be making special considerations for photographers.
Weather and Packing Considerations
Weather conditions will vary greatly on this trip. It can be warm in the lowlands and quite cool at higher elevations. Rain or wet conditions are very likely at some locations and humidity can be high. Windy can also be consideration on the beach or at higher altitudes. The pelagic boat trip is likely to be warm and sunny so you will need light clothing with sun protection. Lightweight clothing, with layers, is always recommended for protection from the sun and changing conditions. Be prepared with layers of clothing that can adapt to chilly mornings and hot, sunny afternoons. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes that can handle wet/muddy conditions are likely needed. Good rain gear is recommended as well as a hat for sun protection.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. Sunscreen is useful given the often-sunny conditions. Biting insects are generally not a major problem. Please consider bringing a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is preferred by some. Our guides will each have spotting scopes for our use. If you would like to bring your own, please reach out to Adam to discuss.
Seat Rotation/Vehicle
We will employ a seat rotation system on this tour. Participants will need to be flexible enough to maneuver to the back of the vehicle. Those who experience motion sickness will need to bring medication for the tour. We will not reserve forward seats for medical conditions. Contact Adam if you have any questions about this.
Bathrooms
All efforts will be made to stop at modern, comfortable restrooms. However, participants should be prepared to make a comfort stop in nature if they cannot wait until the next indoor facility.
Tipping
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our local guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. Tips at restaurants are included in the tour price.
L to R: Hawaiian Goose, by Matthew-Zarka; White Tern, by Kyle-Matera; Java Sparrow, by Amy Kivett.
