Spring Hawaii

Iiwi © Brian Gibbons

A fascinating exploration of three of the chain’s most distinctive main islands, featuring stunning seabirds, unique endemic forest birds, and volcanic marvels.

The most remote archipelago in the world, the Hawaiian Islands offer a unique and dramatic view of nature. Hawaii surpasses even the famed Galapagos as a living microcosm of evolution, as each main island harbors unique bird and plant species. And for a spectacular firsthand view of the life of volcanoes—past and present—Hawaii has no equal.

Our hotels on Oahu and Kauai are on the oceanfront, as is one of our two hotels on the Big Island. The tour concentrates on locations and native habitats off the beaten track, exploring the full range of unique and varied tropical forests and coastal regions of both islands, while still enjoying Hawaii’s fine amenities and cuisine. VENT’s Hawaii tour truly leaves the standard Hawaii tourist scene far behind.

In traversing three islands—Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii—we will encounter an amazing assortment of endemic plant and bird species. Each of these islands harbors birds that are endemic to that island. We will search out a large proportion of these native land birds, many of them endangered, from the Hawaiian Hawk and Hawaiian Goose (Nene) to the Iiwi, Palila, Omao, Hawaii Akepa, three Elepaio and Amakihi species, and the rare Akiapolaau, to name a few. We have arranged special entry for the group into some of the best remaining tracts of native tropical forest in the islands, where we can enjoy these extraordinary birds.

Wonderful views of seabirds throughout the tour are a constant reminder that you are situated in the midst of the tropical Pacific. Sprite-like White Terns reside near our hotel on Oahu. Gleaming White-tailed Tropicbirds fly effortlessly across Kauai’s splendid Waimea Canyon and circle the rim of the Big Island’s Halemaumau Crater. At Kilauea Point on Kauai, Red-footed Boobies, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, and Great Frigatebirds glide overhead. Another tour highlight is seeing the majestic Laysan Albatross soaring past, sometimes at close proximity. A distinctive form of the Black Noddy nests along the black lava cliffs on the Big Island. There is much seabird life to enjoy during the timing of the Spring Hawaii tour.

Migrant shorebirds include an abundance of Pacific Golden-Plovers, as well as Wandering Tattlers. The much sought after Bristle-thighed Curlew is a good bet on Oahu. We’ll find such endemic, endangered species as Hawaiian Duck (Koloa) and Hawaiian Coot, as well as endemic forms of Common Gallinule and Black-necked Stilt at several wetland sanctuaries. A broad assortment of introduced bird species adds variety to the bird life on these remote tropical islands, and we will search for a good sample of these, although as a lower priority than native species.

The equal of any birding wonders in the islands is the memorable experience of exploring the recent volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island (Hawaii). Although one can’t predict its likelihood for a given visit, some tours have had the great fortune of seeing an active lava flow in the park, an unforgettable vision in fiery orange, day or night.

Hawaii’s remote, tropical allure remains, and is redefined through these seasonal tours of the islands’ natural riches. The warm temperatures, comfortable lodging, and excellent cuisine only complement its singular wildlife and volcanic marvels.

Very good accommodations and cuisine; mostly easy walking with one or two moderately strenuous hikes; primarily warm conditions, some rain showers possible.

Kilauea Point © Erik Bruhnke