ENDEMICS, VOLCANOES & SEABIRDS

Spring Hawaii

Explore the remote beauty and rare wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands—one of Earth’s most isolated and remarkable archipelagos. Across Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, discover tropical forests alive with endemic birds, vast volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking coastal cliffs. From the ethereal song of the Iiwi to the soaring grace of the Laysan Albatross, this journey reveals Hawaii’s living legacy of evolution and its stunning natural splendor.
Starting At
$9,895 per person
10 Days
10 Days
12 Guests
Difficulty
Pace
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Tour Overview

The Hawaiian Islands—formed by fire and shaped by isolation—harbor some of the world’s most extraordinary birdlife. As the most remote archipelago on Earth, Hawaii has nurtured a dazzling range of endemic species, each evolved in harmony with its island home. On this immersive journey through Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, you’ll experience the islands’ unparalleled diversity: from misty highland forests and volcanic craters to coral-fringed coastlines teeming with seabirds.

Our exploration begins on Oahu, where lush valleys and serene wetlands offer close encounters with Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Duck (Koloa), and the elegant Bristle-thighed Curlew. In the canopies above, White Terns drift effortlessly between palms near our oceanfront hotel. On Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” the emerald cliffs of Waimea Canyon and the sea cliffs of Kilauea Point host colonies of Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, and Laysan Albatross. Finally, on the Big Island, we’ll ascend through pristine native forest in search of rare honeycreepers such as Akiapolaau, Hawaii Creeper, and Iiwi, before descending into the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

This remarkable tour unites the best of Hawaiian birding with world-class comfort, fine cuisine, and the unforgettable beauty of the Pacific. With daily opportunities to see endemic species, seabirds, and volcanic marvels, you’ll experience a side of Hawaii far removed from the typical resort path—wild, pure, and deeply inspiring.

Ecosystems Experienced

A mosaic of coastal wetlands, tropical rainforests, montane cloud forests, and volcanic landscapes, each supporting an extraordinary number of island endemics.

Expected Climate

Temperature
Daytime highs generally range between 75–85 °F (24–29 °C), cooling to the upper 60s °F (18–21 °C) at higher elevations.
Rainfall
Rain is infrequent, though brief winter showers are possible. Most days are clear and sunny, with ideal conditions for birding.
Seasons
Spring brings light trade-wind showers, especially in upland forests, with drier, sun-filled conditions along coastal areas.

Key Species

Iiwi
Hawaii Creeper
Oahu Elepaio
Bristle-thighed Curlew
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Red-footed Booby

Leaders

Erik Bruhnke
Primary Leader
Naturalist, guide, and raptor specialist known for his field research, migration counts, award-winning photography, and infectious enthusiasm for sharing the joy of birding.
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Kevin Burke
Virginia-born birder and ecotourism guide with 20 years of experience leading tours across the Americas, inspiring connection with nature through exploration and discovery.
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Itinerary

Day 1
Travel and arrive in Honolulu and transfer to your oceanfront hotel overlooking the Pacific.
Settle in at the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, enjoy sunset views, and meet your leaders and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and orientation.
Day 2
Spend the morning birding at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, where Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Duck, and Black-necked Stilt thrive in restored wetlands.
Continue to coastal sandbars and lagoons for Pacific Golden-Plover, Wandering Tattler, and the sought-after Bristle-thighed Curlew.
Enjoy the afternoon birding at Kawainui Marsh for Common Gallinule (endemic form) and Chestnut Munia, followed by dinner overlooking Waikiki Bay.
Day 3
Venture inland to the Ko‘olau Range, exploring montane forest for Oahu Amakihi, Oahu Elepaio, and Apapane.
Stop along scenic lookouts for White-tailed Tropicbird and White Tern gliding over emerald cliffs.
Take an afternoon drive back to Honolulu with birding stops for Japanese White-eye and Spotted Dove, then enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 4
Take a morning flight to Lihue, then travel north to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, one of Hawaii’s premier seabird sanctuaries.
Watch Red-footed Boobies, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, and Great Frigatebirds soar along the cliffs, and look for Laysan Albatross nesting nearby.
Spend the late afternoon birding coastal wetlands for Hawaiian Duck and Black-crowned Night-Heron before tucking-in for the night at the Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue.
Day 5
Spend the morning exploring the spectacular Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Search forest trails in the Alakai Swamp Reserve for the vivid Iiwi, Anianiau, Kauai Elepaio, and Akekee.
Take an afternoon drive back toward the coast, stopping for scenic views of Hanapepe Valley and Pacific seabirds overhead.
Day 6
Hop on a morning flight to Hilo on the Big Island.
Spend the afternoon exploring Wailoa River State Park and Loko Waka Pond, home to Hawaiian Coot, Nene (Hawaiian Goose), and Auku‘u (Black-crowned Night-Heron).
Settle into your oceanfront hotel, Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo, and enjoy dinner overlooking Hilo Bay.
Day 7
Spend a full day birding in Hakalau Forest, a sanctuary for Hawaii’s rarest honeycreepers.
Search for Akiapolaau, Hawaii Creeper, Hawaii Akepa, and the brilliant scarlet Iiwi among ancient koa and ohia trees.
Return to Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.
Day 8
Travel up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore volcanic landscapes along Crater Rim Drive, watching for White-tailed Tropicbirds circling the steaming Halemaumau Crater.
Make an afternoon visit to Thurston Lava Tube and Devastation Trail, with possible sightings of Apapane feeding in flowering ohia trees.
Enjoy an evening dinner near the park with optional nocturnal view of glowing lava vents (if active).
Rest for the night at the Kilauea Lodge, Volcano Village.
Day 9
Spend the morning birding dry forest habitat near Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park for Hawaii Elepaio, Hawaii Amakihi, and Palila.
Take an afternoon drive along the Kona Coast, stopping at scenic bays for Black Noddy and Hawaiian Monk Seal sightings.
Conclude with a farewell dinner overlooking the sunset across the Pacific before turning in for the night at the Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona.
Day 10
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and transfer to Kona International Airport for homeward flights or onward connections.

What’s Included

Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.

FAQs

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