Birding in Wild Hawaii

Study Leader - Rob Pacheco

Rob Pacheco has a passion for the natural world of Hawaii that began almost as soon as he stepped off the plane from California in 1990. He quickly realized that the Hawaiian Islands contained diverse and unique ecosystems rivaling any place on earth. Rob, who worked as a naturalist on ...more

Summary

The American Birding Association is proud to again endorse this birding adventure in Hawaii, which explores primordial Hawaii, an isolated archipelago where nature still reigns. Join acclaimed Hawaii naturalist Rob Pacheco and local naturalists on this fascinating journey to a variety of habitats on Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Travel at elevations ranging from sea level to more than 10,000 feet to encounter the greatest number of both endemic and introduced bird species from the Nene to the remarkable Honeycreepers such as the I’iwi and the amazing Akiapolaau.

On Kauai we explore Kilauea Point and its nesting Laysan Albatross, and spend time birding at spectacular Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park. Continue to Maui, where we explore the island’s famed volcano and its otherworldly moonscape with local naturalists who guide us in our search for forest birds and endemic plants. On the Big Island, we spend time birding in both dry and rain forest environments in the dramatic landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and in Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge.

In addition to birding excursions, the program also includes visits to wildlife refuges and opportunities to witness vivid examples of ongoing volcanic activity.

P.S. Travelers on past trips witnessed nearly all of the Hawaiian endemics.

The Islands

Kauai—the archipelago’s ancient island
Allegedly the wettest place on earth, Kauai's Mt. Waialeale volcanic peak is the source of Kauai’s five rivers. Nicknamed “The Garden Island” for its abundance of lush greenery, thousands of years of powerful forces have sculpted Kauai’s spectacular fluted cliffs along the 22-mile Na Pali coast. At Kilauea Point, the northernmost tip of the island, see the highest density of nesting Laysan Albatross on the island and watch Red-footed Boobies glide by. Travel to the colorful 3,000-foot gorge and buttes of the Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain aptly described as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Here we search for bird species such as Elepaio, Kauai Amakihi and Anianaiau. We also explore the canyon and Koke'e State Park, an extensive natural area, and revel in the breathtaking views of the coastline as we walk along rain forest trails. We also observe rare and endangered plant species during excursions to Limahuli Gardens and Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1972 to provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian water birds.

Maui—an extraordinary living laboratory
The extinct 5,788-foot Puu Kukui and the 10,023- foot Haleakala Volcanoes erupted long ago to form Maui, and the depression between the two gives the island its nickname, the Valley Island. Haleakala Crater is an awesome geological wonder. The world's largest dormant volcano, it resembles the surface of the moon. Spend a day on the slopes of Mount Haleakala identifying birds such as Apapane, I’iwi, Maui Creeper, and the endangered Nene, as well as endemic plants Silversword and Sandalwood. We also visit Kanaha Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary and Kealia Fish Pond for excellent birding.

The Big Island—a geological spectacle
Nearly twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest and most geographically diverse island in the archipelago with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains all within a few miles of each other. Excursions explore the cool sub-alpine forests of Mauna Kea and Hakalau Forest, the first National Wildlife Refuge to be established for forest birds, to see the endangered Akepa. Travel to one of the country’s most unique parks, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, to look for a distinctive form of the Black Noddy that nest along the black lava cliffs, and White-tailed Tropicbirds that circle the rim of Halemaumau Crater. We also learn about seismographic measurements, view otherworldly landscapes of cinder cones, pumice pillars and hardened rivers of lava, and take in Hawaiian heritage.

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: HOME – KAUAI
• Day 2: KAUAI
• Day 3: KAUAI
• Day 4: KAUAI - MAUI
• Day 5: MAUI
• Day 6: MAUI - KONA, HAWAII
• Day 7: KONA
• Day 8: KONA – HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
• Day 9: HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
• Day 10: HILO – HOME