big island birding tour

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Big Island Birding Tours

Bird Watching Big Island

Endemics & Pelagics

Hakalau Forest NWR Access

Explore Big Island With Us From the Forest to the Sea

From the sanctuary of the lush Hakalau Forest NWR to the rugged coastline and crystalline waters of the Pacific, on Big Island we go in search of an array of amazing species with our exclusive access. Guided by experts, our Big Island Endemic Birding Adventure (opens in a new tab) gives you access to the restricted native forest teeming with endangered plants and unique bird species. Alternatively, our Kona Pelagic Birding Adventure (opens in a new tab) takes you on the water and encounters a variety of seabirds , migratory species , and marine life, including incidental whale sightings . Choose your adventure and experience the natural beauty of Hawaii’s birds on the Big Island!

Kona Pelagic Birding Adventure

Big island endemic birding adventure, custom tours, read why people love us, tripadvisor reviews.

We were so fortunate to have Mandy as our bird watching guide in Kauai. Mandy is incredibly knowledgeable about the bird fauna in the Hawaiian Islands. She is very entertaining as well. There was never a dull moment on our tour. Highly recommended.

Get in Touch

Our team would love to hear from you.

• Toll-free: 877-678-7333 -or- 808-876-7777

Endangered Hawaiian Birds Making a Comeback!

• Bird Watching Tours

• See rare and endangered Hawaiian species
• Visit a natural area reserve with very limited access
• 2 to 4 miles of hiking with 650' of elevation gain
• Binoculars included

Description

The Hakalau Birdwatching Adventure takes you on a 4wd Mercedes Sprinter into the heart of a restricted National Wildlife Refuge for Hawaii's best birdwatching. High on the forest slopes of Mauna Kea, you will look for the endangered akiapolaau, omao (Hawaiian thrush), iiwi, apapane, and other endemics. Your interpretive guide is an expert bird tracker. You'll also discover rare native plants and animals, including carniverous caterpillars and happ-faced spiders.

You are welcome to bring your own birdwatching or photography gear on this tour, but binoculars are provided. The total hiking distance is between 2 and 4 miles depending on bird activity. There is up to 650′ feet of elevation gain during the four hours of birdwatching. Transporation to/from the birdwatching area is about two hours each way. Allow 11-12 hours for the entire experience.

Hakalau Forest Birding Adventure Rate (HFT4s)

$260.00 per Participant   (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)

Guests staying in the Kona Downtown area meet at the Hawaii Forest and Trail Store: GPS Address: 73-5593 A Olowalu St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Click to view map

Guests staying in the Waikoloa area meet at the Queen's Marketplace Shopping Center: GPS Address: 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738 Click to view map

Schedule: Tuesdays

Duration: About 11 hours

Hiking Distance: 2-4 miles with approximately 650 feet of elevation gain

Maximum Group Size: 10 guests

Pickup: Meet at the Hawaii Forest and Trail Kona location at 6:30am, or pickup in the Waikoloa Beach area around 7:15am.

What to Wear: Sturdy closed-toed shoes or boots, long pants, and a light rain jacket.

Gear Provided: Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos (if needed)

Tour Includes: Continental breakfast including fresh local fruit, baked goods, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate,deli-style lunch, with assorted soft drinks, juices and bottled water.

Restrictions: Guests should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Minimum age is 8. This tour sometimes encounters cool, wet or muddy conditions. Other tour restrictions may apply.

Reservations: Advanced reservations required and we recommend booking this a month or more before your arrival. This event is "RESERVE NOW PAY LATER"; we need a credit card on file to finalize your reservation but we do not charge you for your space until a few days before the beginning of your vacation!

Minimum Notice for Cancellations / Changes: At least 48 hours before the start of the event.

This is a unique opportunity to enter into a rare, native eco-system. Much like our endemic marine life, Hawaii is home to birds that are not found anywhere else in the world! On this tour, you can expect to hike about 4 miles. You must be able to hike on uneven and rocky terrain. Sometimes we encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions so sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots are required. You will want to wear long pants and bring a rain jacket as well.

Binoculars are provided on this tour, but feel free to bring any of your own birdwatching gear. There is usually opportunity to take pictures, so bring your camera as well … the longer and faster the lens the better, but do keep in mind the weight issues and the importance of protecting camera gear from the elements. This tour provides a continental breakfast including fresh local fruit, baked goods, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate and a deli-style lunch, with assorted beverages.

Bird watching might not sound like an ADVENTURE per se for some people ... but we include it in this category because it does require some physical effort with the hiking. There's also a sense of accomplishment when you find select species of endangered birds. You'll go back to your resort KNOWING that you got to see something precious and rare and all those people who did nothing but lay around the pool all day getting sunburned don't have any idea what they missed out on!

Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities

Read the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an inquiry

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Hawaii Forest & Trail - Bird Watching Tour at Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge

I truly enjoyed the birdwatching trip.

Ms williams, went above my expectations, 8.5 - 11.5 hour(s) incl. transportation, available tue, pick-up available, breakfast, lunch, not accessible, what to expect.

• Lunch Menu: Sandwich choice of turkey, ham, tuna or veggie, chips, cookie, sodas and juice drinks.

Hakalau Forest Adventure

Price per Adult :

Hakalau Forest Reserve - Private Ohana Outing Tour (up to 10 passengers)

Price per 1 Group :

Check-in at Kona Office & Pick-up from Waikoloa

Breakfast at Mauna Kea State Park

Arrive at Hakalau National Refuge

Picnic style lunch

Depart Hakalau National Refuge

Drop-off in Waikoloa & Return to Kona Office

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

• Front Entrance

• Lower Lobby

• Main Lodge by the Restrooms

• In front of Charlie's Thai Restaurant

• Main Entrance / Lobby

• Park near Rocko's Country Cookin' Restaurant & meet the guide at the curbside by the vacant lot

16:30-17:30

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.
• Children 8 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• The menu is subject to change without notice.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.

Required items to bring & attire

• Closed toe shoes

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 10.

• You can book a minimum of 1 and maximum of 1.

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Overall rating

I truly enjoyed the birdwatching trip. Our guide, Mark, was fantastic -- he educated us on the birds we would hopefully see and was helpful with questions about other wildlife in the area. I also enjoyed meeting the re ... st of the group on the tour -- wish I would have thought to exchange contact information to get some of the photos one couple was taking during the trip.

This trip was worth every penny and more. The guide, Garry, was knowledgeable and went beyond to find all the birds on our list and spent extra time helping all see them. Guide, John, knew every native plant I asked abou ... t growing among the beautiful lava path. The tour was like being part of a scene from an Indiana Jones movie. Will be back to do the other NWR ecotour since I loved it so much.

surprisingly fun

My wife, who is an avid bird watcher, convinced me to come on this tour. Okay, she basically dragged me here...and I seriously thought I was going to be miserable and bored the whole time....but I was honestly amazed at ... how much fun I had! It was an entire day, but it didn't feel too long at all...in fact, there were so many new birds that I had never seen before that we were learning the names of and all, that I felt like by day's end we were just skimming the surface of all these rare species! My wife teases me now when we talk about it, that I might have had even more fun than her! Great tour.

Activity Provider Hawaii Forest & Trail (Big Island)

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, are we allowed to feed the birds.

No, for the health and safety of the birds, you are not allowed to feed them.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, but please note that lunch and drinks are included.

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least 4-5 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is often possible, but limited.

Is giving a tip (gratuity) required?

Gratuity is never required, but if you enjoyed your experience a tip is always greatly appreciated!

Is this activity suitable for children?

This activity is not recommended for children under 8-years-old since it is a rather strenuous four-mile up-hill hike.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Birding & Photography Tours

Jack is an experienced birding guide, world-renowned bird photographer, and a retired Wildlife Biologist for Hakalau Forest NWR. He has been involved in the conservation of Hawaii's native birds for almost 50 years and leads birding and photography tours to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, which has the highest density of native forest birds in Hawaii. Hakalau Forest NWR is home to the critically endangered `Akiapola`au, as well as the endangered ‘Alawi (Hawai’i Creeper)and Hawai’i `Akepa. Hakalau Forest also has large populations of `I`iwi, `Hawaii Amakihi, `Apapane, Hawaii `Elepaio, `Omao as well asNene, or Hawaiian Goose, and Hawaiian Hawk or `Io. Pueo are often seen on the drive to the refuge.The Big Island is the only Island in the Hawaiian Archipelago where seven Hawaiian Honeycreeper species can be seen.

Jack also leads Birding and Photography tours to the Palila Discovery Trail on Mauna Kea, and the Pu’u O’o Trail, bothon the Big Island of Hawaii.

For a birding tours, Jack provides 4X4 transportation, lunch, drinks, snacks, and a few bad jokes. There is a TWO PERSON MINIMUM. Additionally, other people may be added, other people may be added to the group for a maximum group size of 4 people for the trip. Note: Because of the long driving times to Hakalau Forest NWR, this is a full day tour and cannot be combined with other tours.

For custom Birding Tours and Bird Photography Tours, and availability, please contact Jack for prices.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

This old growth rainforest refuge is on the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea Volcano and has the best birding for native forest bird species on the Big Island. At the refuge, we start our hike in the parking area at 6,500 feet elevation and hike slowly downhill, birding along the way. Because we are birding, we walk in hours per mile, not miles per hour. Depending on what birds we see, and each client’s abilities, we hike downhill about ½ to ¾ mile along a rough gravel road,looking for birds in the forest trees. The weather, often misty and wet, and hiking conditions that can be slippery over several steep slopes, the hike can be strenuous for anyone unfit, or with heart problems, or other medical conditions that may limit their hiking ability.

This area is a rainforest and gets between 80 and 100 inches of precipitation/rain annually. It will likely rain on us at some point during the day. Generally, the weather is nice in the morning with rainy/misty afternoons. Expect temperatures about 40-60 degrees F, depending on the time of year and cloud cover. Binoculars are the only way to see the tiny birds high in the tree canopy. Scopes generally don’t work well because the birds are constantly moving.

Pu’u La’au and Pu’u O’o Trail

The critically endangered Palila,a finch billed Hawaiian Honeycreeper, is found high on the western slopes of Mauna Kea in the dry Mamani-Naio Forests. This Endangered Honeycreeper feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of the Mamane tree. Once foundin the dry forests on the upper slopes of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, it is now restricted to a small area on Mauna Kea, in and near the Palila Discovery Trail at 7400 ft elevation.This easy to hike loop trail winds through the Mamane-Naio forest for about one mile. Several other native species can be found in this area including the Hawaii Amakihi and the high elevation form of the Hawaii ‘Elepaio.

The Pu’u O’o Trail is on the slopes of Mauna Loa at 6,000 ft elevation. The trail starts along the Saddle Road between the 22-23 milemarkers. This relatively easy to hike trail winds in and out of native forest kipuka and lava flows. The portion that we hike is about two miles round trip, and is home to many native forest birds including I’iwi, ‘Apapane, Hawaii ‘Amakihi, Hawaii ‘Elepaio and the endangered ‘Akiapola’au.

If you are staying in the Hilo area, Jack can pick you up at nearby hotels, hostels or B&B’s. If you are staying in the Kona area, Jack can meet you at a prearranged spot on the Saddle Road.

No deposit is needed to book a trip. We’ll collect funds on the day of the trip. For payment... sorry, we don’t take credit cards…. but do take checks, cash, andPayPal.

If you have any questions or would like to book a trip, please contact Jack at [email protected].

Hakalau Exclusive

• Duration:  12 hrs.
• Rated:  Moderate. Ages 8+
• Group Size:  Max 10

Our Hakalau birdwatching adventure is run in one of our 4WD Mercedes Sprinters. These vehicles are perfect for our birdwatching tours as they are designed for smaller, more intimate groups and deliver a rugged build that allows access to those off-the-beaten-path locations.  Riding in style with our best in class field guides to a restricted access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

Book online now!

UPGRADE  to an affordable Private Ohana Tour and experience Hakalau exclusively with your family or small group. Prices from $2,500 for up to 6 people and $50 for additional guests.

Book Private Ohana!

Highlights include:

• Gain entry into a restricted-access National Wildlife Refuge
• Discover rare native plants and animals, including carnivorous caterpillars and happy-faced spiders
• Search for native & endangered birds including Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, Akepa, Akiapolaau, and Iiwi
• Our interpretive guides are expert bird trackers

Time: Tour is approx. 11-12 hours. Travel time round-trip is approx. 4 hrs. Restrictions : Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions.  Please note the Refuge access road can be rough & bumpy, and requires 4WD.  Due to the possible rough road conditions this tour may not be suitable for those guests who have neck or back issues or those who are prone to motion sickness.  Other tour restrictions may apply. What to Bring & Wear : Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and a light rain jacket. Guests should bring their own water bottles.

• How much hiking do we do? Expect to cover approximately 2 to 4 miles in 4 hours
• Is there elevation gain? Over the course of the hike the elevation change is approximately 650’
• What is the difference in the birds seen on Hakalau? The Akepa and Hawaii Creeper are typically found on our tour through Hakalau.  The Akiapolaau can make appearances as well.
• Is it possible to use a spotting scope? Due to the behavior of Hawaii’s endemic birds, the use of a spotting scope can be challenging. If you feel up to the test, we do encourage you to bring your own birdwatching gear. We do provide binoculars on the tour for guest use
• Is it possible to get photos of the birds?  Typically, there are many opportunities for a determined photographer to photograph birds along the way
• How is the drive to Refuge? The first part of the drive is on paved roadways.  However, the second half of the drive on the Wildlife access road takes place on a dirt road requiring 4WD that is rough, muddy, and can be very bumpy.

Gear Provided

Introducing the i‘iwi fund.

Proceeds from our activities and guest contributions support local Non-Profit conservation efforts.

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Hawaii (The Big Island)

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Bird Watching in Hawaii (The Big Island)

Native Hawaiian birds are few -- and dwindling. But Hawaii still offers extraordinary birding for anyone nimble enough to traverse the tough, mucky landscape. And the best birding is on the Big Island; birders the world over come here hoping to see three Hawaiian birds, in particular: the akiapolaau, a woodpecker wannabe with a war club-like head; the nukupuu, an elusive little yellow bird with a curved beak, one of the crown jewels of Hawaiian birding; and the alala, a critically endangered Hawaiian crow that's now almost impossible to see in the wild.

If you don't know an apapane from a nukupuu, go with someone who does. Contact Hawaii Forest & Trail , 74-5035-B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. (behind the Chevron station), Kailua-Kona ( www.hawaii-forest.com ; 800/464-1993 or 808/331-8505), to schedule a group or private, custom tour, led by naturalists You'll venture into the pristine rainforest to see rare and endangered Hawaiian birds. The guide will also point out Hawaii's unique botany and evolution. Full-day (12-hr.) tours start at $197 and include a mid-morning snack with coffee, lunch, beverages, daypack, binoculars, walking stick, and rain gear.

If you want to head out on your own, good spots to see native Hawaiian and other birds include the following:

Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail

This easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike lets you see native Hawaiian flora and fauna in a little oasis of living nature in a field of lava, known as a k[ī]puka. For some reason, the once red-hot lava skirted this mini-forest and let it survive. Go early in the morning or in the evening (or, even better, just after a rain) to see native birds like the [‘]apapane (a small, bright-red bird with black wings and tail) and the [‘]i[‘]iwi (larger and orange-vermilion colored, with a curved salmon-hued bill). Native trees along the trail include giant ohia, koa, soapberry, kolea, and mamane.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The best places for accomplished birders to go on their own are the ohia forests of this national park, usually at sunrise or sunset, when the little forest birds seem to be most active. The Hawaiian nene goose can be spotted at the park's Kipuka Nene Campground, a favorite nesting habitat. Geese and pheasants sometimes appear on the Volcano Golf Course in the afternoon.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

The first national wildlife refuge established solely for forest bird management is on the eastern slope of Mauna Kea above the Hamakua Coast. It's open for birding on Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays, using the public access road only. You must call ahead of time to get the gate combinations of the locked gates and to register. Every visitor to Upper Maulua is required to have a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling the Hakalau Forest NWR office (tel. 808/443-2300) between 8am and 4pm Monday through Friday at least 1 week before entry. Visitors will be asked to provide (1) their telephone number; (2) the number of people in their group; (3) the license plate numbers(s) of vehicle(s) to be used; and (4) a description of vehicle(s) to be used. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the 50-mile trip, which takes almost 2 hours each way from Hilo or Kona. More information is available at www.fws.gov/hakalauforest .

Ducks, coots, herons (night and great blue), cattle egrets, and even Canada and snow geese fly into these popular coastal wetlands in Hilo, near the airport. Take Kalanianaole Highway about 3 miles east, past the industrial port facilities to Loko Waka Pond and Waiakea Pond.

Please brake for Nene

Nene, the endangered native Hawaiian goose and state bird, are making a comeback in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and other high-altitude areas in the islands, where they feast on the cranberry-like ohelo berries that grow at upper elevations. Unfortunately, these uplands are often misty, and the birds’ feathers blend easily with the pavement, making it hard for inattentive drivers to see them. Drive carefully, and to discourage nene from approaching cars, don’t feed them.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Hawaii Bird Guide

Explore with Hawaii Bird Guide

Intersection of natural history, education, and citizen science.

If you’re looking to enhance your next trip to Hawaii (Big Island or Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai) with an exciting and engaging birding and nature tour, consider a guided outing with Lance Tanino at Hawaii Bird Guide. He is a professional Naturalist, Conservationist, Eco Tour Guide with years of conservation, birding, and local experiences. If you are interested in learning new things about Hawaiian natural history (birds, plants, geology, biogeography), culture, good eats, etc., check out my active tours, look at pictures of my past ones, and feel free to get in touch with any questions.

I purchased a tour with Lance for two friends for their honeymoon. They raved about him. They are bird lovers and got to see 35 species! Lance was also helpful and prompt when I contacted him via email. He also has excellent credentials. Would totally recommend!

7 am - 5 pm day with Lance in early April 2016. There were four of us and it was an amazing experience. Lance know the shape, calls, and locations of Hawaiian birds, and what a day, fantastic endemics: Amakihi, Apapane, Oma'o, Hawaiian Owl and I'iwi. Plus lots of special encounters with introductions: Red Avadavant, Kalij Pheasant, Java Sparrow, Sand Grouse, White-faced Ibis, African Silverbill...Lance was so easy to work with via email to set up time and place to meet, then driving his car so we could all be together, he knows birds, biogeography, and gave us tons of info to guide the rest of our stay. Cannot say enough positive, this was a super day!

 I had the privilege of participating in a week long guided birding adventure in Hawaii (Big Island and Kauai) with Lance Tanino. He is a stellar group leader and birding is clearly his passion. He is knowledgeable about both the native and introduced birds of Hawaii. Lance recognized these birds by call and sight. He also knew the best locations to find them. In addition to his birding expertise, Lance demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. By the end of the trip, I knew to look for Apapane and Iiwi in the flowers of Ohia trees and had a greater appreciation for the evolution of endemic bird species, trees and animals in the Hawaiian Islands.

4 of us, all interested but not professional - level birders, spent a day with Lance. We wanted to see what we could, yet be back at our cars by 3 PM. This gives you an idea of our level! Lance was easy and informative, giving us history and birding knowledge during the day's tour. He is patient, always a plus for the causal birder, and he wisely kept us on the dry side of the island, making out birding adventure much more enjoyable. I would go on another day with him in a heartbeat!

Lance Tanino was born and raised in Kane’ohe on O’ahu. His interest in birds started at age 10. The Cattle Egret, an introduced species caught his attention and curiosity for birds.  Since those early years, he continued his interests with degrees in Zoology (BA) and Environmental Studies With Concentration in Conservation Biology (MSc). Lance serves as the Hawaiian Islands Regional Editor for North American Birds by American Birding Association, Regional Editor (Hawaiian Islands and U.S. Minor Outlying Islands) for eBird (Cornell's Lab of Ornithology), Member of Western Field Ornithologists' Hawaii Bird Records Committee. His favorite ways to go birding are seawatching, hawkwatching, and birding with friends.

Lance has been involved in conservation and natural resources for the past 22 years in Hawaii, Maine, Micronesia, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Along the way, my passion for birding has taken me to Japan, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, and Canada.  

He taught high school Ecology, Environmental Studies, and Biology at college-prep/dormitory high schools in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern Vermont.

As a professional Eco Tour Guide, Lance excels at helping you plan your perfect outing. Not just any outing, but truly exceptional trips filled with inspiring and enriching experiences. He believes in sharing his knowledge and passion for birding, conservation, education, and Hawaiian natural history with all of those he guides. Explore his site to find out more. 

Professional Naturalist

Unforgettable Experiences

Tour Options

From high elevation grasslands to native rainforests to wetlands to the coast, there are a variety of habitats to explore for anyone who wants to learn and experience the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. Read on to discover the alternative tour options available at Hawaii Bird Guide. Choose from private/small group outings to West Hawaii, Hakalau Forest, or customized nature tours. Get in touch today with any questions or concerns.

All-day in West Hawaii

We will focus on seeing a wide variety of established bird species from specific roadside locations and a few of them may include short walks. The route (8-10 hours and 150+ miles) includes scenic views of the island and sharing my knowledge of Hawaiian natural history, geology, biogeography, etc. The trip starts at 7:30 AM in Waimea.

Email me at [email protected] for more details.

Half-day/Hourly in West Hawaii

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Join me at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge where we will focus on the unique natural history of this area. There is no finer example of native montane wet forest in the archipelago. This is an incredible opportunity for those interested in birds, plants, insects, photography, and being completely surrounded by nature. Access to this location is very restricted. 11 native bird species can be seen: Hawaiian Goose or Nene (endemic and endangered), Hawaiian Hawk or 'Io (island endemic and endangered), Short-eared Owl or Pueo (endemic subspecies), Hawai'i 'Elepaio (island endemic), 'Omao (island endemic), 'Apapane (endemic), 'I'iwi (endemic), 'Akiapola'au (island endemic and endangered), Hawai'i 'Amakihi (island endemic), Hawai'i Creeper (island endemic and endangered), and Hawai'i 'Akepa (island endemic and endangered).

Group Pelagic Tour

Pelagic wildlife (seabirds and marine mammals) boat trips are available for groups out of Honokohau Marina, Kailua-Kona.

Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i outings

Please email [email protected] for more details for a customized outing.

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Birding Tours & Big Island

There is a tremendous amount of bird life on the Big Island, including the highest concentration of Hawaiian endemic species that are found nowhere else on earth. Seabirds, raptors, finches, honeycreepers, game birds, and many others are prevalent on the Big Island. Though seabird nesting areas on the Big Island are for the most part inaccessible, there are a number of areas that offer excellent Big Island birding .

Best Big Island Birding Spots

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

At 4,000 feet in elevation, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park offers a wealth of bird life. Within the 323,431-acre parklands you can experience an amazing amount of endemic bird life, such as ‘apapane, ‘oma‘o, iʻiwi, ‘amakihi, ‘elepaio, ‘io (the Hawaiian hawk), and nēnē. Some of the finest bird watching on Big Island can be had near Thurston Lava Tube and on the Kīlauea ʻIki Trail. Nēnē are frequent at the Nāpau Trail trailhead, and if you continue up Highway 11 and turn onto Mauna Loa Road, you will find Kipuka Pua‘ulu, also known as Bird Park. Here you may see the endemic species listed above, as well as a number of resident Kalij pheasants and chukars.

Pu‘u La‘au is located in a region of montane dry forest, and is one of the few publicly accessible places on the Big Island where you might see endemic species such as the rare ‘akiapola‘au and the beautiful and endangered palila. Frequently seen endemic residents are ‘apapane, ‘oma‘o, ‘elepaio, and pueo (Hawaiian owl). Numerous introduced species can also be seen, including skylarks, black francolins, and chukars. To get to Pu‘u La‘au, take Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) to the Waiki‘i turnoff. Your first right will be an unpaved hunting road. Proceed up the road until you see a big concrete water tank on your left, where you’ll find a fenced reserve area. You can also continue up the road to the hunter’s cabin and hike around the area.

Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge

You’ll need a hardy 4-wheel drive and permission to go to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, but it’s well worth it. With unquestionably the best bird watching on Big Island , Hakalau covers a massive tract on slopes of Mauna Kea and offers cabins for multi-day stays. Contact the Refuge Manager in Hilo at 808-933-6915 for information on birding opportunities.

Birding Tours on Big Island, Hawaii

If you prefer a guided tour, Hawai‘i Forest and Trail offers excellent birding trips to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge on Thursdays that depart from Kona and Waikōloa . One of the birding tours on Big Island Hawaii they offer takes you to Hakalau and to the rainforest so you can experience the full variety of avian life on the Big Island.

An Experience to Tweet About

The Big Island is a bird lover’s paradise, and at ILoveHawaii we want to see you get the most out of your Big Island birding experience. Contact us today so we can assist in providing you with an amazing day of bird watching.

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The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated archipelago in the world. Isolation equals speciation, and Hawaii comes through with an assortment of endemic species, including the Drepanidinae (Hawaiian honeycreepers), an entire subfamily endemic to the state! On our birding tour to Hawaii we'll try to locate the endemic landbirds as well as the specialty seabirds, although we're sure to also see a myriad of attractive, showy non-native species that now call the islands their home.

We begin our adventure on Oahu, the gateway to the state, where we'll hope to see a variety of bird species including Oahu Amakihi, Oahu Elepaio, Hwamei (Melodious Laughingthrush), and the colorful White-rumped Shama. We'll continue to Kauai, the Garden Island and the most lush of the main islands, for some of those native birds with exotic names--Kauai Elepaio, Kauai Amakihi, Anianiau, and Apapane. Finally, we'll visit the newest of the isles, the Big Island of Hawaii, where the Kilauea Volcano is creating more Aloha State on a daily basis and where we'll see some of Hawaii's forest birds, including Hawaiian Hawk, the impressive Iiwi, Hawaii Amakihi, Omao (Hawaiian Thrush), Nene (Hawaiian Goose), Hawaii Creeper, Akepa, and the marvelous Akiapolaau with its long, curved upper mandible and short, spike-like lower mandible.

Towering mountains, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, highland forests, dry forests, semi-desert coastlines--you name it, Hawaii is a gorgeous and birdy destination!

Select the KEY INFO tab or click here for our itinerary plus space requests, status, fees, limits, and guides for any departure.

Client comment "An excellent experience. Great birds and guides. Lodging and food were fine too. We have been very happy with all of our Field Guides tours. We have done a few with other companies but keep coming back. We know that we will have a good and safe trip." R.S., HAWAII 2019

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Itineraries • tour status • details • space requests.

• 2024 sample (PDF)
• 2025 (PDF expected Jun 2024)

DEPARTURES • We have 2 departures currently scheduled through 2026, with details including limits, guides, fees, and space available listed below.

Mar 13-21, 2025 Guided by: Cory Gregory & Mandy Talpas Tour Manager: Nicole Cannon Tour Limit: 14 Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$7050 REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO

Mar 12-21, 2026 Guide: TBA Tour Manager: TBA Tour Limit: 14 Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$7050 REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO

Enjoy looking through the 6 most recent Field Guides triplists for this tour linked below!

• 2024 (Mar departure guided by Cory Gregory & Mandy Talpas)
• 2023 (Mar departure guided by Tom Johnson & Mandy Talpas)
• 2022 (Mar departure guided by Chris Benesh & Mandy Talpas)
• 2019 (Apr departure guided by Chris Benesh & Dave Stejskal)
• 2018 (Mar departure guided by Dan Lane & Chris Benesh)
• 2017 (Mar departure guided by Dan Lane & Doug Gochfeld)

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Kipuka Puaulu Bird Park

Volcano big island.

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

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A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ecosystem, such as that a Kipuka Puaulu, forms.

Puaulu, also called Bird Park, is an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to many of the feathered residents of the Big Island. A 30-minute stroll along this 1-mile trail will reveal several different high elevation birds, including the colorful Khalij Pheasant.  A restroom and picnic tables with barbecue pits are near the trailhead. Kipuka Puaulu is located in  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park  on Mauna Loa Road just outside the park gate. It is located 1.5 miles up the road, just past the tree molds.

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Hawaii Birding Tour

• Visit 3 Hawaiian islands - Oahu, Kaua'i and The Big Island of Hawai’i
• Many marvelous endemic songbirds in unique forested environments
• Picturesque and spectacular scenery, from smoking volcanic craters to huge waterfalls and scenic coastlines
• Spectacular views of seabirds from coastal viewpoints
• Visit National Wildlife Refuges, Waimea Canyon, the Alaka’i Swamp, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the incredible Kilauea Crater

Tour Overview

The Hawaiian Islands are quite simply enchanting! Spectacular scenery, mild climate and unique cultures are the backdrop for our Hawaii birding tour of the three islands Hawai’i, Kaua’i and O’ahu.

Known as the endangered species capital of the world, we search for the special endemics of each island, especially the bizarre honeycreepers with intriguing names like ‘I’iwi, ‘Amakihi, ‘Apapane and the amazing ‘Akiapola’au.

Laysan Albatross, Red-footed Booby and both White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds are marvellously close. Humpback Whales and Spinner Dolphins are just offshore in the incredible blue waters, Green Sea Turtles are along beaches, and the Kilauea Crater is just simply a must-see!

A superb tour to a special place!

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices, what's included, tour price includes.

• All accommodation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Ground transportation
• 2 short, inter-island flights included
• 4 - 8 participants will be guided by one guide. 9 - 12 participants will be guided by two guides in two vehicles.
• All park, conservation and entrance fees

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/end location
• Travel Insurance
• Evening meals
• Items of a personal nature

Day 1 - Arrival Oahu

Our Hawaii birding tour begins on Oahu, where we settle into Hawaiian life. Night in Waikiki.

Day 2 - Oahu

O’ahu is the hub of Hawaii, where most Hawaiians live and most tourists come to stay. Nevertheless, there are some excellent birding localities, and we visit some for specialties such as O’ahu ‘Amakihi and the endangered Oahu ‘Elepaio. We visit Kapi’olani Park where White Terns nest and introduced exotics such as Rose-ringed Parakeet, Common Waxbill, Yellow-fronted Canary and Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbuls forage. We drive along scenic coastlines, stopping to look for seabirds such as Brown Noddy and Masked Booby, to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, where there should be a large and diverse gathering of waterfowl and shorebirds, including the range-restricted Bristle-thighed Curlew. Night in Waikiki.

Days 3 to 6 - Kaua'i

We take the mid-day flight to our next island, Kaua’i, where we spend the next four nights. Kaua’i is called the “garden island” because of its lush green vegetation, a product of its high annual rainfall. On average 460 inches of rain per year falls in the Alaka’i Swamp region of Kaua’i, making it one of the wettest places on earth. Because Kaua’i is fairly small, we visit much of the island, taking in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (the best place in Hawaii for seabirds), Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge for waterbirds, the Hanapepe area, and especially Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park and the famous Alaka’i Swamp for a chance at some of Kaua’i’s endemic songbirds.

Kaua’i is a wonderful island, and our days will be full of excellent birding and marvelous scenery. We should do well for seabirds. Our list should include Laysan Albatross, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Great Frigatebird, and both Brown and Red-footed Boobies, often close enough for excellent photographs. Wetlands on the island hold populations of Ae’o or Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Gallinule, and the endangered Koloa. Around the edge of ponds Japanese Bush-Warbler occur along with the gifted songster the White-rumped Shama. Nene are quite widespread here, and we should find quite a few during our stay.

In the Alaka’i Swamp we look for native forest birds. Some, such as ‘I'iwi and ‘Apapane, will be familiar to us, but others will be new. These include the Kaua’i ‘Amakihi, Kaua’i ‘Elepaio and the Anianiau - a small, yellow, warbler-like honeycreeper. We will also make an effort to track down the increasingly scarce ‘Akeke‘e, whose population has declined dramatically over the past decade. While exploring the forested trails of the Alaka’i Swamp there is always a chance, albeit remote, of finding a great rarity such as the ‘Akikiki or Puaiohi.

Days 7 to 11 - The Big Island of Hawai’i

We reluctantly leave Kaua’i and fly to our last island, The Big Island of Hawai’i, where we spend the first two nights near Volcanoes National Park. In the park we visit the spectacular Kilauea Crater, which has still active steam vents. In the early morning, the songs of the Omao, an endemic Hawaiian thrush, and the ‘Apapane, a crimson honeycreeper with white undertail coverts, should greet us. We spend time looking around the park, for Black (Hawaiian) Noddy along the black lava seacoast, Nene in the lava fields, Kalij Pheasant along easy and pleasant trails, Hwamei rustling about in the undergrowth, and possibly ‘Io just about anywhere cruising over the park. A must-see attraction is the Thurston Lava Tube, a remarkable geologic phenomenon. Here, Omao are more common than elsewhere, along with ‘Apapane and Hawai’i ‘Amakihi.

We transfer to our accommodations in Kona for the next three nights. We visit several localities around the Big Island searching for the many Hawaiian endemics that occur here. On one day we visit the superb Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves some of the finest Koa and Ohi’a Lehua forests remaining on the Big Island. Here there are still good populations of ‘I‘iwi, ‘Akepa, Hawai’i ‘Elepaio, Hawai’i ‘Amakihi and Hawai’i Creeper. We will also attempt to find the increasingly rare ‘Akiapola’au, a yellow-green honeycreeper that has one of the most amazing bills in the bird world. The bird feeds on insects hiding in trunks and branches; the lower mandible is used like a woodpecker’s bill - for chipping and chiselling into the wood until the insect larvae is exposed, and then the extraordinary upper mandible, which is long, thin and sickle-shaped, is used to extract the larvae. On another day, we visit Mauna Kea to look for the Palila, the last of the Big Island’s grosbeak honeycreepers that inhabits the Mamane-Naio forests on the upper slopes, as well as a pale subspecies of the highly variable Hawai’i ‘Elepaio.

Introduced species such as Eurasian Sky Lark, Saffron Finch and Red-billed Leiothrix occur here as well. In fact, we will encounter many introduced species during our stay on the islands; on the Big Island, we should encounter species as diverse as Yellow-billed Cardinal, African Silverbill, California Quail, Wild Turkey, Erckel’s and Black Francolin and Java Sparrow.

Day 12 - Departure, Kona

Our Hawaii birding tour concludes today in Kona. You can depart anytime today.

What to Expect

Overview The Hawaii tour is relaxed and leisurely most days. We start some days early, especially on the Big Island, in order to reach our birding destination before the morning activity wanes.  This tour is a marvelous experience, with endemic honeycreepers, superb seabirds, an amazingly diverse flora, breathtaking vistas, colorful marine life, and much more.

Food We generally have breakfast at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant/coffee shop before we head out for the day. Sometimes we will have optional pre-breakfast walks. We often take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant for lunch. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.

Accommodation Generally we stay in comfortable hotel rooms in locations close to where we want to go birding. 

Walking The walking on this tour is rated as moderate, we spend most of the time walking along fairly easy trails, but some terrain may be steep or slippery. We take these trickier trails at a slow and comfortable pace, but participants should be able to hike 5km (3 miles) up and down moderate grade slopes. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is recommended for some trails (particularly in Kaua’i at the Alaka’i Swamp); otherwise comfortable running shoes are fine for most other activities. 

Driving Most days have a small to moderate amount of driving. There will be two longer drives, but we make several stops along the way. Traffic can be an issue in Kauai, but we will try to avoid that where possible.  

Climate The weather is mostly pleasant, with an average low temperature of 20°C (68°F) and an average high temperature of 27°C (80.6°F), but there will be rain on some days, and on our visits to higher elevations we may encounter coolish and misty conditions. Clothing should be layered, and a light sweater and a waterproof jacket are highly recommended. And don’t forget a hat – Hawaii is tropical!

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Laysan Albatross
• White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds
• Red-footed Booby
• Great Frigatebird
• ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk)
• Pacific Golden-Plover
• Ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt)
• Wandering Tattler
• Bristle-thighed Curlew
• Hawaiian Noddy
• Pueo (Short-eared Owl)
• O’ahu ‘Elepaio
• Several Hawaiian honeycreepers (Sub-family Drepanidinae) including: Palila, ‘Anianiau, Hawai’i ‘Akepa, ‘I‘iwi and the increasingly rare ‘Akiapola’au
• Humpback Whale
• Spinner Dolphin
• Green Sea Turtle

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• Hawaii birding tour species list 2024
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2023
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2022
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2019
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2018
• See More...
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2017
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2016
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2015
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2014
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2013
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2011
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2008
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2006
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2005
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2004
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2003

Trip Reports & Inspiration

Tour reviews, you might also like.

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Bird Festival Planner

For a wonderful nature show, it’s hard to beat a bird festival. Some of the best bird fests occur at or near national wildlife refuges. That’s not surprising, given that these public lands are  such birdy places .

National wildlife refuges, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also have resident bird experts and dedicated wildlife viewing areas.

Here is our 2024 calendar of bird festivals at or near refuges. Many festivals have resumed normal form after they were cancelled or changed to meet safety concerns tied to the Covid-19 pandemic. In-person events fill up fast, so consider registering ahead if you go. Some festivals charge a registration or activity fee.

In cases where exact dates aren’t yet available, we’ve listed the general timeframe. A few festival websites have updates pending. 

JANUARY Morro Bay Bird Festival Morro Bay, CA January 11-15, 2024 The annual festival, on California's Central Coast, includes two field trips to Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy more than 200 guided bird walks and tours, presentations, workshops and other activities. Registration opens November 4, 2023, at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Pre-registration is strongly advised as trips fill up rapidly. Special guests include author Jennifer Ackerman and artist John Muir Laws.

Festival of the Cranes Decatur, AL January 1 2-14, 2024 See wintering sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and white pelicans at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. Wheeler Refuge boasts the state’s largest population of wintering ducks. Enjoy workshops, nature walks, live raptors and kids’ activities.

Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival Cape Canaveral, FL January 24-28, 2024 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a field trip destination for this annual bird festival, billed as one of the country’s largest. Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway  Chico, CA January 25-28, 2024 See thousands of birds lift off from Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and Delevan National Wildlife Refuge. Some years include a field trip to Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. Winter Wildlife Festival Virginia Beach, VA January 27-February 4, 2024 Cap off a month-long celebration of coastal wildlife with three days of guided tours. These include trips to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  Registration for festival trips and excursions opens November 15, 2023. 

FEBRUARY Sparrow Fest  Marble Falls, TX February 3, 2024 The central Texas Hill Country is a great place to see America’s native sparrows in late winter. The annual Sparrow Fest is hosted by the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the refuge and learn about the 20-plus native species regularly seen in central Texas.

San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival Vallejo, CA February 9-12, 2024 The annual festival celebrates the more than a million shorebirds and hundreds of thousands of ducks plus hawks and other wildlife that pass through the Bay Area. The festival traditionally includes field trips to San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

San Diego Bird Festival  San Diego, CA Feb 21-25, 2024  The festival traditionally offers field trips to San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Also featured: workshops, sea bird trips and cultural activities.

Whooping Crane Festival Port Aransas, TX February 22-25, 2024 Port Aransas, about 90 minutes from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, bills itself as “America’s Birdiest Small Coastal City.” Festival-goers have a chance to see cranes in their winter habitat.  

MARCH Monte Vista Crane Festival Monte Vista, CO March 8-10, 2024 The annual festival, hosted by Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges, and the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, offers visitors the chance to see thousands of sandhill cranes, ducks and geese fly over mountain scenery in the San Luis Valley. Tickets for tours and talks go on sale January 3.

Sandhill Crane Festival Othello, WA March 22-24, 2024 The festival, hosted by Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. celebrates the annual return of nearly 35,000 sand hill cranes to Othello, Washington in March as they migrate north to their breeding grounds in Alaska. Tours by local experts offer opportunities to see cranes up close and learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the area.

APRIL Harney County Migratory Bird Festival Burns, OR April 11-14, 2024 Celebrate birds’ spring migration through southeast Oregon’s Harney Basin. Hundreds of species of birds pass through the high desert area. Nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a traditional field trip destination. Enjoy tours, workshops and other events. Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival   April 18-21, 2024  Humboldt County, California The festival traditionally includes a field trip to Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

FeatherFest Galveston, TX April 18-21, 2024 The festival traditionally includes field trips to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

“Ding” Darling Day Fort Myers, FL April 20, 2024 This annual conservation festival, previously held in October at J. N. “Ding’’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, was rescheduled and moved to Fort Myers to better serve local communities and draw a wider audience. Events include bird walks, bring-your-own bike tours and family activities.

World Migratory Bird Day N ortheast Illinois April 27 and April 28, 2024 Enjoy bird walks and activities sponsored by The Friends of Hackmatack Refuge. See May 11 for a third event. April event sites and times are:  

Saturday, April 27, noon - 4 p.m.  Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Route 31 & Harts Rd. Richmond, IL Sunday, April 28, noon – 4 p.m. Volo Bog State Natural Area 28478 W Brandenburg Rd Ingleside, IL  

MAY Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival Hoquiam, WA May 3-5, 2024 Each spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds pause on their way north to rest and feed along the Washington coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary. Some of these Arctic-bound shorebirds come from as far south as Argentina, making them among the world’s longest-distance travelers. Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and other local birding hotspots traditionally have a role in the festival. 

Tipton County Museum Birdfest Covington, TN May 3-5, 2024 The free festival includes bird walks at Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Pillow State Park, a quail preserve and museum trails. It also features speakers, exhibits and activities. 

The Biggest Week in American Birding Northwest Ohio May 3-12, 2024  Organized by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the festival coincides with the peak of spring bird migration in the state’s Lake Erie Marsh region. The festival traditionally features field trips to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival Homer, AK May 8-12, 2024 This large Alaska wildlife-viewing festival honors the spring migration of shorebirds through Kachemak Bay. The festival is sponsored by the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Horicon Marsh Bird Festival Marsh Haven Nature Center, WI       May 9-12, 2024 Enjoy guided birding hikes, bus tours and paddles, bird-banding demos, special exhibits and kid’s activities. The festival is sponsored by Horicon Marsh Bird Club, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Marsh Haven Nature Center.

World Migratory Bird Day May 11, 2024 The United States and Canada traditionally celebrate the second Saturday in May as World Migratory Bird Day. The annual event celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Many wildlife refuges take part in the celebrations. World Migratory Bird Day Genoa City, WI  May 11, 2024, 9-11 a.m. Enjoy bird walks and activities at the Turner Tract of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge at N541 County Highway H.  Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Farmington, UT May 16-19, 2024 Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is among the festival’s traditional field trip destinations. Event headquarters is at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area on the edge of the Great Salt Lake.

Festival of the Birds Detroit Lakes, MN    May 16-18, 2024 Because Detroit Lakes is located in a transition zone between tall grass prairie, northern hardwood and conifer forest, it has many kinds of birds. On-site tours include trips to Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation areas. The festival will kick off with competitive bird trivia.   

Down East Spring Birding Festival Trescott, ME May 24-27, 2024 The festival during spring migration and breeding season includes guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations, all led by knowledgeable local guides. This festival traditionally includes field trips to Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, an event sponsor. The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife named the festival one of the country’s best.   

SEPTEMBER Wings Over Willapa Festival Long Beach, WA September 20-22, 2024  The festival includes tours, presentations and workshops to celebrate birds and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Field trips traditionally go to Leadbetter Point, Long Island and other refuge units as well as Cape Disappointment State Park, Willapa Bay and the Pacific Ocean.   

OCTOBER Ridgefield Birdfest and Bluegrass Ridgefield, WA October 5, 2024    Celebrate fall and local wildlife with Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The annual festival highlights the refuge, nature and the region’s cultural history. In past years, events have included bird shows, music, hikes, family arts and crafts, and educational activities.

Florida Birding and Nature Festival Tampa Bay, FL  October 17-20, 2024 Enjoy the birds, wildlife and nature of west central Florida at peak migration season. This annual festival offers boat trips, seminars, a free nature expo and field trips to sites including Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

Wings Over Water October 22-27, 2024 This festival celebrates the birds and wildlife of coastal North Carolina during the peak of fall migration on the Outer Banks. Migrant shorebirds, seabirds, warblers and raptors are all moving through the area, joining resident marsh and forest birds. Typical field trips include visits to popular birding refuges such as Pea Island, Mackay Island, Alligator River, Mattamuskeet and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuges. Trips often include visits to normally closed areas.

NOVEMBER Fall Flight Festival Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, NM Every Sunday in November From 8 a.m. to noon each Sunday, visitors can take a self-guided tour of wetlands and bird habitat along a 4 ½ mile wildlife drive normally closed to the public. Volunteer roving naturalists are on hand with spotting scopes to help identify birds, including waterfowl, eagles and sandhill cranes. The annual festival is co-hosted by the Friends of Las Vegas Refuge.  

DECEMBER Eagle Days Forest City, MO December 7-8, 2024 Celebrate the annual Eagle Days at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. Drive the auto tour route and visit interpretive and outreach stations. See eagles, ducks, geese, and trumpeter swans. Festival of the Cranes Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM December 11-14, 2024    Thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese overwinter at picturesque Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, about an hour’s drive south from Albuquerque. This famous bird fest celebrates the birds’ arrival and draws visitors from around the world. The festival, hosted by the Friends of Bosque del Apache Refuge, includes workshops, tours and wildlife photography lessons.

Wings Over Water Encore December 6-8, 2024 This festival is timed to coincide with the early-winter arrival of thousands of migratory birds and waterfowl. Flocks of thousands of tundra swans, snow geese and ducks draw birders from around the country to national wildlife refuges in coastal North Carolina.

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