hawaii birding and nature tours

Birdwatching Tours on Hawaii

Hawaii birding tours.

Hawaii is known to have some of the rarest plant and bird species on earth. Photographers and enthusiasts alike visit the aloha state searching for our unique wildlife. During our Hawaii birding tours, visitors will get to experience the island’s natural beauty. With the help of our imperative guides, you will encounter new breeds and species while learning why these vulnerable habitats have been threatened to the brink of extinction.

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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

Other Tours in USA

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 7 most recent Field Guides triplists for this tour linked below!

• 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)
• 2016 (Mar departure guided by Dan Lane & Megan Edwards Crewe)

[email protected]

808-495-6545

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.

"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life"

Omar Khayyam

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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.

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'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

What to Expect

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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

Even though we cannot guarantee a sighting of the animals below, we feel quite confident that an encounter with the ones listed below is quite likely.

• 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 2023
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2022
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2019
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2018
• Hawaii birding tour species list 2017
• See More...
• 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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Ultimate Oahu Birding Experience

Stunning Scenery

Beautiful Birds

Other Oahu Wildlife Wonders

The Ultimate Oahu Day Tour for Bird & Nature Lovers

Looking for day tours in Oahu? They don’t come better than the Ultimate Oahu Birding Experience! Leave the city of Honolulu behind to experience the best wildlife viewing Oahu has to offer while searching for some of Hawaii’s most beautiful birds. This tour encompasses Oahu’s highlights for the nature enthusiast and birder alike while enjoying stunning scenery along the south and north shore. You will go on an unforgettable journey through tropical rainforests for Oahu’s endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper, searching the suburbs for flashy finches and exploring the rugged southeastern coastline for majestic seabirds . That’s not all! We also search for sought-after shorebirds on secluded beaches, endemic water birds, and breeding seabirds along stunning coastlines. This full-day trip is the ultimate introduction to Oahu’s wildlife with casual walks and sometimes includes incidental big waves, basking sea turtles, and Hawaiian Monk Seal sightings.

Why Choose This Tour?

Allow our expert guides to use their extensive touring experience on the island to deliver the best bird and nature tour of Oahu possible in one day!

Explore the different terrains and habitats of the island in search of an array of tropical species from the forested mountains to the scenic coastlines

Take in Oahu's geology, culture, history, scenery, nature and birds on a circle-island tour like no other

Click the tabs below to find out more...

Trip details, target species list, important info.

Group tour: $255 per person plus tax

Private tour: $1795 plus HI tax for up to 10 people

Departure time

Meeting point.

Guests coming from outside of Waikiki can easily meet us at the trolley stop on Mahukona Street at 6:30 am. This is close to the corner of Atkinson Drive and along the side of Ala Moana Hotel aka Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra: 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI 96814. There is a Starbucks inside the hotel lobby and lots of free and secure parking at the Ala Moana Center (shopping mall). This shopping mall and parking garage is massive, so please make a note of where you parked your car rental. Please give yourself enough time to arrive promptly with weekday Honolulu rush hour traffic.

• 6:40 am at flag poles in front of the Ilikai Hotel aka Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites: 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Ala Moana Boulevard.
• 6:45 am at the Trump Hotel aka Trump International Hotel Waikiki: 223 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Saratoga Road.
• 6:50 am at the Holiday Inn Express aka Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, an IHG Hotel: 2058 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 on Kuhio Avenue.
• 6:55 am at the Hyatt Regency aka Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa: 2424 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Koa Avenue under the green awning. We recommend arriving early, as one of our favorite local coffee shops, Kai Coffee Hawaii, is in the first floor of the hotel.
• 7:00 am at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel aka Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 on Kapahulu Avenue facing Honolulu Zoo.

Availability

Daily, 7 am to 5 pm, August until May

Minimum 3, maximum 8

• Mosquito repellent
• Online checklists
• Transportation to and from Waikiki
• The use of binoculars if needed
• The use of a walking stick if needed

Not included

• Lunch – we will make a local lunch stop where you can choose and purchase your lunch.

What to bring

• Comfortable lightweight, quick dry clothing
• Closed-toed shoes with good grip and support
• Sun protection
• Lightweight rain gear
• A refillable water bottle
• Debit or credit card to purchase your own lunch (~$20 per person)
• A day pack to carry your valuables with you at all times (unfortunately car break-ins, even during the day, are common on Oahu).

Participation requirements

You must be prepared to walk 1 -2 miles on uneven and often muddy terrain in search of Oahu Elepaio. Walking sticks and foldable stools are recommended for those with difficulty standing and walking for several hours at a time.

About your guide

1 expert guide

Oʻahu ʻAmakihi

Oʻahu ʻElepaio

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Wandering Tattler

Pacific Golden Plover

Laysan Albatross (after Nov)

Red-footed Booby

Red-tailed Tropicbird (after Dec)

Saffron Finch

Chestnut Munia

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Common Waxbill

Yellow-fronted Canary

Warbling White-eye

White-rumped Shama

Red-billed Leiothrix

Red-vented Bulbul

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Red-crested Cardinal

Hawaiian Coot

Common Gallinule

Black-necked Stilt

Participation requirement: You must be prepared to walk 1 -2 miles on uneven and often muddy terrain in search of Oahu Elepaio. Walking sticks and foldable stools are recommended for those with difficulty standing and walking for several hours at a time.

Cancellation for group trips: All daily tours have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel prior to 48 hours of the start of the tour, you will receive a full refund. 
If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled trip departure, no refund fees will be provided.
 No-shows are responsible for 100% of trip fees.

Cancellation for private tours: There is a 7-day cancellation policy for all private tours. Credit cards will be taken at the time of booking. If you cancel outside of 7 days, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 7 days of the tour no refund fees will be provided. No-shows are responsible for 100% of trip fees.

Read Why People Love Us

Michelle houghton, google reviews.

What a wonderful introduction to endemic and introduced bird species on Oahu! Mandy is an amazing source of island knowledge on birds, ecosystems, flora, and conservation. She is engaging and caring as she tries to create the best experience for each person on her tour by building the day around what birds each participant is hoping to see. Throughout our wonderful day travelling in Mandy’s comfortable van, we made our way to eight different birding locations: urban, rural, mountainous, forest, wetland, and ocean. Each stop was unhurried but purposeful! So much more than just a “list and go” with a chance to observe behaviours and hear great info about each species from Mandy. This day of birding was definitely a highlight of our holiday!

Kristin Schrenk Schmitt

Facebook reviews.

Mandy is fantastic. My husband Mark and I spent a day with her in Oahu and could not have been happier. She knows so much about birds, conservation, Hawaii in general. And such a nice, fun person. We saw the endangered Oahu Elepaio, Oahu Amakihi, Bristle-thighed Curlew and many close-up Laysan Albatross. 24 life birds! I cannot recommend her enough and would love to come back to bird with her again on Kauai and the Big Island.

Check Out More Hawaii Birding Tours

Big island endemic birding adventure, oahu endemic birding adventure, kona pelagic birding adventure.

• Birding Tours

Oahu Nature Tours offers four diverse birding tours.

We offer the  Endemic Species  birding adventure. During this tour, you will journey to the scenic mountains high above Waikiki. Here we will look for birds such as the island endemic Oahu Amakihi and Oahu Elepaio.

Additionally, you can observe Hawaii’s native seabirds on our  Coastal birding adventure. You may even encounter fascinating birds such as the Black-necked Stilt.

The North Shore birding adventure provides you with close-up views of the rare Bristle-thighed Curlew and the majestic Laysan Albatross.

Last, but not least, if you’d rather get off land, our Pelagic birding tour can transport you offshore for a tour on the water. Invite your fellow birder friends to embark on this exciting boat tour (minimum of 3 passengers).

Birding Worldwide with Premier Local Guides and Top Logistical Expertise

Hawaii birding and nature tours schedule.

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Mandy Talpas: January 18 to 27 --SOLD OUT

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Mandy Talpas: March 6 to March 15 --FEW SPOTS LEFT

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Mandy Talpas: September 6 to 15 --SEVERAL SPOTS LEFT

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​   with Mandy Talpas: October 16 to 25 --SEVERAL SPOTS LEFT

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Mandy Talpas: March 20 to 28

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Jesse Huth : October 25 to November 3 --SEVERAL SPOTS LEFT

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​  with Mandy Talpas: March 23 to 31

Birding Hawaii Extravaganza plus Pelagic: 3 Key Islands for Birding: Oahu Island, Kauai and Big Island​   with Mandy Talpas: October 12 to 20

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Maui Birding - Group Tour

Only Birdwatching Company On Maui

Explore a Bird Lovers Paradise

Expert Guided Maui Birdwatching

Experience Maui’s Incredible & Diverse Birdlife Together

Come with us on this group bird watching Maui tour , where we head to Haleakala National Park and Kealia Wildlife Refuge. Join fellow birders, bird lovers, and other wildlife enthusiasts on this specialized excursion and discover the unique species of birds found on the island , learn about their habits and the various ecosystems in which they thrive, as well about their importance in Hawaiian culture and legends. A checklist will be provided for all birds living on Maui, including their Hawaiian names, and you can borrow our binoculars if you didn’t bring your own.

Trip Details

What you'll do.

• Good to Know
• Entrance fees to Haleakala National Park ($15pp)
• Water, juices & soda, hot beverages, snacks
• Picnic lunch
• Rain ponchos/umbrellas
• Hiking poles
• First aid kit
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Departure time

8 am (between 7:15 am and 7:45 am for South Maui hotels–specific pick-up time will be communicated the day prior)

Meeting point

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Kihei and Wailea, or meet you at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Season availability

Our birding tours are available all year round!

Weekly availability

Tuesday and/or Thursday only

4-8 (a minimum of 4 passengers is required to run the tour)

What to bring

• Layered & warm clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your own binoculars or scope
• Phone/camera

Physical Requirements

While this tour can be customized to fit your physical abilities and can be very mellow, guests still must be able to enter and exit the vehicle unassisted. Please contact us for details.

Drive up to the 10,023ft summit of Haleakala National Park

Walk around the native and alien-looking silversword endemic plants

Explore Hosmer’s Grove in search of the ‘Apapane, ‘I’iwi, ‘Alauahio (Maui Creeper), ‘Amakihi, Pueo (Short-eared Owl), Nene (Hawaiian Goose), and other birds that live in the park

Travel to Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge to look for the Hawaiian Stilt, the Hawaiian Coot, and other beautiful shore birds!

Discover exotic birds on a beautiful scenic golf course

This tour is for all the bird and nature lovers!

On this tour, we start with visiting the summit of Haleakala National Park in search of the endemic Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl), the Nene (Hawaiian Goose), and the Chukar , as we make our way above the clouds and marvel at the amazing views into the “crater.”

At Hosmer’s Grove, we spend a while looking at our endemic ‘Apapane, ‘I’iwi, ‘Amakihi, and if we’re lucky ‘Alauahio (Maui Creeper), as well as other birds that live in the park.

After a picnic lunch in the park, we head to the Kealia National Wildlife Refuge to find shorebirds and migrants . Local residents include the Black-crown Night Heron, Hawaiian Coots, the elegant Hawaiian Stilts, Wandering Tattlers, and different species of ducks. Depending on the season and our luck, we might find winter-time migrants like the White-faced Ibis, Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitcher, Ruddy Turnstones, and others.

We will provide a checklist so you can keep track of your progress. On any given day, we can find a total of between 18 and 32 species . Guests will also enjoy complimentary juices, snacks, and a full picnic lunch while learning about the ecology, history, and the myths and legends of Maui.

All levels of birding enthusiasm welcome –from hardcore listers to first-timers!

Note: a minimum of 4 participants is required to run this tour. In the unlikely event this number is not reached on your scheduled tour, we will be in touch to discuss options and either reschedule, convert into a private tour, or cancel with a full refund.

Important Details

• Please note: It is extremely important to ensure that all shoes and gear are free of potential debris from the Big Island & Kauai in attempts to help stop the spread of the Rapid Ohia death fungus that is killing Ohia Lehua trees.
• Due to the fact our native honeycreepers have been decimated by avian malaria, we have to drive to 7,000 ft elevation to find them. We also drive to the summit of Haleakala for a chance at finding Nene, Pueo, and Chukars (and breathtaking views too!) We do our best to spend as much time as possible at the viewing spots, however, be aware that we have to do a fair amount of driving on this tour.
• Temperatures at Haleakala can be 20-40 degrees cooler than sea level, and the weather is unpredictable, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket and a hoodie.

See What Our Previous Guests Say

Tripreviewer91, tripadvisor.

In total, we saw some 30 or so birds including the Nene, I’iwi, Apapane, Amakihi, Alauahio/Maui creeper and the Pueo/Hawaiian short-eared owl.

Though I have been to Maui many times, this tour has changed how I think about wetlands and birds. I can now identify many bird species, understand how they eat, reproduce, and otherwise interact with their environment. I loved this tour. I’m now recommending it to my visiting friends.

Great tour for birdwatching. The tour guide Wendy is very knowledgeable and pleasant. I took some good photos of Apapane and Amakihi. The whole day went by so fast! I would recommend it to other birdwatchers and will do it again next time!

See Our Other Tours

Private birding tour, custom private tour, 7 sacred pools & pipiwai trail.