Hakalau Wildlife Refuge Birdwatching Adventure Hawaii Forest and Trail

Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. Once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it’s home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. We access the Pua Akala tract by special permit. Hakalau is not open to the public.

The Drive: From HFT we will head up to Mamalahoa Hwy. heading north towards Waimea and the Saddle Road. Once on the Saddle Road there will be opportunity for some car-birding primarily for game birds and the Pueo or the Hawaiian Short-eared Owl. We stop in route on the Saddle Rd. for a restroom stop and a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, breads, and pound cake along with juice, Kona coffee, and an assortment of teas. After the breakfast stop we follow the unpaved Keanakolu Road 11 miles to the Pua Akala tract of the refuge. Plan on two and a half hours of driving each way. Don't worry about the drive time; you'll be amazed at the constantly changing scenery and fascinated by your Naturalist’s guide interpretation of Hawaii’s remarkable natural, cultural, and geologic history.

The Forest: Hakalau is a fascinating example of conservation in action. The forest you’ll access is recovering from a hundred years of grazing by cattle and damage from pigs. Our permit allows us to bird the Pua Akala meadow, which is not open to the public. It is exciting to see the native plants sprouting through the old pasture grass. Giant koa trees, ohia-lehua trees estimated to be a thousand years old, ferns, and rare lobeliads are just some of the native plants encountered. Like our Rainforest and Dryforest Birdwatching Adventure the forest here is filled with the sounds of Hawaii’s rare birds. Often, we will encounter researchers or resource managers on our walks who are always willing to share up-to-date information. Unlike the Rainforest and Dryforest Birdwatching Adventure whose understory is mostly intact, Hakalau, because of the history of grazing, has more of a park like setting; our trail is a four-wheel drive road that bisects the meadow. While the distance we walk is small, there is some elevation gain and loss of about 650 feet. It’s a beautiful place with lots of birds.

12 hours roundtrip from our Headquarters in Kailua-Kona. Rated Moderate. Ages 12 & Up. Full-Day Adventure Tours include: mid-morning Snack with Kona Coffee, Tazo Teas, Fresh Fruit and Pastries, Deli Lunch with Beverages, Daypacks, Bottled Water, Binoculars, Walking Sticks, Warm Wear, and Raingear.