Come along as we explore two rare habitats: the cloudmist kipuka rainforest on Mauna Loa and the sub-alpine dryforest of Puu Laau on Mauna Kea. A huge study in contrast, this Endangered Native Habitats adventure takes you to two opposite environments.

At Pu'u La'au, you will roam the sub-alpine dryland forest on the west side of Mauna Kea, which is home to the endangered palila (a large finch with a rounded bill) and the bryani sub-species of elepaio (a small, adaptable monarch flycatcher.)

Our other locale is the Pu'u O'o Trail, located in a cloudforest habitat on the northeastern slope of Mauna Loa. There we look for the endangered akiapolaau (a woodpecker like bright yellow honeycreeper), omao (Hawaiian thrush), iiwi (a large honeycreeper) and apapane (most common Hawaiian native bird).

This tour involves about 4 miles of walking in the rainforest portion and less than 1 mile in the dryforest portion. The elevation gain is minimal, about 500 feet in the rainforest and 350 feet in the dryforest.

Tour Highlights:

• Fascinating birdwatching adventure
• See two of opposing environments: a cloudmist rainforest and a sub-alpine dryforest
• Great photo opportunities

Tour Inclusions:

• Continental breakfast with baked goods, fresh local fruits, 100% Kona coffee, tea and hot chocolate
• Deli-style lunch with assorted soft drinks, juices and bottled water
• Walking sticks, binoculars, day packs, warm wear and rain ponchos