Rainforest & Dry Forest Birding Adventure in Kailua-Kona, HI

Rainforest
Our destination is the Puu Oo Trail, a historic cattle drive route, located at the 6,000 foot level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern flank. This is the windward side of the island and is often cloaked in misty clouds. It is enchanting to be serenaded by the forest birds as we make our way over three to four miles of sometimes rough lava trail, crossing over the 1855 and 1881 lava flows.

Some of the avifauna we hope to spot along the way are iiwi, apapane, amakihi, omao, elepaio, and the elusive akiapolaau, with its unique multipurpose beak. Many of these are found in the ohia and koa canopy.

Dry forest
At the Humuula hunter check-in station just off Saddle Road, we go into the Kaohe Game Management Area and four-wheel it to nearly 7000 feet on the western side of Mauna Kea.

The track leads to a locked gate that is the entrance to the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve. There we disembark the van and take in the spectacular views. Then we get down to some serious bird watching, on foot in the mamane-naio forest. Although the terrain is somewhat uneven, the hiking is easy. We are particularly interested in sighting the critically threatened palila, which feeds almost entirely on the green pods of the mamane tree.

On the drive to our two primary locales, we head north along the coastline before starting the climb to the old Mamalahoa Highway, keeping an eye out for open-country birds. From there we'll connect to the Saddle Road and begin car-birding, primarily for game birds as well as for the Pueo, or short-eared owl. Depending on the weather, we'll stop for a bit of breakfast along the Saddle Road, often at Mauna Kea State Park at Pohakuloa.

This tour is great for:
Nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, couples, and adventure seekers

Schedule:
Morning trips departing weekdays from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters and select resort locations. 11 hours round trip.

Rated:
Easy to Moderate; ages 8 and over.

Included in the Tour:
Continental breakfast, Deli-style lunch, walking staffs, rain-gear, warm wear, day-packs, water bottle, and binoculars

Menu:
Breakfast:Egg burrito, potatoes, croissants, oatmeal, fresh island fruit and banana bread, 100% pure Kona coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and juices.

Lunch: Deli style sandwich (turkey, ham, tuna or veggie), chips, cookie, sodas, and juice drinks. Gluten-free options are available.

Group Size: Tour limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. We sometimes encounter cool, wet or muddy conditions. Must be able to do short hikes of 1.5 to 4 miles

What to Bring & Wear: Sturdy closed-toed shoes