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Big Island Birdwatching Tour

TourTruth score 7.1 out of 10

Average

1 review · Rated on 2 providers · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • 8 hrs 30 min
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Search for rare Hawaiian birds on a guided Big Island forest walk, with expert insights, binoculars, a picnic lunch, and edited photos.

About this tour

Explore the Big Island’s native forests on a guided birdwatching adventure in search of rare Hawaiian species. With an expert naturalist leading the way, you’ll learn to recognize local birds, understand their ecological roles, and hear about conservation efforts that help protect them. The experience welcomes beginners and experienced birders alike.

After pickup at your lodging, travel up Saddle Road to high-elevation forest reserves. Your guide chooses a location based on the day’s conditions; possible areas include Mauna Kea, Upper Waiakea, and Hilo Forest Reserves. Walk through native forest, watching for endemic birds such as Hawaiian honeycreepers and learning how native plants and birds are connected. Provided Nikon ProStaff binoculars help bring distant details into view, while the route offers striking scenery around the island’s great volcanoes.

Pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by forest, with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided. You’ll also receive 20–25 professionally edited photos after the tour. Big Island Birdwatching Tour combines attentive wildlife viewing, expert insight, and a memorable day outdoors. Join the search and experience the island’s remarkable birdlife firsthand.

Highlights

  • Spot rare endemic Hawaiian birds in their native habitats
  • Search for colorful honeycreepers with provided binoculars
  • Explore forest reserves selected for the day’s conditions
  • Learn about bird behavior, ecology, and conservation from a naturalist guide
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch amid Hawaii’s unique forests
  • Take home 20–25 professionally edited photos

What's included

Included

  • Nikon ProStaff binoculars
  • Patagonia jackets
  • Black Diamond trekking poles
  • Admission to venues and parks
  • Pickup and drop-off at your lodging
  • Guided naturalist tour
  • Picnic-style lunch
  • Snacks
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • 20–25 professionally edited photos

Not included

  • Gratuities

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Moderate fitness is recommended; guests should be able to walk 2–3 miles, including some steps
  • Uneven or rocky terrain and cool, wet, or muddy conditions may be encountered
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health
  • Tours can be adapted for different ages and abilities; share specific needs when booking
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and jacket
  • The provider will contact you before the tour

How this score is calculated

This tour scores 5.00 on Viator (GetYourGuide shows no usable rating). Ratings on these sites cluster near the top of the 5-star scale, so we compare each one with all other ratings on the same site before combining them.

How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 7.1.

Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii

How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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