Kauai & Hawaii: Mar 22—30, 2009

Nene — Photo: Barry Zimmer

A fascinating exploration of the chain's two most distinctive main islands, featuring stunning seabirds, unique endemic forest birds, and volcanic marvels.

The islands of Kauai and Hawaii offer—like the Galapagos—a living study of evolution in isolation, boasting the greatest proportion of unique plant and animal species on earth, some truly magical tropical scenery, a mild climate, and excellent dining and lodging. We will search for the special endemic Hawaiian forest birds, as well as the fabulous seabirds that nest here in the remote Pacific. We'll also have some opportunities to learn about Hawaii's history and culture. We have tried to take the best advantage of inter-island airline schedules, lodging close to our best birding destinations and away from tourist density, and the experience of our over two dozen past Hawaii tours to offer a truly memorable two-island nature tour.

Kauai's active volcanic days are long gone. What remains is an island of emerald green lushness, with sheer, scenic canyons and coastal cliffs. In the lush Kauai rainforest, we'll search for such honeycreeper specialties as Anianiau, Akekee, and the Kauai Amakihi. On the flooded taro fields can be found Hawaii's endangered wetland birds, including the scarce Koloa (or Hawaiian Duck).

A March visit to Kauai also coincides with its peak of seabird diversity. At Kilauea Point can be found some of the most spectacular of all seabirds, including nesting Laysan Albatross, adults gliding by at eye level, and huge nestlings sitting in the shade of ironwood trees. Two species of tropicbirds—perhaps the most elegant seabirds in the world—are a regular sight here, with glistening Red-tailed Tropicbirds seen regularly in aerial courtship displays and White-tailed Tropicbirds winging by to their cliff ledge nests. Red-footed Boobies, a few early arriving Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, enormous Great Frigatebirds, and a few Brown Boobies will also be on hand. In the springs of 1998 to 2003, a Red-billed Tropicbird also frequented the point, putting the entire world's tropicbird species in one spot! This is also is an excellent place to view humpback whales and spinner dolphins.

Our days on the Big Island will take us from the Kona Coast, where we have an excellent chance of seeing the endemic Hawaiian Hawk, to the forested slopes of the extinct giant shield volcano, Mauna Kea. Here, on walks through these fascinating tropical woodlands, we should encounter a good share of the more widespread indigenous Hawaiian bird species, including the Hawaii Amakihi, Apapane, Elepaio, the comical scarlet Iiwi, and Hawaii's beautiful and unique goose, the Nene. A special effort will be made to locate as many of the Big Island endemics as possible, including the Omao, Palila, Akepa, Hawaii Creeper, and the incredible, woodpecker-like Akiapolaau.

We'll spend two nights at the Volcano House lodge in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, situated at just over 4,000 feet elevation. Here one can dine overlooking Kilauea Caldera and Halemaumau Crater, while watching honeycreepers forage in the ohia blossoms and White-tailed Tropicbirds coast by to their nests in the crater walls.

Very good accommodations and cuisine; mostly easy walking with a couple of moderately strenuous hikes; warm conditions, some showers possible.