Fall Hawaii: Oct 09—17, 2009

Nene — Photo: Barry Zimmer

Nine days of superb natural history and amazing scenery on Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii with lots of unique endemic birds, plus wonderful seabirds and such shorebird visitors as Bristle-thighed Curlew.

The most remote archipelago in the world, the Hawaiian Islands offer a unique and dramatic view of nature. Hawaii rivals the famed Galapagos as a living microcosm of evolution, as each main island harbors unique bird and plant species. And for a spectacular firsthand view of the life of volcanoes—past and present—Hawaii has no equal.

Our Fall Hawaii tour leaves the standard Hawaii tourist crowd well behind. In traversing three islands—Hawaii, Kauai, and Oahu—we will encounter one of the largest assortments of endemic plant and bird species anywhere. Each of these islands harbors its own endemic Hawaiian "honeycreepers." We will search out a large proportion of these native land birds (many are endangered), from the Hawaiian Hawk and Nene to the Iiwi, Palila, Omao, Elepaio, Akepa, and Akiapolaau, to name a few. We have arranged special entry for our group into some of the best remaining tracts of native tropical forest in the islands, where we can enjoy these extraordinary birds at leisure.

Wonderful views of seabirds throughout the tour are a constant reminder that one is situated in the midst of the tropical Pacific. Sprite-like and immaculate White Terns (a.k.a. Common Fairy Tern) reside near our hotel on Oahu. At Kilauea Point on Kauai, we will see nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters literally at arm's-length, as Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds glide closely overhead. A distinctive form of the Black Noddy nests along the black lava cliffs on the Big Island. Gleaming White-tailed Tropicbirds fly effortlessly across Kauai's splendid Waimea Canyon and circle the rim of the Big Island's Halemaumau Crater. Even lustrous Red-tailed Tropicbirds are a good bet.

Migrant shorebirds and waterfowl include an abundance of Pacific Golden-Plovers and Wandering Tattlers. On most tours we see the much sought after Bristle-thighed Curlew as well as Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. We'll find such endemic, endangered species as Koloa (Hawaiian Duck) and Hawaiian Coot, as well as the endemic forms of moorhen and stilt at several wetland sanctuaries. An assortment of introduced bird species adds variety to the bird life on these remote tropical islands, and we will search for a good sample of these, although as a lower priority than the native species.

The equal of any birding wonders in the islands is the memorable experience of exploring the recent volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island (Hawaii). We have scheduled two nights at the Volcano House in the park, a charming lodge that, from its perch alongside Kilauea Caldera, offers what has to be one of the world's most astounding restaurant views. Although one can't predict its likelihood for a given visit, some tours have had the great fortune of seeing an active lava flow in the park, an unforgettable vision in fiery orange, day or night.

Hawaii's remote, tropical allure remains, and is redefined through this tour of the islands' natural riches. The warm temperatures, comfortable lodging, and excellent cuisine only complement its singular wildlife and volcanic marvels.

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