Hawaii Birding and Nature: Maui, Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu | Naturalist Journeys, LLC
A Guided Nature and Birdwatching Tour with Expert Doug Pratt
February 26 - March 9, 2012, with an Oahu Pre-trip Extension: Endemic Birds & the Bishop Museum Feb. 24-26
Journey to the mid-Pacific Ocean, where the idyllic islands of Hawaii offer breathtaking scenery, impressive seabird colonies, fascinating endemic birds and plants, rich Polynesian culture, and a chance to see the world's most active volcano. You will quickly find out that Hawaii is more than golden beaches, swaying palm trees and luxury resorts. It is a land rich in history with a great variety of landscapes including snow-covered mountains, luxuriant forests, extensive lava flows and semi-deserts, lovely beaches, cascading waterfalls, pounding surf and calm turquoise waters. Best of all, the tour will be led by Doug Pratt who is a world-renowned authority on Hawaii. He is author of The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, The Hawaiian Honeycreepers, Pocket Guide to Hawai‘i’s Birds, Pocket Guide to Hawai‘i’s Trees and Shrubs, Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawaii, compiler of Voices of Hawai‘i’s Birds, and illustrator of Hawaii: the Ecotraveller’s Wildlife Guide. You might say he wrote the book on Hawaii! Doug is also an authority on island biogeography and evolution, and is well-versed in the human culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands. This is not just a birding tour, although we have a good chance of seeing all the birds that anyone can reasonably expect on the islands we visit. This is a tried and true itinerary, with something for everyone. Book now – this special tour is limited to 7 participants and Doug.
The Hawaiian archipelago consists of over 120 seamounts, islands and atolls spreading across the Pacific Ocean from Midway in the northwest to Hawaii in the southeast. We will visit three of the seven inhabited islands: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. We will learn the history of the islands from their development over a 'hot spot' in the Pacific Plate, to the heavily forested and sculpted landscapes we see today. We will explore how plants and animals colonized and evolved into many species. As we visit historic and pre-historic sites, we witness the changes brought by man, starting with the influences of the early Polynesians over 1,000 years ago, through the arrival of Europeans with Captain Cook 200 years ago, to the vast and ongoing changes wrought by modern life. Hawaii has become the poster child for conservation efforts worldwide, and our tour will highlight what has been lost, what has been learned, and what is planned for the future.
Our journey begins in Maui and ends in Kauai. In Maui, the second largest island, we visit Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge to look for migrant shorebirds and waterfowl, the spectacular aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center, and the dormant volcano Haleakala. Pending permission, we will hike into The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve, where we will witness a nearly pristine Hawaiian rainforest that harbors several endemic endangered species. We then move to Hawaii, the youngest and largest of the islands, where several recently active volcanoes have produced impressive lava flows. We have five nights on this island; three in Kona, whence we will journey with Hawaii Forest & Trail to the Saddle Road and Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, and two nights at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where we have a chance to see an active lava flow and to learn about the earliest stages of island formation. Finally we will travel to Kauai, the 'Garden Isle', one of the world’s lushest and most beautiful tropical islands, where Jurassic Park was filmed. We have four nights on this wildest of the 4 main islands, a treasure of biodiversity. We'll walk the trails of Alakai Swamp and Pihea, visit incredible Waimea Canyon, enjoy a boat trip along the scenic Na Pali Coast Coast and out to Lehua Islet where we have the opportunity to snorkel and swim with monk seals, and visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge to see nesting Red-footed Boobies and other seabirds. All too soon, we must connect with our flights to the mainland and home. For those that wish to try for some of the Oahu endemic birds, this year we add a pre-trip extension.
ITINERARY
Sun., Feb. 26 Arrival in Maui / Kanaha Pond Sanctuary
It is possible to fly direct to Maui from the US Mainland. Those arriving for the Oahu extension will take an inter-island flight over to join us here. Please note that our tour begins in Maui (or Oahu if extension is selected), and ends in Kauai, though depending on your airline you may return via Oahu regardless.
We meet at 2:00 PM at Maui’s Kahului Airport. Consider this a field day, as close to the airport, we visit Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary to look for native waterbirds as well as migratory shorebirds and ducks. We then drive along the coast, then check into our hotel where we enjoy a welcome dinner and an introduction to a great journey ahead. Doug Pratt will provide an introduction and overview of this ultimate natural history journey of Hawaii. We call it ultimate, as Doug is the recognized authority on the birds of this region but he also knows the flowers, shrubs, trees, and more! He also loves Hawaiian music, culture and food, so plan on having just a really good time! Accommodations in central Maui (D)
Mon., Feb. 27 Maui / Kealia Pond NWR / Haleakala National Park / Sunset Whale-watching
Maui is named for the demigod who snared the sun and held it in place until it promised to move more slowly across the sky. This is the second largest island, formed by two mountains connected by a low isthmus, and it offers us diverse landscapes and superb scenery with Haleakala, the third highest mountain in Hawaii, a spectacular backdrop.
After breakfast, we explore the summit of Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano. It is a geological wonder; with a stunning crater 10 miles long and 2 miles wide. It last erupted just over 200 years ago. The magnificent panoramic view at the summit reveals a seeming moonscape where the remarkable Silversword plant grows, while on a clear day the looming silhouette of the Big Island can be seen far to the southeast. We explore varied habitats, including ranchlands, alien tree plantations, native subalpine scrub and the alpine zone in search of Sky Lark, Common Pheasant, Short-eared Owl, and Chukar.
Descending the mountain, we stop for lunch at a mall with several choices of food venues, and then make a stop at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, where we will scope the ponds for such migrants as Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, or other shorebirds. We could turn up some rarities because Kealia is a well-known “migrant trap.”
Late afternoon, we embark on a sunset whale-watching cruise, a memorable highlight of the journey for many. There are MANY Humpback Whales, many with babies, wintering just off shore, so this is a comfortable, near shore adventure with high reward. Our host is the Pacific Whale Foundation, an excellent research and conservation organization that funds its efforts through tourism. After a long but wonderful day, you can relax with dinner near the hotel at our leisure or explore some of the great restaurants in central Maui.
Accommodations in Central Maui (B)
Tues., Feb. 28 Maui / Waikamoi Preserve
Today we spend most of the day on a hike with backpack lunch into The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve, which sits adjacent to Haleakala National Park. Here we walk a boardwalk trail to search for 6 species of honeycreepers, including 3 Maui endemics: ‘Akohekohe, Maui Parrotbill, and Maui ‘Alauahio. These are joined by the more widespread crimson ‘Apapanes, the scarlet-and-black ‘I‘iwis, and yellow-green Hawai‘i ‘Amakihis. The divergence of Hawaiian honeycreepers even exceeds that of the famous Darwin's Finches of the Galapagos Islands. These birds are found in a spectacular native cloudforest free of alien weeds and festooned with mosses and epiphytes, brightened by the crimson flowers of the dominant ‘ohi‘a-lehua tree. Learn more about recent research being done, and about efforts to conserve them. We will also begin to learn the native plants, with some intriguing examples of island evolutionary processes.
We return late afternoon, possibly stopping at some ponds or other spots en route back, but also allowing you some free time to use the pool, explore the area and to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodations on Maui (B,L)
Wed., Feb. 29 (Happy Leap Year!) Maui / Hawaii (Kona side)
After breakfast, we make a more extensive trip to Kealia Pond NWR, always a productive place for birding. We then stop at a centrally-located mall, home to the Maui Ocean Center aquarium, a number of shops and a number of restaurants. Enjoy time to visit any of these at your leisure, get some lunch, and we then return to the airport to fly to the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Upon arrival, we settle into our lodgings in Kailua, and in the later afternoon we enjoy a short hike into Aimakapa Pond in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park between the airport and our hotel. Many of the same pond birds as at Kealia may be present, as well as Green Sea Turtles on the beach. Dinner tonight is at a nearby local brewpub, informal and fun. Accommodations at Kona Seaside Hotel (B,D)
Thurs., Mar. 1 Hawaii / Pu’u La’au, S. Kohala
Today we continue our explorations of the Big Island, first visiting Pu'u La'au, a native dry mamane-naio forest locality that is the heart of the range of the endangered Palila, a honeycreeper that still looks much like the finch ancestor of the group. The Palila is adapted for eating the green seeds of the mamane tree, a legume with showy yellow flowers. For the rest of the day, we explore the ranch lands of South Kohala, where we will look for a variety of game birds (3 francolins, 2 pheasants, 2 quails, turkey, and even a sandgrouse have been introduced), Nene, Hawaiian Hawk, Short-eared Owl, several waxbills and finches, including the beautiful Red Avadavat, and feral donkeys. Dinner tonight is at your choice of local restaurants, from quick to gourmet dining. Accommodations at Kona Seaside Hotel (B,L)
Fri., Mar. 2 Hawaii: Saddle Rd. / Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Today we enjoy an excursion to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the eastern, windward slope of Mauna Kea with local experts from Hawaii Forest & Trail. This wilderness reserve was set aside in 1985 to protect endangered forest birds and their rainforest habitat, the first such refuge in the system. It harbors a superb avifauna, rich in species and high indensity. As many as 6 endangered species occur here in some of the finest Koa and ‘Ohi‘a forest in the state. We hope to see the Hawaiian Hawk, a variety of game birds, Short-eared Owl, Nene, Oma‘o, Hawai‘i 'Elepaio, ‘Apapane, 'I'iwi, Hawai‘i 'Amakihi, Hawai‘i 'Akepa, Hawai‘i Creeper, 'Akiapola'au (the Rube Goldberg woodpecker!), and possibly Hawaiian Hoary Bat. Again, for dinner, you have your choice of local eateries close to our hotel.
Accommodations at Kona Seaside Hotel (B,L)
Sat., Mar. 3 Hawaii: Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Today we loop around the southern end of the Big Island, a fantastic drive with much to see. We drive south along the coast, stopping first at Bay View Coffee Farms where we will see how Kona coffee is grown and processed. We then visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (=taboo, an ancient prohibition) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu`uhonua,” undergo a purification rite, and eventually return to society. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the pu`uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs. This 182-acre park, established in 1961, includes a complex of archeological sites including: temple platforms, royal fishponds, and coastal village sites.
After a picnic lunch, we visit South Point, passing through grazing lands to the southern-most point in the United States. Enjoy a chance to stand at the edge of the world, watching the waves crash over lava rocks as we look for passing seabirds. Further along, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is one of the most picturesque conceivable, with pulverized lava “sand” and tall, leaning coconut palms. It is an important nesting area for Green Sea Turtles which are usually easy to spot as they scour the shoreline rocks for algae. As we leave the shoreline, we climb upward eventually reaching Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Dinner tonight is at a favorite local restaurant, a real treat!
Accommodations at the Hale Ohia Cottages (B,L,D) - www.haleohia.com
Sun., Mar. 4 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea Volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, and geologists think the current eruption could last many more years. The landscape it creates is unlike any other on Earth. Visitors come to witness the fiery stream of lava as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. See first-hand the power of forces at work and learn more about its significance to native Hawaiians. The current eruption has added over 
500 acres to the island of Hawaii. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects both Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes. Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on earth and taller than Everest, if measured from its base on the ocean floor. Kilauea, in addition to the fantastic and bizarre lava formations, craters, pits, and lava tubes, supports habitats from lush rain forests to stark acid-rain deserts. Our exploration of the park will include the Visitor Center, Volcano Art Center, Jaggar Museum and Volcano Observatory, Halema'uma'u Crater, Chain of Craters Road, and Holei Sea Arches. We will maintain some flexibility in order to take advantage of any red lava that may be visible during our visit. Wildlife may include Nene, Apapane, Oma‘o, Hawaiian Hawk, and White-tailed Tropicbird around Kilauea’s caldera and Black Noddy along the sea cliffs. Dinner is at your leisure, with several choices of places to eat, from Thai to fine dining, to picking up items at the local deli to enjoy at your cabins.
Accommodations at Hale Ohia Cottages (B,L)
Mon., Mar. 5 Hawaii (Hilo area) / Kauai
We start our day by checking out of the hotel before breakfast for an early walk into Thurston Lava Tube. We then drive the 30 miles to Hilo and stop at Ken’s Pancake House, a local landmark that has been in business since before Doug’s first Hawaii trip in 1974! After breakfast, we visit two waterfowl ponds, Waiakea and Loko Waka, to look for unusual waterfowl visitors such as White-fronted and Cackling geese, both of which are regular here. We then take a scenic drive up the Hamakua Coast past beautiful Onomea Bay. Mid-day, we catch a flight from Hilo airport to Lihue on Kaua‘i. Plan on getting your lunch at the airport. Kauai is a naturalist's dream, where one can find many endemic plant and birds’ species against a background of stunning landscapes. It’s delightful to arrive in time to enjoy the pool, sunset and in the evening there are many choices for dinner, including a restaurant in the hotel. Accommodations on Kauai (B)
Tues., Mar. 6 Kauai: Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon/Hike to Alakai Swamp with a local guide
Kauai, the smallest of the islands we visit, retains the richest native flora and fauna of the large islands. The summit of Wai‘ale‘ale may be the wettest place on Earth, which feeds the so-called Alaka‘i “Swamp,” actually a montane rainforest, and then carves Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Les Beletsky, in the Ecotraveller's Wildlife Guide to Hawaii, says the beauty of this place as reason enough to make a trip to the islands, and Doug calls the view into Kalalau Valley the finest single landscape in the entire Pacific. Amid the splendor, we will look for endemic birds such as ‘Anianiau, Kaua‘i ‘Amakihi, and Kaua‘i ‘Elepaio, and plants such as the amazing ‘iliau, related to Maui’s silversword. We hope to have David Kuhn, a friend and colleague of Doug’s join us today as the local expert for Alakai Swamp. En route home, we should also see Short-eared Owls and White-tailed Tropicbirds soaring in Waimea Canyon, and wild goats on the cliffs. Lunch today is next door to the little Koke‘e Museum, where Red Junglefowl cavort on the lawn, where you can select lunch to dine inside or out. We have a ways to drive back around the island, so we select a fun dinner spot with good fresh fish en route home. Accommodations on Kauai (B,D)
Wed., Mar. 7 Kauai: North Shore
This morning enjoy leisurely visits to Wailua and Opaeka'a Falls, where picturesque cascades plunge down cliff faces into deep pools. We visit Wailua Reservoir and Keahua Arboretum, then head north to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where Red-footed Boobies nest in trees, Laysan Albatrosses on the surface, and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in burrows in the soft soil of Kilauea Point overlooking the ocean. The refuge, established in 1985 to provide habitat for nesting seabirds, native coastal plants and a re-introduced population of Nene, has become the island’s most popular visitor attraction. Great Frigatebirds, Brown Boobies, and Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds add to the spectacular aerial show while humpback whales, Green Sea Turtles, Hawaiian monk seals (sometimes), and spinner dolphins can be seen in the water. After tearing yourself away from the sea cliffs, picturesque lighthouse and pounding surf, enjoy lunch at a nice café near the refuge, or chose a quick sandwich at the grocery with time to see some artisan shops.
Nearby Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, our next stop, was established in 1972 to save the taro fields that provide habitat for freshwater birds such as the Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Common Moorhen and Hawaiian Duck. Then it is on to the scenic coral sand beaches of Ha'ena State Park. Enjoy views of the spectacular Na Pali Coast while swimming and/or snorkeling before returning to our hotel. On this day we also hope to find Hwameis, Western Meadowlarks, and Greater Necklaced Laughing-thrushes as we pass through lowland rainforest and pasturelands. Dinner en route home is at one of our favorite restaurants.
Accommodations on Kauai (B,D)
Thurs., Mar. 8 (FULL MOON) Kauai: Boat trip to Lehua Islet
Today we rise very early and drive to Port Allen on Kaua‘i‘s south shore to take our only boat trip of the tour aboard a large and stable catamaran. Breakfast is on the boat. We will see waterfalls and lush valleys and sea caves along the Na Pali Coast, then cross the channel to Lehua Islet off the north end of Ni‘ihau, the so-called Forbidden Isle. Crossing the channel, we will look for Humpback Whales, Spinner Dolphins, Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Brown, Masked, and Red-footed Boobies, Brown and Black Noddies, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Wedge-tailed, Sooty, Newell's and other shearwaters, Black-winged, Hawaiian, and Mottled Petrels, and Band-rumped Storm-Petrels. When we arrive at Lehua, we will observe the nesting seabirds for a while, then 
the crew will assist and instruct us in snorkeling, so we can relax, float, and watch the comings and goings of the aquatic world. You will likely be greeted in the water by one of the resident Hawaiian Monk Seals or Green Sea Turtles, whose aquatic grace is amazing. After snorkeling, the crew will have a lunch waiting for us, and we will learn about the island, the people and history of Niihau and Kauai. We'll return to port mid-afternoon, and the rest of the day will be available for optional activities to be decided at the time. If a seabird cruise is NOT your thing, you can enjoy a free day to relax at the hotel, or book an outing with local vendors for snorkeling or sightseeing, and we’ll reduce your tour cost accordingly. In the evening, celebrate an excellent week at our farewell dinner.
Accommodations on Kauai (B,L,D)
Fri., Mar. 9 Returns to mainland
Today will be devoted to making our connections for homeward-bound flights. Those who have late flights may wish to try a helicopter flight, shop for gifts or souvenirs, or just relax. Most flights will be red-eyes that leave from Kauai or Honolulu in the early evening, arriving the next morning at a mainland airport. You may also chose to stay on for another day of pure R and R or some snorkeling before return to the mainland (at your leisure, we can make suggestions). (B)
OAHU PRE-TRIP EXTENSION:
Endemic Birds & the Bishop Museum Feb. 24-26, 2012
Fri., Feb. 24 Arrival in Oahu
Please plan to arrive by 3:00 pm so we can settle into our accommodations on the beach, and have some time to watch birds at Kapiolani Park, where beautiful, delicate Fairy Terns roost for the night. This lovely park with large, spreading trees lies at the base of Diamond Head, the mountainous landmark that towers over Waikiki Beach. This nearly 300-acre park was a gift from King Kalakaua to Honolulu, and in addition to fairy-terns we should find Pacific Golden Plover, Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbul, Yellow-fronted Canary, Common Waxbill, and Java Sparrow. If you must arrive later, there are shuttles (additional cost) to the hotel; we will explain your options for those upon request. We share dinner at the hotel’s seaside restaurant. *** Please note, if you wish to see Pearl Harbor or other sites of Oahu, we recommend you either arrive ahead of this time. You can do a night flight and arrive early morning, use public transport to reach the sites, or come in a night early. We do not include Pearl Harbor as lines can be long and thus timing is unpredictable, but it’s certainly worth the effort if you wish to visit.
Accommodations at the New Otani Hotel, Honolulu (D)
Sat. Feb. 25 Bird Specialties of Oahu
Doug has designed a route today that is highly scenic and highly productive for finding species unique to Oahu. Plan on short walks and a number of stops along the coast and beyond. This is a great place to also learn tropical plants, both native and from around the world, as many will be in full bloom. We visit the Kuli‘ou‘ou Valley to look for the endangered O'ahu 'Elepaio, and colorful White-rumped Shamas. In the afternoon, we'll drive up the island's scenic Windward Coast with views of the jagged cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountains and spectacular coastlines. At the northern end of the island, we will scan ponds of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge and vicinity. (Please note: the refuge may be closed for bird’s spring breeding season but some ponds are visible from afar). The refuge was established to save the settling ponds of a now defunct sugar mill, which had provided excellent waterbird habitat. The 164-acre refuge encloses several man-made ponds and impoundments managed for Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Common Moorhen, and Hawaiian Duck. It also provides essential habitat for wintering migratory birds such as Bristle-thighed Curlew, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, or other shorebirds; waterfowl such as Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American and Eurasian Wigeons, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, and Garganey; and possibly a few gulls and terns. Lunch will a stop at a shopping center, where you have three or four choices of restaurants that feature quick-serve food and dinner is at a restaurant close to our hotel so we can relax in the evening.
Accommodations at the New Otani Hotel (B,D)
Sun., Feb. 26 Early birding K… Park / Bishop Museum / Flights to Maui
We will check out of our hotel before breakfast and stop at a local coffee shop where Doug recommends macadamia-nut pancakes with coconut syrup, yum! We then drive the scenic Tantalus-Roundtop Loop above Honolulu for spectacular views, birding and sightseeing. This is the most accessible location to see the endemic O‘ahu ‘Amakihi, our first Hawaiian honeycreeper of the tour. The road comes out quite close to the Bishop Museum, a fine place to learn about Hawaii’s culture and history. We arrive at the airport mid-day for our short flight to Maui and the start of our main tour. (B)
PLAN AHEAD!
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COST
OF THE JOURNEY
Cost of the main journey is $5125.00 per person, based on double occupancy, from Maui (OGG) departing Kauai (LIH). This cost includes: accommodations for 12 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), airport welcome and transfer or hotel shuttle, land transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses, including two internal flights between islands.
Costs does not include: round-trip airfare to and from Hawaii, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar; or gratuities for luggage handling or personal services. With fewer than 6 participants, a small-group surcharge (typically $100-$300 per participant) may apply, or we may request that you pick up the cost of a few additional dinners in lieu of this surcharge.
Cost of the extension is $795.00 per person, based on double occupancy, from Honolulu. This cost includes: accommodations for 2 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), transfer at a set group time (if arriving early or off-time, shuttle is available at extra cost), land transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Please note, you will need to book and pay for the flight over to Maui to meet the main journey - we will recommend times and give you the cost if we book it for you, and you can compare to adding this flight to your mainland round trip ticket to insure the best savings options for you.
Group Size: This is a birding & nature trip, maximum of 8 and minimum of 4 participants.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
All major airlines service Hawaii from various mainland cities. Many flights arrive in Honolulu on Oahu (HNL) convenient for our pre-trip extension. Those taking only the main tour may arrive directly to Maui (OGG) When we last checked there were direct Maui flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix and several connecting flights through these cities. There are constantly changing fares and routes so you should have an excellent selection. Please plan to arrive by 3:00 PM on Maui for some birding en route to your hotel which will be in a central area of the island. If you need to arrive later than 3:00 PM we can provide you with information on shuttle or taxi transfers. Those going on the pre-trip extension to Honolulu we recommend the Island Air flight # 104 that departs Honolulu at 1:30 PM and arrives on Maui at 2:05 PM. Included in the main trip cost are the interisland flights between Maui and Hawaii and between Hawaii and Kauai but not the flight from the pre-trip extension. Those going on the pre-trip extension on Oahu are responsible for their flight to get them to Maui for the beginning of the main tour.
Departures from Kauai can be at whatever time is convenient to you. Doug typically returns the van by noon so there will be one mid-morning group departure. Otherwise plan on a taxi or shuttle to make the most of your last day in Hawaii. Many flights go directly to the mainland. Some flights do go through Honolulu and then to the mainland. We recommend being at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Sunset, Golden Plover, Hawaiian
Coot, Nene, Pac. Green Sea Turtle and Laysan Albatross, Tony Beck (www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony); Akohekohe, Iiwi, Elepaio, Bristle-thighed
Curlew, Apapane, Booby in flight and Fairy Terns, Tom
Dove; all other images by Peg Abbott.
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