Private tour in Kona Shawn M

Big Island Birdwatching

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Shawn M.

5.0

Guide rate

30

Reviews

Tours delivered

15 hrs

Avg. response time

I have always had an immense passion for the outdoors. I spent my youth hiking, backpacking, canoeing and surfing. All this time outside has given me a great appreciation for the natural world. I first attended San Diego State University as an Ecology and Natural History major. After a few years at SDSU, I felt drawn to a more immersive educational experience and transferred to Humboldt State University on the North Coast of California. There, in the beautiful redwood forest, I found my calling in adventure tourism and graduated with a degree in outdoor adventure education and minored in business administration. With an educational background in both ecology and tourism, guiding guests on adventures became the perfect fit. After college, I worked at Humboldt Redwoods State Park as a park aid and naturalist. I thought about a career as a fishing guide and started transitioning into the fishing industry, when I decided to relocate to Hawaii. Since living in Hawaii, I have worked as a boat captain and tour guide, taking guests from all over the world, all around this beautiful island. In my free time, I still love to do all my favorite outdoor activities: hiking, camping, backpacking, surfing, and diving. I love exploring and learning about all the beautiful places the Big Island has to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to look at maps, find new locations to explore, and then figure out how to get there. The Big Island's diverse ecosystem is constantly drawing me to learn more about this beautiful place. I love to share my passion, leading and teaching guests all about this diverse island that I call home. BA - Recreation Administration: Outdoor Adventure Education; Cal Poly Humboldt American Red Cross - Lifeguarding with CPR/AED For Professional Rescuers, First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Waterfront Skills United States Coast Guard 100 ton Master State of Hawaii - Public Utilities Commission 1-7 Passenger Vehicle Permit State of Hawaii - Public Utilities Commission 8-25 Passenger Vehicle Permit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Commercial Use Permit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Commercial Use Permit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Commercial Use Permit State of Hawai’i - Department of Land and Natural Resources Commercial Trail Access Permit State of Hawai’i - Harbors Division, Hawai’i District Ground Transportation Permit

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Shawn M.

Overview of your Kona tour

The Big Island of Hawaii is a paradise for birdwatchers! Here, you will find endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Its diverse habitats are home to a variety of unique bird species. From the vibrant honeycreepers in the lush rainforests to the majestic raptors soaring over open savannas, the island offers a birdwatching experience like no other. Explore the State Forest Reserves in search of endemic Hawaiian Birds. We will Have the opportunity to view these endemic birds: I'iwi, Apapane, Amakihi, Elepaio, Alawi, Akiapolaau, Alawi, Akepa, Omao, Pueo, Nene, and I'o. Some of these birds are found nowhere else in the world but the Big Island of Hawaii! Enjoy breathtaking views throughout the day of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

Your Kona tour itinerary

My birdwatching tour on the Big Island offer guests a unique opportunity to witness native birds in their natural habitats. They provide a chance to appreciate the birds' beauty, understand their ecological roles, and learn about the efforts to protect them. This tour offer insights into the birds' behaviors and ecology. I cater to different levels of birdwatching expertise, from beginners to seasoned ornithologists. I am not just about spotting birds, but about understanding and appreciating them. After pickup from your place of lodging, begin your Big Island birdwatching tour by traveling up the Saddle Road to the high elevations of the Big Island. Based upon the conditions for the day, your guide will select from one of the State Forest Reserves to start from. Locations may include but not limited to: Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve, and Hilo Forest Reserve.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Have more than 4 people in your group? I can accommodate up to 6 guests on this tour, please contact me for additional guest rates.

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: All entrance fees into forest reserves for commercial tours.
Equipment: Nikon ProStaff binoculars, Patagonia Jackets, Black Diamond hiking poles
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Perks: Complimentary photo package from my professional long zoom camera.
Meeting location

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States

I will be in contact with you before the start of the tour to confirm pickup location.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Bird Watching
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
1437449
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Kona best suited for?

This private tour in Kona is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned ornithologists. It's ideal for those who want to experience Hawaii's unique endemic wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. If you're interested in understanding and appreciating the ecological roles of native birds, this tour is a great fit.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Kona be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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