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A Birder's Paradise: Kauai and Hawaii

Program Number: 5889RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/17/2013 - 2/24/2013; 1/5/2014 - 1/12/2014; 1/26/2014 - 2/2/2014; 2/16/2014 - 2/23/2014; 3/2/2014 - 3/9/2014;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Hilo (Hawaii), Hawaii
Price starting at: $2,449.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Birding; National Parks
Meals: 19; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners    

The islands of Hawaii are a birder's paradise where more than 150 species of beautiful birds reside. Avid birding instructors lead daily field lectures to the region's best birding sites. Meet a world-renowned birder and photographer and discuss Hawaii's amazing plants, animals and geology, as well as its vanishing endemic bird species. Sight some of the world's most unusual and rare birds while enjoying the showcase of co-evolution and adaptation provided by Hawaii’s spectacular avifauna.




Highlights

• Sight unusual and rare birds in Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park, Kilauea Point and Hakalau Forest National wildlife refuges, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• In mid-elevation rainforests, search for amakahi, elepaio, apapane and i'iwi.
• Venture into the high dryland to locate the incredible palila.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles on mostly flat, maintained and unimproved trails. Elevation up to 4,000 feet.



Limited to 12 participants.



Itinerary Summary

Hilo, Hawaii, 3 nights; fly to Lihue, Kauai, 4 nights.



Coordinated by University of Hawaii at Hilo.




Kauai

Kauai, or Kaua'i, is the oldest and northernmost of the major islands in the Hawaiian Island chain comprising gentle, rolling countrysides, jagged mountains, magnificent canyons and desert-like sand dunes, as well as 143 miles of coastline.



Hilo (Hawaii)

This is one of few surviving examples of a Hawaiian plantation town. The impact of Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Koreans, other Pacific Islanders, and Europeans blend in the faces of the people who give Hilo its charm. With diverse shopping opportunities and its friendliness, Hilo is the perfect town to linger just a little longer.
Accommodations
Seaside hotels with outdoor swimming pools.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Daniel Lindsay
Daniel Lindsay and wife Susan moved to the island of Hawaii in 2000. An avid birder since the age of 10, Daniel’s first birding experience was in the islands in 1980. His birding expeditions have taken him to Mexico, Thailand and Japan, as well as all over the U.S. mainland. Daniel is a long-time member of both the American Birding Association and Hawaii Audubon Society.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
  Hilo, HI 4 nights
   Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach
  Kapaa, HI 3 nights
 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Centrally located along Banyan Drive, the hotel is within walking distance of trees planted by royalty and celebrities like the famous Babe Ruth. It is adjacent to the Japanese-style Liliuokalani Park and the Healing Island of Moku Ola (Coconut Island). It is within minutes of shops, museums, beaches and the airport.
  Contact info: 71 Banyan Drive
Hilo, HI 96720 USA
phone: 808-545-3510
web: www.castleresorts.com/Home/accommodations/hilo-hawaiian-hotel
  Room amenities: air conditioning, private lanai (most rooms), in-room refrigerator, coffee maker, iron and ironing board (on request), hair dryer (on request), clock/radio, phone and voicemail, broadband Internet access (some rooms; fee), color cable television
  Facility amenities: * complimentary parking based on availability * safety deposit box at front desk * coin-operated laundromat (fee - open 6:00 am. - 10:00 pm.) * broadband Internet kiosk (fee) in the lobby with printing * swimming pool * sun deck * gift shop * florist * beauty salon * massage (fee) * travel agency * soft drink machines * ice machines RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGES: * Queen’s Court The Queen's Court Restaurant offers nightly buffet and plated dinners * Waioli Lounge Lounge located in lobby, serving cocktails and appetizers. Open daily: 5:00 p.m. – closing
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Coming soon When calling the hotel's reservation department, identify yourself as a participant of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Road Scholar Program and the program dates to receive post-program room rates.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Nestled right on Coconut Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Kauai Resort is one of the top Kapaa resorts, constantly reminding Kauai hotel guests why they chose the Garden Isle for their Hawaii getaway. Kauai Hawaii Marriott offers service levels that exceed Courtyard expectations, as well as stunning ocean views and a premier location to many island attractions, shopping, and restaurants.
  Contact info: 650 Akepa Loop
Kapaa, HI 96746 USA
phone: 808-822-3455
web: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihku-courtyard-kauai-at-coconut-beach/
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bottled water (for a fee), Coffee maker/tea service, Individual climate control, Iron and ironing board, Mini fridge, Bathroom Amenities, Hair dryer, phone and cable tv.
  Facility amenities: Coffee/tea in-room, complimentary local calls (time limit), concierge desk, safe deposit boxes (front desk), swimming pool and jacuzzi, spa (appointment required) and exercise room.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: $128.00 ++ The program will begin in Hilo and will finish in Kaua`i. If you decide to extend your stay in Kaua`i, you may book post nights at this hotel. Any pre program nights will be at the Hilo hotel.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check into Hilo Hawaiian Hotel between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. You will be staying at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Departure from Lihue, Kauai anytime after breakfast, hotel check-out by 11:00 AM. You will be staying at Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Full program participation requires the following forms from the provider to be completed and returned prior to the start date: Risk and Release, Medical, Travel and Room information. A picture identification with your legal name is required at time of check in at airport counter.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: Provide all medication necessary for treatment for your allergic reactions, ie. insect bites, stings, food. Make arrangements to accommodate any dietary needs.
  Parking availability:
Vehicles accommodated on the hotel parking lots on a space available basis.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Hilo, HI
  Nearest city or town:  Kea`au
  Nearest highway: Highway 19
  Nearest airport:  Hilo International Airport (ITO)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Kapaa, HI
  Nearest city or town:  Lihue
  Nearest highway: Highway 56
  Nearest airport:  Lihue Airport
Travel Details
 

Hilo

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Hot Lava Taxi
phone: 808-557-0879

 
Driving Directions
  Continental US Air travel only to Hawai`i
  Hilo Airport to hotel Depart HiloAirport (1.5 miles). Turn right at intersection from airport and Kanoelehua Avenue. Travel to signal light at intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and Kamehameha Avenue. Cross intersection onto Banyan Drive. Hotel is located on right side of Banyan Drive.


Required innoculations:

Yes: Provide all medication necessary for treatment for your allergic reactions, ie. insect bites, stings, food. Make arrangements to accommodate any dietary needs.
Elevation Note: Gradual inclination from sea level to 4000 feet in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Equipment Requirements: Hiking boots and appropriate hiking gear for daily field trips. Binoculars recommended for maximum bird viewing, light rain gear for weather changes.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check in/Orientation
(Sunday, February 17)
   
 Arrive To: Arrival and check into hotel.
 Dinner: Meal at hotel dining room.
 Evening: Program orientation
   
Accommodations: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
(Monday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Meal at local restaurant.
 Morning: Field trips to the Hilo Farmers Market and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sites at the Volcano Park include the Nahuku Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road and the Holei Sea Arch.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch in the field.
 Afternoon: Field trips in the park to Jagger Museum, Kipuka Puaulu and the Visitors Center.
 Dinner: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Evening: Lecture and slide presentation on Hawaiian Endemic Birds.
   
Accommodations: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
(Tuesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Morning: All day field trip to the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch in the field.
 Dinner: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Evening: Free evening for relaxation and exploration.
   
Accommodations: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Pu'ula'au
(Wednesday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: Meal at local restaurant.
 Morning: All day field trip to Pu'ula'au in West Hawaii.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch in the field.
 Dinner: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Evening: Free evening for relaxation and exploration.
   
Accommodations: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Free morning./Arrival and check into hotel
(Thursday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: Meal at hotel dinning room in Hilo.
 Morning: Bring luggage to hotel lobby for check out at 11:30am. Depart for Hilo airport at 11:45am. Transfer to Kauai via Honolulu.
 Lunch: Lunch on own before hotel departure.
 Afternoon: Check in
 Dinner: Meal in hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge/Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
(Friday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Morning: Field trips to Hanalei Valley, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, Kilauea Lighthouse Point and National Wildlife Refuge.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at Kalihiwai Beach.
 Afternoon: Field trip to Huleia National Wildlife Refuge.
 Dinner: Meal in hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Koke'e Museum and Nature Center/ Afternoon Waterbird Sites
(Saturday, February 23)
   
 Breakfast: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Morning: Field trips to Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park, and the Koke'e Museum and Nature Center.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Koke'e State Park.
 Afternoon: Travel to various island locations.
 Dinner: Aloha dinner and camaraderie at the hotel...a great time to share stories, pictures and more!
   
Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Kaua`i at Coconut Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Independent departure
(Sunday, February 24)
   
 Breakfast: Meal in hotel dining room.
 Morning: Independent departure after breakfast by 11:00 am. Independent travel arrangements for transport from hotel to airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands


Author: Phil Barnes


Description: Short, inexpensive, clear, readable, an excellent introduction to the history of the islands.



A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawai’i and the Tropical Pacific


Author: H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner, and Delwyn G. Berrett


Description: The only true field guide to Hawai’I’s birds. Though dated now, the painted illustrations are superior to anything else on the market.



A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Trees and Shrubs


Author: H. Douglas Pratt


Description: A quick but thorough guide to the trees and shrubs of Hawai`i, both native and introduced.



Ancient Hawai`i


Author: Herb Kawainui Kane


Description: Illustrated by Hawai`i’s best-known painter of native Hawaiian scenes, this is an excellent primer an old Hawaiian culture.



Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawai`i


Author: H. Douglas Pratt


Description: This is the best birding site guide to the islands, done by Hawaii’s ultimate bird author.



Hawai`i: The Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide


Author: Les Beletsky


Description: Beautifully illustrated, accurate, interesting, this is a fine all-around guide for the ecologically minded tourist.



New Pocket Hawaiian Dictionary


Author: Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert


Description: For those interested in learning a little about the Hawaiian language, this includes a quick summary of Hawaiian grammar.




What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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