We traveled to the Big Island last November. Didn't have a guide because
it was our first trip and I like to try to find what I can myself if I
think I'll return to the destination one day, in other words, I'll hire a
guide if I ever go to Madagascar. We got most of the endemics but missed
Akiapola'au, Hawaii Creeper and Akepa. Saddle Road is a must, stopping at
Pu'u La'au for Palila (best or only place for this bird), further on (going
from Waimea to Hilo) stop at Kipuka 21 and Pu'u O'o (should be able to find
Akiapola'au at Pu' O'o however our efforts failed twice, rain). Volcano is
excellent as well, we enjoyed Kipuka Pua'ulu (bird park) but you should
look for White-tailed tropicbirds at the observatory, Nene on the drive to
the end of Chain of Craters Road, take the drive to the trailhead on Mauna
Loa, essentially do tourist type stuff and you'll still see birds.

My understanding is you must have a guide to enter Hakalau Forest NWR. I
also believe in order to find Akepa and Hawaii Creeper your best, if not
only chance, is Hakalau. I have no direct experience with guides but met a
local and birded with him. He is friends with Jack Jeffrey who has a
guiding service and is an excellent photographer, he's who I would hire,
you can google him.

Hopefully you have found several good websites on where to go and Doug
Pratt's book Enjoying Birds in Hawaii is a good reference.

If possible try to make a snorkel stop at Puuhonua O Honaunau Park, don't
go in the park but curve to the right where there is a free snorkeling
access point the locals call "two step". Here, if you are lucky, you can
snorkel with spinner dolphins, surprisingly the highlight of our trip (but
I did dip on the Akiapola'au). The dolphins are hit or miss but an amazing
experience if you catch them.

Have a great time.
Aloha

Cara Borre
Gig Harbor
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