hawaii nature tours

Ultimate Circle Island Tour Special With Lunch AND Waimea Waterfall included!

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• Oahu Circle Island Tour
• Oahu Waterfall Adventure Tours

ULTIMATE CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR OPERATES:   Weekdays

Pickups in Waikiki: starting at 7:00 AM (your pickup time will depend on your pickup location) Drop-off time: 6:00-6:30 PM

The timing of the tour always depends on many factors and is at the discretion of your driver/tour guide on location who will take into consideration the speed of the group, the traffic conditions around the island, the potential road closures, weather warnings from the state and many other factors. But generally speaking, the photo stops will take about 10-15 minutes , other stops are 20-25 minutes , the lunch is usually about 40-45 minutes at Fumi’s  and the Waimea Arboretum/ Waterfall walk/visit is about two hours .  We have marked all the actual STOPS for you with red color .

TOUR DESCRIPTION :

Join us on this exciting journey of discovery that will satisfy your senses and provide exceptional photo opportunities.

Begin your day driving through the Amelia Earhart Point on the ocean-facing outer slopes of Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii’s icon and most recognizable landmark, where you can marvel at the 100,000 year-old volcanic peak perched above the Pacific.

Traveling along Oahu’s spectacular southeast coastline we arrive at the famous Halona Blowhole  and   “ From Here to Eternity ” beach where Green Sea Turtles can often be spotted in the emerald-green waters of the cove made famous by the only Oscar-winning movie made in Hawaii.

We continue to visit Sandy Beach , a beautiful sandy-bottom beach that looks peaceful and serene but is known for its notoriously powerful shore-breaks, pounding waves and body-surfing opportunities.

Driving by  Makapu’u Lookout you will see the island’s most recent lava flows and enjoy incredible panoramic views of offshore islands, turquoise and azure ocean water and breathtaking lava cliffs above.

We continue to the world-renowned  Pali Lookout , that Mark Twain called the most beautiful views on the planet.

Driving north we arrive at the Valley of the Temples and visit the colorful  Byodo-in temple , a photographer’s dream.  This Hawaii State Landmark is home to wild peacocks and hundreds of koi carp with a large reflecting pond and meditation niches.

Continuing on the relaxing windward coast we also visit scenic  Chinaman’s Hat , a picturesque islet located in the warm, tropical waters of Kaneohe Bay.

Continuing north to Kahuku ,  home of the North Shore’ famous shrimp farm s  you will observe  endangered wetland birds, including Black-neck stilts, Hawaiian coots and Moorhens.  Stopping at one of the locals’ favorite shrimp trucks, try some delicious locally-farmed  garlic shrimp, fish or a chicken plate and refreshing drinks . You will be served your choice of nine different sautéed shrimp plates, fresh lemon and steaming rice while your nature guide provides information about Hawaii’s aquaculture efforts.   (*Chicken Katsu and Veggie Chow Mein options are also available!)

Next you can marvel at the world-famous Sunset Beach as we drive by this legendary big-wave surfing location where towering, giant waves arrive between November-April.

Then we visit Waimea Valley Arboretum and Waterfall . This enchanting and relaxing location showcases over 5,000 species of tropical flowering plants, ancient archaeological sites , and one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island.

Our last stop is the historic  Dole Plantation where you will find many varieties of pineapple species from all over the world. Here, you can buy a souvenir to take home and share with your family and friends and always remember your exciting adventure around the Island of Oahu and Waimea Waterfall.

Throughout your journey of discovery around the island of Oahu your nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii’s bird and plant species, geology, history and culture.

*Age limit:  Children must be at least  3  years old  and require their own reserved seat on the bus.

* This Adventure is an exciting journey of discovery around the spectacular island of Oahu, Driving through the beautiful Amelia Earhart Point on the ocean-facing slopes of Diamond Head Crater to the famous Kaiwi coastline, Halona Blowhole, From Here to Eternity beach, Sandy Beach, Makapuu Point, Pali Lookout, Valley of the Temples, colorful Byodo-in Temple, scenic Mokoli’i, Waimea Valley Arboretum, Waterfall, Dole Pineapple Plantation and many other sites along our route.

Your expert nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii’s bird and plant species, geology, history and culture. Includes a delicious lunch at the famous Fumi’s Shrimp Stand on the North Shore where you’ll be served your choice of various sautéed shrimp plates. *Chicken and Veggie options are also available. Each party also receives a 152-page Gift Book “Guide to Nature on Oahu” as a souvenir.

* We provide roundtrip transportation in air-conditioned, luxury, panorama touring buses with the highest-quality air filters, a professional guide who narrates your entire tour AND a SEPARATE, professional CDL DRIVER for a safer ride, ADMISSION FEE to ALL sites, a souvenir guide book and a DELICIOUS LUNCH, all of which represents a $60.00 added value that WE pay on your behalf. Unlike many other companies, we do not play word games. When we say a stop or lunch is included on the tour, we mean the associated cost and entry fees also, not just the locations itself. So, no “surprises” with us, we will never ask you to pay for anything out of pocket on site and we will take you to the paid sites as well.

As the original and still the best eco-tour and Ultimate Circle Island tour company on Oahu, we have been operating for 28 years with consistently excellent, 5-star ratings, year after year. Feel free to compare us with other vendors’ tour content and to check out our social media reviews (“Oahu Nature Tours – All-inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Adventure”) , and you’ll see that our current online special with the 10% discount is a truly amazing offer not just for the superior guide, vehicle and food quality provided compared to other similar activities but for the sheer number of covered stops, visited locations, tour length and all inclusions as well.

*This tour has a walking portion in the Arboretum to visit the waterfall and is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

HOTEL PICKUPS:

We can provide free transportation to and from selected Waikiki hotels, the ones that have assigned safe and permitted pickup areas. These pickup locations were carefully selected to make sure you never have to walk too far from your own hotel. You can select from the following eight CENTRALLY LOCATED AND CONVENIENT MEETING POINTS in Waikiki:

–  Ala Moana hotel – Mahukona street hotel entrance

–  Hilton Hawaiian Village   – Grand  Islander Tower bus depot

–  Trump International hotel – curbside

–  Ambassador hotel – Namahana street entrance

–  Ross Store at 333 Seaside Avenue

–  Hyatt Regency hotel – Koa Avenue entrance

–  Marriott Waikiki Beach hotel – Tour Lobby on Paoakalani street side

–  Lotus hotel

Just tell us on your booking form what hotel you are staying in and our reservationists will always help you by automatically assigning your pickup location to the one that is the closest to your hotel and we always send a confirmation email and/or a text message specifying that location with photos, maps and instructions.

If you have not selected your Hawaiian accommodation yet that is not a problem either. 🙂 Until we hear from you otherwise, we just assign the default Ala Moana meeting point for you to meet our driver, then you can change it later, up to 24 hours prior your departure time.   *To learn more about pickups you can also visit our FAQ page on this website.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

TOUR LENGTH: 10 HOURS

APPROXIMATE WALKING LENGTH: 1.5 MILES

TERRAIN DETAILS:  Waimea Valley is the home of more than 5,000 documented kinds of tropical an subtropical plants including native and endangered Hawaiian plants.  The trail is a paved road with slight inclines up to the waterfall

Included with this Tour

Round trip transportation: We provide transportation from eight designated pick up locations throughout Waikiki.

152 Page Book “Pocket Guide to Nature On Oahu” (1 per party)

Lunch Options: Fumi’s Shrimp Truck has many different options from several types of shrimp plates, chicken katsu or vegetarian chow mein.  Many drink options are also available.

Tour Instructions

Pickup time: Please note that the pickups commence before the actual departure time from Waikiki so the exact pickup time for your particular meeting point will be clearly marked in your confirmation email. Please make sure you arrive to your meeting point on time and be ready to board your vehicle at the stated pick-up time but allow 2-3 minutes for our driver to arrive due to occasional traffic delays outside of our control. Please standby during this short window period if necessary and do not leave your assigned pickup location. Please keep your cellphone on during the pickup process so we can assist you connecting with your driver if needed. Additional Instructions for the Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Waterfall: – *Age limit is minimum  3 years old  for this tour! – Please bring a  rain poncho  or rain gear, in case of precipitation. – Please remember to bring  bottled water – Please remember to have breakfast before your tour as eating and  food items are not allowed  on the buses when boarding and/or during the tour. – Wear comfortable walking shoes , you’ll walk 1.5 miles round-trip on a paved path in the arboretum. – Due to the length of this circle island tour please make sure you allow for a  comfortable return time  to Waikiki. – Drop-off in Waikiki is also included. You will be dropped off at the same location where we picked you up. – *Drop-offs might be a half an hour later than scheduled, due to traffic delays or other unforeseeable circumstances.

Out of the eight pickup locations we offer in Waikiki, the meeting point we assign for you is the closest to the hotel or residence that you indicate in your reservation as your place of stay but if you have any questions about your pickup time or location, you are welcome to email us at [email protected] *Please note that our offices are closed on weekends but you can contact us Monday-Friday anytime between 6:45am- 5:00pm.

Age limit:  Children must be at least 3  years old and require their own reserved seat on the bus. All persons between 3 and 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over age 21.

Our vehicle’s description: Look for a vehicle with our name (“Oahu Nature Tours”) displayed on the digital display on its windshield. **Currently, because of the constantly changing covid recommendations for tour vehicles in Hawaii, tour vehicle size and capacity can vary, including full-size, panorama touring buses, but always in accordance and compliance with the latest Government regulations and laws for tour vehicles on the island of O’ahu.

Waimea Valley: This tour has a walking portion in the arboretum so it is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. *Oahu Nature Tours strongly advises against swimming in the waterfalls due to leptospirosis bacteria present in Hawaii’s freshwaters.

Cancellation Policy: For parties of 1-6 guests : a  minimum of 24 hour  notice is required prior to departure time for changing, rescheduling or cancelling your activity. Tours cancelled or rescheduled within the last 24 hours are non-refundable. For parties of 7 or more guests : a  minimum of seven days notice is required prior to departure time for changing, rescheduling or cancelling your activity. Tours cancelled or rescheduled within seven days prior to your departure time are non-refundable.

Because our guests sometimes experience travel emergencies and sickness, please consider buying travel insurance before your trip that covers airfare, hotels and activities. In the event you might have to cancel a tour with us that is inside of our no-refund period, you could still seek reimbursement from your travel insurance policy.

PLEASE SEE MORE IMAGES IN OUR PHOTOGALLERY by clicking on the “PHOTOS” tab above! 🙂

Tour Reviews

Please see our customers’ reviews on

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Experience Big Island Hawaii’s majestic nature!

Volcanoes –  Sunsets & Stargazing   –   Tropical Forests  –   Stunning Waterfalls

Welcome to the dynamic island of hawaii an island of fire and ice that reminds us,  nothing is permanent and there is always time to slow down and take in the beauty..

The Island of Hawaii offers endless adventures – a perfect fit for travelers who crave the authentic and dare to seek out the tallest mountains in the world, volcanic craters, hidden lava tubes, black sand beaches, and nature’s tropical waterfalls. Hawaii Forest & Trail has been the premier Big Island adventure tour service for more than 25 years.

What continues to bring travelers back to Hawaii Forest & Trail is our team of highly knowledgeable Interpretive Guides, our unparalleled access to private land, and our intimate small group tour sizes. All that, paired with all the comforts you’d expect from a first-class tour company, our experiences are designed to keep you comfortable and captivated.   

We invite you to be our guest and experience the best spots in Hawaii Nei!

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Hawaii Bird Tours

Educational & scenic day trips, hawaii multi-day tours & international birding experiences, fun & informative small group birding adventures in hawaii & beyond, enjoy endemic & pelagic birds of hawaii with passionate guides.

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii Bird Tours, where our dedicated and educated team of all-female guides are excited to share their knowledge and passion for birds with you on unforgettable tours. Our keen birding senses combined with unrivalled knowledge of plumages and flight patterns of almost every species means you’ll be getting what you expect when booking a birding tour. We also strive to share Hawaii’s history, culture, flora and fauna while personally catering to each guest in a fun, and informative environment with gregarious guides where everybody can enjoy a pleasant time in nature. Our day trips provide a range of experiences on both land and water across the islands of Hawaii, as we search for endemic forest species and pelagics: from the iconic Hawaiian Honeycreepers to the endangered water birds , including the Hawaiian Goose, Black-necked Stilt, and Hawaiian Duck

If you’re new to birding in Hawaii, looking to explore multiple islands, or just overwhelmed with how to make the most of your visit, we encourage you to consider our multi-day birding tours . These all-inclusive experiences are designed to be carefree bucket list trips by our local experts for the best birding experiences in Hawaii. Our birdwatching adventures aren’t just limited to Hawaii, we travel the world over to bring you the best birding experiences! Check out our international trips for life-affirming tours to South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the Pacific.

Oahu Birding Tours

Kauai birding tours, big island endemic birding adventure, kona pelagic birding adventure, multi-day & international birding tours, hawaii multi-day excursions, international trips, read why people love us, tripadvisor reviews.

Five stars for Mandy Talpas and her 10-day, 3-island Hawaii birding tour that just wrapped up. Mandy found every one of the birds we targeted, shared her deep knowledge of and passion for Hawaii and its birds and habitats, and made the trip fun with her infectious personality. I recommend Mandy without reservation.

Basco Eszeki

Mandy is an absolutely excellent guide to all of the birds of Hawaii. Our birding tour booked with Hawaii Bird Tours for 10 days. Mandy made sure each of us got a look at the birds that appeared. Mandy knows many of the birds as individuals, which testifies to her dedication to protecting and loving what she does. She is very respectful of the environment and of the relationships each native bird species has with its habitat. Mandy is highly respected and active in the local environmental and conservation groups, a fact that gave us unique insights to the dynamics in birding in the Hawaiian islands. We felt honored to have access to remote regions and to experience the birds in their native habitats. I cannot sing enough praises of Mandy who in addition to being a superb birding guide, is a kind and thoughtful person. This was an unforgettable tour.

Warren Chad

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Very occasionally you meet and spend time with someone whos infectious enthusiasm, passion and commitment to a chosen endeavour erodes a little of your cynicism and restores a huge chunk of your faith in humanity. Mandy Talpas is one such individual. I have just had the pleasure of spending six days with Mandy birding and photographing on Oahu and Big island. The brief was to get me as many endemics as possible and get me into a position to get some good photos. I have been let down before when my expectations of a trip fell short but on this occassion I need not have worried. Mandy found all the important birds and gained me great access to areas where I could get my photographs. Mandy was always considerate and patient which made for a pleasant birding experience, sharing her knowledge of the Islands, its plants, native peoples and its imperilled birdlife.

Nicole Koeltzow

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I highly recommend hiring Mandy as a birding guide. She help me get some of the hardest birds in Kauai, Hawaii on a custom trip on my ABA Big Year 2018. We got the Anianiau, Kauai Amakihi, Akeke’e, Akikiki, and Puaiaohi along the Mohihi-Waiale Trail. We hiked 7 to 8 miles to achieve this goal 2 different days in a row. It is tough up-and-down terrain and wet and muddy in places but breath taking too. She is willing to go the distance by returning the next day and hiking rain or shine. Always pointing out hazard spots that could possibly trip you up. She is very friendly and easy to talk to you if you want to talk. Outstanding birder that will find the birds for you.

Janice Knausenberger

Bill holland.

I loved my birding in Hawaii with Mandy. I highly recommend her guided birding tours. Mandy found us the local specialties across the three islands we visited without rushing or stressing over logistics. I appreciate her local knowledge and her ability to put the birds and environment in context. It is encouraging to see the efforts being invested to preserve and improve sensitive Hawaii habitats. Seeing the results, in terms of wild spaces and the birds that thrive there, was a great counterweight to understanding how and why some species will not continue to survive in the wild. I was on the April 10-19, 2023 “Hawaii’s Best Birding Tour: Endemics to Palagics” with a fun group of birders. Thank you, Mandy, for making it a great experience.

Passionate Expert Birding Guides

5-star reviews, all levels of birders welcome, life affirming experiences, custom tours.

Can’t find the birding experience your looking for? Then our Custom Tour offerings might be just the ticket! These are personalized experiences designed to cater to you and we also have some suggested trips for you to take a look at if you’re looking for inspiration. Contact us today for more information and we’ll help you book your dream birding extravaganza!

The Hawaii Bird Tours Promise

Our goal with every birding trip is to help you view, learn about, and enjoy more birds! Whether you envision casually cruising the coastline in search of seabirds, chasing after endemic forest birds, exploring local hot spots, or all of the above! We’re an all-female team dedicated to providing customized excursions to create your ultimate Hawaii birding experience. Our promise on every eco-tour is to ensure that each guest is having a great time while learning about Hawaii’s alluring flora and fauna and we put conservation at the forefront. We look forward to sharing with you Hawaii’s beautiful birds, unique wildlife, and the projects in place to help save them.

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Nature School

Best Maunakea Tours on the Big island

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Maunakea with Hawaiian eyes tour

Enjoy a great experience on the Mauna Kea the tallest mountain in Hawaii! Summit Sunrise Tour and Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure are available. Book Now on our official website!

Discover the Wonders of Hawaii with us

Save your time and budget

For over two decades, we've been at the forefront of tourism on Big Island. Our tour guides offer a variety of knowledge about the island's attractions, history, and the latest local insights. With extensive experience and expertise, we take pride in offering the most affordable tours while consistently ranking as the top choice for customer satisfaction. Let us help you make the most of your time and budget.

Experience Safe and Diverse Tours on Big Island

Your safety and enjoyment comes first! With a focus on ensuring a secure journey, we spare no effort in implementing all necessary measures for your peace of mind. Explore the captivating sights of Big Island through our Mauna Kea summit tour. Mauna Kea summit tour offer a rich variety of experiences that cater to every traveler's interests. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where safety and exploration go hand in hand.

Photograph your memories

Our tour guide takes photos of you and your companions during the tour, and you can download everything for FREE! They are honored to be a witness who can distill the wonder, excitement and beauty of your experience into timeless photographs.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure

Sunset & Stargazin

This spectacular Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing tour will bring you the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen in your entire life, at least, one of the most. The stars and sunset from above the clouds, at 13,803 ft! You can reach to the summit by a car! After a gorgeous sunset, we'll move down to the night sky lights up with thousands of glittering stars. ※ Estimated pickup time will be between 1:30~2:30pm @Kona area. ※ We don't discount even if we meet up at Hilo district. ※ It'll depend on traffic and weather conditions, but we'll drop you off around 9-10pm at Queen Market Place. ※We recommend to wear the long sleeve, pants, and sneaker Our tour is included down blow. ・Guide (English Speaking) ・Snow jackets, pants and gloves ・Bottled water ・Hot Drinks ・Light meal (Normally BLT sandwich. Let us know ahead of time if you want to change to Veggie sandwich) ・Oxygen cylinder ・Astronomical telescope ・Admission fee for Mauna Kea summit

Days of Week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

Kona, HI, USA

For Ocean Adventure and Activities

Visit Hawaii Marine Life Charters for Ocean Activities

Night snorkel with Manta Rays, Dolphin Watching Cruises, Winter Whale Watching Cruises and other ocean activities are available at Hawaii Marine Life Charters.

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Hawaii Nature Tours

Explore Hawaii’s countryside and discover hidden waterfalls, lush rainforests, mountains and valleys. Hawaii nature tours are the perfect combination of island sightseeing and adventure. Discover off-the-beaten-path locations as well as top attractions and learn about the islands’ unique ecosystems and geology in the same time. Whether you are interested in a bird watching adventure, a guided nature hike, a waterfall exploration or a volcano tour, there is the perfect nature tour for you. Nature tours are available on the four main Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Choose your island below or browse our featured Hawaii nature tours. Hawaii Discount offers the best selection of nature tours in Hawaii at discounted prices.

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Top rated oahu private tours.

Book A Private Tour With a Professional Guide

Oahu circle island-most popular.

This full day sightseeing tour in Oahu is one of our most popular tours. Explore top scenic sites, such as Oahu's sacred Kaaawa Valley (where Jurassic Park/World was filmed), look for sea turtles and take as much time as you want to explore. 

Oahu's North Shore-Top Tourist Destination

Visit world famous surf beaches, sleeping Hawaiian Sea Turtles, oceans of pineapples, local macadamia nut farms, and some 'Ono (delicious) Hawaiian eats for lunch. *Snorkeling is available in summer.

Custom Private Tours Oahu

There is so many things to see and do in Hawaii. You customize the places you want to sightsee and visit, or we can customize your tour specific to what what you want. Please send us private tour request form. .

Private photography service

Have you ever wished a professinal photographer would come with you on your tour and capture the special moments with family and friends. You want to capture captivating underwater shots? No problem. Let us be your paparazzi for your day!

WHY CHOOSE US? We are a locally owned, family owned company.

Explore the islands by joining a private tour with just you and your party. We have itineraries to choose from. Or customize your own tour to fit your needs.

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Professional guides with knowledge of the Hawaiian Culture and the islands hiking trails.

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Explore the island and have our professional photographs document the experience for you.

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All your family member should enjoy same time. our tours are family friendly.

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Explore the island in your own private group, a personalized experience.

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•             Tour Type             Tour Type             Oahu East $450～             Oahu West $550～             Oahu South & East $550～             Oahu North Shore $550～             Oahu Circle Island $650～             Oahu/Activities $650～             Oahu Custom $550～             Oahu Photo service $450～             Maui Custom $900～             Big Island Custom $1000～             Other Inquire
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Explore Maui Nature

Personalized & private tours in hawaii, breathtaking & memorable maui private tours, check out our exclusive & informative tours of maui, hawaii.

At Explore Maui Nature, we provide exclusive and educational day tours of Maui, Hawaii. We will take care of your needs and desires to ensure a trip of a lifetime on our beautiful island . Join one of our private tours of Haleakala (opens in a new tab) , where you can experience the wonders of our famous dormant volcano or take in an immersive trip on the famous Road to Hana or around West Maui where you will discover the legends, history, and flora & fauna of the Paradise of the Pacific. We offer private hiking tours for all levels and are the only operator on the island to offer Maui birding tours .

Choose Your Private Maui Tour Adventure

Haleakala tours, birding tours, haeakala & hawaiian craft, road to hana tours, knowledgeable & passionate maui guides, flexible, private experiences, exclusivity, see what our previous guests say, brianbyungsunkoh, tripadvisor.

We did a private tour to Haleakala Crater and Iao V alley and it was one of the best tours we’ve ever been on. Wendy was our tour guide and she was absolutely incredible. We were traveling with young kids and Wendy was extremely accommodating and patient and kept the kids engaged the entire time.

We did a private birding tour with Wendy, who was an enthusiastic guide, very knowledgeable regarding Hawaiian birds, plants, geology and culture.

Fantastic Hike with lore and humor led by Wendy. Her extreme attention to detail and the fact she was well prepared beyond anything you could think of made this a fantastic and unforgettable day.

Our travel agent had arranged this tour for us. It was fabulous! Delphine met us at the cruise port in Lahaina, Maui to take us on a trip where we had requested to go half way to Hana. She is so personable, professional and informative and really knows Maui.

Why Tour With Us

Explore Maui Nature was initially created by Beth Lariviere, a wildlife biologist who wanted to provide visitors to Maui with a different kind of experience; one that focused on the natural world. Now in the hands of Delphine Berbigier, Explore Maui Nature looks to stay true to that philosophy of experiencing the island and caring for its future. We create handcrafted, private trips of a lifetime. Join us on a Maui adventure and meet our passionate and knowledgeable guides who will lead you on tours of the most geographically isolated place on Earth, and one of the most diverse!

Please Consider Donating to Maui's Conservation Efforts

In a world threatened by catastrophic events caused by climate change and other crises in nature, it is now more important than ever to make sure our planet is cared for and protected. Here on Maui, we have many different ecosystems and over time Hawaii has more endangered species and has lost a higher percentage of its endemic species than any other U.S. state. If you’re looking for a way to give back during your vacation, we encourage you to make a donation to one of our favorite conservation organizations here on the island.

Find Out About Our Safety & Sanitation Policies

Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us here at Explore Maui Nature so we have comprehensive safety and sanitation measures in place to ensure your experience is secure and germ-free.

Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us here at Explore Maui Nature so we have comprehensive safety and sanitation measures in place to try and ensure your experience is secure and germ-free.

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Congratulations to Michelle and Dan, who celebrated their 35th anniversary with us and the birds of Maui! Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, personal milestones: we love to celebrate with people (and we love to bird). It is summer, the views on Maui are glorious, and we have some bookings left to explore some Maui nature on your visit to this amazing island! 🐦‍⬛😍 #exploremaui #mauinature #exploremauinature #haleakalabirds #mauitrip #alldaybirding #mauiadventures #maui #birdingmaui #mauioptions #birdingtrips #birdingplans #maubirdingguide #mauitourguide #privatetour #mauitour #mauiwaterbirds #mauiendemics #mauibirds #anniversaries #milestones ...

Yes, this is Maui. Welcome to the wao akua, the realm of the gods. 🌄 #haleakalavolcano #waoakua #exploremaui #exploremauinature #mauinature #mauitours #mauitourguides #booknow ...

On Maui we can get above the rainbows. We are special like that. Care to experience some Maui-only magic? Come explore some Maui nature with us. Bring your pixie dust. 🌈 🌿 😍 🌞 🌊 🚌 #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #mauirainbows #haleakala #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui #haleakalavolcano #haleakalahikes #mauihikes #mauimagic #mauitripguides ...

Carrie, Paul, and their son Christian explored some Maui nature with us at the beach, Haleakalā National Park, and 'Iao Valley—very different places with very different ecology, climates, and stories. Maui is pretty fascinating that way, a smorgasbord of experiences to soak up and talk about for years. Summit to sea, we know how to make your Maui day! PS: (trigger warning for arachniphobes, but there is a seriously cute and cryptic Haleakalā wolf spider photo towards the end. Rare, endemic, harmless and pretty amazing to tough it out up there in the cold desert! 🌿 😍 🌞 🌊 🚌 #exploremaui #exploremauinature #explorenature #mauinature #mauitours #seaturtles #haleakala #mauitourguides #mauicustomtours #mauiprivatetours #bookwithus #discovermaui #haleakalavolcano #haleakalahikes #mauihikes #iaovalley #mauitripguides #wolfspider ...

Hey fellow birders! Check out this amazing bird artwork by Lindsey Arnold, who saw the endemic Hawaiian 'i'iwi for the first time on our May 16, 2024 group birding tour! These cheeky little scarlet honeycreepers were feasting on mamāne blossom nectar and generally buzzing around on sugar. Pretty rad, Lindsey! IIMG: @birdnerdco #iiwi #hawaiianbirs #mauibirds #birdnerdco #exploremaui #exploremauinature #mauinature #mauibirding #mauibirdingtrip #mauibirdart #mauibirdingtours #nectarhigh ...

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Hawaii Nature Tours

Hawaii nature tours and highlights.

Hawaii nature tours are one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii. You will find a variety of companies on all the Hawaiian islands that offer all kinds of nature and eco tours - hiking tours, bird-watching tours, waterfall tours, volcano tours and more. Hawaii's nature is rich, vivid and unique. Here you can see spectacular waterfalls cascading down from tall cliffs, lush tropical rainforests and valleys, lava fields and beaches with a variety of colors of sand (white, red, green and black). The following list is a brief compilation of some of the top natural highlights you can discover in Hawaii.

Natural highlights on Oahu

Diamond Head: Diamond Head is one the most famous landmarks on the island of Oahu. The extinct volcanic crater's 760-foot (231m) summit is the top hiking destintation on the island and for good reason. It's an easy hike and takes about 20 to 50 minutes (depending on your walking speed) to reach the top. From the observation platform you can enjoy panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki. On a clear day you can even see all the way to the neighbor islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai. In the winter (November through March), you might want to bring binoculars because Diamond Head is also a good spot for whale watching.

Guided hiking tours that include transportation to Diamond Head are available. Or you can go on your own and take the public bus to get there (with bus number 23 from Waikiki).

Manoa Falls: Manoa Falls is a 150-foot (45m) waterfall that can be reached only by foot. Located in the Ko'olau Mountains, the hiking trail to the waterfall is just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long one way. The path is well-maintained but can be muddy if it has recently rained. It is an easy hike, however, it does require climbing over a few large boulders at the end of the trail. It leads through a tropical rainforest, where you can see a variety of tropical flowers and trees.

The hike is quite popular. If you prefer to book a guided Manoa Falls hiking tour, you will visit the place together with a small group of other hikers and the tour guide will provide you with information about the location. If you want to go to Manoa Falls on your own, you can take bus number 5, which leaves daily from Ala Moana Shopping Center. You'll have to get off at the last stop. Ask the bus driver for assistance if you're not sure.

Pali Lookout: The Pali Lookout is located on the Pali Highway between Honolulu and Kailua. It overlooks the 985-foot cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. From up here you'll have a great panoramic ocean and mountain view and you'll be able to see a wide stretch of Oahu's windward coast, with the cities of Kaneohe and Kailua in the distance as well as the small offshore island Chinaman's Hat. The Pali Lookout left a big mark in the history of Hawaii. In 1795, King Kamehameha held his last battle here to unite all islands. Hundreds of warriors died in that battle, and according to some legends, their souls still roam this area.

The Pali Lookout is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. There is no admission fee (but parking costs for non-Hawaii residents), so if you drive on the Pali Highway, you may want to stop and spend a few moments here. Tours to the Pali Lookout are also arranged by local companies. Or if you book an Oahu circle island tour, a stop at the Pali Lookout is usually included.

Other popular natural attractions on Oahu are Kualoa Ranch , Dole Plantation , Hanauma Bay , Koko Head , Waimea Valley , Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park and the Ka Iki State Scenic Shoreline .

Natural highlights on Maui

Haleakala Crater: Haleakala Crater , also known as the "House of the Sun," is one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes. Its summit rises 10,023 feet (3.055 m) above sea level. The crater and surrounding area is one of the most amazing places in the world. The landscape is moonlike and the view from the mountain's summit is truly spectacular. Several local companies offer tours to Haleakala, including bus, bicycle, horseback, hiking and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tours.

One of the most popular types of tours to Haleakala is the sunrise tour, where you will be taken to the top of the volcano very early in the morning to greet the rising sun. This could turn out to be the most stunning sunrise you have ever seen. Other exciting tours being offered are sunset and star-watching tours and ranger-guided programs. If you prefer to visit Haleakala on your own, the doors to Haleakala National Park are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, except for bad weather days.

Iao Valley: Located about 3 miles (5 km) west of Wailuku, Iao Valley is a lush tropical valley and a favorite location for many hikers. The most famous part of the valley is the Iao Needle, a stone formation that is 1,200 feet (365 m) tall and covered with tropical vegetation. It is surrounded by the cliffs of the dormant volcano Pu'u Kukui and its top is often hidden in the clouds. Besides its natural beauty, Iao Valley is also a historical location. In 1790, it was the site of a dramatic battle held by King Kamehameha I. There is a lookout point one can hike to. The Iao Valley State Park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Other remarkable natural attractions on Maui are the Hana Coast ( Road to Hana) , Oheo Gulch , Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach and Red Sand Beach .

Natural highlights on Kauai

Waimea Canyon: Waimea Canyon is one of Kauai's natural wonders. The canyon is 10 miles (16 km) long, 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and more than 3,500 feet (1,066 m) deep. Inspired by the beauty of the canyon, Mark Twain named it the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Several local companies offer bus and hiking tours to Waimea Canyon, some of them in combination with other attractions, such as Wailua River and Fern Grotto.

If you prefer to explore the canyon on your own, you will find many lookout points along the way. At the end of Waimea Canyon Drive , the road that leads to the canyon, you will reach the Koke'e State Park from where you can continue exploring the canyon on one of the numerous hiking trails.

Wailua River: Located on the east side of Kauai, Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii. You can go kayaking on the river or if you prefer to explore the river in a bigger boat, you will find a variety of companies on Kauai that can take you on a boat cruise all the way to Fern Grotto, another natural highlight on Kauai.

Fern Grotto: Fern Grotto is an overgrown lava cave, covered with tropical ferns. According to geologists, it was formed millions of years ago and today is considered a geological wonder of Kauai. The cave is also one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii, and many couples get married here. The Grotto is accessible by boat. Wailua River tours that include a visit to the Grotto are offered by several local tour companies.

Besides the abovementioned natural attractions, there are many other unique places on Kauai, including the Na Pali Coast State Park , Spouting Horn and Opaeka'a Falls .

Natural highlights on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Encompassing more than 300,000 acres (1.214 km²), the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts more than one million people from all over the world every year. Here you can see a diverse environment, formed during the 70 million years of volcanic activity. Because of its unique nature, the area has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Several tour companies offer bus or hiking tours to the world's largest active volcano. You can also explore the park on your own. It is located 30 miles (48 km) south of Hilo and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Waipio Valley: Waipio Valley is home to many waterfalls cascading down from heights of up to 1,200 feet (365 m). There is a nice lookout point overlooking this lush valley. A very steep road leads down to Waipio Beach (not a good idea to drive down on your own). You can book a tour with a local guide and can choose between a shuttle or mule-drawn wagon.

Other spectacular natural attractions on the Big Island are Punalu'u Black Sand Beach , Papakolea Green Sand Beach , Ahalanui Park , Kealakekua Bay , Pololu Valley , Lava Tree State Park , Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Kaimu Beach Eco-Path .

Hawaii flora and fauna

Hawaii's tropical flora and fauna is unique and diverse and you can explore it and venture out on your own or book a professionally guided tour. Each one of the Hawaiian islands has its own unique landscapes and scenery, so the tours that are being offered vary depending on each island's flora and fauna.

Hawaii historical highlights

The most popular historical attraction in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, watch a documentary film about the Pearl Harbor attack (which took place on December 7, 1941) and take a shuttle boat to the sunken battleship USS Arizona. You can also visit the USS Missouri, another battleship, the USS Bowfin submarine and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free. However, there is an admission fee if you want to visit the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin and Pacific Aviation Museum. Several tour companies offer bus tours to Pearl Harbor. These tours sometimes also include a stop at Punchbowl Cemetery and other historical attractions in downtown Honolulu.

Kauai Nature Tours

• Our Naturalist Guides
• Waimea Canyon Explorer
• Na Pali Hiking Adventure
• Sleeping Giant Mountain Excursion
• Mahaulepu Coast Nature Walk
• Uplands Volcano Mountain Forest Trek
• Custom Adventure Tours
• Kauai and Hawaii Facts
• Testimonials
• Publications

1. The Hawaiian Islands are Earth’s most isolated parcels of land lying in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean some 2,400 miles from both the nearest continental land mass, North America, and other island of Polynesia in the South Pacific. Parts of Asia are as much as 3,500-4,000 miles distant. 2. The State of… [Continue Reading]

Na Pali displays Kauai’s most spectacular coast. This excursion traverses the first two miles of rugged, historic Kalalau Trail then another two miles interior up Hanakapiai Valley to the base of it’s majestic 400-foot waterfall. Prepare for a visual feast of soaring, jungly-green pinnacles rising from black lava cliffs, all backdropped by sapphire, teal or… [Continue Reading]

The trek down the western slope of Kauai’s five million year old shield volcano provides an unforgettable journey through a mature native forest to the very top of Na Pali for some of the most spectacular views the island has to offer. This rather lengthy, strenuous hike combines the Nualolo, Awaawapuhi and Loop trails, varying… [Continue Reading]

This is a walk along the island’s intriguing Southeast coast where you encounter the most extensively documented record of Hawaii’s natural history and cultural past. The Mahaulepu Coast is where you will discover geologic history written in lava rock, and cultural history preserved in ancient lithified sand dunes. It’s a leisurely South Shore walk. Poipu… [Continue Reading]

Enter the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Hike through a native forest into the island’s volcanic interior to encounter an ecological wonder and a geological past. The Waimea Canyon Explorer is a Kauai Hike you will never forget. Here, you will behold what the first people to these islands saw in the upland native forests… [Continue Reading]

This diverse easy to only moderately difficult, 4.5 mile point-to-point traverse along and over Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Mountain is a surprisingly rich learning adventure. This four to five hour trek takes you through dense forests of native and exotic plants to a grassy picnic site near the mountain’s 1,250-ft summit for panoramic views of much… [Continue Reading]

Kaual Nature Tours vary by geographic location and difficulty. Please read the descriptions below to find the appropriate ability level that meets your capabilities for our tours that hike Kauai. Waimea Canyon Mountain Forest Explorer This only moderately difficult 5.5 mile loop hike loses and gains 400-800 feet in elevation as it goes down and… [Continue Reading]

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Why Book from Us?

Waimea Waterfall Swim & Lunch

Initially, we will make a halt at Green World Coffee to grab some samples, coffee & mini-breakfast options. Next, we’ll head towards Waimea Valley for a hike and a swim…

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel

Initially, we will make a halt at Green World Coffee to grab some samples, coffee & mini-breakfast options. Next, we’ll head towards Waimea Valley for a hike and a breath…

Manoa Waterfall Hike & Lunch

Uncover the splendor of this tropical haven while delving into the rich history and culture surrounding a beloved natural wonder…

Dolphin Watch with 20ft Slide

Come aboard and see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life. Our Sea Turtle snorkel location with kayaks, paddleboards, and Hawaii’s largest 20 foot sea-slide…

Oahu Island Sights & Tastes

Welcome to the ultimate round-the-island food and sightseeing tour of Oahu! Get ready for an unforgettable journey that combines history, breathtaking landscapes, and Shrimp Plate included…

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise 

Experience the radiant beauty of Diamond Head during the golden hour and the enchanting Honolulu city lights aboard a brand-new, luxurious powerboat….

Whale Watch (Dec. to April)

Doors Off Helicopter Ride

Discover Sacred Falls and other natural gems of the island, as well as historic Pearl Harbor, picture-perfect resorts, downtown Honolulu, and more…

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Escape crowds by hiking this tucked-away trail system in Hawaii: Local hidden gems

From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.

Local hidden gem:  The Honolulu Mauka Trail System in Honolulu, Hawaii

Secret locals-only spots are hard to come by on Oahu. 

Oahu is the most popular island in Hawaii for travelers, receiving over 5.6 million visitors in 2023. Beaches, hikes and other attractions have gotten enough attention to garner large crowds – so many, in fact, that reservation systems have sprung up for the most-high traffic ones.

Still, Oahu is home to a few underrated spots that can get you away from the hustle and bustle if you know where to look. 

For a natural escape away from the tourists, head out of noisy Waikiki and drive about 15 minutes into Manoa Valley. No, not to the famous Manoa Falls hike, which requires a $5 parking fee. Drive up the twisty Roundtop Drive until you start noticing trailhead signs, pull over and park right next to whichever catches your eye. Alternatively, pop the Hawaii Nature Center into your GPS and park there. 

Welcome to the Honolulu Mauka Trail System (with mauka meaning mountainside in Hawaiian). 

Local hidden gems: A spotlight on the American treasures in our backyards

The Honolulu Mauka Trail System, a unique network of 13 free, reservation-less hiking trails, offers a variety of experiences. From winding through bamboo forests to wrapping around cliffs, passing through Banyan tree arches, and offering stunning views overlooking Honolulu, these trails are a nature lover's paradise. With a total length of about 19 miles, you can create your own adventure. Whether you prefer a leisurely 0.25-mile loop or a longer exploration, the choice is yours. 

Do good on your next trip to Hawaii: Why volunteering on vacation can give you a unique experience

In 1913, the area that comprises the Honolulu Mauka Trail System was declared a Forest Reserve. Back in ancient times, the valley was used for agriculture , a place where Native Hawaiians tended to taro and sweet potatoes using the fresh water from the streams. 

Today, the trail system is only three miles from downtown Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest – and arguably, only – city, but tucked deep into the mountainside, it offers peace and solace to its visitors. Since the hikes are mainly forested, you’ll be kept cool and shady under the tree canopy, surrounded by towering trees and lush tropical foliage in all hues of green. Edenic, to say the least. 

For the most part, the hikes are relatively easy with gentle inclines and well-maintained, making them ideal for families and beginners. It’s also not unusual to be the only hiker, possibly encountering a trailrunner or hiker with their dog. Compare this to the over 3,000 daily hikers at Diamond Head National Monument . 

Where: The neighborhood of Makiki's Roundtop Drive and Hawaii Nature Center.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .