Hawaiian Islands Wildlife & Nature Expedition
From the Mountains to the Seas, Four Island Hawaiian Wildlife & Landscape Photography Tour
Join award-winning wildlife photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner of Experience Wildlife, to bring you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to photograph Hawaii’s most sought out wildlife and landscapes. Hawaii’s birds are disappearing at an alarming rate and no other photography company offers the opportunity to photograph on all four major Hawaiian Islands in one single photo trip. Journey from the coastlines of Oahu, up into the mountains of Maui, explore both land and sea to photograph humpback whales, green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. You will see Albatross nesting on Kauai and the volcano on the big island.
During this tour we will be guided by the local birding experts, who will take us to some lesser known locations to find some of the most endangered birds in the world. All locations will be covered under local and national permits, which grants us special access to photograph.
The ʻiʻiwi or scarlet honeycreeper (Drepanis coccinea), Haleakalā National Park, Maui
TOUR DETAILS
Dates: February 3rd–12th, 2027
Group Size: 6 participants (intimate and focused)
Women in Wildlife Photography Tours: Women: This tour is designed for women only.
Price: $11,995 per person (shared room) $13,695 single room
Activity Level: Easy to moderate—walks on beaches, forest paths, and roadside pullouts, with boat excursions for whale watching
Included: Inter-island flights, all meals, whale watching excursion, traditional Hawaiian luau, park entrance fees, and expert instruction
What you'll photograph — island by island
Kauaʻi: The Garden Isle. Photograph Red-footed Boobies, Laysan Albatross, and Great Frigatebirds against the dramatic cliffs of Kīlauea Point. Walk the rim of Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Maui: Whale Central. Winter is prime time for humpback whales. We’ll head out on dedicated whale-watching excursions to capture breaches, tail slaps, and the unforgettable presence of these gentle giants. Inland, the high-elevation forests of Haleakalā offer a chance to photograph brilliant Hawaiian honeycreepers found nowhere else.
The Big Island: Raw Power. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where steam vents, lava fields, and the vast Halemaʻumaʻu crater reveal the living heart of the Earth. We’ll also photograph lush rainforest valleys, cascading waterfalls, and—if conditions allow—some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Oʻahu: Where It Begins. We’ll start our journey on Oʻahu with sunrise on the southeastern shoreline, photographing seabirds against volcanic backdrops and searching for the elegant White Tern in the iconic shadow of Diamond Head.
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Day 1 (Feb. 3rd) – Arrival in Honolulu, Oʻahu
Welcome to the Hawaiian Islands! Upon arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) you will be transferred to our hotel in vibrant Waikīkī. After settling into your room and taking some time to relax, we will gather in the evening to meet one another and begin our adventure together over a welcome dinner. Overnight:Waikīkī
Day 2 (Feb. 4th) – Exploring Oʻahu’s Coast and Rainforest
Our first full day begins early as we head to Oʻahu’s spectacular southeastern shoreline for sunrise. Here we will photograph seabirds gliding over the sparkling Pacific while enjoying a picnic breakfast by the ocean. From the coast we travel inland into the lush rainforests of the Koʻolau Mountains, where dramatic scenery and colorful forest birds offer wonderful photographic opportunities. Later we return to the coast in search of the elegant Red-tailed Tropicbird, often seen displaying along the island’s cliffs. In the late afternoon we explore nearby Kapiʻolani Park, located just steps from our hotel and framed by the iconic slopes of Diamond Head. The park hosts a fascinating mix of native and introduced birds, including Pacific Golden Plovers and the graceful White Tern—Honolulu’s beloved city bird. As golden light spreads across the park and the sun sets over the Pacific, we enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful evening settings. Overnight: Waikīkī
Day 3 (Feb. 5th) – From Oʻahu to Kauaʻi
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our short flight to the island of Kauaʻi, known as the “Garden Isle.” Upon arrival we continue to our hotel before heading out to explore the island’s dramatic landscapes. Our first photographic destination will depend on weather and lighting conditions, but we hope to visit the breathtaking overlooks of Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Later we head to the coast in search of shorebirds and sunset views along Kauaʻi’s rugged shoreline. Overnight: Kapaʻa
Day 4 (Feb. 6th) – Seabirds and Coastal Landscapes of Northern Kauaʻi
Today we explore Kauaʻi’s spectacular north shore. Our destination is the dramatic coastline surrounding Kīlauea Point, one of the best places in Hawaii to observe seabirds. Here steep ocean cliffs host colonies of Red-footed Boobies, while White-tailed Tropicbirds glide effortlessly along the coastline. Laysan Albatross and Great Frigatebirds are also frequently seen soaring overhead. We also keep watch for the Nēnē, the endangered Hawaiian Goose and official state bird. Throughout the day we enjoy scenic coastal landscapes, wetlands, and lush valleys that make Kauaʻi one of the most photogenic islands in the Pacific. Overnight: Kapaʻa
Day 5 (Feb. 7th) – Sunrise Wildlife and Travel to Maui
We rise early to photograph sunrise at Poʻipū Beach, where Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles often rest along the shore and the rare Hawaiian Monk Seal occasionally appears on the sand. After our morning photography session and breakfast, we return to the hotel to prepare for our flight to the island of Maui. Upon arrival we travel to the sunny coastal town of Kīhei and check into our hotel. In the evening we enjoy dinner together and take in Maui’s relaxed island atmosphere. Overnight: Kīhei
Day 6 (Feb. 8th) – Whale Watching and Haleakalā’s Forest Birds
Winter is one of the best times to encounter humpback whales in Hawaiian waters, and this morning we head out on a whale-watching excursion. These magnificent animals migrate to Maui each winter to breed and calve, often providing spectacular viewing opportunities. In the afternoon we travel to the slopes of Haleakalā National Park, where high-elevation forests shelter some of Hawaii’s most beautiful native birds. In the quiet forest of Hosmer Grove we search for colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers while enjoying the cool mountain air and scenic landscapes. This evening, guests may opt to attend a traditional Hawaiian luau, offering an immersive cultural experience with local cuisine, music, and Polynesian dance. Overnight: Kīhei
Day 7 (Feb. 9th) – Wetlands, Ocean Life, and Sunset on Maui
Our morning begins at the Keālia wetlands, where shallow ponds attract a variety of waterbirds and provide excellent photography opportunities in the soft early light. After a relaxed midday break we return to the ocean for another memorable marine excursion that may include snorkeling and additional opportunities to encounter whales and other ocean life. As evening approaches we gather along Maui’s coast to photograph sunset over the Pacific. Overnight: Kīhei
Day 8 (Feb. 10th) – Maui Landscapes and Flight to the Big Island
Today we explore Maui’s rugged north shore, stopping at scenic locations such as Ho‘okipa and Twin Falls before enjoying lunch in the charming town of Pāʻia. Later we fly to the island of Hawaiʻi (the Big Island) and settle into our hotel in the historic town of Hilo. If weather conditions allow, the evening may include an optional stargazing photography session under some of the clearest skies in the world. Overnight: Hilo
Day 9 (Feb. 11th) – Waterfalls and Volcanoes
After breakfast we visit several of the Big Island’s beautiful waterfall viewpoints before heading to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Here we explore extraordinary volcanic landscapes shaped by powerful geological forces. Steam vents, lava fields, and sweeping views of Halemaʻumaʻu crater reveal the raw energy that continues to form the Hawaiian Islands. We conclude our final evening together with a farewell dinner overlooking the dramatic volcanic landscape. Overnight: Hilo
Day 10 (Feb. 12th) – Departure from Hilo
Our adventure concludes after breakfast. Guests will transfer to Hilo International Airport (ITO) for their flights home
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Accommodations in four star hotels with mountain and ocean views
Inter-island flights
All meals
Photography instruction and mentoring from your tour leader
Local naturalist and guide providing expert wildlife and island knowledge
Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Whale Watching excursion
Park entrance fees
Pre-trip zoom meeting with your tour leader and fellow participants
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Flight into Honolulu on day 1 and out of Hilo on day 10
Travel Insurance (recommended)
Gratuities
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Some days will begin early in order to photograph wildlife and landscapes during the best light and before afternoon trade winds and showers develop. Other mornings will be more relaxed, but we generally spend time outdoors during the early hours when bird activity is highest and temperatures are cooler.
Most photography locations involve easy walks on beaches, wide trails, forest paths, and roadside pullouts. Guests should be comfortable getting in and out of a van multiple times per day and walking approximately one mile over uneven ground or gentle slopes.
Conditions in Hawaii can include heat, humidity, rain, and occasional muddy or slippery terrain. Waterproof hiking shoes with good traction are recommended, along with sun protection, quick-dry layers, and rain gear.
Boat excursions for whale watching and snorkeling may involve calm to moderately rough seas, so guests should have reasonable balance and be comfortable on a moving boat. Those who prefer additional support may wish to bring collapsible walking sticks or a small travel stool.