Explore with Hawaii Bird Guide
Intersection of natural history, education, and citizen science.
If you’re looking to enhance your next trip to Hawaii (Big Island or Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai) with an exciting and engaging birding and nature tour, consider a guided outing with Lance Tanino at Hawaii Bird Guide. He is a professional Naturalist, Conservationist, Eco Tour Guide with years of conservation, birding, and local experiences. If you are interested in learning new things about Hawaiian natural history (birds, plants, geology, biogeography), culture, good eats, etc., check out my active tours, look at pictures of my past ones, and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
I purchased a tour with Lance for two friends for their honeymoon. They raved about him. They are bird lovers and got to see 35 species! Lance was also helpful and prompt when I contacted him via email. He also has excellent credentials. Would totally recommend!
Carrie J.
7 am - 5 pm day with Lance in early April 2016. There were four of us and it was an amazing experience. Lance know the shape, calls, and locations of Hawaiian birds, and what a day, fantastic endemics: Amakihi, Apapane, Oma'o, Hawaiian Owl and I'iwi. Plus lots of special encounters with introductions: Red Avadavant, Kalij Pheasant, Java Sparrow, Sand Grouse, White-faced Ibis, African Silverbill...Lance was so easy to work with via email to set up time and place to meet, then driving his car so we could all be together, he knows birds, biogeography, and gave us tons of info to guide the rest of our stay. Cannot say enough positive, this was a super day!
Robyn P.
I had the privilege of participating in a week long guided birding adventure in Hawaii (Big Island and Kauai) with Lance Tanino. He is a stellar group leader and birding is clearly his passion. He is knowledgeable about both the native and introduced birds of Hawaii. Lance recognized these birds by call and sight. He also knew the best locations to find them.
In addition to his birding expertise, Lance demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. By the end of the trip, I knew to look for Apapane and Iiwi in the flowers of Ohia trees and had a greater appreciation for the evolution of endemic bird species, trees and animals in the Hawaiian Islands.
Irene B.
4 of us, all interested but not professional - level birders, spent a day with Lance. We wanted to see what we could, yet be back at our cars by 3 PM. This gives you an idea of our level! Lance was easy and informative, giving us history and birding knowledge during the day's tour. He is patient, always a plus for the causal birder, and he wisely kept us on the dry side of the island, making out birding adventure much more enjoyable. I would go on another day with him in a heartbeat!
Jill M.
Bio
Lance Tanino was born and raised in Kane’ohe on O’ahu. His interest in birds started at age 10. The Cattle Egret, an introduced species caught his attention and curiosity for birds. Since those early years, he continued his interests with degrees in Zoology (BA) and Environmental Studies With Concentration in Conservation Biology (MSc). Lance serves as the Hawaiian Islands Regional Editor for North American Birds by American Birding Association, Regional Editor (Hawaiian Islands and U.S. Minor Outlying Islands) for eBird (Cornell's Lab of Ornithology), Member of Western Field Ornithologists' Hawaii Bird Records Committee. His favorite ways to go birding are seawatching, hawkwatching, and birding with friends.
Lance has been involved in conservation and natural resources for the past 22 years in Hawaii, Maine, Micronesia, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Along the way, my passion for birding has taken me to Japan, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, and Canada.
He taught high school Ecology, Environmental Studies, and Biology at college-prep/dormitory high schools in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern Vermont.
As a professional Eco Tour Guide, Lance excels at helping you plan your perfect outing. Not just any outing, but truly exceptional trips filled with inspiring and enriching experiences. He believes in sharing his knowledge and passion for birding, conservation, education, and Hawaiian natural history with all of those he guides. Explore his site to find out more.
Professional Naturalist
Unforgettable Experiences
Tour Options
From high elevation grasslands to native rainforests to wetlands to the coast, there are a variety of habitats to explore for anyone who wants to learn and experience the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. Read on to discover the alternative tour options available at Hawaii Bird Guide. Choose from private/small group outings to West Hawaii, Hakalau Forest, or customized nature tours. Get in touch today with any questions or concerns.
All-day in West Hawaii
We will focus on seeing a wide variety of established bird species from specific roadside locations and a few of them may include short walks. The route (8-10 hours and 150+ miles) includes scenic views of the island and sharing my knowledge of Hawaiian natural history, geology, biogeography, etc. The trip starts at 7:30 AM in Waimea.
Email me at Lance.Tanino@gmail.com for more details.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Join me at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge where we will focus on the unique natural history of this area. There is no finer example of native montane wet forest in the archipelago. This is an incredible opportunity for those interested in birds, plants, insects, photography, and being completely surrounded by nature. Access to this location is very restricted. 11 native bird species can be seen: Hawaiian Goose or Nene (endemic and endangered), Hawaiian Hawk or 'Io (island endemic and endangered), Short-eared Owl or Pueo (endemic subspecies), Hawai'i 'Elepaio (island endemic), 'Omao (island endemic), 'Apapane (endemic), 'I'iwi (endemic), 'Akiapola'au (island endemic and endangered), Hawai'i 'Amakihi (island endemic), Hawai'i Creeper (island endemic and endangered), and Hawai'i 'Akepa (island endemic and endangered).
Group Pelagic Tour
Pelagic wildlife (seabirds and marine mammals) boat trips are available for groups out of Honokohau Marina, Kailua-Kona.
Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i outings
Please email Lance.Tanino@gmail.com for more details for a customized outing.
"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life"
Omar Khayyam
Contact
