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Adventure Highlights

• Hike through a lava tube, and visit the world's most active volcano; Kilauea
• Explore lush tropical rainforest, and see birds and plants found nowhere else in the world
• Snorkel the warm waters of a protected coral reef to view an undersea paradise of color and life
• Study the stars and Polynesian navigation at the amazing new 'Imiloa Astronomy Center
• Walk among ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, and learn Hawaiian skills like the hula
• Hear stories of the past at the famous Place of Refuge, where native Hawaiian rule breakers fled to safety
• Splash and play at the Big Island's finest white sand beach; Hapuna
• Enter the mythic and beautiful Waipio Valley, the home of Kings, and try your hand at taro farming

Trip Details:
Day 1  On this arrival day, students receive a lei greeting, and settle in for dinner and fun orientation games at the University of Hawaii.

Day 2  After breakfast we head to Hilo Bay for tidepooling in a lava lagoon, and a look at diverse Hawaiian marine life.   In the afternoon get our first snorkeling lesson. Hawaiian music and dance back at the dorms.

Day 3  We rise early to visit Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. On the caldera rim, we visit the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.  Expert-led hikes take us into an actual volcanic caldera, and through a lava tube left from an eruption. This evening is our first hula lesson from a Kumu Hula, or master Hula teacher.

Day 4  At the fabulous new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center we learn how native Polynesians navigated by the stars, and about the huge telescopes of Mauna Kea. Then, at Akaka Falls we view Hawaii's highest waterfall, and rainforest ecosystems unique in all the world.

Day 5  The beautiful Waipio Valley was once home to Kings.  Here we plant Taro, and learn how natives once lived.  After a Hawaiian lunch, we wash off in a clear stream fed by runoff from local mountains. Late afternoon arrival in Kona and check-in.

Day 6  Kealakekua Bay Marine Park is a wonderland of colorful fish and corals.  We hop onboard a catamaran for a fun snorkel adventure, including lunch and a waterslide.  At the Place of Refuge, we learn about ancient Hawaiian law, visit a temple, or heiau, and view sea turtles.

Day 7  This amazing day includes a visit to the Big Island's finest beach, Hapuna, for fun in the sun.  We also walk with experts through rock carvings left by Hawaiians hundreds of years ago.  This evening is our farewell luau.

Day 8-9  We may visit a Kona coffee farm today, then enjoy some free time. Our late flights out of Kona allow for a nearly full day of activities, shopping and hanging out with friends.

*Airfare additional.  Big Island air transportation involves two flights, one RT from mainland to Honolulu, and interisland shuttle service between HNL and Hilo-Kona.  Schedule and order of activities may vary from those described due to local scheduling and availability.