Learn and grow as an educator in one of the most spectacular places on Earth. All new for 2009, Earth Explore's Hawaii Adventure for teachers is an amazing educational opportunity, and a thrilling chance to see Hawaii as few others ever do.
Unique Experiences
Travel and learn about Hawaii with other like-minded classroom educators from across the country, while sharing amazing one-of-a-kind experiences. Like viewing the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano, exploring coral reefs by snorkel and fin, entering the legendary Waipio Valley, and discovering the Place of Refuge and other cultural sites with native Hawaiians.
The Adventure is cross-disciplinary, and designed for educators of all backgrounds and grade levels. You'll have the chance to network, make new friendships, and compare and develop curriculum materials. You'll also gain cutting edge environmental knowledge so important for the future of education.
Classroom Skills and Credit Opportunities
Our teachers return with new skills, techniques and energy for their own classrooms. Our opening day reception is a great chance to get acquainted before the Adventure begins!
Graduate credit or professional development hours are available to qualified educators. Space is limited to just 32 educators nationwide for this special travel event.
Walk the caldera rim of the world's most active volcano; Kilauea. Visit the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and learn about recent activity from experts
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 teeming with sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful living corals
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
Enjoy shopping and a visit to a coffee farm near Kona
Enter the mythic and beautiful Waipio Valley, the home of Kings, and try your hand at taro farming
Trip Details: $2495 All Inclusive Tuition ($1995 before April 21st) *
Day 1 On this arrival day, we receive a lei greeting, and settle in for dinner and a gala reception at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Day 2 After breakfast we head to Hilo Bay for tidepooling in alava lagoon, and a look at diverse Hawaiian marine life. In the afternoon get our first snorkeling lesson. Hawaiian music and learn the Hula back at the hotel.
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 Hilo allow for a nearly full day of activities, shopping and enjoying friends.
*Airfare additional. Tuition based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Schedule and order of activities may vary from those described due to local scheduling and availability.
