Day to Day Activities on the Hawaii Adventure

The Big Island lives up to its name. In eight days we probe the tidepools and lush rainforests of the windward coast, the heights of Mauna Kea and Kilauea, and the warm tropical reefs of the sun splashed Kona Coast.

"It surpassed all of our expectations. She knew it would be fun, but she says it was the most AMAZING experience she's ever had!" Kendra Beard

Day 1 Arrival Hilo

Depart gateway city, arrive Hilo, Hawaii. Lei greeting on arrival, then transfer to University of Hawaii for check-in at the Hale Kehau dorms. Dinner at the Hale Kehau cafeteria, followed by evening orientation. Introduction of University staff, and discussion of schedule..

Day 2 Hilo – Marine Science – Outrigger Canoeing

Orientation to near shore marine life of Hawaii, followed by transfer to Onekahakaha Beach Park for hands-on activity in natural lava lagoon. Here we discuss tidepool ecosystems and examine a myriad of creatures. Following lunch, we transfer to Richardson’s Ocean Park/Marine Center for a program on marine ecology, and outrigger canoeing at the Hilo Bay Canoe Shack with the University Canoe Club. This evening we have a geology orientation in preparation for visiting Kilauea.

Day 3 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea

Morning departure for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stops at Kilauea Visitor Center and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, followed by a hike into the fern forest. At Kilauea we explore recent volcanic activity, and formations including lava fields, fumaroles, and lava trees. At Nahuku Lava Tubes we walk through an underground tube formed when basaltic lava cooled. Afternoon visit to Mauna Ulu Cinder Cones. Evening introduction to the Hula, with instruction from a Kumu Hula, or master Hula teacher.

Day 4 Hilo – Stargazing on Mauna Kea and Kupuma Activities

Today we enjoy a hands-on program at the fabulous new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center for a look at constellations, and how native Polynesians used the stars in navigation. Later today we visit the Ke Ola No Na Kupuna Center, for an amazing few hours with Hawaiian kupuna, or elders. This evening, an amazing highlight of our visit, as we journey over nine thousand feet up Mauna Kea for stargazing at the Onizuka Astronomy Center.

Day 5 Akaka Falls and Rainforests – To Kona

Departing Hilo today, we head for Kona. On the way we enter the rainforest at Akaka Falls for an amazing look at this rainforest preserve. On a jungle trail we discover exotic plants and animals, and view Akaka Falls, at 400 feet the highest in all of the Islands. In the afternoon we arrive at Hapuna Beach for fun in the sun and swimming. Late afternoon arrival at Kona resort hotel.

Day 6 Kona – Coral Reef Adventure in Marine Sanctuary, Evening Luau

This morning we transfer to Fair Wind catamaran on Keauhou Bay for a reef snorkeling adventure. We explore rich and colorful reef corals and fish life of the Kealakekua Bay Marine Park. The catamaran has a waterslide and view boxes and we enjoy breakfast and lunch on board. In the afternoon we return to the hotel to prepare for our exciting Island luau which takes place tonight.

Our first stop this morning is the famous Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, or Place of Refuge, a temple and sanctuary in traditional Hawaiian culture. Here we enjoy a guided program on Hawaiian royalty, history and cultural practices. The bay is known for its sea turtles, which we view from the shore. This afternoon we return to Hilo with stops enroute. Check in at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Morning activities may include a visit to the Pacific Tsunami Museum and famous Rainbow Falls before we catch our flights home.