Hawaii's Hidden Wonders. For your Family.

Always dreamed of really connecting to a place?  Of getting to know it behind the scenes with the  natives?  Join us in Hawaii.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Hilo and Welcome

Depart gateway city, and arrive in Hilo, Hawaii.

Upon arrival we enjoy a lei greeting, then transfer to the hotel on Hilo Bay.  This evening we have scheduled a dinner reception followed by a trip orientation briefing and fun activities. On this first night we also introduce our guides and expert staff from the University of Hawaii atHilo.

Day 2 Hilo – Marine Science – Outrigger Canoeing

The Islands sway to the rhythm of the ocean, and we begin our adventure by plunging right in. AtOnekahakaha Beach Park we join our expert guides for hands-on activities in a natural lava lagoon. Here we discuss tidepool ecosystems and examine a myriad of creatures like the spider crab. Following a picnic lunch, we transfer to Richardson’s Ocean Park/Marine Center for aprogram on marine ecology, and jump aboard outrigger canoes at the Hilo Bay Canoe Shack with the University Canoe Club.   Paddling into the surf, we get an adrenaline rush as we ride the waves as native Hawaiians have done for hundreds of years.  This evening we have a talk on Big Island volcanoes in preparation for visiting the world's most active volcano, Kilauea.

Day 3 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Lava Viewing

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.  This evening we have a thrilling trip to a safe observation site, for nighttime viewing of the most recent lava flows from the Kilauea Volcano.  Watch for the glow of flowing lava!

Day 4 Hilo – Astronomy and Kupuma Activities, then up Mauna Kea

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 innavigation. Later today we visit the Ke Ola No Na Kupuna Center, for an amazing few hours with Hawaiian kupuna, or elders.  This is a rare chance to learn first hand about Polynesian culture from native Hawaiians, and we enjoy ourselves as the elders share skills like lei making, and even give hula lessons. This evening dress warmly as we go almost 10 thousand feet up Mauna Kea for star viewing from patio of the Onizuka Astronomy Center, just below the summit of Mauna Kea.

Day 5 Akaka Falls and Rainforests – To Kona

Departing Hilo today, we head for Kona via the picturesque windward coast. On the way we enter the Hawaiian rainforest at Akaka Falls foran amazing look at  this rainforest preserve with our expert naturalist guides. On a jungle trail we discover exotic plants and animals, and view Akaka Falls, at 400 feet the highest waterfall in all of Polynesia.  In the afternoon we arrive at Hapuna Beach for fun in the sun and swimming at the best white sand beach on the Big Island.    Late this afternoon we arrive at our Kona resort hotel, on the beach at Kailua Bay.

Day 6 Kona – Coral Reef Adventure in Marine Sanctuary

This morning we transfer to Fair Wind catamaran on Keauhou Bay for a reef snorkeling adventure. This is an unmatched chance to explore the rich and colorful reef corals and fish life of the Kealakekua Bay Marine Park. Taking our time, we spend the whole day in this amazing undersea sanctuary.  The views are like swimming in an aquarium.  The catamaran has a two story 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 oceanfront Island luau which takes place tonight at a resort hotel on Kailua Bay.

Day 7 The Place of Refuge - Hilo

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 tour focusing on Hawaiian royalty, history and the culture of the Polynesian people.   The bay is also famous for its colony of green sea turtles, which are often seen hauling ashore. This afternoon we have a variety of options, including a visit and tour at a Kona coffee plantation.   This afternoon we return to Hilo with stops enroute, and check in at our hotel on Hilo Bay for a final night farewell dinner and celebration.

Day 8 Hilo and Return Home

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

 

 

 

 

	Hawaii: Mystical Land of  Pele
	8 day journey including Kona snorkeling and Kilauea volcano
	Explore natural wonders and Hawaiian culture with University experts
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