Earth Explore Adventures 8-Days of Discovery in Paradise
Your chance to discover the hidden wonders. Explore a place of intoxicating beauty, where and the primal forces of nature, co-exist with the harmony an culture. Behind the Scenes Led by native Hawaiian guides, discover the real Hawaii few visitors ever see. Embark on a journey in search of the wonders of nature, and the enduring beauty of the Hawaiian culture. Discover the world s most active volcano, Kilauea, the pristine beauty of hidden coral reef sanctuaries, and the secrets of the rare and beautiful Hawaiian rainforest. And journey to the heights of Mauna Kea, the most mighty volcano, for a view of the heavens that you won t forget. The Eternal Ocean The Islands sway to the rhythms of the sea, and the ocean gives life and beauty to the land. Gaze in awe at a myriad of colorful corals and tropical fish, and the endangered green sea turtle which calls Hawaii home. Watch Kilauea spew forth lavas that are creating the newest land on earth, and learn why the power of Pele is revered by Hawaiians to this day. And journey to the most sacred temples of the Hawaiian people, to discover the beautiful Polynesian culture. Endless Possibilities From volcano hikes to coral reef snorkeling, there is truly something for everyone. From our oceanfront hotels at Hilo and Kona, we set forth with expert University guides whose intimate knowledge of the land and people yields discoveries others miss. We set off into the surf on outrigger canoes with native Hawaiians one day, and in search of flowing lava the next. The diversity of the is astounding, and we discover it all, from the misty heights of Mauna Kea, to the rich coffee plantations of Kona.
Mauna Kea A wonderland of dynamic science, and cultural discovery awaits. Swim with sea turtles amid colorful coral reefs, view glowing lava flowing from Kilauea, the world s most active volcano, journey to the misty heights for stunning views of the heavens at Mauna Kea, and take to the surf in a outrigger canoe. Accompanied by expert guides, discover the hidden Hawaii few others will ever see. Kona Coral Reef Hilo Kilauea Volcano Program Highlights Overnight stays in oceanfront hotels at Hilo and Kona Full day trip to coral reef sanctuary/catamaran waterslide Guided tours at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Evening lava discovery at Kilauea Hike to 400 foot Akaka Falls with naturalists Evening stargazing high on Mauna Kea Place of Refuge tour with expert guides Outrigger surf canoeing with native Hawaiians Luau at Kona beachfront hotel Included in the Program Expedition Leader, and full time naturalist guides Guided hikes and excursions Snorkeling, canoeing, and exploring by coach and boat 3 full meals a day, all supplies Hotel accommodations at Kona and Hilo University expert resources Our 8-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Hilo/ orientation Day 2: Hilo Bay tidepools and outriggers Day 3: Hawaii Volcanoes and evening lava Day 4: Hilo discovery day/ stargazing Day 5: To Kona/Akaka Falls Day 6: Coral Reef Day Day 7: Place of Refuge/ Kona discovery Day 8: Final activities/ Depart Call 877.224-3623 toll free to reserve or for more information
Mauna Kea Hilo Our 8-Day Itinerary Kona Day 1: Arrive Hilo Day 2: Hilo Bay Day 3: Hawaii Volcanos/Lava Coral Reef Kilauea Volcano Day 4: Hilo Discovery/Culture Day 5: Hawaiian Elders/Astronomy Day 6: Akaka Falls to Kona Day 7: Coral Reef Discovery Day 8: Kona Discovery/Late Flights Day 1 Arrival Hilo Welcome to the! Arriving in the late afternoon we are welcomed with a traditional lei greeting, and then transfer to our UHH dorms or hotel for dinner and a welcome reception. Day 2 Ocean Fun on Hilo Bay After breakfast at our hotel, it is off to Hilo Bay for our first dip into the water. Guided by marine experts, we explore lava lagoons and tidepools, and discover creatures like the brittlestar and rock crab. After lunch on the beach, we head over to the University Canoe shack for a look at how Polynesians carved their outrigger canoes and navigated the oceans for hundreds of years. Then, accompanied by expert oarsmen, we take to the waves of Hilo Bay for an exhilarating ride in authentic Hawaiian outrigger canoes. Day 3 Hawaii Volcanoes and Lava Viewing Hawaii Volcanoes Naitonal Park is home to the world s most active volcano, Kilauea. One of our first stops in the Hawaii Volcano Observatory where expert explain the primal forces at work deep in the caldera before us. Then we hike into an actual lava tube and down into lava fields for a close-up look at the power of nature. After freshening up, this evening holds a highlight of our week on the...the chance to walk within feet of flowing lava, and observe its nighttime glow where it is flowing into the ocean on the southern coast of the at Kalapana. Day 4 Hilo Discovery and Culture We set off on a tour of the sights of Hilo, and the wet, windward side of the. Our stops include spectacular sights like Rainbow Falls, Naha Stone, the King Kamehameha statue, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which recounts the tragic tidal wave events that have occurred on the, which led to the Pacific tsunami warning system. We also may visit the downtown Hilo farmer s market, which showcases the agricultural bounty of the Island, as well as crafts of native Hawaiians. This evening, we get an introduction to the Hula.
Mauna Kea Day 5 Hawaiian Elders/Mauna Kea Astronomy Hilo 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 have the rare opportunity to visit with native Hawaiian elders, who share with us their culture, and demonstrate skills like the hula and fashioning leis out of native flowers. This afternoon we relax at the hotel pool, before preparing for an amazing evening stargazing at the Onizuka Astronomy Center at the 9300 foot level of Mauna Kea. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Kona Coral Reef Kilauea Volcano Day 6 To Akaka Falls and Kona Today we leave Hilo, heading to Kona by way of the rainforests on the windward side of the. At Akaka Falls park, we join our expert guides for a magical hike into the deep Hawaiian jungle, pausing to admire the fantastic collection of plants and animals on display. At 400 foot Akaka Falls, we gaze in wonder at the highest waterfall in all of Polynesia. Continuing onward toward Kona, we have stop in Waimea town, and learn about the ranching histiory of this upland region of the. Arriving this afternoon at Hapuna Beach, we enjoy swimming and body surfing at the best white sand beach on the. Late this afternoon we arrive at our resort hotel on Kailua Bay, and enjoy an oceanside dinner at the open air restaurant. Day 7 Coral Reef Adventure The coral reef ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands are legendary, and we spend an entire day on a cruise to the best, richest and most beautiful snorkeling spot on the Kona coast. Enjoying breakfast and lunch on board our catamaran, we use snorkel, fins and viewing boxes to explore the undersea world of the colorful reef and its hundreds of fish species. In the bay we may also see green sea turtles and other marine animals. The protected bay is a great place for fun in the water, and our catamaran is equipped with a two story waterslide that brings out the kid in everyone. This afternoon we return to our hotel to freshen up and get ready for a true Island tradition, an oceanside luau at a resort hotel on Kailua Bay. Day 8 Kona Discovery Hawaiian culture is an important part of any visit to the Big Island. It was here that Hawaiian royalty lived, and where some of the most important temples are preserved. Today we visit the most sacred site of the Hawaiian people, the famous Place of Refuge near the town of Captain Cook. Our guides share the history of the site, and its importance to the traditional Hawaiian peoples who inhabited all of the Hawaiian Islands. Here we learn about ancient Hawaiian kapus or laws, and the lives of common people and royalty before the arrival of the first Europeans. The bay at the Place of Refuge is also a sanctuary for the Hawaiian green sea turtle, and here we are able to view the turtles up-close, as they swim just feet away, and haul themselves onshore. This afternoon we return to Hilo or Kona to catch our red eye flights home and bid a fond farewell to Hawaii. Call 877.224-3623 toll free to reserve or for more information
It was an amazing experience to learn and try so many new things. My days were filled and it was truly wonderful. Amie, Costa Rica Guest The entire experience was absolutely incredible. The staff, the resource specialists, the activities, the organization were all far beyond my best expectations. Earth Explore Beth, Hawaii Guest The learning experience was one of a kind. I would love to go again. It was a wonderful and exciting experience. Lilana S. Hawaii Guest Just a tremendous experience. I would not only recommend Earth Explore; I already have! Ruby, Hawaii Guest The entire trip is orchestrated meticulously by the Earth Explore Staff. Unforgettable! Peter and Lori, Costa Rica Guests