Pacific Islands Institute (PII) began in 1986 as the tour operator for Hawaii Loa College’s Road Scholar (then Elderhostel) study tour programs. In 1992, the college merged with Hawaii Pacific University. PII has since continuously run Road Scholar educational travel programs in affiliation with Hawaii Pacific University.
As an independent travel agency and tour operator, PII has expanded its client-base to other affinity groups, typically non-profit organizations, including the National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Smithsonian Journeys, and many other prominent and respected museums, schools, nature centers, aquariums, and travel agencies. While PII is not a not-for-profit, its philosophy focuses on providing responsible tourism opportunities to interested groups in a way which honors and benefits the communities in which it operates.
Throughout its history, PII has created and coordinated over 1,000 group programs to Hawaii and the South Pacific. PII programs are known for being well organized and operated. We define our success by the quality of the educational content and resources, the positive community interaction and the satisfaction of our clients and participants.
Whether your needs are all inclusive (accommodations, meals, gratuities, taxes, transportation, expert lectures, field trips, cultural excursions, on-site group escorts, etc.) or just a portion of a program package, PII can assist with all your travel plans – from exclusive luxury arrangements to travel on a budget. From a 3-day package to a 3-week trip, contact us and start planning your travel program.
PII strives to be as sustainable as possible in its operations and activities. Aligned with PII’s mission statement, its sustainability plan can be seen by clicking here.
Our Mission
Through our educational programs, Pacific Islands Institute is dedicated to providing positive cultural interactions; to ensuring our programs are culturally and environmentally sensitive; to involving local people in decision making; and to protecting, sustaining and respecting indigenous cultures and environments.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Reusable water bottles
- Reef-safe sun protection
- Investment in sustainable native forestry
- Carbon offset initiatives
Check out our Sustainability Plan!
Awards and Recognition
- Wall Street Journal – Best in Volunteer Travel 2012
- Hawaii Ecotourism Association – Silver Certification 2011
- Hawaii Ecotourism Association – Ecotour Operator of the Year 2007
- Hawaii Ecotourism Association Keep it Hawaii Awards – Koa Award 2006
- Hawaii’s Living Reef Award – Travel/Tourism 2006
- Hawaii Tourism Authority Keep it Hawaii Awards – Certificate of Merit 2005
- Hawaii Visitors & Conventions Bureau (HVCB) Keep it Hawaii Awards – Certificate of Merit 2003
- HVCB Keep it Hawaii Awards – Certificate of Merit 2002
- HVCB Keep it Hawaii Awards – 2 Kahili Awards & 1 Certificate of Merit 2001
