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Hawaiian Islands

April 20, 2025

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In Pele’s Footsteps: Trek Across Hawaiʻi

Pele, Earth-Eater and Shaper of Sacred Land, renowned goddess of fire and volcanoes––in Hawaiian mythology, Pele traversed the sea, crossin one island to the next along the Hawaiian island chain before finally making her home in the firey heart of Mt. Kīlauea, which remains the most active volcano in the world today.

Follow Pele’s epic trek from Kaua`i to Hawai`i Island (“the Big Island”) in this unique hiking program. Traverse lush native forests and the undulating black landscape of volcanic calderas to the heart of Hawaiian lands and tradition. The final destination of your journey, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, encircles the fires of Kīlauea and is recognized internationally as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Accompanying expert interpretation will illuminating the natural environment, Hawaiian culture, and legends of Pele that surround you, experience a Hawaii like no other.

Defining Experiences

Explore lava tubes, calderas, and black sand beaches in and around the world’s most active volcano in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Discover about Hawaiʻi’s diverse microclimates, ecosystems through hikes in lush forests, expansive canyons, and coastal cliffs alongside expert geologists and conservationsits.
Immerse yourself in ancient legends of Hawaiian gods, goddesses, and demigods that are said to reside in these islands and learn about Hawaiʻi’s culture, traditions, and sacred sites
Lava Tube in Tropical Forest, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Halemaumau Crater at Night
University students hiking around tide pools, Kaena Point, Oahu, Hawaii

Itinerary Highlights

These samples are from an 7-day program.

Our itineraries are fully customizable to best suit clients’ needs and interests. For the complete itinerary or more information, contact us!

Day 2: Lava Tubes, Black Sand Beach, and Hawaiian Mythology

Enjoy a “Caverns Experience” in the beauty of ancient thousand-year-old lava tubes, the subterrenean shells where rivers of lava once flowed. Discover how Hawaiians used these tunnels. Then, visit a black sand beach where the protected Hawaiian honu green sea turtles often forage for seaweek and soak in the sun. Conclude the day at the hotel, soaking in the legendary tales of Hawaiian gods, goddesses, and demigods, some of whom are said to still roam these lands.

Day 5: Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park

Hike through the midlevel forest to spectacular views of the “Grand Canyon of Hawai`i”. You will have a 180-degree view looking down into the canyon. (Length: 4 miles; Elevation: 600 ft gain on the return.) Enjoy a picnic lunch at the overlook with fantastic views.
In the afternoon, hike the 2-mile Pihea Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park starting at the Puʻu o Kila overlook. Skirt along the famous Kalalau Valley, passing through forest of ohiʻa trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation, for one mile to the Pihea Vista.

Day 6: Coastal Hike, Beach, and Lūʻau

Experience a unique coastal
geology in a remote area with endemic plants, birds, monk seals, and
humpback whales (seasonal: Jan – Apr) along the Māhāʽulepū Coast Trail. This unique karst topography supports endemic coastal plants and offers spectacular vistas, gorgeous beaches, and ancient Hawaiian cultural sites which you will explore in depth with an accompanying expert instructor. Finish the hike at one of the best beaches in America per the Travel Channel and enjoy sun and waves before returning to the hotel for a farewell lūʻau.

… and more!

Contact us for a complete itinerary!

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March 19, 2025

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Hawaii’s Sea of Stars: An Exploration of the Cosmos

Experience the cutting edge of astronomy while immersed in Hawaii’s beautiful tropical environment and rich culture. Hawai’i is home to world-class astronomy research centers and rich celestial knowledge and traditions. Through in-depth lectures, expert-led discussions, hands-on labs, and engaging excursions you will deepen your understandings of astronomy, planetology, geology, indigenous knowledge and the Big Island’s unique culture and ecology.

Along the way, share in traditional knowledge and practices like Polynesian astral navigation, lunar calendar traditions, and constellation mythology. Your voyage will take you to new heights, climbing to 2,500 feet above sea level where Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s unique geology sees hot steam drifting out of cracks in hardened lava. Delve into the pertinent issues of respect of indigenous tradition, land management, and development through discussion with Hawaiian cultural leaders. Then, on Mauna Kea, explore the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy 9,300 feed above sea level before ascending to the 13,800 foot summit of Mauna Kea to tour Hawaii’s preeminent astronomy facilities.

Come along on this journey and discover the skies above Hawai’i, all the while developing an in-depth appreciation of astronomy, the natural world, and Hawaiian culture and historic sites along the way.

Defining Experiences

Learn about Hawaiian perspectives on telescope development from a Hawaiian cultural leader, then ascend 9,300 and 13,800 feet above sea level to explore the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and Hawaii’s preeminent astronomy facilities on Mauna Kea.
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian celestial mythology and learn traditional astral navigation techniques from local experts
Stargaze atop an active volcano, discovering the unique geology that makes Hawaiʻi a tropical paradise

Featured image from the Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau

Itinerary Highlights

These samples are from an 8-day program.

Our itineraries are fully customizable to best suit clients’ needs and interests. For the complete itinerary or more information, contact us!

Day 2: Historic Hilo and Gemini HQ

Discover the Historic town of Hilo, also the largest town on the island. Then, visit the Base Facility Operations center of Gemini, one of the most impressive optical telescopes in the world. In the evening, learn from an expert guest lecturer.

Day 3: Volcano Geology and Ecology

Accompanied by an expert volcanologist, visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and discover the unique geology and ecology of Hawaiian nature, including lava tube caves, giant ferns, and bird species.

Day 5: ʻAkaka Falls, Keck Observatory, Stargazing

Enjoy a scenic drive with interpretation through multiple microclimates from Hilo to Waimea. Make stops along the way, including a visit to the radiant ʻAkaka Falls State Park. Spend the afternoon learning about the daily life of an astronomer at the Keck Observatory through a presentation and discussion with an astronomer. Continue the discussion over dinner and enjoy some evening stargazing, weather permitting.

… and more!

Contact us for a complete itinerary!

Inquire about this tour

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February 26, 2025

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The Evolution of ʻUkulele

Explore Hawai’i, the birthplace of the ‘ukulele. Learn with masters and meet and strum along with local ‘ukulele talent. Listen to local music played throughout Waikiki and discover how the ‘ukulele, a non-traditional Hawaiian instrument, became an important element of modern Hawaiian music and how it has expanded across the world. Enjoy ‘ukulele workshops, kanikapila jam sessions, and meet-and-greets with rising ‘ukulele stars bringing new techniques to this classic instrument. When you’re not jamming out, take advantage of free time to explore Waikiki, relax on the white sands of Kuhio beach, or snorkel in the clear Hawaiian waters.

Defining Experiences

Visit a modern ʻukulele factory to learn about the techniques and materials that go into instrument making today.
Have a Q&A and kanikapila jam session with a local rising star of the ʻukulele scene.
Discover the historical influences on Hawaiian music through visits to the Bishop Museum and historical sites.

Itinerary Highlights

These samples are from an 9-day program.

Our itineraries are fully customizable to best suit clients’ needs and interests. For the complete itinerary or more information, contact us!

Day 2: ʻUkulele Factory Visit, Hawaiian Music Lecture

Day 4: Bishop Museum, Arizona Memorial, Local Cultural Group kanikapila jam

Day 8: Meet an ʻUkulele Rising Star, Free Time to Explore Waikīkī, Lūʻau Farewell Dinner

… and more!

Contact us for a complete itinerary!

Inquire about this tour

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February 13, 2025

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Hawaiʻi Alternative Spring Break: Inclusive Cultural & Service Learning

Universities students and professors explore beyond the classroom, connecting with Hawaiʻi’s native communities during this immersive and unforgettable spring break. With an emphasis on inclusion and regenerative travel, students learn directly from Hawaiian cultural leaders while engaged in distinctive service projects that support the communities they visit.

Ancient Hawaiians developed an intimate relationship with their natural environment, characterized by a deep love, respect and knowledge of the environment.  Discover how Hawaii’s remote location, tropical climate, and diverse climactic zones create a unique setting not found elsewhere.  Discover how the history, legends, and spirituality of the islands weave into the tapestry of life today while engaging in service projects that benefit the environment and preservation of Hawaiʻi’s culture.

Defining Experiences

Participate in a sunrise Kapu Kai cleansing ceremony at a sacred site, guided by a Hawaiian spiritual leader
Get your hands dirty and contribute to the preservation of Hawaii’s deep valley ecosystems and ancient fishponds through service learning experiences
Discover the active Kīlauea Volcano and Hawaiʻi’s unique astronomical setting in Volcanoes National Park

These samples are from a 6-day itinerary designed and implemented for the University of Arizona.

Our itineraries are fully customizable to best suit clients’ needs and interests. For the complete itinerary or more information, contact us!

Inquire about this tour

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