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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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