Eco-Explorations
Hawaii
Introduction
Our educational eco-tours are modeled on the programs the Institute for Cultural Ecology has run for University of California, Santa Barbara, San Francisco State, and other colleges. While our academic field studies place academics above all else, our educational eco-tours stress fun and adventure through learning about wild places and new faces. Each locale is supplemented by optional readings that celebrate the cultural and ecological significance of the area. In the evening, we revisit the key concepts learned about each place and discuss its relation to the larger picture.
Our goal is to capture the widest range of cultural and ecological experience in each locale. We travel by foot, kayak, ATV, van, horse, among other options to offer as many perspectives as possible.
For those who appreciate individual freedom, we will afford you as much as possible and allow you to travel and dine at your pace, either with or apart from the group. For clients seeking the group experience, we will foster an environment where participants can learn from each other and celebrate uniqueness. It is possible to have the best of both worlds so long as we are all in agreement on the ultimate aim of experiential learning and adventure.
For those interested in maximizing the educational component, we offer Certificates of Completion with the I.C.E. seal. Participants will be evaluated based on their completion of program readings, comprehension of major concepts, and contribution to the group dynamics of the program. For those seeking a more leisurely approach, our primary goals is to have fun through learning about new places. As long as you are having fun you will be
The importance of individual freedom on our trip is reinforced. At its minimum, we expect you to be able to walk two miles. We have tried to build in the locales and modes of travel have:
- Hike the crater of the world’s most active volcano
- Learn to identify birds found only in Hawaii
- Explore Waipio Valley on horseback
- Sea kayak to a premier snorkel reef
- Learn to identify ancient religious temples
- Swim with sea turtles off a black sand beach
- And more...!
Housing
We have chosen housing options based on our years of experience on the Big Island. Our itinerary is designed arrive to new housing locations in the evening and to stay for a minimum of two nights to ensure that we are spending most of our time in the field and not in the lobby. On the Kona Coast, we will stay at a beachside hotel known for its customer service. At Punanlu’u, we have reserved a private one-bedroom condo within earshot of the crashing surf and a short walk to black sand beaches. In Hilo, we will stay on historic Banyan Drive in a bayside hotel. Hotels are two-and-a-half to three-star quality.
Meals
Meals will vary based on location. Typically we will prepare breakfasts to ensure that we have a fast start to the day. Typical breakfasts will include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, muffins, eggs, french toast, and sausage. Lunches will vary depending on our location and activities during the day. Four of the nights will include a credit with the hotel. Three of the nights the dinners will be prepared by your guide based on client feedback. Alcohol is not included in the price.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kona Hotel
The rhythmic sound of crashing waves helps to revive after the long flight. At our beachside hotel, stroll along white sand beaches. Strap on a mask and fins in search of trigger fish, the picturesque turquoise parrotfish among others. Our seaside locale sits in a rain shadow and is generally one of the dryer parts of the island. Let the rays of the sun rejuvenate you. Keep an eye out for the humuhumnukanukaahupua’a. The one-time state fish is endemic to these Hawaiian Islands—found nowhere else in the world. In the evening, enjoy a traditional lu’au ceremony and course introductions. A one-hour introduction into the history of how the Hawaiians reached the islands by canoe will prepare us for our cultural immersion the following day. Sample traditional Hawaiian foods from the imu or underground oven. After dinner, take a stroll in search of honu (endangered sea turtles) snuggling into the sand.
Day 2 Kona Hotel
Hawaii is an archaeologist’s paradise. Unlike locales in much of the mainland U.S. where the weather and materials used by indigenous peoples left scant material records, in Hawaii, human history looms large. Our first stop will be Lapakahi State Park. Here, walk among the ruins of an ancient fishing village that was once held famed healers know as Kahuna Lau’ lapa’au. Here we will discuss the importance of heiau, traditional temples to the Hawaii people. We will differentiate between sacrificial temples and fishing shrines. Walk among trees and bushes that were planted by the ancient Hawaiians for medicinal and practical purposes. The kukui nut tree in particular had multiple uses—the oil being used to create a primitive candle and the meet of the nut used to aid in digestion. Next, we travel to the puako petroglyph fields. Next, visit the puako petroglyph fields. One of the islands great collections of ancient rock inscriptions, the petroglyph field presents some of the finest on record.
* Ancient Hawaii, Herb Kane
Day 3 Kona Hotel
Horseback Tour
Day 4 Hilo Hotel
Waipio Valley
In one of the world’s most picturesque valleys, and the backdrop to numerous Hollywood films, we will explore Waipio Valley by horseback and on foot. Take in spectacular views of pounding surf and the. In the valley bottom, cross a freshwater stream and meander among the driftwood reminders of th. Watch some of the island’s most skilled surfers. In the, take in the waterfalls that add to Waipio’s mystique. Long-inhabited, search out ancient agricultural systems and steeped terraces. Waiopio is famous for its taro cultivation. The moist climate and river system of the valley creates an isdeal climate for taro cultivation. Taro, the ancestral plan of the Hawaiians. En-route to Volcanoes National Park, stop off for dinner in the seaside town of Hilo. Choose from Mexican, or ? cuisine.
* Hawaiian Plants and its People
* Atlas of Hawaii
Days 5-6-7 Punalu’u
In Volcanoes National Park we will descend into the crater of the world’s most active volcanoes. Listen to the crackle and crunch of newly formed earth as you traverse the bottom. The cliffs surrounding the crater provide prime examples of traditional ohia forests. Here search out native birds and learn to identify by sight and sound birds unique to the Hawaiian Islands. What the finch was to Darwin’s Galapagoes, the Hawaiian Honey Creeper is to these remote islands. One species diverged into some ? species unique to Hawaii. In the afternoon, traverse a lava tube formed when boiling earth evacuate and cooled leaving a tunnel system throughout the park. Look for endemic grasshoppers and bats who have adapted to the unique feature and become their own species.
Next, join us for a walk along the Pacific coastline. Over flat terrain, we will pass by ancient Hawaii temple and village sites en-route to a Hawaiian waterway. Bathe in freshwater ravines as you stare up at rugged cliffs shaped. Explore tide-pools with anenomies, blennies, ? The Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory offers visitors an inside look into the machinations of the world’s most active climate. And learn the close relationship that science and mythology share with regard to island origins and the reclamation of fire-scared earth with rainforest vegetation.
Volcano permitting, we may have a chance to view the lava flows at night and take in the glow of the world’s newest earth emerging from the magma chamber.
* Islands in a Far Sea
* Pele Myth vs. Science
Day 6
In Kealakekua Bay, see the temple where Captain James Cook’s body was dismembered. Here, we will sea kayak across picturesque Kealakeakua Bay en-route to some of the island’s best snorkeling. Coral shelves plunge into unseen depths creating an environment ripe for fish diversity. Rainbow wrasses emerge from coral cover to nip away at parasites adorning trigger fish. Look for moray eels tucked into coral crevices in wait of a meal. In the larger Bay, keep an eye out for spinner dolphins and their acrobatic leaps. Nearby our prized snorkeling locale, the Captain Cook monument stands as a reminder of where Captain James Cook met his demise at the hands of the Hawaiians. Learn the history behind the episode and discuss the greater impact that Cook and his men had on the local population through the spreading of disease. For the stronger swimmers amongst us, you have the option to swim two miles across the bay in return to our put in. A safety kayak will follow your attempt. * The Demise of Captain Cook * Hawaiian Reef Fishes
Day 7
Punalu’u is one of the island’s great black sand beaches. Here, a freshwater aquifer percolates beneath the sand and enters the ocean. Strap on a snorkel and mask in search of the many green sea turtles that use the protected cove and nest on the nearby beach. A short walk leads up to one of Hawaii’s great sacrificial temples. The imposing structure serves as the zenith for the ahupu’a’a or ancient land division. Follow an ancient pathway believed by many to be used by Hawaii’s “night marchers”--ghostly walkers who follow the ancient trails. Weather permitting, join local fishermen in the hunt for any number of Hawaii’s favored fish.
Accommodations: Quite simply, one of our favorite locales. The sound of breaking surf can be heard from your own private condo. With a full kitchen, living room, and separate bedroom, these spacious units allow feeling of “home away from home” and privacy we think you will welcome.
* Introduction to Hawaiian Heiau
* Journey of the Ancients (Green Sea Turtles)
Day 8
Hilo: The day starts out by manning a traditional outrigger canoe and taking on Hilo Bay. Protected by a sea-wall, the bay offers scenic vistas of the slopes of Mauna Loa and the surroundings. Paddle in the tradition of the ancients as you circle one of the world’s great bay’s. Next, travel down the Hamakua Coastline and explore ? Botanical Gardens. With plants from ? countries, celebrate the flora of that shapes not only Hawaii, but the entire Pacific Rim. On our return, explore Hilo’s Makuapapa Northwest Islands Visitor Center. Learn about the origins and history of the island chain born of the same fiery hot spot as the Big Island. Banyan Drive, named for the trees lining the route, winds around the Waiakea Peninsula jutting into Hilo Bay, offering spectacular coastal views. Liliuokalani Gardens, named for Hawaii's last queen, is an oasis of koi ponds, bamboo groves, quaint arched bridges, and Japanese teahouses. Coconut Island, or Mokuola ("Island of Life"), is a tranquil county park connected to land by footbridge — and the source of an ancient healing stone.
Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant known for their fresh fish and family style, friendly service.
* Introduction to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands
* History of the 1964 Tsunami
Day 9
The Saddle Road dissects the island and connects Hilo to the Kona Coast. We begin our day on a lightly traveled trail in search of ?, an endangered species a one of the island’s endangered species. Owing to habitat destruction, the ? is found only in kiupuka’s or. Following our birdquest, we will asend Mauna Loa to identify . The Big Island is home to eighteen ecotones. Following our exploration, we will ascend Mauna Loa to identify en-. En-route to the basecamp we will the silversword. One of the island’s great, the silversword is. The alpine terrain provides a glimpse into a new world of island fauna. A bove ? thousand feet, only the strong survive. Next, we will travel to the ? education on Mauna Kea. Here, attend a lecture on the central role the ? plays in the world’s astronomical community.
* Birds of Hawaii
* Plants in Alpine Hawaii
Day 10
Today we will volunteer on a restoration project. Depending on the season, the projects we have contributed to include: nene bird conservation; green sea turtle re-habitation, rainforest restoration. Join forces with state or national park personnel to give back to the island that has given us so much. While each project is unique, the key component is to assist in restoring a habitat to its natural condition. This may include building fences, removing exotic species, and assisting staff members with other important tasks.
* Strangers in the Forest (Invasive Species in Hawaii)
* Pigs vs. Hawaiian Rainforest (article)
Day 11
Our last day is client’s choice. Choose to continue in the volunteer project; revisit a favorite locale; or venture off to a new place. We can make suggestions based on your interests and finish your trip in grand fashion.
Pre-breakfast walk to Steam Bluff and Sulphur Bank; Byron Ledges; Thurston lava tube and Devastation trail; 3 miles, easy to moderate; optional additional rim walk; 5.5 miles, easy; nighttime lava walk; mile, moderate with challenging sections
This morning, those wishing may set out before breakfast and walk to the Steam Bluff and Sulphur Banks geological sites, where the Kilauea volcano lets off steam though vents and rocks take on yellow and orange hues. After breakfast, we embark on a walk that skirts the crater rim and then zig zags through dry forest and giant tree ferns to the crater floor (approximate 300 ft elevation gain and loss). Clear days afford magnificent views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak at 13,796 ft.