Natural History
Hawaiian EDventure offers an array of academic, cultural, recreational and experiential travel programs that blend Hawaii’s culture, science, history and ethnic diversity. EDventure’s custom-designed programs may be created to meet your educational and recereational objectives.
Our “Natural History” program may include one, two or a three-island exploration. If you let us know what your educational/recreational needs are; Hawaiian EDventure will design the PERFECT program for your group. Below, see some sample descriptions of the Natural History EDventure highlights.
Island of Kaua‘i, Lihue
Welcome to the beautiful ‘Garden Isle’ of Kaua‘i with a fragrant, flower lei greeting. Begin your Hawaiian sojourn with a traditional Hawaiian chant inviting you to Hawai‘i. A Welcome Dinner Reception follows featuring local Kaua‘i cuisine.
Island of Kauai, HISTORY and NA PALI COAST
Begin our “Historical Perspective of Kauai” tour. A local naturalist describes the fascinating five million year-old story of Kauai’s volcanic birth from the sea, the creation of the towering palisades of the Na Pali coast of the volcano: Mount Wai‘aleale, and the hauntingly beautiful biological diversity of the oldest of the main eight islands of Hawaii.
Your afternoon departure for a cruise adventure along the Na Pali coastline begins with a scenic motorcoach tour along the southwest coast of the islands. You’ll drive through Kauai’s sugar plantations, lush valleys and see some of the film spots for movies such as Jurassic Park, Six Days and Seven Nights and Dinosaurs!
Once at sea , you’ll enjoy the breathtaking coastal views of the sheer cliffs towering above mist shrouded primeval valleys, and rare sea birds nesting along the rugged shores offer a glimpse into the mystery of Kauai.
Island of Kauai, natural history, ethnobotany and tradition
From the Mountains to the Sea’ You’ll travel by motorcoach to Lawai to visit the extraordinary National Tropical Botanical Gardens located on the Allerton Estate. There, you’ll be guided on an in-depth tour of the gardens of the estate. The grounds were the summer cottage of Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV during the mid 1800’s, and the former home of Robert & John Allerton.
Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii culture and Kupuna
In Hilo, a brief motorcoach ride will bring you to downtown Hilo, where you’ll spend some time exploring the historical old town district featuring unique stores and galleries, historic old buildings and shopping and browsing opportunities beckon…
In the evening, join our effervescent Kupuna (elders) for an unforgettable evening of dinner, music and hula, Hawaiian crafts and lei making. Hawaii’s cultural treasure lies with our Kupuna and their knowledge of the ‘way things used to be’… Share an evening of Aloha and learn a little hula!
Ancient History, Archeology and Ecology
Boarding a motorcoach for a guided tour through the Puna district of the Big Island. Do you wonder how ‘they’ got here? Travel through time as you follow old stone walls through the forest, learn about the historical and anthropological discoveries being uncovered at an ancient village site, and how early Polynesian settlers lived and thrived along Hawaiian shores.
Swim in a calm and peaceful geothermal pool. The warm waters welling to the surface have been heated to body temperature by the magma lying deep below the surface. Watch the ocean waves, float and contemplate the swaying palm trees, relax…
Kona: Ancient traditions/Cultural clashes
You’ll board your motorcoach for an interesting drive through the coffee district of Kona.
Along the way you’ll pass through historic coffee towns, steep family-owned coffee farms, avocado and mango trees, and lush, vibrant tropical flowers. Your destination today is the ‘Place of Refuge’ or, Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau.
Tour the ancient sacred site where long ago Hawaiians sought refuge from the punishment of breaking the laws, or kapu of the people. Here, they were able to work through sanctuary and return to their village. The massive stone walls and temples speak to you of the old ways of Hawaii.
You’ll depart for Keahou Bay, where the Fair Wind awaits. The well appointed catamaran provides comfortable inside seating or, if you prefer the wind in your hair, the decks have ample seating for a short cruise to Kealakekua Bay, a sheltered Marine Conservation area. The boat becomes your beach as you enjoy snorkel instruction, floaties, view boxes and very helpful crew who will ensure that you have an exciting and rewarding viewing experience. The calm waters of the bay are home to dozens of species of colorful marine fish and invertebrates in crystal clear, gem colored water. A delicious barbecue dinner will be served aboard ship, and cocktails or milk and cookies are served to you as you relax on the pleasant cruise back to Keahou Bay.
Kauai, Sugar cane, Canyon, Plant, Bird and KOKE’E NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM:
We will visit the mills and processing facilities in Lihue and Waimea. Our Guides will discuss the history and environmental impacts of Kaua‘i’s sugar industry. Economic importance, cultural impacts and basic botanical information will also be considered. We will then drive to the top of Mount Wai`ale`ale, located on the northwest part of the island. Participants will experience a 4,000 ft. change in elevation and be able to examine evidence of Kauai’s geologic past, as we take in breathtaking views of Waimea canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.
There will also be time for local plant and bird identification, incredible views of the rugged Na Pali coastline and a visit to the Koke‘e Natural History Museum. Late this afternoon, we will return to our hotel in Lihue for dinner and overnight.
During the trip up Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, our group will pass through a number of life-zones and this will be evident by dramatic changes in vegetation. Other points that will be considered include the effects of introduced non-native plant and animal species on Kauai and Hurricane Iniki’s impact on this region.
