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Hawaii

A Volcanic Exploration: Hiking on Hawai'i's “Big Island”

Program No. 24566RJ
Hike among the impressive volcanoes and varied landscapes of the island of Hawai'i while learning about its rich culture, geology and wildlife.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 13 - Jan 20, 2024
Starting at
4,349
Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
4,499
Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2024
Starting at
4,349
Sep 14 - Sep 21, 2024
Starting at
4,349
Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
4,349
Jan 4 - Jan 11, 2025
Starting at
4,649
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
4,649
Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
4,749
Mar 29 - Apr 5, 2025
Starting at
4,599
Sep 20 - Sep 27, 2025
Starting at
4,599
Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2025
Starting at
4,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 13 - Jan 20, 2024
Starting at
5,349
Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
5,579
Filling Fast!
Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2024
Starting at
5,349
Sep 14 - Sep 21, 2024
Starting at
5,349
Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024
Starting at
5,349
Jan 4 - Jan 11, 2025
Starting at
5,539
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
5,539
Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
5,759
Mar 29 - Apr 5, 2025
Starting at
5,489
Sep 20 - Sep 27, 2025
Starting at
5,489
Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2025
Starting at
5,489
8 days
7 nights
19 meals
7B 5L 7D
3
Kilauea Caldera Hike
Volcanoes National Park (Volcano), HI
4
Kilauea Iki Hike, Chain of Craters Road
Volcanoes National Park (Volcano), HI
7
Waterfall Hike in Kohala
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
8
Program Concludes
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Hawai'i is home to unique microclimates, incredible geology and fascinating wildlife — get up close and learn about this amazing place by hiking Hawai'i’s “Big Island.” Move from sea level rainforests to the Kilauea Volcano, where you’ll walk among dense tropical ferns, native ohia trees and lava deserts, before departing for the drier coast. Experience the heat of subsurface magma and the picturesque beauty of a waterfall in the Kohala mountains, all while learning from geologists and other experts about these astounding natural wonders and how the landscape is deeply intertwined with native Hawaiian culture and spiritual beliefs.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily hiking between 2 and 5 miles, with one day of 7 miles. Daily elevation gains up to 1,100 ft. Walking/hiking along irregular forest trails and through lava fields in varying weather conditions. Elevations up to 4,100 ft.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Hike along the caldera of Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
  • Learn about petroglyphs, wildlife and Hawaiian history as you hike throughout the island.
  • Stay at Kilauea Military Camp, located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii
by Gavan Daws, O.A. Bushnell, Andrew Berger
This perennial favorite offers a wonderful introduction to the Hawaiian Islands. With its active volcanos, pristine beaches, dramatic sunsets, and leisurely lifestyle, Hawaii has something for everyone. This large-format tribute deepens readers' understanding of this unique state. The authors profile historical events from Hawaii s discovery to its statehood. They present a fascinating range of facts about the ecology of the islands, including its rare plants and animals, and a sampling of local expressions. The Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii is equally useful as a reliable reference, a keepsake for visitors, and a lively read for anyone interested in learning more about this island paradise. Offering a wonderful introduction to the Hawaiian Islands, its colorful illustrations graciously complement the enlightening text. Written by experts on Hawaii s history and heritage, this unique atlas contains an abundance of fascinating information on some of the world s most beautiful islands.
Hawaii: The Aloha State
by Marcia Amidon Lusted
Hawaii - A Natural History
by Buck, Elizabeth
Hawaii Parklands
by Hagmann, Marnie
Volcanoes in the Sea: The Geology of Hawaii
by Macdonald, G. A., A. T. Abott, and F. L. Peterson
A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific
by H. Douglas Pratt
This landmark field guide with chapters on the islands and habitats features superb color plates by Pratt and a checklist of birds.
Stepping Into Time - A Guide to Hawaii’s Historic Landmarks
by Peek, Jeanette Murray
Hawaiian Mythology
by Beckwith, Martha
This is a great book for delving into the myths, gods, legend and lore of Hawaii's people.
Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands
by Daws, Gavan
Based on years of work in the documentary sources, Shoal of Time emerges as the most readable of all Hawaiian histories.
Hawaii: The Islands of Life
by Daws, Gavan
This full-color, 156 page award-winning book tells the fascinating story of the Hawaiian Islands and their wildlife.
Beyond Paradise
by Adler, Peter S.
General Environment
Islands in a Far Sea: Nature and Man in Hawaii
by Culliney, John L.
Beginning some 1,500 years ago, Hawaii was one of the last Edens to be exploited by human beings, and its transformation has been among the most rapid. Seeking to improve life, humans have grossly altered the living nature of the Islands from the coral reefs to the volcanic summits. Since the first arrival of Polynesian canoes, Hawaii has been a venue of accelerating extinction and today leads the United States in the rate of permanent loss of native plants and animals.
Plants in Hawaiian Culture
by Krauss, Beatrice H
This introduction to the ethnobotany of the Hawaiian culture before contact with foreigners describes the plants themselves, preparation and uses of plant materials, and how the plants and artifacts made from them were used as food, canoes, houses, wearing apparel, musical instruments, medicine, and in fishing, games and sports, war, religion, and burial.
Hawaii A Unique Geography
by Morgan, Joseph R.
General





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.