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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

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.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

Will McGough

Will McGough has spent the better part of the last decade seeing the world as a travel writer. His contributions have appeared in many magazines and online publications, including Alaska Airlines Magazine, AFAR, Conde Nast and Forbes. In 2017, he was the Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s Travel Writer of the Year for his local travel publication, Wake and Wander Hawaii. Will graduated from Virginia Tech and now calls the windward side of Oahu home. When traveling, he enjoys a combination of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Will McGough View biography

Suggested Reading List (14 books)

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.

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

Program Number: 24566

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.

Hawaii - A Natural History

by Buck, Elizabeth

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

Volcanoes in the Sea: The Geology of Hawaii

by Macdonald, G. A., A. T. Abott, and F. L. Peterson

Stepping Into Time - A Guide to Hawaii’s Historic Landmarks

by Peek, Jeanette Murray

Beyond Paradise

by Adler, Peter S.

General Environment

Hawaii A Unique Geography

by Morgan, Joseph R.

General

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.

Hawaii Parklands

by Hagmann, Marnie

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.

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.

Hawaiian Mythology

by Beckwith, Martha

This is a great book for delving into the myths, gods, legend and lore of Hawaii's people.

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.

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