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

After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.

A waiver of liability is required for one of our excursions and is included at the end of this information packet. This document is to READ ONLY - you will sign it in person upon arrival at registration. Please DO NOT email or mail it in prior to your arrival.

United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

Please consult with your physician about the physical demands of the program and your participation in it well before departure. If you have any questions or concerns about aspects of the program, please contact the PII Road Scholar office. Because of the nature of this program, agility is a must. Participants should be in good health, able to stand comfortably for 60 minutes at a stretch, and walk at least two miles in heat and humidity. Please be aware that one mile on flat land at home is less strenuous than one mile in a warm and humid environment. (please note that if a cane is required for steadiness while walking, participants may be unable to experience certain parts of the program.) Sidewalks are virtually non-existent in most areas, and uneven terrain will be encountered everywhere. On many field trips our transportation will drive on unpaved roads which can be very bumpy. Physical activities include hiking, sometimes on slippery trails; maneuvering your way over roots and rocks to approach archaeological sites; going up hills.

If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Arrival day is on January 17, 2026

Meet the group at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii

Start of Trip:  3:00 p.m. hotel check-in & Program Registration; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner; Day 2 8:00 a.m. Orientation.

Your trip ends on: Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Kona, Big Island of Hawaii at Courtyard by Marriott's King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

End of Trip: 10:00 a.m. after breakfast; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out.

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

From this airport, schedule your flight to arrive no later than 16:00 .

The estimated travel time to the check-in location is 10 minutes .

The estimated distance to the check-in location is 3 miles .

Kona International Airport (KOA)

From this airport, schedule your flight to leave no earlier than 11:00 .

The estimated travel time from the last location is 20 - 40 minutes .

The estimated distance to the last location is 10 miles .

Kona International Airport (KOA)

From this airport, schedule your flight to leave no earlier than 11:00 .

The estimated travel time from the last location is 20-40 minutes .

The estimated distance to the last location is 10 miles .

Arrival day is on 1/17/2026.

Meet the group at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii.

Start of Trip:  3:00 p.m. hotel check-in & Program Registration; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner; Day 2 8:00 a.m. Orientation.

Your trip ends on: Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Kona, Big Island of Hawaii at Courtyard by Marriott's King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

End of Trip: 10:00 a.m. after breakfast; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out..