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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 13 Reviews
SHOWING
Great challenge and great reward - this trip gives your heart some exercise and then fills it with joy. Not to be missed!
— Review left February 24, 2026
I recently travelled to the Big Island with an enthusiastic group of like minded hikers where we transversed the Volcanic National Park. It was a great experience with a charming roomie and stunning landscape. The local guide and his associates were knowledgeable and patient with the range of hiking expertise group members displayed. I am critical however of the food choices which were primarily repetitive and, many times not presented at a safe (food safety advice is piping hot) temperature. Felt a bit cafeteria like and not what standard I expected given the professionalism of the program itself. Also would suggest that the trip to the City of Refuge gave more guided experience to the city itself- the walk over the ancient pathway was too long, although it did give scholars time to talk with the local guide. Morning briefs and afternoon debriefs were casual and sometimes confusing. Overall, I DO recommend this trip for fitter participants who want to experience nature's wonders and the welcoming Hawaiian culture. Aloha.
— Review left February 23, 2026
Up close view of volcanoes and how they work. Hawaii is not just beaches.
— Review left February 16, 2026
Wonderful trip. I learned to value trekking poles. The terrain was definitely uneven and trekking poles and good hiking shoes were invaluable. The Big Island was recommended to me because of the diverse environments from volcanic calderas, to rocky coasts, and tropical forests with picturesque waterfalls. This trip featured them all.
— Review left February 8, 2026
This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I look forward to more trips with them in the future.
— Review left February 16, 2025
If you enjoy challenging hikes and intense cultural experiences in paradise, this is a trip for you! Everyday was full of learning and physical activity. The beauty and culture of Hawaii, the big island is one not to miss if you love the outdoors, hiking hills and valleys and being in a diversity of culture and climates!
— Review left February 16, 2025
If you love hiking, and wish to see the big island in detail, then this is your trip to take. You will learn much about the formation of the islands and how volcanic activity still affects the locals today. Plus, some waterfalls.
— Review left September 27, 2024
Road Scholar does not have enough stars to cover this one! It is beyond 5! The hiking in two of Kilauea's calderas was thrilling. One really gets a sense of a volcano's destructive power. (Yes, Pompeii is, perhaps, the ultimate example, but walking on the lava beds was a new perspective.) John Stallman gives a wonderful talk on the geology of Hawaii's volcanic chain (which is much more massive than I ever imagined.) It makes you appreciate the hikes and the lava-shaped landscape so much more. The Kilauea Military Camp is rustic but still has all the comforts of home (our "Rogue Scholar" team came in second on trivia night at the bar!) AND you are just feet away from Kilauea's main caldera which is still smoking by the way. Pray that your group leader is Kala Holiday. His native Hawaii heritage infuses your trip with legends of the volcano goddess, Pele and all the rich history of the islands. Be prepared to pay tribute to Pele. I hope you enjoy this trip as much as I did!
— Review left September 26, 2024
Really informational and likeable leaders on a stunning tour of volcanic sites on the big island.
— Review left September 24, 2024
Visiting Hawai'i was on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm glad I ticked it off with a Road Scholar trip. I learned so much and saw so many amazing things that would have been overlooked on a self-guided trip.
— Review left September 22, 2024
A very unique, enjoyable, educational and interesting program. The leader and guides were exceptional. The Hawaiian culture is so lovely. Lodging at the Military Camp was very fun. Hiking on lava was like hiking on another planet. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left February 20, 2024
Highly recommend! Our group guide, Kaika, was outstanding, and the other lecturers were also top-notch. Most of the group participants were experienced hikers. If you like to hike and are interested in volcanoes, geological history, the flora and fauna of a rain forest, and Hawaiian cultural history, you will thoroughly enjoy this trip.
— Review left February 19, 2024
An exciting Hawaiian experience that explores the volcanic environment and the culture and history of the islands.
— Review left January 23, 2024