Big Island Adventure

Environmental Science and Culture on the Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea volcano, thick tropical jungles and rainforests, coral reef preserves, sacred Place of Refuge, Hawaiian culture and history

Environmental Science and Culture on the Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea volcano, thick tropical jungles and rainforests, coral reef preserves, sacred Place of Refuge, Hawaiian culture and history

Earth ExploreBig Island Adventure Quick Facts

9 day program Hotel and UH dorm

accommodations Large motorcoach University of Hawaii

resource experts and staff on site

3 meals a day Group size 20-30 1 adult to 5-6 students Students 3 to a room Academic Credit

Opptys

Big Island Adventure Itinerary

Our route takes us from Hilo, to the Kona Coast. We explore astronomy in Hilo and paddle an outrigger canoe in Hilo Bay. We view a volcano at Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and view Waipio, the Valley of Kings. At Akaka Falls we explore tropical rain forest, and discover Hawaiian culture at the Place of Refuge. On the Kona coast, we snorkel to discover a colorful coral reef.

Brief Highlights of Program

Hilo Bay hands-on marine studies

Akaka Falls and rainforest walk

Hawaii Volcanoes/ Kilauea with experts

Visits to temples and cultural sites

Expert instructors from the University of Hawaii at Hilo

Kilauea

Brief Highlights page 2

Cultural sharing with Kapuna, (Hawaiian elders) Visit to Place of Refuge and historic Heiau temple Coral Reef cruise and snorkeling adventure Waipio Valley taro farming

The Earth Explore FoundationYour Planet. Discover it. Protect it.

EEF has sponsored Teacher-led educational programs since 1995

Founded by teachers and outdoor educators

Mission is to encourage learning in the outdoor classroom - science and cultures

More than 5 thousand students from 35 states have participated

The EE Foundation is a not for profit, mission-based educational organization

All programs can offer credit at HS and College levels

Adventures to Planet EarthFun and Learning in Inspiring Places

Just the Facts-Earth Explore Parents, students and teacher know

one another Low adult/student ratio Credit opportunities- always hands-

on World’s finest partner organizations An ideal mix of learning and fun

adventure

Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip

Programs are mission based, emphasizing student-nature connections Not just a Student “Tour”

Study the Earth; its landscapes, processes, people and cultures, through fun hands-on exploration

Create enduring connections with the natural world Encourage curiosity, inquiry based learning

What happens when?

Groups form August through December All Adventures usually full by January 1st Teacher conducts preparation sessions in

late winter and spring Usually 4-6 two hour get-togethers Student receives the Naturalist newsletter

quarterly, and program Adventure Guide

What happens when?

Travel Packet arrives in May– Detailed day to

day itinerary– Official program

cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tag, T-shirt

Earth Explore Online

PDFs available Academic Credit

Outline Fundraising Packet Program Flyers and

Brochures

Program Newsletters Student Application Health Form (spring)

Earth Explore AdventuresStudent application process

Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun

If student is not known to teacher, interview is required

Students can invite friends or siblings, subject to space available and interview

Application requires deposit of $400

Earth Explore AdventuresStudent application process - continued

Limited number of spaces for each Adventure each season

Space is allotted on a first come, first served basis

Application can be mailed, faxed, or submitted online - most now apply online

Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office, or downloaded online

Big Island AdventureWhat’s Included - What’s Not

All program activities/instruction All meals (3 per day) Hotel and dorm accommodations

(no hostels or camping) 2 Travel Manager/Naturalist Guides

per group On site resource experts Chaperoning by students’ own

teachers Program accident insurance Travel items including cap, t-shirt,

journal, luggage tags Academic credit tuition - HS Option for college credit

Included

Program airfare - Earth Explore arranges this for the group

Items of a strictly personal nature (for example souvenirs)

Not Included

Our Hawaii Adventure

Joint program with the University of Hawaii at Hilo

Begin in Hilo, stay at dorms City overview and visit to Hilo

Bay for tidepooling and outrigger rides

Marine ecosystems of Hawaii

Outriggers on Hilo Bay

Learning traditional Island skills hands-on on Hilo Bay

Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes

Transfer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea overview and discussion of volcano science

Hawaii Volcano Observatory, and Lava Tube Hike

Kilauea AdventureHawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hands on activities on current volcanic eruptions

Hikes and discussions Activities in lava field and on rim

of caldera Unique high elevation rainforest

Volcano Discoveries at Kilauea

To Akaka Falls and Waipio Valley Akaka Falls rainforest

preserve and ecology of Hawaiian forests-endangered species

Viewing of Waipio Valley, the “Valley of Kings”

Akaka Falls - Views

Spectacular endangered Hawaiian rainforest

Study of tropical rainforest plants and animals with naturalist guide

Hawaii’s highest waterfall, 400 feet

The Kona Coast We stay in hotel on Kailua Bay Visits to Place of Refuge, Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve,

Hapuna Beach

Coral Reef AdventureHawaii’s amazing living reef

Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay Rich coral reef

ecosystem Snorkeling

supervised by on-site experts

Naturalist Guides Lunch on-board Waterslide and

viewboxes

Place of RefugeThe most sacred Hawaiian cultural site

Expert-led program on Hawaiian kings, culture and beliefs

Visit to sacred “Heiau” or Hawaiian temple

Kapuna DayCultural sharing with Hawaiian elders

Chance to experience another culture hands-on

Arts, crafts, dance and storytelling

Kilauea, Culture and Coral ReefsBig Island Adventure