Exploring Hawaii's National Parks
At-A-Glance
Trip Dates:
November 2, 2014 through November 10, 2014
NPCA Member Price
$5,375 per person double occupancy; $845 single supplement (rainforest view room at Volcano House)
$5,585 per person double occupancy; $995 single supplement (crater view room at Volcano House)
Deposit
$500 per person
Note: Tour excursions may change due to weather or volcanic activity. As with all things dealing with Mother Nature, seeing molten lava and select wildlife is NOT guaranteed. Price based on minimum of (10) paid participants; surcharge may apply if tour has low registration.
Contact ParkScapes at 800.628.7275 or travel@npca.org
November 2-10, 2014
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on Hawaii’s Big Island. Tour Haleakala National Park on Maui. And visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai.
Experience unique cultural and natural beauty within Hawaii’s national parks. Expert biologists, naturalists, and cultural specialists will introduce you to six of the seven Hawaiian national parks on this NPCA tour, with an opportunity to explore the remaining national park site on your own either before or after the group tour.
Throughout the exciting nine-day itinerary, you will have a chance to meet the friendly people of Hawaii, witness the natural beauty of four Hawaiian Islands, and explore multiple historical sites. Meet with national park rangers to learn more about volcanic activity and view the effects of eruptions, participate in an authentic Hawaiian family luau, and witness the diversity of the island landscape on your inter-island flights.
For details about this trip, download the brochure (pdf)
Trip Details:
Tour Highlights
Hawaiian National Parks
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on Hawaii’s Big Island. Tour Haleakala National Park on Maui. And visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai.
Natural Resources
Hawaii boasts many uncommon natural features. It is home to over 100 volcanoes (five active ones), lush rainforest valleys, the highest coastal cliffs in the world, and a wide variety of endemic—and often endangered—plants and birds.
Cultural & Historical Heritage
Native Polynesians migrated to Hawaii hundreds of years ago; today, sacred sites cover the terrain. Ancient temples and age-old fishponds share Hawaiian stories with you—among them a ceremonial site that dates back to 1790 and a sanctuary to Hawaiians seeking refuge.
Hawaiian Luau
At a local backyard luau, learn to cook using a traditional underground oven, sing Hawaiian songs, and dance hula. At the award-winning Old Lahaina Luau, experience a professional hula show and buffet feast.
TopTour Details
Arrive/Depart
Hilo, Hawaii/Kahului, Maui
Length of Tour
9 days/8 nights
Pace
Easy to moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests. Be prepared for a variety of hikes and walks on uneven trails.
Price Includes
All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), inter-island airfare, ground transportation, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Round trip airfare to and from destination, baggage fees for inter-island flights, gratuities for guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 185 days prior to tour start date are subject to $250 per person handling fee; between 184-121 days prior to tour start date to $500 per person fee; and within 120 days of departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.
TopDaily Itinerary
Special Recommendation: The WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is only 15 minutes from the Honolulu Airport, and is an excellent pre-tour addition to your trip. We suggest arriving to in Honolulu at least one day prior to the tour start and making advance reservations at nps.gov.
November 2: Arrival in Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
Gather in the early afternoon for a lei greeting with your guide at Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Take time for a short tour of the town of Hilo, then it’s off to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and to your welcome reception. Volcano House (D)
November 3: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Spend the day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an expert volcanologist. Hear the latest news on the active volcano of Kilauea and view measuring devices that predict eruptions. Enjoy several short walks within the Kilauea Caldera. Spend your afternoon exploring the area with your guide or on your own. Volcano House (B,L,D)
November 4: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Exploring the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center with a morning bird walk and discussion of conservation in the park. Spend the afternoon investigating the visitor center or hike with your guide. This evening offers a nighttime lava adventure and picnic dinner as you enjoy the glow of the lava flow. Volcano House (B,L,D)
November 5: Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Bid farewell to Hawaii Volcanoes as you head south to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach to search for green sea turtles. Enjoy an afternoon walk through Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park to learn about Hawaiian places of worship and how ancient Hawaiians pardoned those who broke the laws. Your guide will offer some options for dinner on your own. Sheraton Kona Hotel (B,L)
November 6: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Spend your day touring the fishpond and heiau (sacred sites) of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. End the day at a private backyard luau—a part of the Hawaii that few visitors get to experience. Sheraton Kona Hotel (B,L,D)
November 7: Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Molokai
Board your private charter to Molokai, where you have the rare opportunity to tour Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Kalaupapa is home to the former Hansen’s disease (leprosy) settlement. The historic park is also home to the highest coastal cliffs in the world. Take an afternoon flight to Maui and enjoy views of the West Maui Mountains en route to Ka’anapali. Royal Lahaina Resort (B,L)
November 8: Haleakala National Park, Maui
Head to Haleakala for a brief orientation; then proceed to the visitor center for an interpretive session about Hawaii’s indigenous plants and animals and Mt. Haleakala—the world’s largest dormant volcano. Among the special features of Haleakala is the famous silversword plant. In the afternoon you will explore Iao Valley State Park. This lush green valley is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle. Stop off for dinner in the old whaling town of Lahaina on your return to the hotel. Royal Lahaina Resort (B,L,D)
November 9: Ka'anapali, Maui
Enjoy a day of leisurely exploring the Ka’anapali area including swimming and snorkeling, and a selection of optional tours. Your farewell dinner at the Polynesian Luau means a traditional hula and feast. Royal Lahaina Resort (B,D)
November 11: Departures home from Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
Your tour concludes with breakfast in Maui. Individual departures home later this day, or choose to extend your stay before leaving the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. (B)
TopPricing Details
NPCA Member Price
$5,375 per person double occupancy; $845 single supplement (rainforest view room at Volcano House)
$5,585 per person double occupancy; $995 single supplement (crater view room at Volcano House)
Deposit
$500 per person
Note: Tour excursions may change due to weather or volcanic activity. As with all things dealing with Mother Nature, seeing molten lava and select wildlife is NOT guaranteed. Price based on minimum of (10) paid participants; surcharge may apply if tour has low registration.
Map

The National Parks Conservation Association is delighted to sponsor this Pacific Islands Institute trip to Hawaii. Upon registering as a participant for this tour, you will receive further information from both the National Parks Conservation Association and Pacific Islands Institute.
TopLodging Info
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
TopBooking Info
To contact NPCA's ParkScapes program for questions or reservations please call 800-628-7275 or email travel@npca.org. You may also book directly online.






