Hawaii Marine Biology

 ITINERARY        Hawaii itinerary; Costa Rica one soon

Day 1:    Fly to Hilo, arrive in the afternoon

Day 2:    visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

              Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and day hike

Day 3:    visit Bird park & Punalu'u Beach

              snorkle "Richardson Beach"

              intro to the Hula and native musical instruments

Day 4:    intro to Hawaii marine environments

             Hilo tour & Rainbow Falls

             Marine investigations:  group transects,                                      inventory beach systems, compare/contrast                            sand types, observe coral/algal carbonate,                                   black, glassy volcanic 

             swim and snorkle time in the afternoon

             paddleboarding at the University of Hawaii

             evening to Kalapana - Lava viewing 

Day 5:    Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National                               Monument,

              Mokupapapa, protected area for over 7000 species

              Pacific Tsunami Museum

              Richardson Beach Park, snorkle exploration of marine

              reef structures, nearshore reef fish and                                             invertebrates

              swim, snorkle and beach time

              after dinner:  Geology and Volcanology; colonization                         and adaption of invasive species,

              Hawaiian cultural awareness; Hula lessons 

Day 6:    visit downtown Hilo

              Punaluau Beach, natural resting place for sea turtles

              travel to Kona, falls & beaches on the route

              check in at the Royal Kona resort

Day 7:    visit to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge)

Day 8:    Fairwind snorkle Cruise.  Catamaran to historic

                       Kealakekua Bay. 

Day 9:   hotel check-out and fly back to the mainland

                               Hula Night