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Tom's Trip Notes

Hawaiian Islands – A Naturalist's View

March 4-18, 2008 - $4995

What if Darwin explored this chain of islands? Like the Galapagos Islands, the Hawaiian Islands formed by volcanic eruption and vary dramatically; wet rainforests, dry deserts, steep mountains, and fascinating geology creating beaches of every color. The bird life is special here, rich in mountain endemics and spectacular nesting sea birds colonies. This trip is all about the real Hawaii!

"The Hawaiian Islands are one of the wonderlands of the globe; Nature conceals more of her mysteries to (this) chain and attracts the student to more of her masterpieces…to enrapture the visitor than any similar area."

-National Geographic, February 1924

"The isolation of the Hawaiian Archipelago and the peculiar nature of the soil have encouraged the growth of botanical communities with a high percentage of endemic species. The ferns are of particular importance as they represent a substantial percentage of the indigenous flora that still prevails at altitudes above 4,900 feet. The birds are of great interest with several exemplifying adaptive radiation.

-World Heritage Sites, Cattaneo and Trifoni, 2003

Oahu Island is rich in Hawaiian American history, home of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater, and our trip arrival and departure base in Honolulu. Locations are world famous Hanauma Bay for outstanding marine life and snorkeling, Halona Cove where green sea turtles and humpback whales swim, Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, Waimanalo Bay and tidepools, the premier bird watching site Enchanted Lake Bird Sanctuary for several rare species, and into the forest for Oahu's unique honeycreepers. We'll take time to experience the North Shore and historical settlements of Hawaii's indigenous settlers. Our schedule provides ample free time allowing you to choose your own sites including the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
- March 4 – 6, 17

Photo credit: Cecilia Walther, Oahu Nature Tours

Kauai Island known as the garden isle, possibly has the wettest place on earth with a singularly spectacular coastline. A full day of whale watching, snorkeling crystal clear waters, and sea birding along the world famous Na Pali Cliffs Coast and out onto open seas to Niihau Island for more pelagic birding, snorkeling, and whales. From land we explore the North Shore including Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge for endemic Hawaiian wetland birds and Hanalei Estuary for shorebirds. South Shore sites include Waimea Canyon, Kokee Forest and Alakai Swamp, and onto beautiful Poipu Beach for monk seals, turtles, and incredibly scenic views. An option for the intrepid birders among us is some intensive forest birding for the rare Hawaiian endemics.

Seen Raiders of the Lost Ark? Well, you can have that experience here!
- March 7 - 11

The Big Island It is the big island, or the Orchid Island or the Volcano Island, – twice the size of all the other islands, rich in endemic and exotic flora and fauna, with a big landscape of active fiery volcanoes, wet and dry forests, alpine meadows, high elevation lakes, truly awesome night skies, and beaches of every sand color imaginable – an incredibly diverse landscape. We'll spend 2 days at Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, observing the daily eruptions of Mt. Kilauea. The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge was the first in the country dedicated for forest birds. The Pua Akala tract we'll access, not open to the public, is an excellent example of successful conservation. Two very large peaks create the wet and dry climates of this island, the kipuka rainforest on Mauna Loa and the sub-alpine dry forest of Puu Laau on Mauna Kea. Here we can see endemic Hawaiian flora and fauna much as it was prior to settlement, an opportunity to observe evolutionary history.
- March 11- 16

Photo credit: Hawaii Forest & Ttrail

Your personal itinerary may include any and all tropical island experiences. Some unplanned time at each island allows you to indulge your personal interests. Helicopter rides, surfing, kayaking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, caving, astronomy, or lounging on a beach or by a pool – these are your choices. Our planned activities are outlined below.

See CNT Terms and Conditions of Travel regarding cancellation schedule. In making your international air reservations you must be at the arrival city on time for our connecting flights or van transfers, or be responsible for your transfer costs to join the group.