Retreat Trips and Activities

2004 Site Coordinator

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Retreat Trips, please contact our Site Coordinator:

Florence Chong
Telephone: 808-372-1405
E-mail: florencechong@hawaii.rr.com

Deadline for Day Trip Registration is August 15.

Deadline for Overnight Trip Registration is July 15.

Please note: if the minimum number of participants is not met, each trip is subject to cancellation. Participants will be reimbursed for the full trip cost should this occur.

For helpful links for arranging your own trips and tours during your stay in Hawai‘i, please click here.

Pre-Retreat Overnight Trip
Saturday, October 2—Sunday, October 3

Kōke‘e State Park: Volunteer to Help Protect Hawaii’s Natural Treasures

The forested Kōke‘e plateau encompasses several rare plant communities, including at least 57 rare or endangered Hawaiian plants, most found nowhere else on Earth. Co-evolution has fostered development of unique insects and birds that depend on these fragile plant communities. This is a priceless heritage created by millions of years of evolution on these isolated islands. Come take part in preserving these imperiled native ecosystems by joining Hui o Laka’s Kōke‘e Resource Conservation Program (KRCP) for a day in the wilderness clearing invasive plant growth. Learn about native plants, their cultural uses, and ecology while exploring some of the most beautiful spots on Earth. Hosting this field trip is a 50-year old nonprofit, Hui o Laka, that operates the Kōke‘e Natural History Museum, KRCP, and oversees renovation of the Park’s historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp.

The trip begins with a scenic one-hour ride up Waimea Canyon Road to Kōke‘e State Park, where we will meet Katie Cassel, KRCP Project Coordinator. We’ll spend the morning removing invasive plants to help save native habitat; a hands-on chance to see off-the-beaten-track Kaua‘i and connect with local issues. After lunch we’ll hike the spectacular Canyon Rim Trail with David Boynton, one of Hawaii’s foremost naturalists, photographers, and environmental educators. A well-deserved leisurely dinner will be served at the historic 1930’s CCC Camp, where we’ll spend the night. The next morning David Kuhn, an expert birder with more than 30 years of guiding experience, will lead a birding expedition on the famous Pihea trail. We’ll return to the camp for lunch, and then enjoy a brief historic tour of the Kōke‘e Natural History Museum and CCC Camp. The Camp is one of America’s few intact CCC Camps; Hui o Laka executive director, Marsha Erickson will share stories garnered from 60 years of camp users. From camp we’ll shuttle back to the hotel around 3:00 pm.

Register by July 15.

Group size: minimum 15; maximum 18
Cost: $175 (includes transportation, all meals, lodging, and guides)
Travel Time: 1 hour from the Hyatt
Begin: Saturday, October 2 from Hyatt Lobby at 8:00 am
End: Sunday, October 3 at Hyatt Lobby by 4:30 pm
Bring: Sleeping bag, towel, personal items, hiking boots, warm clothing (that can get dirty), light rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, daypack, water bottle and binoculars.

Note: Weather in Kōke‘e ranges from a daytime high 70s to night time low 40s; it is best to dress in layers.

Issue Areas: Invasive and native species, biodiversity, forest ecology, community involvement and revolutionary partnerships linking historic preservation with natural resources conservation.

Day Trips
Saturday, October 2

Register for Day Trips by August 15.

Na Pali Adventure: Kalalau Trail Hike to Hanakapiai Waterfall

Soaring green pinnacles, black lava cliffs, and spectacular turquoise seas—this is Na Pali, Hawaii’s premier trail. Local geologist/naturalist, Chuck Blay, will lead hikers along the historic Kalalau Trail—some of the most rugged coastline in the world, with cliffs rising up more than 3,500 feet—the same trail used by the ancient Hawaiians who lived in these remote north coast valleys. Come learn about Na Pali’s geologic origin as well as Kauai’s native plants, animals, and cultural past. We’ll visit the coastal valley, Hanakapiai, settled by some of the island’s early human occupants more than 700 years ago. Passing archaeological remains of their settlements along the way, we’ll hike up the valley to the majestic 410-ft waterfall where we’ll enjoy a healthy lunch beside a pristine natural pool. Sturdy footwear is recommended for this moderate to strenuous 8-mile hike. For more information, visit www.kauainaturetours.com.

Group size: minimum 6; maximum 20
Cost: $85.00 (includes transportation, lunch, and bottled water for the hike)
Travel Time: 1 hour from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 8:00 am
End: Hyatt lobby by 5:00 pm
Bring: Small daypack, lightweight rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit, towel, and footwear that can handle slippery mud and rocks.

Note: Children over the age of 10 are welcome if they are experienced hikers.

Issue Areas: Geology, natural history, culture, archaeology, and human impacts on
natural resources.

Waipā: Explore a Living Ahupua‘a

Stretching from the peak of Mamalahoa mountain to the shores of Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore, Waipā is one of the few surviving ahupua‘a (traditional land division following a watershed) left in the Islands. From mountaintop to ocean, an ahupua‘a contained all the resources needed for life in ancient Hawai‘i. Waipā is being restored into a “working” community by the Waipā Foundation, a nonprofit organization of community members and 'ohana (families). Exploring parts of Waipā valley, we’ll learn about cultural values related to land stewardship. We’ll join in hands-on restoration work including weeding and planting native plants, and take part in some of the educational activities that are an integral part of ensuring that the work at Waipā continues for generations to come. Also, we’ll experience the making of poi, the traditional staple food of native Hawaiians. Come dressed and ready to work hard, get dirty, have fun, and swim in the ocean.

Group size: minimum 15; maximum 20
Cost: $ 75.00 (includes transportation and lunch)
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 7:45 am
End: Hyatt lobby by 4:30 pm
Bring: Light daypack, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, and sturdy footwear.

Issue Areas: Community-based conservation, landscape-scale management, sustainable agriculture, and cultural issues.

Day Trips
Sunday, October 3

Register for Day Trips by August 15.

Allerton & McBryde Garden Tours

Situated on the south shore of Kaua‘i in the Lawai Valley, the McBryde Garden contains more than 252 acres of garden and preserve. The site of the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s first garden, Lawai Valley was chosen for its diversity of climate, soils, and topography. The area affords a kaleidoscope of distinct micro-environments—cool, hot, wet, dry, lake, cliff and meadow. McBryde Garden, a veritable “Noah's Ark” of tropical flora, is home to the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora in existence as well as extensive plantings that have been wild-collected from the tropical regions of the world. The adjacent Allerton Garden, a masterpiece of garden art, extends over an area of more than 100 acres. From the Garden’s Visitor Center, National Botanical Garden staff will provide a shuttle to the Allerton Gardens where they will lead a 2 hour (one mile) walking tour followed by a 45 minute driving tour of McBryde Garden. For more information visit, www.ntbg.org.

Group size: minimum 10, maximum 30
Cost: $35 (includes transportation)
Travel Time: 10 minutes from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 8:00 am
End: Hyatt lobby by 12:30 pm
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a bottle of water.

Issue Areas: Native plant preservation, landscape restoration.

Kōke‘e State Park: Exploring the Alaka‘i Wilderness

The native plant communities of the Kōke‘e plateau contain at least 57 rare or endangered Hawaiian plants, most found nowhere else on Earth, and have fostered the development of endemic insects and bird populations that depend them. This is a priceless heritage, created by millions of years of evolution. Because of its relative inaccessibility, the Alaka‘i Wilderness Area retains its ancient biological context and its native species still thrive. Local ecologist and Hawaiian cultural practitioner, Dr. Sam Gon III will lead an extraordinary hike into the Alaka‘i wilderness. He will discuss Kauai’s vulnerability and current conservation challenges as well as endemic diversity and the cultural significance of biodiversity. This easy to moderate 6-mile hike on a boardwalk trail is a remarkable example of access management that minimizes human impact in an extremely fragile ecosystem. The trail winds through montane bogs and rainforest before reaching Kilohana Lookout, perched on the rim of Wainiha Valley, where we will enjoy a box lunch and sweeping views before heading back.

Group size: minimum 15
Cost: $75 (includes transportation and lunch)
Travel Time: One hour from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 7:30 am
End: Hyatt lobby by 4:30 pm
Bring: Light raingear, fleece jacket, sunscreen, hat, comfortable hiking shoes, and binoculars (optional).

Issue Areas: Island vulnerability, conservation challenges, native biodiversity and Hawaiian culture.

Limahuli Garden & Preserve Hike

Located in a tropical valley on Kauai‘s north shore, Limahuli Garden and Preserve covers more than 1,000 acres and three distinct ecological zones. In 1997, the American Horticultural Society selected Limahuli Garden as the best natural botanical garden in the US, noting that its research and educational programs demonstrated the most sound environmental uses of water, soil, and rare plant conservation. The National Tropical Botanical Garden staff will provide the shuttle to the Garden and lead the hike into the Preserve—a unique place of overwhelming natural beauty, with cliffs that rise precipitously to 1,800 feet. Here, biologists work toward restoring native plant communities and creating refuge for extremely endangered species, focusing not just on plant communities, but also on improving the aquatic environment of the beautiful Limahuli stream—where we will enjoy lunch. This moderately strenuous hike along a well-used trail may be slippery if it’s raining. A short tour of Limahuli Garden will follow the hike. For more information, visit www.ntbg.org.

Group size: minimum 6; maximum 24
Cost: $50.00 per person
Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 8:00 am
End: Hyatt lobby by 4:00 pm
Bring: Light rain jacket, small daypack, long pants, mosquito repellent, and sturdy footwear that can handle mud and slippery rocks.

Issue Areas: Plant conservation, restoration ecology, endangered species, archaeological site preservation, ahupua‘a management, and aquatic ecosystem improvement.

Maha‘ulepu Coastal Walk: Discover Hawaii’s Natural History and Cultural Past

Revealing 5 million years of continuous natural and cultural history, the Maha‘ulepu watershed is a living museum. A significant archaeological and paleoecological research site, the area encompasses rare plants, endangered cave invertebrates, birds and marine animals, sites and burials sacred to native Hawaiians, and continuing agricultural uses. With its spectacular coastline of limestone headlands, bays and beaches, Maha‘ulepu is deeply appreciated by its residents. Though accessible, Maha‘ulepu is experienced as a "wild" place, a retreat where people come to relax, picnic, hike, fish, dive, surf, and observe the coastal sea life. Three experts on the area's geology, flora, fauna and history will guide this easy, yet adventurous 2.5 mile hike. Along the way we'll hear about past development proposals and hopes for the future of Maha‘ulepu from representatives of the landowner and a community-based nonprofit working proactively for the preservation of the area. After lunch, there will be time to swim and snorkel at lovely Kawailoa Bay. For more information visit, www.malama-mahaulepu.org and www.kauainaturetours.com.

Group size: minimum 6; maximum 20
Cost: $ 50.00 (includes transportation, lunch, and water for the hike)
Travel Time: 2 minutes from the Hyatt
Begin: Hyatt lobby at 9:00am
End: Hyatt lobby by 3:00pm
Bring: Sunscreen, hat, swim suit, and sturdy footwear.

Note: Children over the age of 6 are welcome if they are experienced hikers.

Issue Areas: Conservation biology and ecological restoration; marine conservation; preservation of cultural sites and practices; conservation and development land use planning, and management of a watershed for multiple uses.

Na Pali Adventure: Kalalau Trail Hike to Hanakapiai Waterfall

See Saturday, October 2

Post-Retreat Overnight Trips
Thursday, October 7th — Saturday, October 9th

The Best of the Big Island: Live Volcanoes, Lush Valleys & Spectacular Stargazing

In Polynesian legend, Pele—goddess of volcanoes—gave birth to the Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island, her youngest creation on Earth, is still growing as lava flows daily from Kilauea volcano to the ocean. Twice the size of all the major Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island contains so many microclimates it is possible to go from desert to jungle to freezing mountain peaks all in one go. Our Big Island tour features some of the Island’s most talented experts. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Dr. Peter Vitousek (professor of biological sciences at Stanford University) uses the Hawaiian Islands as a model system to understand the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and aspects of human-land interactions. He will guide this 3-day adventure which begins at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site—showcasing the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution. From the world’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet, to Kilauea—the world’s most active volcano—from the summit to the sea, noted geologists will help us understand the volcanic birth of the Hawaiian Islands. Along the way we’ll visit the montane rain forest; the Kilauea summit’s steam vents, sulphur banks, and crater; and drive down Chain of Craters Road to the coast for a view of the spectacular lava flow landscape. If lava is flowing, we’ll enjoy nighttime viewing before heading back to our home base, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

The next day, we’ll explore the sacred and lush Waipi‘o Valley—“Valley of the Kings”—once home to the highest chiefs. Hosted by local taro farmers, we’ll learn hands-on about planting and harvesting taro, their traditional lifestyle, and historic family life in the valley. We’ll be treated to dinner and an intimate evening with our Kupuna (elders)—the keepers of Hawaiian culture, history and tradition—as they share their art, culture, music and dance. Saturday morning we’ll visit Hilo’s wonderful Farmers Market before setting out to hike the Pu‘u ‘O‘o trail with Dr. Vitousek. He’ll lead an incredible journey along a trail elevation of 1800m between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, with a variety of lava flows, native plants, and native birds. Continuing up to Earth’s connecting point to the rest of the Universe, we’ll learn why at 13,796 feet high Mauna Kea hosts the world’s largest astronomical observatory. With Gary Fujihara, outreach officer for the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy, we’ll see how researchers from around the world conduct cutting edge research exploring 14 billion years of cosmic history. Back down at 9,300 feet , we’ll dine at Hale Pohaku (observatory lodging and offices), enjoy a presentation by Kahalelaukoa Ell (Hawaiian cultural interpretive guide), and stargaze at the Ellison Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.

Register by July 15.

Group size: minimum 12
Cost: $775 per person based on double occupancy. Single room accommodations are available for an additional charge of $300 (for 3 nights).
(includes: inter-island airfare from Kaua‘i to Hilo; lodging on October 7th, 8th, and 9th; all meals and snacks through October 9th; all ground transportation and luggage transfer; all tours, guides and activities.) Participants will be responsible for making their own departure arrangements.
Begin: Thursday, October 7 from Hilo Airport at 9:00 am
End: Saturday night, October 9 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Bring: Daypack, raingear, hat, insect repellent, sun protection, sturdy hiking boots, and binoculars.

Note: Be prepared for extremes in temperature and humidity, please bring appropriate clothing and be prepared to dress in layers.

Children must be 16 years or older to visit Mauna Kea Summit.

Issue Areas: Geology, biodiversity, ecology, astronomy, Hawaiian culture, agriculture, and diversity.

Friday, October 8-Saturday, October 9

Moloka‘i: Kamakou Rainforest Preserve & Kalaupapa National Historical Park

The aloha spirit flourishes on the “Friendly Isle” of Moloka‘i, the fifth largest of the Islands, and most Hawaiian of the main islands with half the population claiming native ancestry. Moloka‘i boasts the highest sea cliffs in the world, the longest continuous fringing reef in the US, and some of the longest waterfalls and white sand beaches in Hawai‘i. This two-day trip begins with a hike through The Nature Conservancy’s Kamakou Preserve—a pristine rainforest—home to some of Hawaii’s rarest birds and more than 250 species of native plants (219 found nowhere else on Earth). Conservancy program director, Ed Misaki, will lead the boardwalk hike through this unique and fragile ecosystem, through the Pepeopae bog—the oldest in Hawai‘i—and to an overlook with an awesome vista over the Pelekunu Valley. If time allows, we’ll visit Mo‘omomi Preserve, the best coastal beach strand surviving in Hawai‘i, one of the few green turtle nesting places left in the main islands. At day’s end we’ll experience an old-style singing jam session by local island elders over a sunset dinner at the Hotel Moloka‘i. In the morning we’ll fly to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, formerly a leprosy settlement, now a National Historic Site and home to a few former patients. Richard Marks, oral historian and the third generation Kalaupapa resident, will provide a remarkable tour of this long hidden community. After lunch on the scenic side of Kalaupapa, overlooking sea cliffs, waterfalls, dramatic ocean rocks and crashing surf, we’ll take a return flight “topside.” For more information visit, www.nps.gov/kala, www.nature.org, www.hotelmolokai.com, www.molokai-hawaii.com.

Register by July 15.

Group size: minimum 10; maximum 15
Cost: $370 per person based on double occupancy; $420 for single occupancy. (includes: hotel for one night, ground transportation, roundtrip airfare from Moloka‘i Airport to Kalaupapa, Kalaupapa tour, and box lunch both days.)
Dates of Trip: Friday, October 8-Saturday, October 9
Begin: Friday, October 8 from Moloka‘i Airport at 9:30 am
End: Saturday, October 9 at Hotel Moloka‘i by 4:00 pm
Bring: light raingear, daypack, sunscreen, hat, comfortable hiking shoes, and binoculars (optional).

Note: Participants are responsible for booking inter-island flights to arrive in Moloka‘i by 9:00am on Friday, October 8.

Issue Areas: Forest conservation, biodiversity, Hawaiian history and culture.