Photo: Ellen Stein Big Island Beaches and Volcanoes, Hawaii Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09041A Price: $1695 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 13 Leader:
The Trip Unfortunately, this trip has been cancelled. If you have questions, please contact us. Photo: Ellen Stein
We will spend our days swimming, snorkeling, hiking and exploring the Kona
Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. We’ll have opportunities to explore
white-and black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and swim with sea turtles.
We’ll learn about Hawaiian culture and visit historical sites. The end
of the trip will be spent in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where we’ll
have ample time for hiking and star gazing. The Big Island is the easternmost Hawaiian Island and includes the southernmost point in the United States. It is known as the Big Island because it is nearly twice as large as the other seven islands. As appropriate for our conservation minded Sierra Club Outing, we may be able to contribute a half-day of service in our itinerary.
 Photo: Ellen Stein On our first day, we will pick you up at the Kona airport, and head north to the Kohala Coast to our first stop on the beach, where we’ll be staying for three nights. We will spend our days hiking, swimming and snorkeling under sunny skies and in warm waters. Then we’ll head back to Kona where we will spend a couple days visiting the town and nearby ancient Hawaiian cultural sites, snorkeling in a marine reserve and looking for Hawaiian sea turtles in their natural habitat. For the final three days, we’ll head over to Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park. We’ll have ample time for the visitors center, hikes in the
park, scenic drives, and if we’re lucky possible views of active
lava flows. We’ll have a farewell dinner on our third night in the
park, and drive to Hilo for airport drop off on our last day. Getting There There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii and they are three hours apart. The starting point for this trip is the Kona Airport (KOA). The trip will end in Hilo on the opposite side of the island, with airport drop-off at the Hilo Airport (ITO). Make sure your flights arrive at the Kona Airport and depart from the Hilo Airport. Plan to arrive at the Kona Airport around noon, where you will be picked up. Travel to Hawaii is the responsibility of the trip participants and is not covered in the trip cost. Please do not book any flights until you have been approved by the trip leader. Once on the Big Island, transportation will
be provided using rental vans, and it is included in the trip cost. The vehicles
will be for use of the group
and will be coordinated by the leaders. If you are coming from the East Coast, you may want to consider breaking this flight into two segments, stopping on the West Coast on your way to Hawaii. Flight delays can interrupt an on-time arrival into Kona.
 Photo: Ellen Stein We will be staying in rustic cabins on the beach and in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These cabins will be shared with other participants. Toilet and shower facilities are nearby, but are not within each cabin. You will have minimal privacy, so be prepared! We plan to "eat local" and participants should come prepared to experience the eclectic cuisine of a tropical island prepared in the style of the different cultures. Much consideration is given to planning delicious and nutritious meals for our trip. Fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables are used whenever available, and many Hawaiian-style recipes are featured. In typical Sierra Club fashion, participants will take turns assisting in meal preparation and clean-up.
This trip is appropriate to people who enjoy hiking and do so on a regular basis. We will be walking over uneven surfaces. Boots with ankle support are required. Daily mileages will range from 4 to 8 miles, and our pace will be leisurely. It is important to remember that the tropics add a dimension of heat and humidity that is not often found in mainland hiking. It is important to carry adequate water each day. The importance of a regular exercise regime before considering this trip cannot be over emphasized.
Hawaii is a casual destination. Expect to wear shorts and t-shirts much of the time. Lug soled boots (well-broken in), raingear, a daypack, two-liter water bottles, sunblock, a hat, long sleeved shirt, and bathing suit are the basics. A more complete clothing and equipment list will be sent to approved trip participants.
Conservation Sierra Club sponsors outings so members may experience new places, cultures, and activities. Specifically, we aim to heighten awareness of the global environment and encourage participants to take action to protect our shrinking world and its inhabitants -- human and otherwise. On this trip, we will concentrate on Hawaii and its local issues, which we can often translate into our own community’s issues. We will also learn about Hawaii's land conservation issues.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Wayne Martin began his adventures with the Sierra Club more than two decades ago, when he went snow camping in the Sierra Nevada with the Bay Area chapter. Two years later, in 1984, he led his first national Sierra Club trip. Since then he has led more than 50 trips and served as chair of the club's International Outings Subcommittee. E-mail: wam3978@hotmail.com
Ellen enjoys exploring the wonders of the world and discovering new and exciting travel experiences. As a San Francisco firefighter/EMT, she enjoys the challenge of running into unique and unpredictable situations. She finds travel to be a similar experience, be it on the Darwinian shores of the Galapagos, the tiger-laden hills of India, or the Tyrolean mountaintops of the Dolomites. Her hobbies include almost every sport except for those that require minimal activity. After her last trip to India, she gained a new passion for birds. Join her on a fun-filled adventure to your passionate destination of choice.
E-mail: sfskyway@hotmail.com General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Joyce Taira was born and raised on the island of Maui, and never fully realized how fortunate she was to come from such a beautiful place. Although many would never have left the island paradise, Joyce was in search of new adventures and moved to the east coast for college. Currently, she lives in San Francisco and works for the Sierra Club. Joyce is passionate about the outdoors, and thoroughly enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking in the Bay Area. Additionally, she has traveled to many places outside of the U.S., and delights in experiencing new cultures.