Hawaii

Hawaii

Isolated in the Pacific Ocean and shaped by millennia of geologic activity, Hawaii is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Over 25,000 unique species call Hawaii home, many of which are not found anywhere else on the planet. For centuries, this incredible wealth of life existed in a delicate balance with the indigenous population of the islands. A growing population, tourism, overfishing, sediments, land-based pollution, and invasive species are now threatening this delicate balance.

Hawaii has recognized the urgent need to protect and restore the natural wealth of the islands and is making great strides with the help of partners like The Nature Conservancy and an approach that blends conservation science and an emphasis on traditional knowledge. Thank you for your interest in exploring the impacts of The Nature Conservancy’s work to safeguard a future for the impressive biodiversity and depth of culture that this country has to offer.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DATES February 23 – March 2, 2020

PRICE

Double Occupancy $5,600 Single Occupancy: $6,665

PHOTO: © KYDD POLLOCK

WHALE WATCHING Whale watch in the ‘Auʻau Channel between Maui and Lānaʻi with Pacific Whale Foundation, pioneers in whale research and Maui’s premier marine conservation organization _____

MO’OMOMI PRESERVE Visit the last strong hold of a major Hawaiian coastal ecosystem and the most intact beach and sand dune area in the main Hawaiian Islands. Which is also an important nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle _____

RED-FOOTED BOOBIES Explore the Kilauea Point National Refuge where Red-footed Boobies nest in trees and Laysan Albatross nest along steep cliffs. _____

WAIMEA CANYON Hike through some of the richest native flora and fauna in Hawaii and gaze out overlooking the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” while photographing red rock layers blending with emerald green vegetation

PR

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T N C T R A V E L V A L U E S

ACCESS:

Travel with renowned

Conservancy experts and local

partners for an exclusive,

behind-the-scenes

experience. You won’t just see

amazing places, you’ll see

how you are helping save

them.

IMPACT:

See how your commitment to

our planet and your passion

for conservation are making a

difference. You will see the

wild places and the

communities you are

impacting.

KNOWLEDGE: Learn how we are applying the

latest cutting-edge science to

affect global change and drive

conservation.

INSPIRATION:

Immerse yourself in local

cultures and awe-inspiring

landscapes to foster your own

connection to our world.

GLOBALLY MINDED:

Elevate your understanding of

our work by seeing first-hand

how TNC and our partners act

locally and how we turn local

results in to global impact by

scaling solutions that work.

Your trip supports the local communities you’re traveling in and The Nature Conservancy’s efforts locally and globally. This trip has been planned specifically by The Nature Conservancy’s team of scientific experts and travel liaisons to immerse you in the work the Conservancy is doing on the ground that has global consequences.

PHOTO: © IAN SHIVE

PHOTO: © KYDD POLLOCK

MAUI’S WAIKAMOI PRESERVE In Hawai‘i, TNC is conserving lands, waters and local livelihoods in the spirit of malama ‘aina, which means to care for the land so that future generations can thrive and prosper. For example, at Maui’s Waikamoi Preserve, the largest private nature preserve in the state. Waikamoi Preserve provides an important sanctuary for hundreds of native Hawaiian plants and animals. It's high-elevation rain forest and alpine shrubland are home to 12 different native bird species, seven of them endangered, as well as spectacular plants like the blue ʻōpelu, a native lobelia. TNC protects the native species that live in Waikamoi by managing the invasive weeds and animals threatening their survival. Our scarce funding goes towards on-the-ground land management, which is at the heart of what we do. The East Maui watershed spans more than 100,000 acres across the windward slopes of Haleakalā, the 10,000-foot dormant volcano that dominates the east side of Maui. This vast koa-`ōhi`a forest is the last stronghold for 63 species of rare plants and 13 species of birds, seven of them endangered. The Conservancy established a preserve at Waikamoi, in the heart of the watershed, to provide a sanctuary for these birds and for hundreds of other native Hawaiian species.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS WAIKAMOI PRESERVE

WHALE WATCHING MOLOKA’I ISLAND

MO’OMOMI PRESERVE RED-FOOTED BOOBIE REFUGE LAYSAN ALBATROSS HABITATS

WAIMEA CANYON

PHOTO: © IAN SHIVE/TANDEMSTOCK

ITINERARY DAY 1 | Arrive in Kahului, Maui and transfer along Maui’s beautiful west coast to your Lahaina hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation with your fellow travelers.

OVERNIGHT AT ‘AINA NALU LAHAINA OR SIMILAR DAY 2 | Begin the day with breakfast at a local restaurant before taking a self-guided waking tour through historical Lahaina. Learn about the colorful past of this old whaling town and explore the Heritage Museum before our afternoon snorkeling excursion. Dine at a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy some free time. OVERNIGHT AT ‘AINA NALU LAHAINA OR SIMILAR DAY 3 | After breakfast, transfer to the true gem of TNC’s extensive preserve system, Waikamoi Preserve. Hike through this special sanctuary, home to hundreds of native Hawaiian plants and animals. Return to Lahaina in the evening and dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in downtown Lahaina. OVERNIGHT AT ‘AINA NALU LAHAINA OR SIMILAR DAY 4 | Begin the day with breakfast at a local restaurant before boarding a whale watching vessel. Listen to the Pacific Whale Foundation naturalists explain Hawaii’s unique ocean ecology, while sailing through the Au’au Channel looking for breeching whales. Enjoy free time and dinner on your own. OVERNIGHT AT ‘AINA NALU LAHAINA OR SIMILAR DAY 5 | After breakfast, transfer to West Maui Airport for a flight to Moloka’i. Choose between hiking and exploring the linear dunes and native Hawaiian plant species in Mo’omomi Preserve or visiting a Macadamia Nut Farm and a private conservation program supporting Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene. End the day with a relaxing visit to Puko’s Beach. IN the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL MOLOKA’I DAY 6 | Begin another day exploring Molokai’s Mo’omomi Preserve before a lunch at Kualapu’u Moloka’i Cookhouse. The evening is at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.

OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL MOLOKA’I

LODGING

‘AINA NALU LAHAINA BY OUTRIGGER

HOTEL MOLOKA’I

PHOTO: © HOTEL MOLOKA’I

PHOTO: © HOTEL MOLOKA’I

PHOTO: © OUTRIGGER.COM

PHOTO: © OUTRIGGER.COM

LODGING

WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES

DAY 7 | Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Kaua’i, via Honolulu. The afternoon is spent at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where Red-Footed Boobies nest in trees and Laysan Albatross nest along steep cliffs. Settle into your cottage before dinner at a local restaurant. OVERNIGHT AT WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES DAY 8 | Spend the day hiking the spectacular Koke’e Pihea Trail, while immersing yourself in some of the richest native flora and fauna of the four large islands. Stop for photographs overlooking Waimea Canyon’s red rock layers and emerald green vegetation. Your last evening is spent on your own before a farewell dinner at Waimea Plantation Cottages. OVERNIGHT AT WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES DAY 9 | After breakfast, checkout of your cottage and transfer by motor coach to Lihue Airport for your departing flight.

This itinerary is representative of your trip, and like all-natural history excursions, activities are subject to modification based on weather and unforeseen. We will do our best to keep you informed on any necessary changes. When considering whether this trip is right for you, look closely at the itinerary and consider your ability level. Travelers should be able to walk as much as a mile or two over uneven terrain and get in and out of vans and boats in order to participate in all activities. Expect to spend 4 to 8 hours outdoors most days, including significant time on boats. The climate in the Hawaii is tropical, so prepare for hot temperatures and the potential for rain and wind. Please pay special attention to the trip materials and pack accordingly.

PRICE DETAIL Double Occupancy $5,600 Single Occupancy: $6,665 Price includes all lodging, domestic transportation, activities, tips, meals, TNC expert staff and local guides. Price does not include your roundtrip flight to Hawaii

PHOTO: © ETHAN WELTY

PHOTO: © WIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES

PHOTO: © WIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES