Geography and Earth Sciences in Hawaii
Investigate the earth and its people through diverse landscapes
Hawaii's volcanic coastline
Overview
With 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, Hawaii is the ideal location to combine classroom learning with real-world context. This 12 day tour explores two islands, with five nights on the Big Island and four nights on Oahu. The itinerary is designed for students of Geography and/or Earth Sciences, combining two subject areas to increase the appeal and scope of the tour. Explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see the results of past eruptions up close. View the local flora and fauna on land and by sea, as well as visiting local plantations to learn about their produce. Learn about natural energy and sustainability, as well as current methods of nature preservation. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and enjoy a traditional luau dinner.
Summary itinerary and highlights
- Days 1-5: Big Island. Explore volcanoes and walk through lava tubes. See Akaka Falls and Captain Cook’s Monument. Experience the underwater world with a glass bottom boat tour with a local naturalist on board. Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum and stop by a coffee and macadamia plantation. See Lava Tree State Park and Kapoho Tide Pools. Spend time at the Natural Energy Lab and the Imiloa Astronomy Center.
- Days 6-10: Oahu. Guided tour of Honolulu and a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Spend time at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Marine Education Center. Hike to Diamond Head Crater and tour the Pearl Harbor memorials. Explore the urban environment and economic activity of Honolulu.
- Day 11-12: Depart Hawaii and arrive Australia.
Curriculum links
NSW HSC Syllabus: Geography
- Global Challenges
- Ecosystems at Risk
- Urban Places
- People and Economic Activity
VCE Syllabus: Geography
- Natural environments
- Human environments
- Global perspectives
QSA Syllabus
- Managing the natural environment
- Social environments
- Resources and the environment
