National Geographic Student Expeditions - On Campus Hawaii - Travel Programs for High School Students

The Program

The island of Hawaii is one of the most unique places on Earth. Snow-capped mountains rise high above white-sand, palm-fringed beaches and pristine rain forests; waterfalls drop off dramatic cliffs into the sea; and red-hot lava bubbles out of the Earth. Three of the island's five volcanoes are active, and one—Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet—has erupted continuously since 1983. Delve into this magical land by studying its geology, history, and culture firsthand through an On Assignment project of your choice.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

We spend the first six days of the program exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an otherworldly landscape of lava fields and towering volcanic peaks.

Begin each day with a morning program, such as a workshop on shooting in low-light conditions, a lesson on traditional palm weaving techniques, or a meeting with local geologists to measure recent volcanic activity. Then head out into the field to work on your On Assignment projects. Explore a landscape alive with steaming vents and sulfur banks. Visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and learn about the cutting-edge technology used to monitor volcanic activity on the island. Hike across both ancient and recent lava fields, and learn to identify the unique vegetation that has adapted to this unusual ecosystem. From atop dramatic cliffs, capture an incredible sight: fresh lava flowing into the sea below and boiling it on contact. Ascend by four-wheel-drive vehicle to the summit of Mauna Kea—the planet's tallest mountain when measured from sea floor to summit.

Kailua Kona

Head west to the bustling beach town of Kailua Kona, and spend three days enjoying white-sand shores and delving into Hawaii's unique culture. Trace the coast north into the dramatic Pololu Valley. Trek to the Captain Cook memorial and learn how the British explorer met his end here. Visit sites that honor Kamehameha the Great, Hawaii's first great king, and stop to see the Pu`uhonua o Hõnaunau National Park, where offenders of the ancient kapu system could appease the gods. Examine petroglyphs at the Puako Petroglyph Preserve, and immerse yourself in a fascinating underwater world at a prime snorkeling spot.

Active Excursions

Explore the hip city of Hilo and sample local eats at a farmers' market. Wander through Lava Tree State Monument. Rise early to catch the best light at Akaka Falls, and take an evening hike to see glowing red lava pour into the sea. Soak in the hot ponds at Ahalanui Beach Park, snorkel among schools of tropical fish in Kealakekua Bay, and observe hawksbill and green turtles resting on the black-sand beach of Punalu'u.

The Campus

Our home base in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an international research station located in the mountains within walking distance of the Kilauea caldera. Students share dorm-style rooms and eat buffet-style meals in the camp's dining room. On the west coast, we stay at the historic Manago Hotel overlooking Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument.

National Geographic Expert

Environmental scientist, writer, and web producer FORD COCHRAN conducted fieldwork on Hawaii's volcanoes and in its rain forests, savannas, and deserts while a Yale graduate student. He has joined National Geographic research expeditions to Iceland, the Mediterranean, Costa Rica, and the national parks of the American West. Ford was principal contributing writer for the Society's Historical Atlas of the United States and has written for National Geographic magazine. He helped launch nationalgeographic.com in 1996 and is now an editorial director and daily blogger for the website. Ford will join the July 3 departure.

• Read an interview with Ford

Choose one of the following On Assignment projects. Throughout the ten days, break into teams to focus on your selected area of interest through field activities, workshops, and discussions.

icon for Photography On Assignment Project PHOTOGRAPHY: Stretch your imagination and sharpen your techniques while photographing the unique landscapes of Hawai’i’s Big Island. Learn how to adjust aperture and shutter speed when shooting morning light on water or lava flows at night, build a collection depicting the bizarre lava-carved landscapes, and snap a portrait of a hawksbill tortoise resting on the beach.

icon for Earth Science On Assignment Project EARTH SCIENCE: Meet geologists and biologists to discuss how volcanoes have shaped landscapes and civilizations. Learn about the symbiotic relationship between native flora and fauna and geology. Interview locals about the myths and legends that seek to explain the Earth's activities.

icon for Exploration On Assignment Project EXPLORATION: Identify a topic that interests you and explore it in depth. Interview palm-weavers at Hilo's farmers market and learn about their traditional weaving techniques. Meet with workers at a Kona coffee plantation and discover how this coveted crop is transforming the Hawaiian economy. Learn fascinating tales of Hawaiian mythology through meetings with park guides and native Hawiians. Explore the legend of King Kamehameha the Great, Hawaii's first great king.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.