Hawaii A journey with The Nature Conservancy is travel with a purpose. You will have behind-the-scenes access to TNC’s work and scientists and will gain the unique opportunity to see local conservation in action, and to understand how local conservation aligns with The Nature Conservancy’s global initiatives. Come explore TNC’s work in 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.

DATES JUNE 6 - 13, 2020

PRICE

$5,900 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

$6,700 PER PERSON

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

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HAWAII

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.

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION OR FOR JOURNEY QUESTIONS

PLEASE CONTACT:

travel@tnc.org www.nature.org/insiderexperiences

LEADING WITH SCIENCE TO INFORM MANAGEMENT: Increased understanding of our dynamic oceans, coastlines, and inland habitat is vital to restoring Hawaii’s once thriving reefs, fisheries, and forests. TNC scientists are building that understanding and helping design effective management actions to address local threats. Working in partnership with academic researchers, resource managers, community groups, and fishers, we undertake research and monitoring so that State agencies and community groups understand changes in habitat health over time. TNC’s fish surveys, for example, expand the statewide fish database allowing community, university, and government partners to compare the health of nearshore fisheries at more than 50 sites across the state, and helped assess how overfishing is jeopardizing Hawaii’s reefs. TNC scientists also train community volunteers in the use of scientific monitoring protocols so they can act as citizen scientists and help State agencies fill critical data gaps.

RESTORING HABITAT: Hawaii’s once fertile and well-managed reefs and fisheries helped sustain a self-sufficient Hawaiian population for a thousand years. But the pressures of an increasing population—expected to double in the next 50 years—and nearly ten million visitors a year are straining reefs and fisheries. TNC works with government agencies, community groups, and other organizations to restore essential habitat. These efforts blend science and traditional practice to demonstrate effective management and illustrate how healthy reefs, fishponds, and wetlands enhance coastal protection.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED LEADERSHIP: Community groups across the islands are pursuing co-management of marine resources in partnership with the State of Hawaii. TNC helps these communities leverage the best available science and critical local knowledge to develop robust conservation plans to guide community work, design and implement effective management strategies, and monitor change over time to assess management effectiveness. Through regional peer learning networks, community leaders share management tools, expertise, and lessons learned with dozens of other community groups working along Hawaii Island’s west coast. The networks provide a forum for communities to build strong ties with each other and with the government agencies responsible for managing Hawaii’s marine life. Through support of these networks, TNC is helping to increase the effectiveness of community-based co-management and harness the power of collective citizen action.

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Begin your journey around Hawaii’s Big Island with the awe-inspiring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and adjacent Volcano Village where millennia of volcanic activity mix with rare plant life and traditional culture. Then travel southwest to experience the Kaʹū and Kona Hema Preserves, where the Conservancy is improving local land management and developing models for sustainable forestry. Spend a day snorkeling in historic Kealakekua Bay, home to technicolor coral reefs, an array of

tropical and rare fish, and a monument to the Great Circumnavigator, Captain James Cook. Back on land, visit imposing Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and Hawaii’s highest point. Test your birding skills and then settle in for the evening’s show: sunset and stargazing from one of the world’s best perches. Round out your trip with visits to a traditional Hawaiian fish pond and a renewable energy demonstration park to see how Hawaii is leveraging both old and new technologies to safeguard its natural treasures.

Trip at a Glance Itinerary Highlights

KILAUEA VOLCANO

3 TNC PROJECT SITES SNORKELING

BIRD WATCHING MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORY

FEATURED EXPERT: ANDREW LOCKWOOD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PACIFIC ISLANDS INSTITUE (PII) Andrew’s path to PII began in high school when he would assist his mother, Diana Lockwood, as she hosted Elderhostel, now known as Road Scholar groups as part of Hawaii Loa’s College’s Continuing Education Department. After graduating from Amherst College and a stint in the Air Force Andrew returned to Hawaii in 1992 and joined PII full-time. Andrew has traveled extensively throughout the islands of Hawaii, Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. He believes strongly in PII’s mission of providing positive cultural interactions, protecting and sustaining indigenous cultures and environments, and giving back to local communities. He has been recognized by numerous Hawaii tourism organizations for his leadership in educational, cultural and responsible tourism. When he’s not working, Andrew is devoted to his wife, Karen, and their three children, Brandon (22), Paige (20), and Sara (18).

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DAY 1 – June 6 Arrive at Hilo. This evening gather together for program orientation and our welcome dinner. OVERNIGHT AT KILAUEA LODGE DAY 2 – June 7 After breakfast, depart for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the Kilauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes. An expert volcanologist will join the group as you tour the park. This afternoon, spend time in nearby Volcano Village, a rustic village tucked into the Niaulani rainforest adjacent to the National Park. After lunch, visit the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) for a chance to see critically endangered birds like the kiwikiu, ‘akeke‘e and ‘akikiki or the Volcano Arts Center, where art, culture and environment come together in the form of galleries, arts education and environmental stewardship. Then, take a guided nature walk to see the Niaulani’s tropical plants. Dinner this evening is in Volcano. OVERNIGHT AT KILAUEA LODGE DAY 3 – June 8 After breakfast and check out, the group drives to The Nature Conservancy office and Ka‘ū Preserve, on the southwest flank of Mauna Loa. Here, switch to 4WD vehicles for a tour of part of the largest and most intact native forest in the state. The Nature Conservancy’s strategic purchase of four parcels of private forestlands adjoining the Ka’ū Preserve in 2002 greatly improved management access to these important state forest reserve lands. Keep a look out for rare and endangered forest birds like the Hawaiian hawk (‘io) ‘apapane, ‘i’iwi, ‘elepaio, ‘amakihi and ‘ākepa as you pass through closed-canopy koa and ‘ōhi’a forest. This afternoon, the group heads northeast to the Kona Coast where we settle into our accommodations and home base for the next five nights. Dinner this evening is at the hotel. OVERNIGHT AT SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY

Schedule

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DAY 4 – June 9 Depart the hotel early this morning for an authentic Hawaiian breakfast at the iconic Hana Hou Restaurant before continuing on to the 8,000-acre Kona Hema Preserve. Walk through part of an ancient koa-‘ōhi‘a forest home to the Hawaiian hawk (‘io), the Hawaiian hoary bat (‘ōpe‘ape‘a) and several globally unique songbird species. Over a picnic lunch, learn about TNC’s efforts to develop a model of sustainable koa forestry that will balance economic land uses with environmental protection along the Kona Coast. This afternoon, return to the hotel for free time to enjoy the resort. Enjoy dinner this evening at Fosters, a “scratch kitchen” that partners with local farmers and producers to dish up fresh and innovative cuisine. OVERNIGHT AT SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY DAY 5 – June 10 Today the group heads out on the water for a half-day snorkel cruise to historic Kealakekua Bay. The cruise begins with a fresh and hot tropical breakfast. Along the way, hear stories about King Kamehameha III, Hawaii’s longest reigning monarch, take in historical sites like the Kuamo‘o Battlefield and the Royal Holua Slide and learn about Circumnavigator Captain James Cook, who died at Kealekekua Bay. There, take to the water to experience one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. Designated as an underwater state park and marine sanctuary, Kealakekua Bay boasts technicolor coral reefs and an array of tropical fish, including rare species like flame angelfish, butterflyfish and lizardfish. The onboard snorkeling instructor will ensure the group’s comfort throughout. After snorkeling, get back on the boat for a traditional barbeque lunch before the return trip to Keauhou Bay. Enjoy some downtime at the hotel this afternoon before departing for the Royal Kona Resort, where we will take part in one of Hawaii’s most iconic traditions, a lūʻau. OVERNIGHT AT SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY DAY 6 – June 11 Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning and time to relax at the hotel before a full afternoon and evening exploring Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and Hawaii’s highest point. Departing before lunch, the group will travel to the base of this 13,796-foot peak and then begin the breathtaking drive to the top. Along the way, stop for birdwatching opportunities and hiking through ‘i‘iwi and ‘io territory for most of the afternoon with a picnic lunch. In the evening you will have dinner with your observatory guide and begin acclimating to

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the altitude. Visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (9,300 feet) to learn how Mauna Kea was formed, its sacred place in Hawaiian culture and importance for astronomers. The drive from here to the summit is steep, but worth it. Weather permitting, enjoy sunset from one of the best viewpoints in all of Hawaii and watch the stars make their appearance in a way you’ve never seen them before. OVERNIGHT AT SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY DAY 7 – June 12 After breakfast this morning, depart for the Kīholo Preserve on the North Kona Coast. Here, explore a royal fishpond that stands as a testament to Native Hawaiian ingenuity—a highly refined aquaculture system that provided a sustainable supply of fish to the surrounding community for centuries. Today, TNC works closely with community partners to restore productivity to Kīholo Preserve and share lessons learned with a peer learning network representing sites from along the Kona-Kohala coast. Jump in and take a look for yourself; if you choose to snorkel you may see endemic mollusks and shrimp as well as two dozen native fish species. Over a picnic lunch, keep your eyes out for the kioea (Bristle-thighed Curlew), a threatened migratory seabird that frequents this area. After lunch, depart for the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Park (HOST Park), a unique open-air demonstration site administered by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA). Here, learn about Hawaii’s emerging renewable and ocean based technologies. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and toast your fellow travelers over a final meal at the hotel. OVERNIGHT HOTEL SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY DAY 8 – June 13 Enjoy a final morning at the hotel with breakfast at your leisure before departures home. Check out is at 12:00 p.m. Aloha & A Hui Hou!

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KILAUEA LODGE Originally built in 1938 for the YMCA, the Kilauea Lodge features the International Fireplace of Friendship with stones and coins from all over the world.

SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY sits atop the lava rock cliffs of the Kona Coast and overlooks Keauhou's giant manta ray coastal feeding grounds.