Geology Prof. Richard D. Little

(d/b/a Earth View LLC)

invites you to join our 26th year tour:

 

the  FANTASTIC LANDSCAPES  of

 

 

H A W A I I
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


HANAUMA BAY, OAHU

A 30,000-yr-old eroded volcanic crater with coral reefs.

 

JULY 16 – 31, 2008       $3240  pp / do + air

 

Only 12  participants,     reserve now

 

The best 3 Islands with

OUTSTANDING LODGINGS.       This is the  BEST 2-WEEK HAWAII TOUR!

 

 

 

ABOUT THE TOUR

Hawaii is the Greatest Show On Earth!

It has the biggest mountains in the world: beginning 15,000 feet down at the ocean floor and ending 14,000 feet above sea level!  (And after this trip, you will be able to say that you swam half way up the world's highest peak!)  The volcanoes of Hawaii illustrate several types of cones, shield and cinder, and range from eroded, extinct volcanoes, to the world's most active shield -- Kilauea, on the big island of Hawaii, where we will, hopefully, witness the sublime splendor and primeval power of molten rock building up the earth.  The beauty of the new volcanic rocks plus mountain and coastal landscapes is truly breathtaking.  Add to this the diversity of ecosystems, from rainforest fed by the moisture dropped by the Trade Winds to desert environments on the lee sides of the islands.And underwater are the coral reefs with fish of every imaginable color.

Your experienced geologist-educator-author-tour guide, Prof. Richard Little,will help you understand the Earth's secrets hidden in the hills, valleys and beaches as we fly, drive, walk, and swim though these FANTASTIC LANDSCAPES.

 

 

This is surely the trip of a lifetime!  Discover the value and fun of our small-group adventures and join us for a truly unique and inspiring vacation – learning experience.

 

 

 

Puu-Oo cone, 600 feet high --  the main eruption center, on the big island.  An optional helicopter flight will show us amazing eruption phenomena!

 

 

The ITINERARY

 

Day 1.          H o n o l u l u     F l i g h t

Lodging at Waikiki Beach.

Day 2.     Free Day – Lots to do in Waikiki! 

Explore the sand of the strand, sail, surf, snorkel and swim, ride a sub, hike Diamond Head,

Or shop the International Marketplace....

Day 3.                 Oahu explorations. 

We will explore the island’s wonders with short hikes at the Pali (cliffs) where 3-million-year-old volcanic bedrock has been eroded by a multitude of waterfalls fed by the Trade Winds, and perhaps a swim at Hanauma Bay -- a reef preserve in the middle of a 30,000 year-old volcanic crater!  (picture on front panel)

Lunch at a wonderful botanical garden / farm.

Day 4.     USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, an important “must-see” location,

along with the USS Missouri and Bowfin submarine.

Day 5.     Morning flight to MAUI

Our condo lodging are at beautiful Napili Bay,   a spectacular beachfront & reef location.

Incredible sunsets with beach and palms at your doorstep!

Day 6.      Haleakala Volcano Day.  Today we will drive to the top of this 10,000 foot high dormant volcano for incredible views and short hikes.  Sublime!     See the unique Silversword plant, too.

Day 7.       Free Day  --  Lots of things to do in Maui such as the old whaling port of Lahaina!  Come with me & swim with turtles and reef fish along the isolated shore of a wonderful, small bay surrounded by cliffs and pineapple fields.

There’s an amazing aquarium here as well.

Day 8.      HANA.  Today we will journey to the fantastic, rainforest side of Maui with beachfront lodging in the remote paradise of Hana  .    Lots of waterfalls, cliffs, and caves.

Day 9.   Hana explorations: beautiful (wow!)            The “Seven Pools”, bamboo forest, remote coastlines.

Day 10.    Depart for Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii with lodging on historic and scenic bayside Banyan Drive.

Day 11.      Explore the Hilo area’s coastal, volcanic and cultural sites.  Helicopter option.

Day 12.       Enter Volcanoes National Park with lodging at historic Volcano House on the rim of Kilauea Crater, a magnificent caldera, one of the wonders of the world.    There are absolutely breathtaking views are right out your room’s window.  Watch for rainbows!

Day 13.       Explore the Volcano Day  --  We will drive across the scenic volcanic landscape to the site of recent eruptions and walk on new lava!  An optional evening hike to the vent will be arranged (depending on accessibility) to give you the full impact of this colorful and rare volcanic experience.

Day 14.  Continuation of Volcanic Explorations --  fantastic walks and hikes.   Tour the Volcano Observatory.

Day 15.       Final day's activities and departure

 

(note: due to time changes as we head east, your  flight arrives in morning of day 16)

 

 

OTHER QUESTIONS

Who goes on these “Fantastic Landscapes” Tours?  Everybody! ….teachers, retirees, families with older kids, etc.  We’ve had hundreds of happy  participants from teens to mid-80’s.  Typically, 90% of our tour members have been one or more previous tours!

How strenuous is the “hiking”?  If you like “nature walks” you’ll love our outings!  Some people plan more strenuous activities than others, and our daily activities are flexible and geared, as much as possible, to meet everyone’s goals and abilities.  We have several vans allowing flexible itineraries for the group.

Where do we stay?  We book high quality, medium to small lodgings (usually), in very scenic settings. You will be up close to the fantastic landscapes you paid to see!

Who does the driving?  We use commercial transit companies plus we also use rental vans and full or mid-size cars with volunteer drivers.  With rental vehicles, we buy the maximum liability insurance and have 2-way radios for communication.

I don’t know any geology! Should I go on this tour?  Yes! Do you have an interest in nature? Come and learn how to read the “record in the rocks and landscape, and the history in a grain of sand”. 

Where do we eat?  You are on your own for eating.  For many lunches we picnic in beautiful settings.

I’m a “single”.  Can you find me a roommate?   Yes, we will try to link you with others (of same sex).

Who is your tour leader? 

 Prof. Richard Little, began “Earth View” Tours  in 1981 after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, as a way to have small groups see and appreciate the great wonders of our Earth.  In the past 25 years he has planned and guided "Fantastic Landscapes" tours from Alaska to the Caribbean.  This will be our 7th Hawaii adventure and has the best Hawaiian itinerary you can find!  Dick (now retired) has taught geology and oceanography at Greenfield Community College since 1969, and also has taught at Deerfield Academy's Elderhostel program and at Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene.  He has degrees from Clark University and the University of Southern California, and is the author of two books and two videos about Connecticut Valley geology.  He was recently inducted into the Mass. Science Educator Hall of Fame.  Spouse Suzanne, who loves identifying plants, has degrees in biology & education and clinical social work, and is now retired after working with veterans at the VA Medical Center. 

 

Why this is the Best Two-Week Hawaii Tour:

 

1. Travel with a geologist to unlock the secrets of rocks and landscapes. Your tour leader has decades of experience with geology, education and travel.  He knows the best places!     

2.  Don’t take the bus or boat!especially in Hawaii. You must get out into the environment to really appreciate the land and wildlife. With our tour, you will have flexibility to stop for that great view and smell the flowers.

3. Go with our small group and get away from the crowd, but still have a helpful group of friends to share with. 

4. The cost is “LOW” for what you get!  We pass the group savings on to you!  Check out competing tours such as Tauck, and see how much you’ll save (over $1000!!). 

5.  Can’t remember what happened on day 3?  You will get a professionally done video, edited and with music and narration, free. Plus we have pre- and post-trip meetings to enhance the experience.

 

 

 

 

 


If we are lucky, we will see eruption phenomena

like this eruption of Pu Oo with glowing lava!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS

 

“The …trip was superb…we have been singing you praises across the land….”  H&N S.

 

“Thanks for guiding us through the most memorable and grandest of vacations.”  J&C B. . (Hawaii '01)

 

"What a wonderful experience. As I reflect back on the trip I have fond memories of the vistas seen for the first time and, oh, the snorkeling was fabulous. Thanks.         D.C. (Hawaii '01)

 

We are reliving the wonderful trip you provided us. We appreciate all the thought and energy which went into the planning and execution. [We are] able to see Hawaii again through new eyes. Thanks to both of you for your cheerfulness, energy, patience, flexibility, and vision

B. and B. F. . (Hawaii '01)

 

Want to see more participants’ comments?  Go to our web site or call for a print copy.

 

 

T H E    C O S T :  only $ 3240

per person / double occupancy  I N C L U D E S

 

<>    EXCEPTIONAL DELUXE BEACH-FRONT, OCEAN-VIEW LODGINGS   <>

<>  LODGING at historic VOLCANO HOUSE in VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK  <>

<>    TRANSPORTATION VIA RENTAL VANS for flexible itineraries    <>

<>    EXPERIENCED TOUR LEADER    <>

<>    GUIDEBOOK    <>

<>    PRE- and POST - TRIP MEETINGS    <>

<>    SMALL GROUP    <>

<>  VIDEO RECORD OF TRIP  <>

What's not included: air fare (mainland and interisland - about $1000),

food, entrance fees, gas, and optional activities.

 

 

 

T O     E N R O L L

 

·   Send $500 per person deposit (check to “Earth View LLC) to hold your space,

fully refundable until Feb1st.

 

$1500 payment is due February 1stand balance May 1st.

 

·   Cancellation fees:  after February  1st = $100 per person.  After May 1st other fees may be charged by hotels.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                Maui Beach

 

 

 

For more information about our tours, plus books and videos on Western New England, visit our web site at www.earthview.pair.com or by email: rdlittle2000@aol.com

 

phone: (413) 527-8536

 

Earth View LLC

6 Grand View Lane,

Easthampton Ma 01027-1075