Marine Animal Research & Rescue Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Maui
Your first day will be traveling to the island of Maui, self-proclaimed Outdoor Adventure Capital of Hawai’i, where you will meet your guide at Kahului Airport. A short transfer will take us to Kihei, where you will enjoy a family-style meal and meet the Project Team. An optional Maui history and naturalist talk will help you get your bearings! Dinner included.
Day 2: Maui Project Orientation & Sea Turtle Transects
Your first full day on Maui will begin with a hot breakfast and Maui Project orientation followed by a brief sea turtle 101 crash course. We’ll take what you’ve learned about Maui’s sea turtles and see conservation in action as you assist biologists with in-water sea turtle transects and learn about current research efforts in the area. Over dinner in the historical plantation village of Pa’ia, we’ll catch a glimpse of basking honu and the first of many famed Maui sunsets. All meals included.
Day 3: Haleakala sunrise & day hike
You’ll begin your day with an early morning sunrise hike to Haleakala – one of the best views on the island. The rest of the morning and early afternoon will be spent hiking through Haleakala National Park and stopping along the way for scenic vistas and a packed lunch. Your hard work will be rewarded with dinner in Kihei and another beautiful Hawai’ian sunset. All meals included.
Day 4: Ka’ehu Coastal Clean-up & Surf lesson
In the early morning, try and hang ten with the locals as you learn to surf from some of the best in Hawai’i. Then, you’ll hit the water to help remove marine debris in an effort to keep the ocean clean, blue and trash-free in Ka’ehu, one of the most susceptible beaches on the island for debris. A free night in Kihei will round out your laid back day.
Day 5-6: Road to Hana excursion and overnight cabin stay in Wai’anapanapa State Park
An early departure from Kihei will take us on the Road to Hana, one of the most scenic drives in all Hawai’i. Enjoy the views and scenic stops along the way to include waterfalls, lava tubes and remote sea turtle nesting beaches along the way. This historic and famous road is full of scenic stops, so don’t forget your cameras and sense of adventure! In the evening, you’ll check into your cabin at Wai’anapanapa State Park and enjoy a night under the stars.
Day 7: Sea turtle conservation activities and in-water debris removal
Upon arrival back to Kihei, pick up where we left off with sea turtle conservation activities with Maui marine biologists. Activities may include sea turtle nesting surveys, in-water transects, rescue and response. You’ll also hit the water again for a naturalist kayak tour, picking up any disregarded trash in the ocean along the way.
Day 8: Snorkel in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve & Evening Luau in LaHaina
Enjoy your last full day with a full day in the water at one of the best nearshore snorkeling sites on the island. Transport to several local hot spots will be available for you to explore on your own time to get your final taste of Hawai’ian living in the afternoon! In the evening, enjoy an optional authentic Hawai’ian experience at the island’s most talked-about traditional luau. Lunch and dinner on your own today.
Day 9: Depart Kahului, HI