AWG Field Trips
Upcoming Trips
2010 AWG Field Trip to Hawaii
August 9-12 - Big Island, August 14 - Oahu
Contact Pat Cooper for more details.
Details and schedule (pdf)
Register Online
Registration Form (pdf)

AWG’s Hawaii Volcanoes Field Trip will focus entirely on the characteristics of shield-type volcanism which is best seen in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Hawaii. If interest warrants, an optional day at the end will be organized to view ancient deposits and erosion on the island of Oahu. Prior to your arrival, you can follow the progress of the ongoing (since 1982) eruption of the Kilauea volcano via the U.S. Geological Survey web site: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/images.html
Costs
Costs for the field trip in addition to your airfare, lodging, and evening meals are expected to be approximately $600. These costs will include van transportation and fuel, picnic lunches and snacks, guide and entrance fees, and all printed materials. A deposit for $300 is due by April 30. Eight participants are required for the trip to run and a maximum of 24 participants can be accommodated. For registration and release forms, go to www.awg.org/Trips/index.html.
Getting There
All of the major airlines fly either directly into Hilo International Airport or to Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Local flights depart Honolulu for Hilo every few hours from 6 am to 7:30 pm. The Naniloa hotel does not have an airport shuttle. A taxi to the hotel takes about 5 minutes.
Lodging
Rooms are available at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo at a special rate of $85 per night double occupancy if you book online at www.hottours.us/. All pickups and drop-offs will be at the Naniloa, 93 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720 (808-969-3333 or 808-969-6622).
What to Bring
The weather will be generally warm, but can be changeable so bring layers for hiking. You’ll need sunscreen, a hat and a neckerchief to prevent sunburn. A pair of jeans for hiking on the lava works well to prevent cuts and scratches. Bottled water will be available for you, but feel free to bring your favorite canteen and beverage of choice. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for caves. Bring binoculars if you are a birding enthusiast as the park is home to many endangered bird species. If you decide to venture up to the summit of Mauna Kea, you will need warm clothing, head covering and gloves.
Logistics
The field trip schedule is tentative and depends on weather and the status of the eruption. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closes hiking trails if they pose a danger to the public. Approximate distances are listed for lengthy hikes.
Warning
We will be hiking in an active volcano. Air quality will depend on the wind direction. Anyone with respiratory problems is advised not to participate in this field trip.
Optional Activities
If anyone wants to visit the astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea, I will be happy to take names and make a group reservation for you. Be aware that transportation to and from the hotel to the observatories is expensive. The Institute for Astronomy has some useful information on its website: www. ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/visiting.shtml.
Those interested in an Oahu field trip on Saturday, August 14, should also contact me.
Questions?
Contact Pat Cooper at pcooper@hawaii.edu.
Documents for upcoming trips:
Past Trips
- AWG Salt Lake Chapter Fall Field Trip, Antelope Island - September 27, 2009
Click here to download a flyer with more information on this event (Adobe pdf). - A Geological Excursion to Scotland - July 2008 (update soon!)
- Southern Nevada - April 2007
- Iceland - July 2006
- Grand Canyon Geology via the Colorado River - July 2005
- Yellowstone Field Trip - June 2001
- Geology of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State - August 2000
- Big Bend National Park Field Trip - April 1999
- Geology of Scandinavia - July to August 1998
- Black Hills SD Field Trip (Denver Chapter) - June 1998
- Grand Canyon - May 1997
- Baja California - April 1996
For more information about upcoming field trips or to volunteer to serve on the field trip committee, please contact us at office@awg.org.
