A warm island breeze is blowing, the heady perfume of gardenias gently tickling my nose. The sounds of a ukulele fill the air as a beautiful sarong-clad woman drapes my neck with lush tropical flowers… “MOM! I HAVE TO FIND A BATHROOM!!” Wait, what? Something is interrupting my fantasy. Oh yes, now I remember. This is a family trip and the little girl doing a dance beside me is actually mine. It’s funny, I never really thought about including the kids when I imagined our first trip to Hawaii. However, I found a new homeschool trip to Hawaii that lets my whole family live the dream!
Homeschool families have an incredible chance to experience the unique beauty, culture, land and history of Hawaii. The Hawaii Traveling Classroom is in-depth study of island life and tons of family fun.
Cloud Forest
Hike through lush, green tropical forests as clouds surround you at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Then train your gaze on the night skies with a narrated astronomy workshop. This is just a taste of what’s in store during your week-long Hawaiian homeschool adventures!
Volcanoes
During your traveling classroom experience, an interpretive guide will take you through the explosive world of volcanoes. You’ll explore the black sand beaches of Punalu’u and the volcanic reef below the crystal waters teeming with tropical fish.
You’ll also check out the Thurston Lava Tube, a 300 ft cavern where lava flowed thousands of years ago in the middle of a giant fern forest. You’ll even hike the Devastation Trail, baron fields of cinder formed by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption.
A stop at the VNP Visitors Center includes lessons about tectonic plates and the Ring of Fire, which contributed to the formation of the island chain. The Steam Vents and Halemaumau Crater round out this full day of volcanic fun.
History
If U.S. history is part of your homeschool curriculum, visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. We’ve all studied that fateful day in December 1941 in textbooks. However, experiencing these legacies of WWII first hand is the ultimate history lesson. It is a significant and powerful teaching tool for your entire family.
Polynesian Culture
If world culture is your focus, look no further than the Polynesian Cultural Center. It highlights the diverse cultures of Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands. Of course, your studies won’t be complete until you feast on local cuisine at the Ali’i Luau Grounds with traditional Hawaiian music, followed by the “HA” The Breath of Life show. Awesome!
Beaches
While you explore the Aloha State, don’t forget that it’s home to one of the most famous beaches in the world- Waikiki. You’ll “hang loose” as you try your hand at surfing. You’ll also dive into an underwater world of colorful fish, dolphins and giant sea turtles during a catamaran snorkeling adventure. A stop at the Waikiki Aquarium is included, with a special workshop highlighting Hawaii’s delicate coral reef system.
The Hawaii Traveling Classroom is the perfect homeschool learning adventure. Families can enjoy a week in paradise together, exploring all the mystery and history of this magical place! For more information as you plan your homeschool trip to Hawaii, contact the team at Animado Events or Group Experience.
