Hawaii: Geology and Culture

Who: US Students
When: March 12 - 21, 2023
Trip Leaders: Mr. Turner
Approximate Cost: $4,200

Morristown Beard School returns to Hawaii for a fourth time to learn about the geology and culture of the Hawaiian Islands in an experiential, place-based trip.  

Students will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands and will sleep on top of the active volcano Kilauea within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. They will visit black, green, and white sand beaches, some of the most beautiful ones in the world. They will also have an opportunity to take surfing lessons in Kona and snorkel on the fringing coral reefs of the Big Island of Hawaii.  

A word of caution, though. This will not be a beach resort vacation. The students will be very active and should be comfortable hiking in remote areas, exploring caves, and swimming in the ocean. Some of the beaches require a 2-hour hike or a step descent/ascent to get to the beach. We will also be hiking extensively within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Sunday, March 12
Depart from Newark
Arrive in Kona/Hilo, drive to KMC

Monday, March 13
Ka’u Coffee Plantation
Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Punalu’u Bakery

Tuesday, March 14
Snorkeling in Kona
Pu`uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Wednesday, March 15
Mauna Loa Observatory
Explore lava tubes and waterfalls near Hilo
Evening Market

Thursday, March 16
Waipi'o Valley black sand beach

Friday, March 17
Surfing at Kahalu'u Bay
Kula Kai Caverns

Saturday, March 18?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea Iki

Sunday, March 19
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Monday, March 20
Fly from Hilo to Honolulu
Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial
Depart Honolulu in the afternoon

Tuesday, March 21
Arrive at Newark in the morning

Itinerary tentative and subject to change

Students must see Mr. Turner in person by Monday, May 23. to have their name placed on the initial list.

Participants will be selected for the trips from that list based on the following criteria:

• All travelers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the trip. This means that on the date of travel, at least 14 days will have passed since your child received the final shot for the vaccine, AND your child is up-to-date with any recommended booster shots.
• Proof of vaccination status must be provided to Bridget Marcato, School Nurse.
• All travelers must follow all health and safety regulations issued by the destination location, as well as any such regulations issued by MBS.
• All students must be in good standing in order to be eligible for any of the trips being offered.
• Juniors and seniors will have top priority.
• Space is limited. No more than 17 students will be on the trip.
• If we reach the maximum number of participants for a given trip, we will need to hold a lottery for juniors and seniors.
• Freshmen and sophomores will be picked by way of a lottery system after the juniors and seniors have been selected.
• The deadline for the sign-ups for interested participants is Monday, May 23.. Sign-ups must be in person. No exceptions.
• The Trip Leader and Director of Global Studies will send an email to those selected with the information on how to sign-up online for the trip, if applicable.
• Selected participants must be signed up and pay a non-refundable deposit of $300 by June 3. 
• Financial aid is available for anyone needing assistance. Please see Ms. Ahern for more information.