Authentic Hawaii January 9-14, 2018

Hawaii is much more than beaches. It's gardens and waterfalls and rainforests and volcanoes; it's island history and native traditions, architecture and astronomy, rare ora and fauna, small towns and museums, home cooking and walks along the bay. Here is a travel adventure designed to help us feel more like new residents who have been given a rare opportunity to know Hawaii beyond its fabled shorelines and surf. Authentic Hawaii will enable us to explore Hawaii's Big Island with a stay at the private home of the Dewars, founders of China Advocates. This grand home, known as the Thomas Guard House, is located in the community of Reed's Island, where the Hawaiian royals once resided. Built in 1916 by the banker omas Guard, the house is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. The property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted some famous guests, including George Lucas during the production of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, which was filmed in the nearby rainforest.

Visiting Hilo's historic downtown is a proverbial step back in time. Here we'll explore museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants and mingle with Hilo's friendly and diverse residents. We'll take daily excursions to experience the area's many natural wonders, including Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, earth's most massive volcano. We'll also visit research centers and organizations working to advance scientific understanding and preserve the rich heritage of the area. Leading our trip will be W&L professor of geology and associate provost Elizabeth Knapp, whose special interest in Hawaiian volcanology will serve our scientific curiosity well.

This insider's exploration of the Big Island is perfectly timed to help you escape the winter doldrums. We urge you to request the itinerary and package for a closer look at an unforgettable Hawaiian holiday.