Science blends with adventure
to shed a new light on
Big Island activities.
Most people know that Hawaii’s Big Island boasts beautiful beaches
and volcanoes. Now the Big Island Visitors Bureau is pitching the
destination courtesy of a somewhat unexpected new tool: science.
The marketing organization has released a guide devoted to
natural science adventures on the Big Island. Describing the
destination as one of the world’s most fascinating outdoor
classrooms, “Science and Adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island” invites
clients to experience what it calls a “living laboratory of
scientific phenomena.”
“The Island of Hawaii really is a science paradise,” said Big
Island Visitors Bureau executive director George Applegate. “We
believe this adventure guide opens up an entirely new, educational
and exciting experience for visitors.”
During a trip to the 4,000-square-mile Big Island, clients can
see firsthand two of the world’s tallest volcanoes (Mauna Kea and
Mauna Loa), one of the planet’s most continuously active volcanoes
(Kilauea) and 11 of the world’s 13 main climate zones.
“[Science tourism] highlights the world-class research in the
state and showcases the islands’ precious environment and natural
resources,” Applegate said. “It gives visitors another way to
experience all that our islands have to offer.”
Big Island visitors with a keen interest in nature have
opportunities to spot endemic bird species and diverse marine life,
explore coral reef ecosystems and hike through rainforests. The
island is a hot spot for astronomy, boasting the world’s largest
and most powerful telescopes atop 13,796-foot Mauna Kea. And, it
lays claim to research and demonstration projects in renewable
energy, cold-water aquaculture, volcanology and ocean and
environmental sciences.
The 24-page all-color guide is divided into six areas of
interest: volcanoes and volcanology, geography/biology/natural
history, oceanography/marine science, astronomy,
aquaculture/agriculture and renewable energy resources. Each
section describes a variety of visitor-friendly scientific outings,
including natural sites, research facilities, museums,
informational centers and tours. With the guide, travel agents can
help clients plan adventures like visits to Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park, Imiloa Astronomy Center, Ellison Onizuka Space
Center, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
and Hawaii Gateway Energy Center.