Today we journeyed to Manuka State Park. The park is located inside the 25,550 acre Manuka Forest Reserve on the slopes of Mauna Loa to the south west side of the island. The state park itself is access through the rolling lawns of an arboretum of native plats and trees. We began here, with a …
“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the …
Mauna Kea, planet Earth’s tallest mountain (when measured from sea floor to summit) rises 13,796 feet above sea level. It is arguably the best place in the world to look at the stars. On Tuesday afternoon, Pacific Quest’s Malama students had the rare opportunity to don long-johns and winter hats, as they made the trip …
Miloli’i means fine twist. The fine twist refers to the intricate, strong cordage that Miloli’i was known for throughout the islands. Miloli’i Village is known today as the “last fishing village” on the island. Inhabited mostly by families who have lived there for generations and whom still sustain themselves through fishing. To really get a …
Ka ‘Ohana O Honu’apo motto is three fold: malama ‘aina (care for the land), kupono (honesty) and kuleana (responsibility). The organization was formed to help steward the land at the old village site of Honu’apo (literally caught turtle) after the community banded together to raise monies to purchase the land to ensure it was not …
At Pacific Quest the students choose to go on a 3 night, 2 day Rites of Passage/solo fashioned about the model of a Vision Quest . They prepare by reading books that focus on the solo experience, do assignments that focus on severance and beginning a new story in their life, and create an intent …
Volcano National Park is located about 30 minutes North of Pacific Quest and offers a wide variety of geographical and educational opportunities. Students were able to learn about the unique volcanic phenomenon that make up the islands of Hawaii. Our first stop was to see the tree molds where a lava flow enclosed several …
Our outing last Friday was to South Point and Manuka State Park. South Point is one of the oldest fishing areas on the Big Island and among the few that is still in use today. Its dramatic drop off offers the opportunity to catch big game fish straight from shore. South Point is a draw …
Recently the Ohana group geared up with fins and snorkels to explore one of the most fascinating places on the island, Pu’ uhonua O Honaunau (City of Refuge). The group set out to learn about tropical reef fish and remains of ancient Hawaiian culture first hand. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau was home of the ali’i (royalty) …
Recently students in the Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program went snorkeling at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, also known as “Two Step” named for the natural lava steps that lead into the ocean. This popular snorkel spot was once the canoe landing for the Hawaiian chief and his attendants; it was also known as a place of …