Geographic Exploration of Hawaii – Winter 2017
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Geographic Exploration of Hawaii
Explore the Geography of Hawaii by air, land and sea!
PROFESSOR
Erin Greunke
erin.greunke@wku.edu
Amy Nemon
amy.nemon@wku.edu
COURSES
GEOG 378 (3 credits): Food, Culture, and Environment
GEOG 452 (3 credits): Geoscience Field Experience
**Both courses fulfill the “Local to Global” sub-category of Connections in the Colonnade requirements.
Options for Honors Augmentation and/or Independent Study may be available. Please discuss with professors.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Oahu - Hostel – Waikiki Beachside Hostel - http://www.waikikibeachsidehostel.com/
Big Island – Cabins– Mauna Lea Manor - https://www.flipkey.com/holualoa-bed-and-breakfastrentals/p1612071/?m=33256
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Students will be introduced to environmental, demographic, cultural, geopolitical, and economic/social system
geographic issues in Hawaii. Spending time in Hawaii will allow you to see first-hand how it is interconnected in
the era of globalization. Topics and materials covered in this program will help you attain an appreciation of the
complexity and variety of the region’s cultures and geography.
This course requires participants to travel to Hawaii as part of a Study Away program from December 27th
2015 through January 11th 2016.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
During the program, we will cover a variety of geographic concepts, notions, and theories in our review of the
regions of the world. The course is deeply rooted in today’s changing world. At the end of this course, the
student should be able to:
(1) Acquire a better understanding of the contemporary culture of Hawaii through firsthand engagement in
activities highlighting Hawaii’s unique cultural and physical geography
(2) Discuss the historical events that affect Hawaiian outlook on the environment and culture
(3) Express an opinion about the position Hawaii occupies in the globalized context and evaluate how
globalization affects Hawaii
(4) Develop an appreciation for cultural activities and the sanctity of the land to the people of Hawaii
(5) Although this is not a language course, students should practice and feel more comfortable pronouncing
Hawaiian names and locations by the end of the program.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
LOCATION: Hawaii: Oahu and the Big Island
ACADEMIC TERM: Winter 2017: Dec. 27, 2016 – Jan. 11, 2017 ITINERARY (subject to change)
Tuesday, December 27: Fly from Nashville, to Honolulu, O’ahu
Wednesday, December 28: Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center (Includes Dinner) - http://www.polynesia.com/
Thursday, December 29: Pearl Harbor / Diamond Head Hike
Morning: Pearl Harbor Historic Park: http://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/phh_tours.php
* Will visit Missouri Battleship/USS Bowfin/Pacific Aviation Museum as time permits. Although we will have an
audio tour regarding the USS Arizona Memorial, tickets to the monument are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Must be there by 7 AM.
Afternoon: Hike Diamond Head
Friday, December 30: Marine Life Examination: Sharks / Dole Plantation
Morning: North Shore Shark Adventures- http://www.sharktourshawaii.com/html/tour_info.html
Afternoon: Dole Plantation
Saturday, December 31: Surf History and Lessons and North Shore
Morning: Surf Lesson – Sunset Suzi (North Shore): http://sunsetsuzy.com/site/group-surf-lessons-on-oahu/
Sunday, January 1: Historic Honolulu
Morning: Iolani Palace and Historic Honolulu Tour (Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Redline):
http://www.waikikitrolley.com/oahu-tours/historic-tour-red-line/
Monday, January 2: Community: IHS, The Institute for Human Services
Morning: IHS: https://ihshawaii.org/
Tuesday, January 3: Marine Life Examination: Sea Turtles and Dolphins
Morning: Sea Turtles and Dolphins (Includes lunch) – http://koolinaoceanadventures.com/dolphin-snorkel/
Wednesday, January 4: Chinatown/Island Change: Fly from Honolulu to Big Island
Morning: Chinatown in Honolulu – Place-As-Text: Map Chinatown Project
Afternoon: Flight: Depart Honolulu 3:05 pm arrive Kona
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Thursday, January 5: Paniolo Day – Ranches & Riding
Morning: Dahana Ranch Cattle Drive: http://dahanaranch.com/horseback-rides/
Afternoon: Visit Historic Parker Ranch: http://parkerranch.com/
Friday, January 6: Big Island by Air
Afternoon: Helicopter tour of Big Island – Fly over Volcanoes National Park and then the Kohala Coastline:
http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bigisland/tours/big_island_spectacular/
(May see some of the Historic National Parks on this day, as well)
Saturday, January 7: Volcanoes National Park
Morning/Afternoon: Volcanoes National Park (including Thurston Lava Tube, Crater Hike, etc)
Evening: Star Gazing: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/star-gazing-program.html
Sunday, January 8: Sands and Historic Hilo
Green Sand, Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
(May see some of the Historic National Parks on this day, as well)
Monday, January 9: Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Historic National Parks
Morning/Afternoon: Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and kayak to Captain Cook’s memorial (includes lunch):
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/kealakekua-bay-state-historical-park/
Other Historic National Parks: http://www.lovebigisland.com/national-parks-on-the-big-island/
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Puuhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historic Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
Pu’ukohala Heiau National Historic Park
Farewell Group Dinner at the Mauna Lea Manor
Tuesday – Wednesday, January 10- 11: Fly back to BNA
The schedule is subject to change due to educational opportunities that may arise unexpectedly, the vagaries of
weather, and other factors beyond the control of the course instructors and staff.
ELIGIBILITY
 Permission of instructor(s).
 Current WKU student eligible to register for WKU courses OR students from outside WKU may participate
as visiting students.
 Good academic standing (Undergraduate Catalog p.27; Graduate Catalog p.30).
 18 years of age or older at time of departure (parent/guardian permission for anyone under 18 at time of
departure). Those under 18 can attend with special permission of instructors.
 No current disciplinary sanctions as verified by Judicial Affairs.
 Full payment prior to departure.
 Completion of all pre-departure orientations.
 Complete Study Away application.
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BASE PACKAGE
Cost: $4,475
Included in Base Package
 Undergraduate tuition for 3 credit hours ($1,090 value).
 All lodging accommodations during program. See logistical considerations regarding lodging.
 Entrance fees for all program related excursions and tips.
 Light breakfast is available at our hostel and house daily.
 Some group meals (majority will be on your own, though)
 Course-related ground transportation.
 Roundtrip airfare from Nashville, TN to Hawaii and inter-island airfare.
Excluded from Base Package
 Items not explicated list in package.
 Transportation between your departure airport and your home.
 Independent travel (non-program travel).
 Personal expenses such as laundry, phone service, and Internet access.
 Tips for guides and drivers not included in program-related activity.
 Travel cancellation/interruption insurance. Highly recommended.
 Baggage fees and costs associated with flight changes.
 Meals, services, and beverages not mentioned in the program.
Study Away courses are not eligible for employee tuition waivers or discounts.
Final program fee subject to change due to travel arrangements.
Green Sheet subject to change due to adjustment in program or pricing.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Your TopNet Account will be billed according to the
following Payment Schedule:
September 1, 2016 - Priority deadline for application
with non-refundable $250 deposit*
September 1, 2016 – Program Fee will be charged to
student’s TopNet account. Balance must be paid prior
to program departure. Students applying after this date
will be billed on a rolling basis.
*Non-Refundable deposit paid by student directly with
a credit card – NOT billed to student account.
Penalty for Withdrawal or Non-payment:
After September 01: 25% of total program cost
After October 01: 50% of total program cost
After November 01: 75% of total program cost
After December 01: 100% of total program cost (No refund)
If a balance remains after the payment due date,
the participant may be dropped from the program. A student
may remain in the program by providing an award notification
from WKU’s Student Financial Assistance that verifies ability to
pay the program fee immediately after aid is received.
The total amount due in your semester invoice may reflect the combined charges for multiple terms (i.e. Fall and Winter or
Spring and Summer) and includes program fees for your Study Away program. Please see your TopNet account for a
breakdown of amounts due per term. Refer to your Study Away program’s Green Sheet for final payment due dates and
billing information. If you have any questions, please email study.away@wku.edu
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LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Note also that we will be staying all together in a house in Kona, Hawaii and in a hostel in Honolulu, Oah’u.
It is possible that males and females may be sharing living space depending on the final gender breakdown for
the program. If you are not comfortable with this we may (no guarantee) be able to work out alternative
arrangements for you at *your* expense.
Program will involve walking so participants should wear proper shoes that are comfortable for walking and
cover their feet. We will be visiting the Volcanos National Park: you will need to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as
this tour traverses sharp, uneven lava surfaces. Fumes (volcanic gasses) are hazardous to everyone's health –
although our time around them will be limited, you should advise the Program Leader if you have any heart or
breathing problems. We will also be spending time in the ocean – bring a swimsuit and sun block. You must
have current health insurance for this program as we will be doing many outdoor activities!
You will need medical insurance to participate in this program.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
Western Kentucky University and its associates are not responsible for any loss due to theft, personal injury,
flight or weather delays, negligence, or default of suppliers, or suppliers changing of itineraries. They and their
associates are not responsible for any loss due to travel/flight delays or changes in travel plans due to Acts of
Nature or other unforeseen circumstances, nor are we responsible for accidents and medical care. Tour services
are furnished by independent contractors who are not agents or servants of Western Kentucky University.
Refunds are not available for unused portions of the package.
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