Boston Flora

Tag: Hawaii

  • Wednesday, May 10 – Wednesday, May 17 – Astronomy and Natural Wonders of Hawai’i

    Discover the wonders of the universe and marvel at Earth’s immense geological forces and the undersea world during this unique tour of the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawai’i.

    This unique natural history tour of Hawai’i with Smithsonian Journeys focuses on the wonders of the universe, the Earth’s immense geological forces, and the amazing world under the sea. Discover the islands of Maui and Hawai’i through the lens of astronomers, geologists, and marine scientists, and through native Hawaiian culture and history.

    Highlights Include

    • Maui: Ascend to the summit of Haleakala for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the telescopes at the Haleakala Observatory site. Pan-STARRS utilizes very large digital cameras, telescopes, and computing facilities in its search for new asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. Then enjoy spectacular vistas of Maui from Haleakala National Park. During a nature walk, marvel at the volcano’s moon-like crater and learn about endemic plants and native birds. Later, take a private tour of the Maui Ocean Center, where a marine biologist provides insight into this three-acre tropical reef aquarium and marine science center. And learn more about the night sky from an astronomer during a stargazing cruise aboard a catamaran in Ma’alaea Harbor.
    • Hawai’i: Trace the history of traditional Hawaiian celestial navigation during a curator-led tour of the Imiloa Astronomy Center and watch a planetarium show about the night skies. Stop in Hilo, a traditional Hawaiian town located on a picturesque bay on the windward side of the Big Island. Explore the farmers market, parks, shops, and visit one to the telescope headquarters located in Hilo to learn about the innovative research being done at the summit. (Should the Mauna Kea Observatory Complex be accessible, travelers will instead ascend to the summit and meet scientists at Smithsonian’s Submillimeter Array.) Gain insight from a resident geologist at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa and the volcano goddess Pele. Observe the volcanic activity from Steaming Bluff and view exhibits at Kilauea Visitor Center. Descend along the Chain of Craters Road to view huge mounds of black lava flows. Take a walk in the North Kohala backcountry, known for its waterfalls and breathtaking views.
    • Accommodations: Enjoy stays at delightful hotels that feature spectacular views, luxurious pools, gardens, and beach, plus another stay near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

    For more information and pricing visit https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/hawaii-astronomy/itinerary/

  • Monday, April 1 – Thursday, April 11 – Botanical Hawaii: Hawaii “Big Island”, Oahu, and Kauai

    Monday, April 1 – Thursday, April 11 – Botanical Hawaii: Hawaii “Big Island”, Oahu, and Kauai

    Botanically, Hawaii is one of the most unique locations in the world, famous for its subtropical weather, mild ocean breezes, Polynesian culture, and diverse native flora and fauna. On April 1 – 11, Pacific Horticulture will explore the finest botanical gardens on the islands of Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, and the Garden Island of Kauai. The Hawaiian archipelago has existed for tens of millions of years and was colonized by wind blown seeds and insects, migrating birds, and floating vegetation washing on shore. From these random beginnings the natural world was created. It is beautiful, unique, and a true paradise.

    Hawaii offers the inquisitive traveler many opportunities to see native flora and fauna in the national and state Discover Botanical parks, and forest preserves. Botanic gardens, arboretums, and estates focus in part on preserving native species and, in some cases, endangered species propagation. The gardens also are wonderful places to see tropical trees, bushes, and flowers from all over the world. Several national parks on our itinerary feature geological wonders and native Hawaiian trees, plants, and birds. Hawaiian naturalist John Stallman and botanical expert Norman Bezona will be on hand to interpret our discoveries. $4,345 plus air. For complete brochure visit http://www.betchartexpeditions.com/s_pacific_hawaii2019.htm

    Image result for hawaii botanical garden

  • Volcano Relief: Leilani Nepenthes Fundraiser

    Leilani Nepenthes Nursery was located on the big island of Hawaii. It is a family owned business and one of the largest collections of nepenthes in the world. Samuel Estes and his family’s nursery and home have been completely lost to the volcanic activity there. Not only did they lose there livelihood and possessions, but also very rare and endangered plants from around the world. Almost 30 years of business gone in only a few days. You may help in supporting Leilani Nepenthes by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/bn3eik

  • Saturday, January 10 – Monday, January 19 – The Best of Natural Hawaii: Oahu, The Big Island & Maui

    Join friends of The Harvard Museum of Natural History as they explore three islands: Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui, each offering varied experiences and learning opportunities. Surrounded by ocean and formed by volcanic hot spots, Hawaii’s isolation and geological activity shape the islands’ biodiversity. With over 25,000 unique species, Hawaii is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions. A high percentage of these species are only found here, yet today these birds, insects, mammals, and plants live in a delicate balance. Hawaii’s position floating alone in the middle of the Pacific creates a unique cultural identity apart from the mainland United States. Life here feels easygoing and casual. The colorful history that shaped these islands remains clear; waves of immigrants who once labored in cane fields added their languages, foods, and cultures to the local mix. Today, there is no ethnic majority and common bonds are intangible.  The HMNH Study Leader is Dr. Peter Del Tredici, author of Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast and Senior Research Scientist of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.  The ten day trip takes place January 10 – 19, 2015. Double occupancy $5,740, with single supplement of $1,375.  For a complete itinerary call 617-495-2463, or visit http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/travel/pdf/HMSC%20Natural%20Hawaii.pdf.

     

     

  • Friday, November 9 – Saturday, November 17 – From Shangri-La to Bali Hai: The Hawaiian Islands of Oahu & Kauai

    Join Pacific Horticulture on a tropical garden adventure to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Kauai, November 9 – 17. Oahu, known as the Gathering Place, is home to world-famous Waikiki and an extraordinary collection of public and private gardens. Kauai, is called the Garden Island for its lush rain forests, emerald valleys, spectacular beaches and Waimea – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We’ve arranged a special invitation to visit Doris Duke’s Shangri-la on Oahu, a sunset tour of the Allerton Estate on Kauai (below) and much, much more.

    This Pacific Horticulture Hawaii tour will be escorted by Josh Schechtel, MD, who is a pediatrician with a passion for plant propagation and garden design, PHS board member and treasurer.

    For more information or to register, contact Sterling Tours. Reach them by phone at 800-976-9497 or access the Oahu/Kauai itinerary at the Sterling Tours website, http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/OahuKauai.html.

  • Sunday, March 4 – Sunday, March 11 – The Philadelphia International Flower Show – Hawaii: Islands of Aloha

    Join the Philadelphia Horticultural Society at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia, for the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show.  This year, the theme is Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.  Complete information and ticket purchase capabilities may be found at www.theflowershow.com. The 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show will introduce visitors to a tropical experience that blends next-stage digital technology with the natural beauty and rich culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Guests will have fun, learn, and be wowed by real-time floral competitions, the world’s largest lettuce wall, internationally renowned speakers, and a new layout of displays.

    Guests will enter the Show beneath dynamic projections of crashing waves and one of the most exciting displays of white orchids ever assembled. Towering palms, bamboo, green walls, and a plant canopy will immerse visitors in the Hawaiian rainforest.

    A 25-foot-high waterfall will splash down into Pele’s Garden, an island of exotic flowers and plants where performers will conjure volcanic flames and the Fire Goddess. The islands will be celebrated in showcase gardens that highlight their culture through flowers and landscapes, performances and art.

    Gardeners of all skill levels will find an ocean of ideas in the 150 free presentations held throughout the week, as well as dozens of educational displays that explore the latest gardening techniques and trends.

    Shoppers will find an array of take-home products to get the garden started and wonderful gifts in the Marketplace, Meadowbrook Farm Store and Flower Show Shoppe. A Hawaiian Village will offer authentic crafts and products from the islands.

  • Monday, February 7, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Restoring Hawaii’s Marvels of Evolution

    The Arnold Arboretum presents an exciting lecture series in 2011: the new Director’s Lecture Series at the Hunnewell Lecture Hall, 125 The Arborway in Boston. The lectures are free but advance registration is required.

    On Monday, February 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, botanist Robert Robichaux of the Hawaiian Silversword Foundation and University of Arizona discusses recent efforts to restore Hawaii’s Marvels of Evolution. Evolving in splendid isolation over millions of years, Hawaii’s native plants exhibit patterns of diversity that are unrivaled elsewhere on Earth. Especially striking are the many examples of adaptive radiation, in which original immigrants to the islands evolved into dazzling arrays of plants exhibiting great variation in form and habitat preference. Yet, Hawaii’s native plants face an uncertain future. Many native plants, such as the exquisitely beautiful silverswords (below, photo from www.silverswordalliance.org) and lobeliads, now teeter on the edge of extinction.

    Contact Pamela Thompson, 617.384.5277. http://calendar.arboretum.harvard.edu/index.php