Travel Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff
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Inspired by volcano
The Big Island's Volcano Art Center is offering a new four-day, three-night group adventure for kamaaina, "Inspired by Kilauea: Where Art and Nature Meet."
The tour allows visitors to experience the splendor of Kilauea Volcano, home to Pele, Hawaii's goddess of fire, as well as the private studios of local artists who draw inspiration from the powerful volcanic region.
Led by experienced Volcano-based group leaders, including a former park ranger and cultural historian, the program features insider perspectives which help participants learn about Kilauea's flora, fauna, geology and cultural influences.
The program is being offered from Aug. 13 to 16 and again from Sept. 24 to 27. Participants will stay in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's newly renovated cabins, each with a fireplace to stay cozy on cool mountain nights.
The program starts with dinner at Volcano House overlooking Kilauea Caldera, followed by a private reception at the Volcano Art Center Gallery. The next day, the group explores the park. The day ends with a sunset picnic overlooking the newest land on the planet, where current lava flow enters the ocean, glowing red-orange in the dark. Other stops are the studios of glass artists Mike and Misato Mortara, mixed-media artist Ira Ono, Linus and Jane Chao, plus Volcano Winery.
Meals, lodging, ground transportation, and travel to and from Hilo Airport are included in the program, at $565 per person, including a two-year membership in the Volcano Art Center. Current members will receive a membership discount. To register, call the Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or e-mail programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Group-size limit is 15.