HOLOHOLO
In touch with nature, art via tour
By Chris Oliver
"Inspired by Kilauea: Where Art and Nature Meet," is a four-day, three-night program offered by the Volcano Art Center, which introduces visitors to the studios and works of local artists inspired by Kilauea's volcanic landscape.
Tour leaders include a former park ranger and cultural historian, knowledgeable on Kilauea's flora, fauna, geology, and cultural influences.
Day 1: The tour begins with dinner at Volcano House overlooking Kilauea Caldera, followed by a reception at the Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Day 2: The group explores Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive to Halema'um'au Crater with a walk in the rainforest and visit to a lava tube. The day ends with a sunset picnic overlooking where the current lava flow enters the ocean.
Day 3: Visits to artists' studios: Hot-glass artists Mike and Misato Mortara, whose works are in the Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, The Contemporary Museum's permanent collections in Ho-nolulu and in private collections on the Mainland and in Europe; also to the studio of artist Ira Ono, whose works in ceramics, Japanese paste paper, and mixed media have been exhibited in Hawai'i and Mainland collections as well as in Europe and Japan. A visit to the Volcano Winery is followed by dinner at Volcano Art Center and after-dinner discussions with a guest artist.
Day 4: A visit to the Chao estate in Mountain View, the home, studio and teahouse of artists Linus and Jane Chao.
The tours are Aug. 13-16, and Sept. 24-27. Lodging is in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park cabins. The cost is $565 per person which includes lodging, meals, all ground transportation, including to and from Hilo Airport and a two-year membership to the Volcano Art Center (current members receive a membership discount). Groups are limited to 15.
Information: (808) 967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org, or e-mail programs@volcano artcenter.org.
KAHALA DEAL: Receive a fifth night free with four consecutive nights booked at the Kahala Hotel & Resort between Aug. 21 and Dec. 22. The package includes daily buffet breakfast for two at Plumeria Beach House and choice of a spa treatment for one or a dinner for two at Hoku's. Packages start at $439 per night. Reservations: (800) 367-2525 or www.thekahalaresort.com
Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.
