Explore the diverse and vibrant world of tropical agriculture with a field trip.
From visiting local farms and research stations to learning about plant inspection and quarantine processes, these trips offer a unique opportunity to gain insights into the latest advancements in plant health and protection.
Pre-registration is required—add a field trip to your registration today!
Friday, August 1
International Plant Pathology Protecting Plant Health Across Borders
8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. • $75
Discover the collaborative efforts between federal (USDA) and state (HDOA) plant inspection and containment facilities that safeguard US agriculture from pests and diseases. You’ll learn about the roles and actions of state and federal plant inspection stations through brief presentations and facility tours, including US permit inspections at the Honolulu airport, airport inspections, and the beagle brigade. Gain insights into field-level detection and diagnosis by frontline inspectors. Vans will depart at 8:00 am for the DKI International Airport facility, followed by a visit to the state Plant Pest Quarantine facility. The tour will include the containment greenhouse and holding rooms, concluding with 3-4 brief presentations and discussions. Lunch will be provided at the state facility with state and federal plant health officials. Finally, the tour will visit the HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) before returning by 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
Hawaiian Agriculture Up Close: A Field Tour of Crops, Pathogens, and Research Efforts
7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. • $139
Go behind the scenes of agricultural research in Hawaii when you visit three research stations on Oahu—Oahu Urban Garden Center, Waimanalo Research Station, and Poamoho Research Station—where University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty, extension agents, and students conduct groundbreaking research on tropical crops like corn, avocado, lichee, citrus, cacao, papaya, sweet potato, taro, and banana.
Experience the diversity of crops and learn about the plant diseases affecting them, such as papaya ringspot, papaya powdery mildew, and banana bunchy top. This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive view of the island's unique agricultural landscape, while also allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Oahu's West, Central, and East sides, including a brief visit to a lookout.
Tour of Tropical Crop Production in Hawaii
7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • $99
Join us for an immersive tour that covers the entire tropical fruit supply chain, from field cultivation to postharvest handling and phytosanitary treatment for export. You'll visit local farms to learn about the production of cacao, apple banana, papaya, eggplant, and pineapple. Experience the passion of managing multi-generational family-owned farms, enjoy freshly grown produce, and take in breathtaking scenery. This tour also addresses pressing agricultural issues in Hawaii, such as crop diversification, food sovereignty, and pest management.
Experience Oahu's Rich History: Byodo-In Temple, Waimea Valley Botanic Garden & Nursery Tour
8:15 a.m.–5:15 p.m. • $209
This year's ornamental field trip explores Oahu's rich history and tropical plant cultivation. Start the day at Green World Coffee Farm, where Farmer Green transformed pineapple fields into a 7-acre coffee farm, shop, and café. Next, visit Waimea Valley Botanic Garden, home to 52 themed gardens and over 5000 types of tropical and subtropical plants, including native Hawaiian and globally endangered species. Enjoy a Kipahele tour with expert garden staff, a catered picnic-style lunch, and an optional hike to Waimea Falls. After lunch, tour Alluvion Nursery, a locally owned wholesale nursery and florist. You'll conclude the day with a scenic bus ride down the windward side of the island, stopping at Tropical Farms for macadamia nuts and ending with a relaxing stroll through Byodo-In Temple grounds.
APS Gives Back: Native Roots Volunteer Experience
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. • $25
Join us for a hands-on, immersive volunteer experience at Kaha Community Garden! This unique opportunity begins with a guided walk through the garden, where we’ll explore Hawaii’s native plant species, discuss their cultural and ecological significance, and take in the beauty of the nearby wetlands—perfect for a bit of birdwatching. After connecting with the land, we’ll roll up our sleeves and dedicate the next two hours to caring for the native plants. Volunteers will assist with watering, weeding, pruning, and monitoring plant health, including identifying and addressing any pests or diseases. Come ready to learn, contribute, and enjoy a meaningful day in this thriving community space. Thank you for helping us nurture Hawai‘i’s native ecosystem!
HARC Maunawili Substation Tour and Tree Disease Walk
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. • $159
Explore how scientists at the Hawaiian Agriculture Research Center (HARC) are using genetics, silvicultural practices, and breeding techniques to advance Hawaii's forestry sector and improve the yield and quality of harvested trees. This tour highlights the successful host-resistance program of the endemic, high-value hardwood tree, Acacia koa, that is threatened by koa wilt. After the tour of the Maunawili Substation led by HARC senior forest scientist, you'll then join USFS research plant pathologists for a disease walk in the nearby Waimānalo Forest Reserve to observe other tree diseases, including Rapid Ohi'a death and myrtle rust.
