Biology Without Borders

HBS Abroad

Highlands Biological Station Abroad offers immersive experiences that connect students and lifelong learners with some of the world’s most biologically rich regions—from the cloud forests of the Andes to the iconic landscapes of the Galápagos and Patagonia. These travel-based programs combine hands-on research with cultural exploration, expanding our understanding of ecology, evolution, and conservation across borders.

Upcoming Excursions

Sneak Peek…

The next HBS Abroad travel adventure, in partnership with the Highlands CLE, is coming in late fall 2026!

Splendid Isolation: The Natural Wonders of Hawai’i

An exploration of the geological and ecological wonders of Maui and the “Big Island” —

See Hawai’i through the lenses of geology, ecology, evolution, and history as we explore the incredible flora, fauna, and volcanic landscapes of Maui and the Big Island of Hawai’i, the two largest islands in the world’s most remote archipelago! Join HBS Executive Director and evolutionary biologist Jim Costa on this travel adventure from high elevations to the coast, where we will seek out such spectacular endemics as iconic high-elevation Silverswords, honeycreepers that rival Darwin’s finches of the Galapagos in number and diversity, and giant bird-pollinated tree-Lobelias.

Birds and botany also await us in the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Wailua Valley, and Kahanu Garden on the Road to Hana, while on the geological trail we will visit fabulous Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park — home to the world’s largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, exceeding Everest in total height as they rise up some 33,000 feet from the ocean depths. It is no coincidence that so many volcanic terms come from the Hawaiian language: this is where the foundation of modern vulcanology was established! Here we will explore the stark beauty of the highest Hawaiian volcanoes from our base at the historic Volcano House Hotel.

In our explorations will also learn about Hawaiian history and culture, including the art and science of Polynesian oceanic navigation, and visit such sites as Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau [Place of Refuge] National Historical Park, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Captain Cook’s final resting place. Last but not least, we will have opportunities for stargazing under some of the darkest and clearest skies on earth, and tour one of the world’s great high-altitude astronomical observatories.

Details and registration information coming soon —

Watch this space for updates!