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THE Hawaii FOREST & TRAIL STORY |
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Because of its isolation in the middle of the Pacific and volcanic geology, Rob realized that Hawaii was a paradise for studying evolutionary biology, extinction, endangered species and conservation. It was a place where the fundamental lessons of creation and earth sciences could be seen, experienced and understood. At the same time Pacheco, who has worked as a naturalist on the mainland, concluded most residents and visitors were only seeing Hawaii’s beautiful scenery and had little knowledge of Hawaii’s natural history. Pacheco decided to combine his passion with a vision: to share his passion for natural history with others and to help conserve Hawaii’s endangered environment by educating them about it. It was a vision that fit well with the growing worldwide interest in eco-tourism. Soon thereafter, and with the help of his wife Cindy whom he had met in Kona, the idea for Hawaii Forest & Trail was born.
Another important element Pacheco built into Hawaii Forest & Trail was the idea of having knowledgeable and qualified guides. In 1994, when Hawaii Forest & Trail began offering its first adventures, Pacheco was "the only guide" for every trip. Since then he has slowly built up a handpicked cadre of guides with strong academic backgrounds in biology, geology, Hawaiian history and extensive natural "field" experience. It’s not enough for the guides to simply "know things", they must also have a real passion for Hawaii’s natural world and enthusiasm for sharing it. Pacheco has patiently built the best ecotour staff in Hawaii. Hawaii Forest & Trail is committed to keeping the tour groups small, well-outfitted and comfortable for a pleasurable day of exploration. From their initial rainforest bird walk, the Pachecos have expanded their eco-adventure offerings to include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stargazing from Mauna Kea, a waterfall walk and specialized birding tours. All seven adventures combine a journey to a special or endangered natural setting with fascinating historical, cultural, biological, geological, climatological or other information about Hawaii’s natural world, both past and present.
The Pachecos and Hawaii Forest & Trail were named as Entrepreneur of the Year for the Big Island in 1998. The company continues to work for conservation with students in the schools, sponsoring free field trips, participating in tree planting and other community service projects and practicing their credo that "conservation begins with education." Although the company has grown to a staff of 30, with eight customized four-wheel drive vehicles, a headquarters with a retail store and a phenomenal website, Pacheco remains quietly unassuming, his original vision and passion as strong as ever.
Read what others are saying about Hawaii Forest & Trail We hope to share an adventure with you soon.
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BIG
ISLAND OF Hawaii - Rob Pacheco has a passion for the natural
world of Hawaii. It was a passion that began almost as soon
as he stepped off the plane here in 1990 and quickly realized that
these islands contained diverse and unique ecosystems rivaling any
place on earth. 
One
of the integral ideas Pacheco instituted was to establish partnerships
with private landowners that would allow tours to places with wild
and remote native ecosystems that had been previously inaccessible.
Hawaii Forest & Trail is one of the few tour companies allowed
access to private lands and controlled access wildlife refuges.
Hawaii
Forest & Trail’s adventure tours have attracted attention from
major national and international media and have been featured in
Town & Country, National Geographic Traveler, E-Entertainment,
the New York Times, the Robb Report, CNN’s "Travel Guide,"
NBC’s "Evening Magazine," Fox TV’s "No Boundaries"
and The Travel Channel. 
"Hawaii
is a marvelous place for a naturalist to interpret," says Pacheco.
"The mystique of Hawaii, the essence of this place, a place
that millions of people from all over the world love to visit, is
found in the life of the land. Each day I am out in the field,
Hawaii reveals a little more of herself to me; an experience I share
with my guests. These encounters affect people in profound
ways." 