Hawaii Gap Semester Conservation, Surfing & Cultural Immersion

**This is a guide to what you can expect to do on Program. The order in which the activities occur might vary**

Week 1. Cultural Orientation, Language Learning & Imu Feast

Aloha! On arrival in Hilo, you will be met by your program instructors. We are taking a trip to the small town of Pahala in the district of Ka’u, where we will have a comprehensive program briefing and taking a deep dive into native Hawaiian traditions, from making beautiful and delicate leis from the local trees to learning the importance of Hawaiian history and how that has shaped the place we are visiting today. We will even learn the basics of Hawaiian language to get a more connected experience.

It’s also time to fully embrace one of the oldest Hawaiian traditions, the Imu, a form of underground oven. We will spend a full day harvesting, collecting and preparing produce to create our own Imu and get to work creating a feast. We’ll ground taro leaves, set the stones and prepare the food whilst sharing stories with our local hosts and when it’s ready, we’ll get to work taking the food from the ground to the table, ready to feast!

By the end of the week, we will have grasped the value that native Hawaiian’s hold for their local land. It provides them with the food which they eat, the water which they drink, and the energy which they cultivate. We will explore one of only four green sand beaches in the world to take in all its beauty, and jump on board to take part in efforts to restore the local beaches with a marine debris clean up!

Week 2. Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Pahala is known for its black sand beaches and abundant wilderness, fuelled by the warm sunny days and nightly rainfall that is common on this side of the island. We spend a few days here on a macadamia nut farm, where we see the entire process of macadamia nut harvesting and processing from nut to kennel. We will be picking, cracking, sorting, washing and of course tasting the macadamia nuts ourselves. We will also dive deep into permaculture and the importance of macadamia nut trees and other fruit trees on this orchard, followed by an afternoon of tree planting and pruning. When all the hard work of the day is done, we go on exciting excursions to local beaches and National Parks.

There are so many unique landscapes on this environmentally rich island, and the next few days have you exploring one of the coolest! This is sure to be an adventure of otherworldly perceptions, with self exploration and hiking throughout Volcanoes National Park, one of the most unique landscapes in the world.

In 2018, it was also the primary location of a volcanic eruption, which has led to extremely rugged, largely underdeveloped infrastructure. We learn about the impacts the lava flows have had on the local farming practices, and explore the still-cooling lava rocks as well as the stunning seaside cliffs on the coastline. We will walk through barren lava fields and experience exceptional views of the active volcano Kilauea Caldera and a volcanic crater. The adventurous spirits even get the chance to end the day with an evening hike to watch an unforgettable sunset and see lava glow from a crater!

Week 3. Marine Conservation & Yoga in Hilo

Ohh, Hilo on the eastern side of the island, with its rainforests and lush green landscape, it’s a much different vibe and energy. We’ll spend our days exploring the Japanese Gardens and Coconut Island, hiking to some spectacular waterfalls like Akaka Falls, getting fresh fruit at the local farmers market, and venturing down the mysterious Kaumana caves. We’ve scheduled our yoga sessions for the morning to allow for relaxation, and to start our days present and fulfilled.

We’ve also been given an incredible opportunity to get out into the water with a locally run community organization that focuses on fishpond restoration and ocean conservation. We will be working alongside experts learning about the marine ecosystem and how to protect and encourage sea life in these beautiful pockets of the ocean that surround Hilo. We will get to learn about sustainable fishing techniques as well as testing our own skills and trying our hand at throwing fishing nets. Prepare to get stuck in mud and get a little wet over these days!

We will also feel like we’re on top of the world... or, at least, on top of the island. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, sits at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. The majority of the volcano is underwater and when measured it is right around 33,500 feet tall, topping it as the tallest mountain in the world. It is known as one of the best stargazing skies in the world, and we will have the opportunity to lay on its summit and view it for ourselves!

Near the end of the week, we will roll up our sleeves for a few days and get involved in the efforts of a non-profit while learning all about the legends and land from Aunty K! This hands-on non-profit was founded for research and educational purposes to discover and understand how Hawaiians sustained rain-fed intensive farming for centuries; and how it may inform our current efforts to live sustainably.

Week 4. Agriculture Workshops on a Permaculture Farm

We travel to Hamakua, an area that used to be covered with sugar cane, and continue with our exploration of local agriculture this week. The region is also known for the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island, and you will be amazed by the stunning vistas, tranquil green valleys and trickling waterfalls. 

This week will be a whirlwind of experiences. We’ll spend some time at a permaculture farm and learn about the local area’s farming techniques and the medicinal properties of plants, hike to the sacred Waipio Valley, and meet the local coconut master who will teach us how to smash open coconuts and use up every single element from the skin to the shell. We will also use some of the vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients that we harvest on the farm to create a delicious vegetarian meal for the group, while also learning about the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint and building relationships with local farmers.

Seeing the ocean everyday might have made you wonder about the fascinating living ecosystems that make up the coral reefs under the water surface, so it’s the perfect time to learn more about marine biology with a workshop. We even get the opportunity to make our very own reef-safe sunscreen!

Week 5. Beekeeping & Environmental Activities

We start this week with two unique days of learning about tropical beekeeping. After putting on the signature white bee suits, we learn about the importance of bees to agriculture and the environment from a local expert. We even get to sample different varieties of honey straight from the comb... Yum!

For the next two days, we will give an animal farm a helping hand with whatever they need. Our days are spent with activities like feeding the animals, weeding around the animal pens, picking lemons and tangerines, or walking the dogs. We might even put some of our new knowledge about beekeeping to the test when filtering the oil from the farm’s very own beehives.

Up next, we make our way to a sanctuary that will show us the ropes on a variety of environmental issues, ranging from watershed restoration and invasive species removal to planting, harvesting and soil conservation. We learn by doing, identifying tree species, and their unique roles and uses within the forest, preparing a garden bed using organic methods, and harvesting garden vegetables for a meal or snack.

Week 6. Self-Led Section & Snorkeling with Manta Rays

The students get to choose their own activities during a self-led section this week, which is often reported by students as one of the program highlights. Ahh the chaos and creativity of the group designing and developing their own itinerary! We will have a couple of days to choose what the group wants to do and how we want to do it - all within the confines of the budget we are given! This is a life skill of teamwork planning as a group, that you can only learn through doing. The world (well Hawaii) is your oyster, so let’s see what we get up to.

We then make our way to the sunny side of Kona and immerse ourselves in the epic nature surrounding our new home base. We will go for an evening snorkel with manta rays, while keeping our eyes peeled for dolphins and other marine life. Manta rays are attracted by plankton, which in turn are attracted by bright lights, so our lighted raft is sure to bring in some of these majestic wild animals. Snorkeling around the raft and seeing the manta rays swim gracefully underneath us is an experience that we will never forget!

Week 7. Surfing Lessons in Oahu

Time to reset and refresh at our new homebase for the second half of the program: Oahu Island! We make our way from Honolulu to Haleiwa because let’s be honest, can you consider yourself to truly understand the culture of Hawaii if you don’t get on a board and walk the walk? Or more aptly, surf the surf?

For three days we will have surf lessons from a local legend, who is sure to get even the clumsiest and most unathletic of us at least skillfully wobbling on the waves. We’ll learn to laugh at ourselves as we no-doubt tumble into the turquoise waters and we’ll learn to trust ourselves as we slowly develop the skills and strengths needed to master this graceful art. These days are physically exhausting, so the afternoons will be quite a bit of rest and relaxation, so we’ve got plenty of time to recharge our batteries. We will also get the chance to go snorkeling in the reef-protected Shark Cove, which did not get its name from unwanted visitors, but from its shape that resembles a shark.

Back in Honolulu, we will be treated to an experience unlike any other - what goes on when a museum is closed (Okay, fine, otherwise known as Night at the Museum. But funnier. And cooler. Unless you thought it was funny and cool, in which case this is it).

Week 8. Restoring Wilderness Diversity in Oahu

Having traveled around two of Hawaii’s islands by now, the Big Island and Oahu, we will discuss the contrasts between the two and the impact tourism has had on Hawaii. We’ll spend these days partnered with local communities and experts maintaining and restoring wilderness diversity on Oahu. Prepare yourselves to learn about habitat creation and maintenance, the different species of flora and fauna that live on the island and learn about invasive species removal and its importance in conservation. We’ll be getting outdoors and learning all there is to know, expect to get grubby and a little wet during these days of service! 

We will also give a helping hand to the Hawaiian food bank, which serves food in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the communities. These include food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, domestic abuse shelters, rehabilitation centers and more. We can make a difference by inspecting the food products, sorting them and boxing them for distribution. We will feel good knowing that we have played a part in ensuring no one in Hawaii’s ‘ohana’ (family) goes hungry.

Week 9. Kayaking & Program Wrap

At the end of this incredible adventure, we admire the Moana Falls as they cascade 150 feet down the mountainside, and walk around gardens that boast a collection of 5,660 thriving tropical plants and trees. When our feet have grown tired, we will give our arm muscles a workout during an afternoon of ocean kayaking. We will search for secret spots throughout the bay, keep our eyes peeled for marine life and give ‘kayak surfing’ a go when paddling back to shore.

Sadly, the time has also come to begin processing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the last 70 days have taken us on. We are sure that you will reflect on how amazing it was to have a chance to take a break from everything, learn about ourselves, but also prioritize time to experience and have gratitude for our own beautiful and historic culture and environment.

*Each week there will be some designated free time so that you can catch up on email, laundry, rest, and explore independently with others in the group.

**Pacific Discovery reserves the right to alter and/or change the order of the itinerary, the focus of the projects or the activities themselves due to dates, availability, and safety precautions.

For full program details, please request the information booklet

What's included?

✓ All in-program travel and transport, excluding flights

✓ All accommodation

✓ All meals

✓ All expeditions, activities, excursions, volunteer projects and entry fees as described in the itinerary

✓ Experienced Program Instructors and local guides

✓ Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism

✓ Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect and ask questions of themselves

✓ Certificate of Program Completion

Activity Level

Medium Activity Level: Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this gap semester! You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like trail building or the removal of invasive plants.

Camping Level

Medium Camping Level: You will be doing some camping on this program, so be prepared to spend some time out in nature, but you will spend most of your time in comfortable hostels and lodges.

Volunteering Level

High Service Learning Level: You will be able to make a big difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.

Frequently Asked Questions