Pacific Discovery's Hawaii Mini-Semester is a six-week adventure designed for young travellers (ages 17-22) seeking an immersive experience in the natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawaii. Explore the volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests of Hilo, Honolulu, and more. You'll embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, learn about Hawaiian culture and history, and volunteer with local communities.
You'll have the opportunity to conquer waves and learn to surf alongside experienced instructors. Hike through volcanic craters and explore hidden waterfalls. Volunteer with conservation efforts to protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems. Learn traditional crafts and participate in cultural ceremonies. And live alongside local families and experience authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
Pacific Discovery's Mini Semester programs are designed to help you develop life skills, build confidence, and foster self-discovery. Weekly workshops and activities focus on leadership, teamwork, and communication, ensuring you return home with a newfound sense of purpose. You'll have ample opportunities to reflect on your experiences, set goals for the future, and make this gap semester a transformative stepping stone toward your future endeavors.
As you explore the region among a group of supportive, like-minded travellers with experienced instructors by your side, you'll feel empowered to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new challenges in a safe and encouraging environment.
The Hawaii Mini Semester is more than just a trip; it's a chance to connect with nature, discover Hawaiian culture, and make a lasting impact.
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**What's more, you can earn College Credit while on your Program! Academic credit is optional for our students, but for those who choose it, an integral component of their program.
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Experience sustainable living at a permaculture farm! You won't just be learning theory, you'll be rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on experience with traditional Hawaiian farming techniques. You'll be growing your own food, connecting with the land, understanding local ecosystems, and becoming part of a practice that's been nourishing communities for generations. It's sure to be a highlight of your gap program, giving you a unique perspective on Hawaiian agriculture and a newfound appreciation for the island's bounty.
Trade in your backpack for fins and a snorkel in the crystal-clear waters off Kona, face-to-face with majestic manta rays. Witnessing these gentle giants gracefully weave through the vibrant coral reefs is an unforgettable experience. You'll also get the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays at sunset!
Lace up your boots and prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Volcanoes National Park. Traverse volcanic terrain, feeling the earth's raw power beneath your feet. As twilight descends, reach a designated crater rim viewpoint. Here, the day's highlight awaits. Witness the molten lava come alive, casting an eerie glow across the night sky.
This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program. The order in which the activities occur might vary.
Click download to view the full 6 week sample itinerary.
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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 take 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.
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. It's also time to fully embrace one of the oldest Hawaiian traditions, the Imu, a form of underground oven. 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!
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 Volcanoe 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!
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.
This week, we traveled to the beautiful island of Kona. We kicked things off with a hike to the Captain Cook Monument, where we were treated to breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s rich history. After the hike, we spent some time snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs right off the beach.
In the evening, we camped by the beach, enjoying the sound of the waves under a starlit sky. To cap off the week, we went on an unforgettable manta ray tour at sunset. Swimming with these graceful creatures in the warm waters as the sun dipped below the horizon was an experience we’ll never forget.
Next we drive 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!
We head to Kohala, where we will learn about the importance of the canoe in the local communities. Much in the way that the hula is not just a dance, canoes are not just boats in Hawaiian culture. Polynesian voyagers first discovered the Hawaiian islands, and canoes played a key role in the flourishing of Hawaiian life. We learn how canoes were an important part of everyday life, especially for traveling and fishing, and how locals are still heavily involved in canoe voyaging clubs, keeping this ancient tradition alive for future generations.
We are very lucky to be able to spend some time in this area of Hawaii. While we’re here, we will roll up our sleeves and get involved in the efforts of a local non-profit, working alongside passionate community members and learning 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. By learning about ancient techniques and their connection to the land, we’ll gain insight into how these methods can inform our current efforts to live sustainably, bridging the gap between past wisdom and modern-day environmental challenges. Our time here will be both eye-opening and inspiring, as we contribute to preserving these invaluable cultural practices and sustainable methods for the future.
For full program details, please request the information booklet.
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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.
Be prepared to spend some time out in nature. You'll love the experience of camping, staring at the campfire, breathing in fresh air and stargazing the night away.
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.
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Hawaii Mini Semester
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