Craving adventure beyond the classroom this summer? Immerse yourself in the magic of Hawaii with our 4-week program! Hike volcanic landscapes, surf legendary waves, and witness a breathtaking starry sky from Mauna Kea's summit. Learn the art of hula, savor an Imu feast, and connect with Hawaiian culture. But our exploration goes deeper. Roll up your sleeves with a local non-profit, master permaculture farming, and participate in a marine conservation project to actively protect Hawaii's natural wonders. Earn a Certificate of Environmental Conservation for your 40 hours of service learning and leave Hawaii empowered, connected, and with memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure Your Spot!
Become an active steward for a unique ecosystem. Work alongside passionate conservationists to remove invasive vegetation that threatens the delicate balance of freshwater streams and native fish populations. Your efforts will directly contribute to the health of these vital ecosystems, ensuring clean water and a thriving aquatic environment for future generations. This program is more than just hard work – it's a chance to connect with nature, learn valuable ecological restoration techniques, and leave a lasting positive impact on one of the world's most beautiful places.
Ascend to new heights – literally and figuratively – on Mauna Kea! You'll be gazing at the cosmos from the summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world measured from its base on the ocean floor. Unveiled by the darkness and free from light pollution, the Milky Way stretches across the inky canvas, while countless stars and distant galaxies come into breathtaking focus. Beyond the awe-inspiring view, our program provides expert guidance. Learn about constellations, distant nebulae, and the wonders of our solar system through the use of high-powered telescopes. This highlight is more than just stargazing – it's a journey of scientific discovery, personal connection with the vastness of space, and creating memories that will stay with you forever.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll spend three action-packed days mastering the fundamentals of surfing. Learn proper paddling techniques, pop-ups that get you on the board quickly, and how to read the waves for the perfect ride. By the end of the program, you'll be confidently navigating the waves, feeling the thrill of riding the ocean's power, and soaking up the laid-back "hang loose" spirit of Hawaii. This highlight goes beyond physical activity – it builds confidence, teaches patience and perseverance, and connects you to the rhythm of the ocean.
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 4 week sample itinerary.
Download Sample Itinerary
Aloha! You will be met by your program instructors in Hilo, known for its unbelievably lush rainforest landscape. We will get off the beaten track and head to Pahala in the district of Ka’u for the first days of the program. The south is known for its black sand beaches and abundant wilderness, and we will be amongst it all this week.
We will get to know about each other and Hawaiian traditions while we prepare an Imu (this is a form of underground oven, and is one of the oldest Hawaiian traditions!). We’ll ground taro leaves, set hot stones and prepare food whilst experiencing song and dance from our local hosts. When the Imu is ready, we’ll take the food from the ground to the table, ready to feast!
There are so many unique landscapes on this diverse island moonscape. We head to the most rugged, southern section of the island to explore Volcanoes National Park. We will learn about the impacts the lava flows have had on the local farming practices, and explore the ground carpet of lava rock and the stunning seaside cliffs on the coastline. There are also black and green sand beaches to explore along the way; every day brings spontaneous adventure within the program!
Our journey begins in Kona, where we set up camp and dive into a series of exhilarating activities. We’ll kick off with an exciting manta ray tour, where we'll venture out at night into the crystal-clear waters. As we snorkel or float, we’ll have the chance to witness these majestic creatures gliding gracefully through the water, an unforgettable experience. The warm waters around Kona are famous for manta ray sightings, and this is the perfect opportunity to connect with the ocean in a unique way.
Next, we’ll journey on a hike down the Kaʻawaloa Trail to reach the Captain Cook Monument, situated at Kealakekua Bay. This 3.7-mile round-trip trail offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, leading us through lush forests and volcanic landscapes to a bay renowned for its vibrant marine life. Once at the bay, we’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in some of Hawaii's clearest waters, teeming with diverse coral reefs and abundant marine species.
After our time in Kona, we head to Waipiʻo Valley, known as the "Valley of the Kings." This fertile valley is surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high and features a black sand beach, waterfalls, and taro fields. We’ll engage in service learning with a local non-profit organization focused on sustainable farming practices, gaining insights into traditional Hawaiian agriculture.
For full program details, please request the information booklet.
Request Information Booklet
Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer internship! You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like preparing beds for planting 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 difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.
Hawaii Summer Program
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