

HAWAI'I
O'AHU, MAUI & THE BIG ISLAND
A Semester Long Gap Year Program









Hawai’i

Program Details
Dates: | Fall: September 1 – November 9 Spring: February 15 – April 25 |
Tuition: | $15,000* |
Arrive: | Kona, Hawai’i |
Depart: | TBD (Group Dependent) |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for inter-island flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Delve Into Polynesian Culture and Learn How Locals are Preserving Their Heritage
- Explore Hawai’i’s Volcanic Origins and Unique Ecology in Volcanoes National Park
- Earn Your PADI SCUBA Certification in Kona’s Crystal Clear Waters
- Conduct Coral Reef Research and Educate Visitors about Reef Safety in Kahalu’u Bay
- Participate in the Restoration of an Ancient Fishpond in Hale’iwa Village
- Support Hawai’i’s Movement toward Food Sustainability
- Develop Surfing Skills Through Lessons on Three Islands
- Complete Workshops on Aquaculture and Permaculture on Campus at UHMC
- Lend a Hand at a Working Taro Farm and Learn About Organic Farming Methods
- Explore Hawai’i’s Many Unique Trail Systems and Catch Breathtaking Sunsets
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2023!
Program Overview
Explore the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian islands of O’ahu, Maui, and the Big Island, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical forest become our classroom. Building on nearly 40 years of Hawaiian programming and our long-standing partnerships with impactful local organizations, this unique semester allows us to investigate important environmental and social issues while immersing ourselves in the Aloha culture. Protect albatross nesting ground and restore a 400-year-old traditional fishpond in O’ahu. Explore marine ecosystems while earning your SCUBA certification on the island of Hawai’i. Investigate important food security issues and help with projects to ensure local sustainability. Learn about aquaponics and vermiculture on a college campus on Maui. Discover unbelievable beauty and culture while getting to know these famous islands like a local!
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Program Details
Program Start and Orientation
Our semester kicks off on the Big Island with an orientation to ARCC customs and Hawaiian culture where we dive headfirst into history and language, while eating all the pineapple we can eat. The Hawaiian archipelago consists of 137 islands spread over 1,500 miles and each island’s unique climate and topography makes this island-state an ecologist’s dream come true. Throughout our semester we get a glimpse of the incredible diversity on three islands – the Big Island, O’ahu, and Maui. In our first days in Pāhoa, in the southwest corner of the island, we map out our itinerary, set individual and group goals for the program, and develop a group creed to set the tone for our time together this semester. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Passion Projects while coming together as a traveling community.
Volcano Ecology and Japanese Gardens
Partnering with a local non-profit whose mission is to support Hawai’i’s Volcanoes National Park in the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources, we jump into our first project working alongside incredible guides to get a behind the scenes look into the incredible forces that built these unique islands. In the park, we remove invasive species and repair trails, both vital components of protecting this young and unique ecosystem.
Taking on a very different environment, we spend time along the water in Hilo at a Japanese garden recognized by the government of Japan as the biggest authentic garden outside of Japan. We lend a hand in various restoration projects and learn about the 1946 tsunami that devastated the city and shaped a generation. Our inspiring host engages us with guest speakers tailored to our group’s interests and we are regaled with stories and history lessons.
Sustainable Farming and Waipio Valley Exploration
Leaving Pāhoa’s rainforest behind, we travel up the eastern coast to a farm just outside the sacred Waipi’o Valley that introduces us to not only permaculture and sustainable living, but also allows us to dive into Hawaiian culture and our kuleana (responsibility) as guests on the islands. We learn the basic principles of permaculture while also exploring the way similar practices were used for generations by the Hawaiian people. We participate in workshops on medicinal plants, macadamia nut and coconut processing, reef safe sunscreen, and lei making. We visit with a local kahuna and learn about providing an offering before entering a sacred space. We work hard during the day and then spend evenings together as a group developing deeper bonds and making delicious meals!
SCUBA Certification and Surfing
Our final week on the Big Island is spent in Kona exploring the marine ecosystems of this diverse island. We have the opportunity to become PADI SCUBA certified in the turquoise waters surrounded by colorful reef fish and other marine life. For those already Open Water Certified, there are options to get your Advanced Certification or do fun dives. We soak up beach life here and spend most of our time underwater, where we see that biodiversity is as rich in the Hawaiian waters as it is on land. We also participate in our first of three surf lessons. Our local instructors are eager to share their experience in the waves and set us up well for our next lessons on other islands.
Travel to O’ahu and Honolulu Exploration
We say goodbye to the Big Island and catch a quick flight to Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. Moving into our new home in the hills above Ewa Beach, we settle into a more urban environment as we begin to explore Honolulu and Waikiki. We visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn more about the pivotal moment that brought the United States into WWII and view this bustling city from atop the Diamond Head Crater
While on this side of the island, we partner with a small non-profit organization that uses art, conservation, science, and culture to promote sustainable living within the West O’ahu community. We spend time at a few of their restoration sites learning about dry forest ecosystems and the invasive species threatening their limited range. We visit the nursery to see how endemic plants are propagated for outplanting throughout the area and learn about the art projects they use to connect with local school children.
Fishpond and Habitat Restoration on the North Shore
Moving to the iconic North Shore of O’ahu, we begin a series of projects focused on habitat restoration and food security. Our next project is on a flooded taro farm just outside of Haleiwa where we get knee-deep in the flood fields to learn about the importance of kalo (taro) in Hawaiian culture. With the help of our gracious host, we plant, harvest, repair taro beds and irrigation systems, learn about organic farming techniques, and even play traditional Hawaiian games We also enjoy our second surf lesson and combine it with a paddleboarding adventure with a local guide.
We have a down day to explore Hale’iwa Village and try the famous Hawaiian shave ice before starting our next project with an organization dedicated to the restoration of an ancient fishpond right in the heart of the town. Believed to be over 400 years old, this pond was once a key source of protein for the surrounding communities and we join the organization’s efforts to return it to its former glory. We take part in a variety of projects from dredging to outplanting and from coconut propagation to the care of juvenile fish in the “nursery.” We also learn about the history of the local community and how traditional fishing practices could help bring food security back to the islands.
Student Planned Module
After careful group planning, we round out our time on O’ahu with the highly anticipated Student Planned Module. This module is completely planned by the students, with basic parameters put in place and a budget with which to work. We can’t wait to hear what the group will do!
Travel to Maui and Habitat Restoration Projects
With wonderful memories of O’ahu to hold onto, we jet off to our final island – Maui! Maui is often referred to as the “Valley Island” because of the unique valley-like area between the island’s two volcano-formed peninsulas. Here we settle into our home base on the beach of West Maui and prepare for our final few weeks together.
Our first project on Maui is with an organization located Olowalu Valley that has been working to protect cultural resources through traditional Hawaiian practices. We jump right into projects removing invasive species, planting endemic plants, and restoring cultural landmarks. We also get lessons on how to use endemic plants as a dye, their medicinal properties, and how they have been used for practical purposes throughout history.
Aquaponics, Permaculture, and Endemic Seabird Conservation
Stepping onto the University of Hawai’i Maui College campus, we take part in a series of workshops diving deep into aquaculture and permaculture. We learn about the technical aspects of aquaponics and its potential as a sustainable food source for local communities. We build on our base knowledge of permaculture from previous projects and explore the use of worms in composting and the creation of high-quality, organic soil. We also explore the campus’ own botanical gardens and see the actions taken to bring native species back to wild spaces on the island.
Our final project of the semester takes us over to the leeward side of East Maui and a national wildlife refuge that serves as a sanctuary for over 30 species of seabirds, waterfowl, and migratory ducks. In an effort to return this vital habitat to its original state, we work on a variety of restoration projects and even help the rangers set traps for wild pigs wreaking havoc on the plants.
Surfing, Beach Time and Saying Goodbye
Our time in Hawai’i comes to an end with a few final days of surfing, beach time, and picturesque hikes. We finalize and present our Capstone Passion Projects and debrief what we have learned, achieved, and experienced over the course of our semester. Our time together has indelibly shaped us and will continue to impact our life choices as we take our memories, photos, and adventures back to our families and friends.
*Please note: Itinerary and order of islands is subject to change.
Program Reviews
“One of the most rewarding leaps of faith I’ve taken in my life!”
— Charlie G., Rye, NY, University of Virginia ’25“ARCC creates an environment where students are able to further develop leadership, responsibility, and trust in an rugged, new, and slightly unusual setting.”
— Becca A., New York, NY, Harvard College ’25“The number one thing I will take away from ARCC is how to be more of a go-with-the-flow person. Our group has mastered the art of turning a wrong move into the best day, and I will hold on to that ability in my daily life.”
— Sadie B., Los Angeles, CA, Northwestern ’25“ARCC has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as an individual. I learned so much – both curriculum-based and also about myself. I’ve developed my interpersonal skills while simultaneously developing long-lasting relationships!”
— Julia T., Scituate, MA, Georgetown University ’25“My husband and I are both thrilled that Tori had this experience and I appreciate all of the hard work of the ARCC staff to make this semester happen for our kids. It would have been easier on your end to take the semester off and not offer any trips, but we are so thankful that this was available. A gap year was not on our radar, but I think it will turn out to be such an important part of Tori’s growth and development. It has prepared her for independent living and has opened up experiences for her. Many thanks from grateful parents!”
— Parent of Tori S., Lenexa, KS, CU Boulder ’25“I am grateful beyond my ability to properly express our appreciation for the flexibility and tenacity of purpose ARCC and the ARCC Hawaii instructors displayed before, during, and at the conclusion of this adventure. While Calvin’s peers sat in front of Call of Duty in empty dorm rooms and tired homes, you guys gave Cal colorful life memories, valuable life experience, and sturdy connections all his own. Whoa! Well done. I watched Calvin explain the other night to his grandmother that ARCC prepared him to seek adventure, not shy away from it. I was taken aback.”
— Parent of Cal R., Princeton, NJ, Skidmore ’25“Thank you so much for providing an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience on the Hawaiian islands which allowed Aidan to identify his passions and further explore his interests! Aidan thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the community service projects as well. Your research and development of these gap semester programs have been instrumental in transforming the lives of our teenagers and after 18 months of living with a challenging global pandemic in the midst of their education, their happy experiences are even more meaningful and magnified!”
— Parent of Aidan M., Basking Ridge, NJ, Eckerd College ’26Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their gap year with ARCC:
Hard at Work in Hawaii
Whaddup fam, Camryn and Bella here!! We’ve had a great time being Leaders of the Days for this crazy group of friends during our service days. Thursday was our second day of service at the coffee farm. We planted coffee and banana trees, spread mulch, and harvested other edible plants like taro, hibiscus, sweet potatoes,…Read more
SCUBA Certified!
Let’s have a round of applause for our newly certified PADI open water scuba divers! Everyone in the group passed the course with flying colors and had lots of fun while doing so. Our instructors, Mike, Nick, and John, were fantastic! We learned a lot from them and felt more than comfortable diving into the…Read more
See you later, Hawaii!
And we stress that it’s “see you later” and not “goodbye!”Wow, what a semester. Where to begin? Gratitude seems to be the overwhelming feeling right now; gratitude for the opportunity to have had this experience, gratitude for our families for helping make this experience a reality, gratitude for the people of Hawaii who have made…Read more
The Farm, Green Sand, and Malama Ki
Hi everyone! It’s Sydney from Boston and this past week, I was the leader of the week with my friend Livvy. We were the first leaders of the week of the whole trip and we had a lot of fun! Livvy already reported on our week a bit, but it was our first week out…Read more
Volcanoes and Reflection
We left Kohala on the 23rd, and on the drive over we stopped at a viewpoint overlooking Waipio Valley, along with clear views to Maui and Haleakala. We continued along the coast, ultimately passing through Hilo before reaching the Farm. On the 24th, both groups began their first sections of service work. Because of group…Read more
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC