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, Oahu, and Maui. In our first days in Pahoa, 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 Hawaii’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 Pahoa’s rainforest behind, we travel up the eastern coast to a farm just outside the sacred Waipio 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 Ocean Education in Kahalu’u Bay

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.

After wrapping up our certification, we partner with a local NGO that works to educate island visitors about the delicate coral reef habitat and the importance of reef-safe sunscreen. Reaching out to beach-goers, we share our knowledge about each person’s kuleana and encourage every visitor to treat this incredible ecosystem with the respect it deserves. But it’s not all work here in Kona, 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 Oahu and Honolulu Exploration

We say goodbye to the Big Island and catch a quick flight to Honolulu on the island of Oahu. 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 Oahu 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 Oahu, 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 Haleiwa 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 Oahu 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 Oahu 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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.

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their gap year with ARCC: