Inter-Island Exploration

From the moonscape summit of Moana Kea gazing at the stars to the vibrant ocean reefs dancing with sea turtles and colorful fish, immerse yourself in two weeks of sheer beauty! After landing in Kona on the Island of Hawaii, we settle into our new home away from home where we learn about Hawaiian culture and local traditions like taro farming and set up our camp. Sleeping under the stars in our private paradise we play games, share laughs and watch the sun rise and set across turquoise blue waters. Exploring the oldest and newest islands in the Hawaiian archipelago; Kauai and Hawaii, learn what makes them unique and why this small dot in the Pacific is such a renowned destination. Hike past towering waterfalls, wander through quaint beach towns and gaze down from stunning vistas.

Natural Disaster Relief

The Hawaiian Islands have long endured ever-changing environmental conditions that have forged and shaped their serene landscape for millennia. As a location with both the highest percentage of rainfall on the planet and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, it comes as no surprise that the local residents have faced some real challenges. In 2018, Kauai faced record levels of rainfall that swept away cars, damaged roads, homes, schools and drastically changed the lives of local residents. Three hundred miles away, on the Big Island, the lower Puna eruption was one of the most devastating in history, leaving hundreds of residents homeless and with no place to go. Partnering with local organizations working to support and house those in need, you will play a crucial role in helping to restore the community to what it once was. By rebuilding community gardens, serving meals, collecting and organizing donations and sharing people’s stories, you will have the chance to connect to Hawaii in a deeper way than imagined as you truly embrace the spirit of aloha!

Night Snorkel with Manta Rays

After some hard work supporting the islands, we reward ourselves with one of the most unique adventures in the world! Taking a sunset cruise along the Kona coast, we dawn snorkel gear and jump into the warm waters equipped with dive lights, and gather around the “underwater campfire” to enjoy the show. This is the only place in the world where coastal manta rays are conditioned to associate the bright dive lights with food, and we take full advantage of this opportunity to witness some of the oceans most peaceful and majestic creatures. Come face-to-face with these gentle giants as they gracefully roll and twirl, feasting on plankton swirling around the lights, and experience the ocean in a way most never will.

Building a Sustainable Hawaii

The concept of ‘aina correlates to a rich and often spiritual connection to the land. Ancient Polynesians who first settled Hawaii recognized the need for balance with the natural world, looking to it as more of a mother and provider than an array of resources for the taking. Many native Hawaiians today still foster these strong links to nature and perpetuate farming practices using the same “canoe plants” introduced thousands of years ago. Although the rich volcanic soil is some of the most fertile in the world, every year the islands import nearly 90% of all it’s food, and if shipments were to stop, there would only be enough to feed the population for 5 days! Developing your own sense of ‘aina, partner with locals to build and restore gardens that grow food for schools and the community, giving vital nourishment back to the people.

Boys and Girls Club & Surfing

Diving into the local community we take some time to connect with locals in a way most tourists never can, at the Boys and Girls Club of Kauai. Build bonds and mentor Hawaiian youth during fun and interactive field days. Bring together Boys and Girls Club members from three distinct clubs across the island at tri-club events and volunteer together on community service initiatives. Help foster positive relationships between islanders and the mainland as you, laugh, play and become part of the Hawaiian ohana (family). After building bonds with the youth of Kauai, we take to the ocean for a professional surf lesson! Splashing our way towards shore with a beaming smile, we perfect our surfing skills until the tropical Hawaiian sun.

Explore the Na Pali Coast

Hiking the Na Pali Coast is like walking through a painting as you soak in the picturesque turquoise water lapping against lush green hills. Escaping along red cliffs into the rainforest, we hike and meander past waterfalls and stunning beaches reaching a massive waterfall soaring over 100 feet high! Spend a morning aboard a Zodiac Raft, absorbing the remarkable coastal views by boat as you cruise along the coast in search of super pods of dolphins. While aboard we learn about the numerous movies filmed along the shore and snorkel through large schools of fish in search of sea turtles.

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