

HAWAII
PRESERVING PARADISE
A 14-Day Marine Conservation Program






Hawaii

Program Details
Dates: | June 12 – June 26, 2021 June 29 – July 13, 2021 July 17 – July 31, 2021 |
Duration: | 15 days |
Tuition: | $3,995* |
Arrive: | Kona, Hawaii** |
Depart: | Kona, Hawaii** |
Grade | 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
*Inter-island Airfare Included in Tuition Price
**Optional Leader Escorted Flight from Los Angeles
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Program Highlights
- Witness Ancient Volcanic Lava Flows and Work Alongside Rangers in Volcanoes National Park
- Surf the Perfect Breaks of Hawaii and Take to the Ocean in an Outrigger Canoe
- Protect Hawaii’s Beaches Alongside Grassroot Organizers and Embrace the Aloha Spirit
- Explore Countless Waterfalls, Pristine Beaches, and Stunning Vistas
- Mentor and Inspire Students at the Boys and Girls Club
- Cruise Alongside Dolphins on the Stunning Napali Coast Past Multi-Colored Cliffs
- Snorkel and Explore Kahalu’u Bay Learning Reef Ecology to Protect Sensitive Marine Life
- 30 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Project
Preserving Paradise
Take action for the ocean by growing and transplanting living coral, cleaning beaches and helping to restore vital habitat for marine mammals, fish and sea turtles. As the number of visitors to Hawaii steadily increases, educating newcomers on reef etiquette and the rich ecosystems surrounding the island is critical to the survival of sensitive ocean-dwelling animals. Work alongside scientists and educators to become a certified “ReefTeacher,” collecting water-quality and environmental data to monitor the bay’s health. Through volunteer-driven educational projects, partner with a local grassroots organization to ensure the bay remains a healthy and welcoming place for residents, visitors, and sea creatures alike.
Program Overview
Discover an enchanting tropical island paradise on this Hawaii summer service program. Where the beauty of the turquoise water melts into captivating sunsets, and powerful molten forces still expand the land. Pilot an outrigger canoe through Hanalei Bay like the early Polynesians and share in the spirit of Aloha. Work to preserve the splendor of the sea and the majesty of the lush rainforest. Befriend Hawaiian children at the Boys and Girls Club, and partner with local nonprofits to build gardens that offset the cost of school lunches. Restore the Hawaiian reef alongside naturalists while exploring tide pools bustling with life. Catch a wave learning to surf Hawaii’s famous breaks, and saunter along one of the world’s most beautiful hikes on the stunning Na Pali Coast Trail. Preserve paradise under the tropical sun surrounded by serene waterfalls, remote beaches, and newfound friends on this incredible island adventure!
Video
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Inter-Island Exploration
From the moonscape summit of Mauna 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.
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 ocean’s 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.
Program Reviews
“This trip was a blast! I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
— Katie R-D., ARCC Student“He had a great time. The leaders were organized, well trained, lots of fun and
knowledgeable. The group worked well.”
“The Hawaii Service was a great trip with the perfect mixture between the
helpful community service and exciting adventures through the Hawaiian Islands.”
“The Hawaii Service program was the best two weeks of my life. I saw the island
from the native Hawaiian point of view. This is an experience I will never
forget. ”
“I can’t say enough about what great trips your group plans for teens. I think
including so much community service is so important for teens. We have made
these trips a priority financially and I wish other people would realize it is
much better to spend money on kids this way instead of so many electronics,
clothes, or….. ”
“Both leaders were excellent. A large part of the success of the trip is due to
the leader’s and from Dylan’s first introduction in San Francisco throughout the
entire trip his leaders displayed genuine enthusiasm, maturity and many other
qualities which served to make this Dylan’s best trip yet.”
“Dylan had the time of his life!!! Great combination of fun and work…it was his
first time camping and he LOVED it. You did a great job getting them all bonded
and working like a team!!”
“All the stars were aligned regarding Hillary’s ARCC experience…the counselors,
the kids, the location, the experiences, the weather, the onsite staff, the
food…superlative!”
“I really loved the kids and I want to get involved with my local Boys and Girls
Club.”
“The Hawaii Service trip took me to the real Hawaii, not just the Hawaii people
see on TV. It was so worth it! ”
“ARCC changed my life. It taught me things about myself that I would never have
learned. The counselors were phenomenal, the experience unimaginable. Thanks
guys!”
“This is a great way to meet new people, try new things, work hard, and have fun
the entire time.”
Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their summer program with ARCC:
A Good Beginning
Aloha from Hawaii! The past 3 days have been so much fun! Everyone in the group is so friendly and I feel like I already know everyone so well. For our first community service project we worked with Surfrider Foundation to test the water around Hanalei Bay for pollution. On our second day we worked…Read more
Boys and Girls Club Service
Today we headed to Lydgate Beach Park to help run the “Mini Olympics” with the Boys and Girl’s Club. We got to help out at each event… obstacle course, volleyball/soccer, cross fit and track & field. The kids were so much fun to work with and although it was super hot we made sure to…Read more
Habitat for Humanity Service and Surfing
Today we woke up and quickly chowed down some oatmeal as we rushed to the shores of Kihei for our first surfing session. It was spectacular! Although we had some experienced surfers, many were new to the skill and I am proud to write that we picked it up quite well! Those few moments of…Read more
Hike and Tour of the Napali Coast
Wednesday morning we woke up to an amazing breakfast of French toast prepared by Isabella and Beaumont. After breakfast we were delighted to get our phones back to connect with family while Ben and Debbie cleaned up breakfast. We then took a short drive to the Na’Pali Coast trailhead and began out expedition to the…Read more
Journal: Boys and Girls Club Service
Wednesday we woke up and made yummy chocolate chip pancakes before heading to the Kauai Boys and Girls Club. Once there, we got a short orientation and then went out to meet the kids. We played some ice breaker games to get to know each other then went to the main program which consisted of…Read more
Loving Hawaii!
Aloha! So far the trip has been amazing and memorable! Our first service project was at the Limihuli botanical garden, which consisted of lots of weeding and wading through native Hawaiian vegetation. It was really cool because we not only bonded with our own group but also with the volunteers from the Hawaiian conservation corps.…Read more
Our Time on Kauai
Hi from Kauai! Thursday, the group woke up very early to make the hour and a half drive to begin the Zodiak Boat tour. To me, this was the most thrilling experience so far. We joined our captains Dennis, and Jason on the small raft to blast over choppy waves and through dark, bat infested…Read more
Common Questions
What is the packing list for this program?
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, and climate. Please click here to view the Hawaii: Local Connections packing list.
What is the weather like in Hawaii?
The average daytime temperature should range between 78-85 degrees F (25-29 degrees C), with a drop of about 10 degrees at night. Due to Hawaii’s many microclimates, the climate can vary depending on location within the island. The program takes place during Hawaii’s dry season, however it is not unusual to see small amounts of rainfall in the tropical areas. It tends to be a bit cooler in the mountains and and warmer near the beaches.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in Hawaii for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. The specific service projects that each group will work on depend on the needs of the communities at the time the groups are there. Possibilities include mentoring local schoolchildren, trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, assisting in the preservation of tropical plants and homeless outreach.
Where will we sleep?
You will sleep in tents on the beautiful North Shore of Kauai. All campgrounds have restroom facilities with showers and running water for cooking, washing hands, etc. You will sleep in groups of 3-4 in tents supplied by ARCC. Please make sure you check the Hawaii Clothing & Equipment List and remember to bring your own sleeping bag and pad.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring music for these rides, feel free to bring a music player or CDs. If you bring an iPod or MP3 player, make sure to bring a radio adapter, as most of our vans do not have a MP3 jack.
What is the food like?
The group will work together to create each menu and prepare typical American food and fruits throughout the duration of this program.
Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date.
How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.
Do I need some form of ID to travel?
If you are traveling to Hawaii from somewhere in the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. It is a good idea to travel with a picture I.D. if possible, but it is not necessary to bring a passport. A school identification card with your photo on it is best, but a library card or credit card with your name on it is also helpful. If you are traveling to Hawaii from somewhere outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this trip, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.
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