HAWAII

Big Island Adventures

The youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, Hawai’i (aka “the Big Island”) is a land of contrasts. It contains almost all of the biomes of the world, found in one place, from the wet tropical rainforests of Hilo to the snowy polar summit of Mauna Loa to the dry rocky deserts of the western Kona side. Our week on the Big Island takes us on a tour of this diverse island. Dive into the crystal clear emerald waters of Kealakekua Bay to snorkel and swim through vibrant coral reefs and keep an eye open for beautiful marine life like dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Explore the sanctuary city of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and dip your toes into the colorful sand of one of the island’s famous black, white, or green sand beaches.

Volcanoes National Park Preservation

The Hawaiian islands’ history was literally formed by dynamic volcanic forces still at work today. We head to one of the newest and most biodiverse landscapes in the world for an impactful service project. Partnering with a local non-profit whose mission is to support the National Park Service in the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources, we work alongside incredible guides to help restore the region’s native rainforests, cutting and removing invasive plants that are taking over these unique habitats. After all of our hard work, we join a park ranger for a fascinating interpretive hike into the Kilauea Iki crater, where steam rises from cracks in the volcanic crater bedrock and beautiful wildflowers dot an otherworldly landscape. We get an up close view of the island’s volcanic history and see how it will continue to change for centuries to come.

Marine Debris Removal Service

Because of Hawaii’s location in the Pacific, ocean currents carry plastic waste and marine debris from all over the world, some of it decades old, depositing it on the island’s beautiful beaches. Each year, thousands of pounds of marine debris, from sunscreen bottles to discarded fishing nets, wash up on the shoreline, often in beaches far from the public’s eye. This debris can entangle ocean animals like humpback whales, sea turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals and is eaten by fish and sea birds. Joining with a local non-profit grassroots organization, we trek to one of these remote beaches and help remove piles of discarded plastic items, while learning how we can reduce our own plastic footprint in our daily lives.

Polynesian Cultural Tour & Traditional Imu Feast

We awake with the sun to begin collecting banana and palm leaves used to build a traditional Imu, an in-ground hot rock oven used by Hawaiians for generations. After digging the imu and preparing the locally grown and wild harvested food, we light the fire and perform a traditional blessing. While the food slowly cooks through the day, we embark on a guided tour of historically and culturally-significant locations such as the Kings Road (part of the original King’s Trail that dates back several centuries), one of the original Pele Alters in a hidden lava tube, and Malama Ki, a healing site used for hundreds of years. Arriving back at camp, we open the imu and feast on the delicious meal, then end the night with a multicultural sound journey through Polynesian culture.

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.

Kauai Island Exploration

One of the oldest islands in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai’s landscape has been shaped by thousands of years of rain and weather, carving the island into a dynamic mix of jagged mountain cliffs, emerald valleys, and hundreds of cascading waterfalls. During our time on the “Garden Isle” we hike along the Kalalau Trail for a refreshing dip in the cool waters beneath the 300-foot tall Hanakāpīʻai Falls, and take in the panoramic views of Waimea Canyon, the multicolored “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and one of the rainiest places on the planet. Our Kauai campsite sits on the shores of Hanalei Bay, a picturesque white sand beach with warm calm waters and relaxing surf town atmosphere.

Waipa Foundation Service & Hanalei Bay Surfing

Joining volunteers from the Waipā Foundation, we take some time to connect with locals in a way most tourists never do. For over 20 years, this foundation has managed the 1,600 acre ahupua’a (land region) of Waipā, located along beautiful Hanalei Bay. Waipā is a place where folks can connect with the land and learn about traditional Hawaiian values and lifestyles. Along with local guides, we get involved with a variety of projects to help restore and protect the land, which may include planting native trees, water quality testing, harvesting local food, or helping to make traditional poi from taro plants. We also learn about the important culture and history of this region and the many generations that have called it home. After completing our two days of service with the locals, we take to the ocean for a professional surf lesson! Our friendly surf guides teach us the secrets to catching the perfect wave, and we practice our skills in the warm clear waters of the picturesque bay.

Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Tour

Kauai’s iconic Nā Pali Coast is a colorful landscape that is not to be missed! Boarding a zodiac raft, we speed along the beautiful coastline, alongside emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges that rise thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean. We stop to swim and eat lunch at one of the many white sand beaches nestled within these mountains, then cruise into hidden coves and through sea caves for an exciting adrenaline rush unlike any other. While absorbing the remarkable views, we encounter playful spinner dolphins, witness cascading waterfalls, and learn about the numerous movies like Jurassic Park that were filmed along the world-famous stretch of Kauai.

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