

HAWAII
PRESERVING PARADISE
A 16-Day Environmental Service & Cultural Program






Hawaii

Program Details
Dates: | June 28 – July 13 July 18 – August 2 |
Duration: | 16 days |
Tuition: | $4,995* |
Arrive: | Honolulu, Oahu |
Depart: | Kona, Hawaii |
Grade | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th |
*Inter-island Airfare Included in Tuition Price
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Program Highlights
- Witness Ancient Volcanic Lava Flows and Work Alongside Rangers in Volcanoes National Park
- Surf the Perfect Wave Breaks of Oahu
- Learn the Ancient Art of Hula and Traditional Hawaiian Cooking
- Protect Hawaii’s Ecosystem Alongside Grassroot Organizers and Embrace the Aloha Spirit
- Come Face-to-Fin With Gentle Manta Rays During a Night Snorkel Off the Kona Coast
- Paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe
- 20 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Project
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Conservation
Since it is so far from any other major landmass, the Hawaiian islands are the most geographically isolated and biologically diverse place on the planet. Almost all of the native plants and animals that call these islands home are found only in the Hawaiian islands. However invasive species like Faya trees and Kahili ginger are taking over these habitats and overwhelming the native flora and fauna. Working with a local non-profit organization and experienced national park rangers, we remove invasive plants, giving endemic plants an opportunity to return to their original habitat. Our hard work, done with shears, saws and hands, helps preserve the paradise that makes this unique landscape so special.
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. From the lava fields of the Big Island to the lush green mountains of Oahu, we get to experience the best of Hawaii has to offer! Pilot an outrigger canoe 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. Partner with local nonprofits to support community projects and help native plants and animals thrive in Volcanoes National Park. Dive into a kaleidoscope of color on vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Catch a wave while learning to surf Hawaii’s famous breaks, and saunter along one of the world’s most beautiful hikes on the stunning coastlines. 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
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.
Learn About the Local Ecosystems
The group will get a chance to learn about the various ecosystems in Hawaii, and participate in two projects that support the local community.
Sustainable Integrated Aquaponics Systems Education (SIASE): This project provides opportunities for participants to engage in hands-on, science-based activities and curriculum on aquaponics. We learn about fish ecology, and how they interact with the Hawaiian ecosystem.
Community Composting Project: This project seeks to investigate the viability of vermicomposting as a complementary and cost effective method for diverting agricultural waste away from the landfill to create locally produced soil amendments. Hawai`i is an isolated state necessitating importation of virtually all farm inputs.
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.
Diamond Head Crater Hike
On Oahu we hike up the famed Diamond Head Crater to get sweeping views of the island.
Service and Surfing
Joining volunteers from the community, we take some time to connect with locals in a way most tourists never do. 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 service with the locals, we take to the ocean for a professional surf lesson! Splashing our way towards shore with a beaming smile, we learn how to perfect our surfing skills under the tropical Hawaiian sun.
Outrigger Canoe
As we continue to expand our knowledge of Hawaiian culture, we also spend a morning learning to navigate outrigger canoes. Early Polynesian explorers first settled on the islands around 400 A.D. using the same mode of transportation, bringing with them vital resources to develop the land. As a team we take to the ocean calling our strokes, practicing teamwork, and exploring the stunning coastline.
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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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