Hawaii Big Island Trip Overview
We’ll dive right into Hawaii’s biggest island on an adventure sure to leave you feeling rewarded and refreshed. We’ll team up with local marine and land conservation organizations to earn 15 hours of community service while becoming ambassadors for a healthy Hawaiian ecosystem. Experience hands-on learning while working closely with marine biologists on important projects all focused on the ocean. Survey reefs, collect ocean data, and become educated about reef ecology!
Plenty of adventure will complement our service projects. Hike through lava tubes, sail alongside pods of dolphins, snorkel with giant manta rays at night, horseback ride through the lush, tropical Waipio valley, and much more on this incredible journey to discover what many say is the best of the Hawaiian islands!
During this program, you will…
- Earn up to 15 hours of community service focused on marine conservation
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hike through a lava tube
- Snorkel with manta rays at night
- Learn about reef ecology
- Horseback ride or hike through Waipio Valley
- Explore lush rainforests, sparkling waterfalls, and volcanic craters
- Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast at an authentic luau
- Learn the traditional art of hula dancing during our own private lesson
- Watch for dolphins as we enjoy a BBQ lunch while sailing on a catamaran
- Capture a once-in-a-lifetime sunset and stargaze from the summit of sacred Mauna Kea*
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX)
When the group flight takes off, the trip has begun!
DAYS 1-10: KONA, HILO, NORTH AND EAST SHORE
Our Hawaiian adventure will take place on “The Big Island” also known simply as Hawaii! Here we will work closely alongside marine biologists for three days to learn and help care for the fragile underwater ecosystem that surrounds the island. We’ll encounter numerous exotic fish, an abundance of healthy coral, dozens of sea turtles, and more! At the end of our project, we will be certified reef instructors ready to educate Hawaii’s visitors about safe swimming and snorkeling practices and what they can do to help keep the reefs lively. Our service projects will be centered around observational snorkeling to survey reefs, collecting ocean data for research, and educating visitors on conservation.
Marine conservation won’t be the only focus of our time on the West Coast of Hawaii, we’ll have plenty of adventures while there as well! We’ll witness the varying ecosystems and climates as we travel around the island, learn about aquaculture at the Octopus and Seahorse farms, and watch manta rays barrel roll through illuminated waters as we snorkel with these gentle giants at night. Take a horseback ride through stunning Waipio Valley and see what the North Shore is all about. We’ll dive into the rich culture of Hawaii in our hula lesson and learn that the dance is much more than just swaying the hips.
We’ll take a road trip from the sunny west side of the island to rainforest-centric Hilo to experience a different side of the Big Island! We’ll see numerous waterfalls, a rainforest-themed botanical garden, and lava rocks galore! We’ll visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to wander through lava tubes and hike the rim of an active volcano, and view turtles basking on a rare, black sand beach.
We’ll spend a very special morning on the slopes of the dormant Hualālai volcano with a family that are stewards of the land. This unique cultural experience will teach us the importance of native plants and animals, and we will help with removing invasive species and take time to connect with nature. We will plant a Koa seedling–a sacred and protected tree in Hawaii–as an aina, or gift to the mighty Hualālai volcano.
Our time in Hawaii will be topped off with an authentic Hawaiian luau, complete with amazing performances and delicious food! We’ll celebrate our journey and reminisce about our unforgettable adventures under the Hawaiian sun.
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT TO LOS ANGELES (LAX)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stay?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Kona, our hotel is right next to a small bay, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and right in the heart of Kona’s many shops.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Kona, our hotel is right next to a small bay, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and right in the heart of Kona’s many shops.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is unique about the Hawaii Big Island Service and Adventure trip?
Hawaii Big Island Service and Adventure provides an amazing opportunity to explore in-depth one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. The Big Island is home to a dizzying array of wildlife, beauty, climate zones, and things to do. In addition to the service component, students love the exciting mix of activities and cultural experiences that make each day an unforgettable adventure!
Hawaii Big Island Service and Adventure provides an amazing opportunity to explore in-depth one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. The Big Island is home to a dizzying array of wildlife, beauty, climate zones, and things to do. In addition to the service component, students love the exciting mix of activities and cultural experiences that make each day an unforgettable adventure!
What is included on the Hawaii Big Island Service and Adventure trip?
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the food like on this program?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
The food in Hawaii involves plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course, seafood! Some typical foods we will have the chance to try are poke bowls, acai bowls, poi, and breadfruit.
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
The food in Hawaii involves plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course, seafood! Some typical foods we will have the chance to try are poke bowls, acai bowls, poi, and breadfruit.