Pacific Discovery: Hawaii Gap Summer Program | 4 weeks

Surf world-class waves, traverse volcanoes, and lend a hand in environmental conservation while traveling on the Big Island and Oahu! 

The volcanic island chain of Hawaii is a traveler's dream. The Big Island is rich in culture and community and Oahu has coastal vibes like California and mighty peaks like Colorado and this program is all about diving in to understand local issues, all while having an epic time along the way. Our endless to-do list includes stargazing from the summit of Mauna Kea, walking on a moonscape of black lava in Volcanoes National Park, roaming a green sand beach, surfing point breaks, and spotting turtles. 

We will immerse in the iconic locations around Hawai’i & Oahu Island while capturing the complete picture of life in Hawaii and adding value along the way. We will learn to hula, make frangipani leis, prepare an Imu feast, and check out the canoes Hawaiians traditionally used to roam across oceans. 

During this four-week summer program, a key focus will be to connect to the land and sea. We will adopt sustainable living skills by rolling up our sleeves at a local non-profit organization and learning how to farm with permaculture principles. We will get hands-on with an innovative marine conservation project, working on a fishpond restoration project to protect and support fragile sea life. Participants will walk away with a Certificate of Environmental Conservation with 40 hours of service to boost their resume, and the memories will last a lifetime. Emerge from time spent in the jungle and ocean feeling wholesome and empowered. 

Highlights:

• Learn about conservation and sustainable living from a local non-profit
• Remove invasive vegetation that threatens water quality and local fish species
• Participate in the efforts to restore local beaches with a marine debris clean-up
• Practice your surfing skills 
• Hike and drive across lava fields and volcanic craters in Volcanoes National Park
• Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by learning about the heritage, history, and importance of canoes
• Focus on your mind, body and soul with yoga and meditation sessions
• Stargaze on top of the highest peak in the world, Mauna Kea
• Snorkel the reefs of Kona and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manta rays and turtles
• Explore the waterfalls, trails and botanical gardens of the Big Island
• Camp under the night sky and share stories by the campfire
• Prepare a local Imu feast where we take the food from ground to table

All meals; all accomodation; All activities, excursions, entry fees and adventure travel as described in the itinerary; Service-learning volunteer conservation project; Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism, history, and development; Experienced Program Instructors and local guides.