hawaii€¦ · a series of programs that deepen our understanding of hawaii’s sensitive marine...

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Witness Ancient Volcanic Lava Flows and Work Alongside

Rangers in Volcanoes National Park

• Surf Perfect Breaks of and Take to the Ocean in Outrigger Canoe

• Build a Sustainable Hawaii through Farm-to-School Initiatives and

Embrace Hawaiian Culture

• Explore Waterfalls, Pristine Beaches, and Stunning Vistas

• Mentor and Inspire Students at the Boys and Girls Club

• Cruise Alongside Dolphins on the Stunning Napali Coast

• Snorkel and Explore Kahalu’u Bay Learning Reef Ecology to

Protect Sensitive Marine Life

• 30 Hours of Community Service

Spotlight Marine 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.

HAWAIIPRESERVING PARADISEA 14-Day Environmental Conservation Program

SAMPLE ITINERARY

arrival

Participants are met by their leaders at the Kona AIrport on the Island of Hawaii (or in Los Angeles

International Airport if on the escorted flight). After a quick welcome and introduction to ARCC,

we head to our campsite in the quiet coastal town of Hilo on the East side and spend our first night

under the Hawaiian stars.

Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii

day 1

iSland orientation and Stargazing

This morning we head back to the airport and take a quick flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Once

there, we cover program basics such as how to set up tents and use camp stoves. Through games,

team-building activities and cooking our first meal together, the adventure truly begins. We also

introduce the role of “Leader of the Day,” discuss expectations and learn more about our new

island home. This evening, we have a chance to visit the highest point of the island as we take

the winding journey up to the summit of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea. This vantage point not

only has one of the best sunsets on the island, but it is also one of the best places to view stars

in the world! Once the sun sets into a sea of clouds, we take turns gazing through telescopes and

learning from the visitor center staff about the millions of stars and planets surrounding us.


day 2

Spotlight project: Kahalu’u Bay SnorKel Service

Over the next two days, we have the incredible opportunity to take action for the ocean through

a series of programs that deepen our understanding of Hawaii’s sensitive marine ecosystem. By

overviewing the importance of coral reefs, the relationship between fish, corals and other reef animals

we learn and how to take care of the reef and behave responsibly while navigating it. Dawning

snorkel gear, we jump into Kahalu’u Bay collecting data on species abundance and diversity while

exploring the reef. The information we gather will help inform local scientists about the reefs current

state of health and help advance conservation efforts in the area.


day 3

volcanoeS national parK

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 get a behind the

scenes look into the incredible forces that built these unique islands. Working alongside Rangers we

explore the landscape learning about the varied volcanic features that shape the environment here.

Giving back to the park, we work alongside volunteers restoring trails, removing invasive species and

protecting this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.


day 6

Waipi’o valley hiKe and Manta ray SnorKel

With countless waterfalls, lush jungles, and pristine beaches, no trip to Hawaii is complete without

a little exploration. Taking the road to its end, we pause overlooking this majestic valley before

venturing down in search of wild horses and a black-sand beach beckoning explorers. If we are lucky

we can view the Kaluahine Falls cascading off the edge of the island while taking a well-earned dip

in the Pacific.

This evening we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Hawaii’s coastal manta rays.

Taking a sunset cruise along the Kona coast, we dawn our 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 manta’s associate bright dive lights with food, and we

take full advantage of this opportunity to witness some of the oceans most peaceful and majestic

creatures. Come face-to-face with these gentle giants as they gracefully feast on plankton swirling

around the lights!


day 7

inter-iSland exploration and Beach day

After a week of adventure in this amazing place, it is time to pack up and begin our journey to Kauai!

Hopping on our short flight, we arrive at Lihue Airport and make our way to our home for the rest

of our adventure. After we settle into our new camp just steps from the ocean, we take the day to

explore the island, visit hidden beaches and relax in the shade. We also do laundry, touch base with

our families back home and plan for our upcoming service.

Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai

day 8

inter-iSland exploration and Beach day After a week of adventure in this amazing place, it is time to pack up and begin our journey to Kauai!

Hopping on our short flight, we arrive at Lihue Airport and make our way to our home for the rest

of our adventure. After we settle into our new camp just steps from the ocean, we take the day to

explore the island, visit hidden beaches and relax in the shade. We also do laundry, touch base with

our families back home and plan for our upcoming service.


day 8

ocean Service and Surfing

Today we work with a large non-profit grassroots organization whose goals are aimed at improving

the ocean and beaches of Kauai which have become damaged by the influx of tourism in recent

years. We are educated on their mission statement of C.A.R.E. (Conservation, Activism, Research,

and Education) and, with the help of professionals, we assist in conservation and research projects

on the beach and in the ocean. Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai

This afternoon, we experience the world-famous break of Kauai’s South Shore. We learn the

fundamentals of the exhilarating sport of surfing with the help of professional surf instructors. After

a lesson on land, we head into the water. Under the care of our instructors, we learn proper stance,

ocean safety and how to maximize our paddling strokes. With a little determination and luck, we

soon find ourselves coasting towards the beach atop cresting waves!


day 10

BoyS and girlS cluB of haWaii

Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the BGCH’s clubhouses provide guidance-oriented character

development programs six days a week for Hawaiian children aged 7-17 years old. Working alongside

the awesome people involved with the BGCH, we organize and implement an “Olympic Sports Day”

or “Fear Factor Day” with rotating events, stations, and prizes for elementary school Boys and Girls

Club members. Through our interactions with locals, we not only build stronger bonds between the

Islanders and the mainland but also build lasting friendships with the amazing kids and volunteers

of the organization.


day 9

Want to learn More? contact the regional director:

eBen coenen | regional director: haWaii

[email protected] Ext. 227

SuStainaBle food Service and outrigger canoeing

Hawaii is one of the most isolated island chains in the world and if supplies were to stop, the island

would only have about 5 days’ worth of food to feed its population. Partnering with a community-

based nonprofit organization that focuses on advocating, educating, and driving action towards a

sustainable Kauai, we work to complete a number of food-related outreach projects designed to

stimulate the community towards agricultural self-reliance. Utilizing their community food forest,

fruits and vegetables are donated to local food banks. We work together to complete farm-to-school

projects and advance Kauai towards a more sustainable future.

Outrigger canoes first arrived in Hawaii around 200 AD, some large enough to hold up to 80 people,

and were filled with essential items like edible plants, water, and animals to ensure a safer voyage

for the brave explorers who took off in search of land. Rowing has always been an important part of

Hawaiian Culture, and we have a chance to practice and learn this ancient form of exploration!


day 11

group led outing and final activitieS

On our last full day in Hawaii, we have a chance to choose our own adventure. Working together with

some guidance from our leaders, we have the opportunity to plan an adventure of our own. Whether

it be visiting “Secret Beach” or the Kilauea Lighthouse, it is bound to be an unforgettable final day

on the Garden Isle.

After an amazing two weeks full of service and activities, we head back to our camp for one last night

together and have our Final Feast to celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

Campground Hanalei, Kauai

day 14

zodiaK raft tour and SnorKeling

Today we celebrate all of the service we have completed during our time on Kauai with a day of

ocean exploration and snorkeling. We board a Zodiak raft and experience the dramatic Na Pali coast

from the ocean as we discover enchanting sea caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. We have the

opportunity to snorkel the astounding reef in search of sea turtles and colorful fish while we soak in

the sun surrounded by new friends in this stunning paradise.

Campground Hanalei, Kauai

day 13

departure

After two amazing weeks embracing the spirit of Aloha, we wave goodbye to Kauai as we head back

to Kona and catch our connecting flights back home. The memories of the experience and the group

will carry us through to next summer!

day 15

hawaii€¦ · a series of programs that deepen our understanding of hawaii’s sensitive marine...

Documents