HAWAII PRESERVING PARADISE A 15-Day Environmental Conservation Program - ARCC Programs
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HAWAII
PRESERVING PARADISE
A 15-Day Environmental Conservation Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the Big Island’s Rich Polynesian History and Participate
in a Traditional Hawaiian Imu Feast
Work Alongside Park Rangers to Eliminate Invasive Plants From
Volcanoes National Park
Learn to “Hang 10” While Surfing the Turquoise Waters of Kauai’s
North Shore
Help Remove Plastic Marine Debris From Hawaii’s Pristine
Beaches
Hike the Kalalau Trail to the Refreshing Hanakāpīʻai Falls
Snorkel Amongst Colorful Coral Reefs and Giant Manta Rays Off
the Kona Coast
Embark on a Thrilling Zodiac Tour Through Sea Caves on the
Gorgeous Nā Pali Coast
24 Hours of Community Service
SPOTLIGHT PROJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Our time on the beautiful islands of Kauai and the Big Island are not just spent enjoying the scenery, but also
partnering with local state and national parks, NGOs and grassroots organizations who are constantly working
to preserve this unique Pacific paradise. The concept of ‘aina correlates to a rich and often spiritual connection
to the land. Ancient Polynesians who first settled Hawaii recognized the need for balance with the natural
world, looking to it as more of a mother and provider than an array of resources for the taking. Many native
Hawaiians today still foster these strong links to nature. Together with local volunteers, we take action to help
protect the landscapes and environment of the Hawaiian Islands by removing invasive plants in Volcanoes
National Park, cleaning plastic waste off white sand beaches, and restoring vital habitat for island wildlife. Our
hard work helps Hawaii remain a healthy and welcoming place for residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN KAUAI
Students are met at the Kauai airport by their trip leaders. Through games, team-building activities and eating
our first meal together, we begin to bond as a group. We also introduce the role of “Leader of the Day” which is
an essential component of every ARCC trip. From here it’s time to begin our Hawaiian adventure!
Accommodations: Private Hanalei Bay Campground
DAY 2 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.
Accommodations: Private Hanalei Bay Campground
DAY 4 WAIPA FOUNDATION & 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.
Accommodations: Private Hanalei Bay Campground
DAY 7 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.
Accommodations: Private Hanalei Bay Campground
DAY 7 INTERISLAND FLIGHT & BIG ISLAND ADVENTRUES
After a short flight from Kauai, we arrive at the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, Hawai’i, aka “the
Big Island''. Compared to Kauai, 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.
Accommodations: Private Hilo Campground
DAY 9 HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
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. Accommodations: Private Hilo Campground
DAY 10 POLYNESIAN CULTURAL TOUR & 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. Accommodations: Private Hilo Campground
DAY 12 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.
Accommodations: Kona Area Campground
DAY 13 MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL
Departing from the Kailua-Kona harbor, we head out on a sunset cruise for one of the most unique experiences
of the trip. As the sun dips below the Pacific horizon, we put on wetsuits and snorkel gear and jump into the
warm tropical waters to float around the large surfboards adorned with bright underwater lights for a once in a
lifetime show. Soon we are face-to-face with massive manta rays arriving to feed on the tiny plankton attracted
by the lights. These gentle giants, some almost 15 feet across, gracefully roll and glide beneath the surface,
sometimes coming within inches of us as they somersault through the clear water. The Travel Channel once
called Kona’s manta ray night snorkel “one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime” and we can certainly
agree!
Accommodations: Kona Area Campground
DAY 14 GROUP FREE DAY & FINAL CELEBRATIONS
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 one
of the famous local beaches, touring an octopus or seahorse farm, or enjoying some refreshing shaved ice, it is
bound to be an unforgettable final day on the Big Island
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!
Accommodations: Kona Area Campground
DAY 15 DEPARTURE FROM KONA
After two weeks of conservation work, learning and adventure, it’s time to say “Aloha” to the wonderful islands
we’ve come to call home. Leaders help supervise departures from the small Kailua-Kona airport, as students
travel home ready to share their stories and memories with friends and ohana eagerly awaiting their return.
*Itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, campsite availability, local COVID restrictions, or
other unforeseen circumstances
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
CONTACT THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR:
BRENT ANDERSON | REGIONAL DIRECTOR: HAWAII
Brent@arccprograms.com
415-332-5075, ext. 251
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