Hawai’i

O'ahu, Maui, The Big Island

$16,000

Tuition

*SCUBA E-Learning and inter-island flights additional

70 Days

Trip duration

12+

Grades

70 Days

Spring 2025: Closed

Spring: Feb 15 – Apr 25, 2026

Kona, HI (KOA)

Arrival

TBD (Group Dependent)

Departure

$16,000

Tuition

70 Days

Trip duration

Spring 2025: Closed

Spring: Feb 15 – Apr 25, 2026

12+

Grades

*SCUBA E-Learning and inter-island flights additional

Overview

Explore the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian islands of O’ahu, Maui, and the Big Island, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical forests become our classroom. Building on nearly 40 years of Hawaiian programming and our long-standing partnerships with impactful local organizations, this unique semester allows us to investigate important environmental and social issues while immersing ourselves in the Aloha culture. This semester will dive into ecological restoration and conservation, food security, and traditional farming practices all while getting to know these famous islands like a local!

Program Highlights

Delve Into Polynesian Culture and Learn How Locals are Preserving Their Heritage
Earn Your PADI SCUBA Certification in Kona's Crystal Clear Waters
Participate in the Restoration of an Ancient Fishpond in Hale'iwa Village
Explore Hawai'i's Volcanic Origins and Unique Ecology in Volcanoes National Park
Lend a Hand at a Working Taro Farm and Learn About Organic Farming Methods
Develop Surfing Skills Through Lessons on Three Islands
Help Restore Important Cultural Land and Learn About Medicinal Plant Usage
Support Hawai'i's Movement toward Food Sustainability
Complete Workshops on Aquaculture and Permaculture on Campus at UHMC
Hike Hawai'i's Many Unique Trail Systems and Catch Breathtaking Sunsets

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Emily Rosser

Ecological Restoration and Conservation

Participate in restoring the ancient and treasured fishpond in the heart of the Hale'iwa Village of O'ahu. Learn about the history of the local community and how their traditional fishing practices could be the future of their food insecurity challenges. Grow in your knowledge of aquaculture and permaculture at the University of Hawai'i Maui College campus. Assist in restoration projects throughout East Maui that preserve cultural lands and endemic plants. Learn about soil restoration and work with O’ahu’s only industrial composter.

Jungle

Work Projects

Wildlife

Cultural Immersion and Historical Exploration

Explore Hawai'i's volcanic origins and unique ecology in Volcanoes National Park. Discover how native Hawaiians are preserving their heritage in the sacred Waipio Valley through workshops by locals on medicinal plants, macadamia nut and coconut processing, lei making, and food sustainability.

Culture

Explore

Examining Food Insecurity

Support Hawai'i’s movement toward food sustainability as you learn the basic principles of permaculture and explore the way similar practices were used for generations by the Hawaiian people. On the iconic North Shore of Oahu, wade knee-deep in the flood fields of a local taro farm to learn about its importance in Hawaiian culture. Assist with planting, harvesting, and repairing irrigation systems while observing traditional organic farming techniques.

Work Projects

Culture

Adventure

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the incredible forces that built these unique islands at Hawai'i’s Volcanoes National Park while helping with invasive species and trail management. Trade your hiking shoes for fins to earn your PADI SCUBA certification in crystal clear blue waters on Kailua-Kona. Take to the waves during your surf lessons on all three islands in one of the most beautiful surf capitals of the world.