HAWAII

Big Island Adventures

The youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, Hawai’i (aka “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.

Volcanoes National Park Preservation

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.

Learn About the Local Ecosystems

The group will get a chance to learn about the various ecosystems in Hawaii, and participate in two projects that support the local community.

Sustainable Integrated Aquaponics Systems Education (SIASE): This project provides opportunities for participants to engage in hands-on, science-based activities and curriculum on aquaponics. We learn about fish ecology, and how they interact with the Hawaiian ecosystem.

Community Composting Project: This project seeks to investigate the viability of vermicomposting as a complementary and cost effective method for diverting agricultural waste away from the landfill to create locally produced soil amendments. Hawai`i is an isolated state necessitating importation of virtually all farm inputs.  

Polynesian Cultural Tour & Traditional 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.

Night Snorkel with Manta Rays

After some hard work supporting the islands, we reward ourselves with one of the most unique adventures in the world! Taking a sunset cruise along the Kona coast, we dawn 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 coastal manta rays are conditioned to associate the bright dive lights with food, and we take full advantage of this opportunity to witness some of the ocean’s most peaceful and majestic creatures. Come face-to-face with these gentle giants as they gracefully roll and twirl, feasting on plankton swirling around the lights, and experience the ocean in a way most never will.

Diamond Head Crater Hike

On Oahu we hike up the famed Diamond Head Crater to get sweeping views of the island.

Service and Surfing

Joining volunteers from the community, we take some time to connect with locals in a way most tourists never do. 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 service with the locals, we take to the ocean for a professional surf lesson! Splashing our way towards shore with a beaming smile, we learn how to perfect our surfing skills under the tropical Hawaiian sun.

Outrigger Canoe

As we continue to expand our knowledge of Hawaiian culture, we also spend a morning learning to navigate outrigger canoes. Early Polynesian explorers first settled on the islands around 400 A.D. using the same mode of transportation, bringing with them vital resources to develop the land. As a team we take to the ocean calling our strokes, practicing teamwork, and exploring the stunning coastline. 

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their summer program with ARCC: