Join this 11-day summer program on Hawaii's Big Island, where you'll combine meaningful community service with unforgettable adventures in one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. You'll work alongside marine biologists for three days earning 15 hours of community service focused on protecting Hawaii's fragile coral reefs and marine life. Through hands-on activities like observational snorkeling, reef surveying, and ocean data collection, you'll become a certified reef instructor qualified to educate visitors about safe snorkeling practices and reef conservation. You'll encounter exotic fish, healthy coral, dozens of sea turtles, and more while learning reef ecology firsthand.

Beyond the service component, this program balances conservation work with incredible adventures that showcase the Big Island's remarkable diversity. You'll hike through ancient lava tubes and explore the rim of an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, horseback ride through the lush tropical Waipio Valley, and sail on a catamaran where you might spot pods of dolphins. Optional add-ons include night snorkeling with manta rays and stargazing from the summit of sacred Mauna Kea. You'll also immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture through a private hula lesson and an authentic luau, while learning about native plants and conservation efforts from local land stewards.

The program takes you across multiple ecosystems as you travel from the sunny west side of Kona to the rainforest-centric Hilo region, exposing you to waterfalls, botanical gardens, and rare black sand beaches. You'll stay in small, family-run hotels in centrally located, safe accommodations where staff establish personal relationships with guests. All accommodations are well-supervised and within walking distance of main attractions, allowing you to experience Hawaii like a local rather than as a typical tourist.

This program is designed for curious, adventurous high school students (grades 9-10) from around the world who want to make a real difference while exploring one of Earth's most spectacular destinations. With experienced chaperones and guides leading the way, comprehensive meal plans (all breakfasts and dinners included), and ground transportation throughout the Big Island, you can focus entirely on the experience. Optional group flights from Los Angeles to Kona are available, making logistics seamless for participants traveling from afar.