Join Travel For Teens on an 11-day transformative journey to Hawaii, where you'll combine meaningful sea turtle conservation work with thrilling island adventures. This program is designed for high school students (grades 9–11) who want to make a real difference while experiencing the beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

You'll spend your first four days in Oahu, where you'll take a surf lesson on the famous shores of Waikiki Beach, hike through lava tunnels to the summit of Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking coastal views, and pay respects at the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Memorials. Your hotel sits just steps from Waikiki Beach, giving you plenty of time to swim, relax, and soak in the Hawaiian sun between activities.

The heart of your experience unfolds on Maui (days 5–10), where you'll partner with a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the island's endangered sea turtles and coral reefs. You'll work hands-on with injured and stranded turtle patients, assisting the rescue team with bandaging wounds, fin massages, and direct care. Your conservation projects include snorkeling and reef surveying to collect ocean data and spot sea turtles, beach and habitat cleanups to protect nesting grounds, and coral surveying and cleaning. You may even receive an emergency call to help rescue a turtle in distress—a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You'll earn up to 15 hours of service credit while learning about marine ecosystems and endangered species protection from experienced conservationists.

Your service work is balanced with adventure: snorkel in the vibrant Molokini Crater, kayak through turquoise Pacific waters, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau, and take an optional sunrise hike to the top of Haleakala Volcano with a nature tour descending through the clouds (or ride down by vehicle if you prefer). Optional scuba diving is also available. Your centrally located beachfront hotel on Maui puts you steps from pristine white-sand beaches perfect for beach volleyball and swimming during downtime.

Throughout the program, you'll stay in carefully selected, family-run hotels rather than large chain establishments, eat authentic local cuisine (accommodating all dietary needs), and benefit from expert chaperones and guides who prioritize your safety and personal growth. Travel For Teens provides daily updates and photos for parents, ensuring peace of mind while you gain independence. Past participants consistently report that this experience instilled in them a deep passion for environmental stewardship, lifelong friendships, and invaluable life skills—making it far more than a summer trip.