Join this 11-day summer adventure to Hawaii where you'll combine meaningful marine conservation work with unforgettable island experiences. Based in Maui and Oahu, you'll partner with a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Hawaii's endangered sea turtles and coral reefs, earning up to 15 hours of service credit while making a real difference in ocean conservation.

Your conservation work centers on hands-on projects with hawksbill and green sea turtles. You'll participate in snorkeling and reef surveying to collect ocean data, conduct beach cleanups to protect turtle habitats, survey and clean coral, and potentially assist with sea turtle rescues when injured or stranded animals arrive at the Center. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with turtle patients, assisting the professional team with bandaging wounds, fin massages, and other care tasks—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a middle school student passionate about marine life and environmental protection.

Beyond conservation work, you'll enjoy plenty of action-packed adventures that showcase Hawaii's natural beauty. In Maui, you'll stay beachfront and have opportunities to snorkel in the famous Molokini Crater with vibrant marine life, go sea kayaking and scuba diving (optional), and optionally catch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Volcano with a nature hike down through the clouds. In Oahu, you'll take professional surf lessons on Waikiki Beach, hike through lava tunnels to the summit of Diamond Head Crater for breathtaking coastal views, visit the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorials to pay respects and learn history, and cap off your trip with an authentic Hawaiian Luau featuring hula dancers, traditional music, and local cuisine.

The program is designed specifically for middle schoolers (finishing grades 7-8) with smaller group sizes and staff who connect authentically with this age group. You'll stay in safe, well-supervised, family-run hotels in prime locations—beachfront in Maui and walking distance to Waikiki's attractions in Oahu. All breakfasts and dinners are included, featuring authentic Hawaiian cuisine with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties like poke bowls and acai bowls. The program accommodates all dietary restrictions. Ground transportation, guides, chaperones, and program activities are all included, so you can focus entirely on the experience.

This is more than a vacation—it's a chance to develop a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and ecosystems while contributing to real conservation efforts that protect endangered species for future generations. You'll return home with new skills, meaningful service hours, and memories of an authentic Hawaiian experience that goes far beyond typical tourist activities.