PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS• Witness Active Lava Flows and Work Alongside

Rangers in Volcanoes National Park

• Build a Sustainable Hawaii through Farm-to-School Initiatives that Embrace Hawaiian Culture

• Mentor & Inspire Students at the Boys & Girls Club

• Snorkel and Explore Kahalu’u Bay Learning Reef Ecology to Protect Sensitive Marine Life

• Surf the Perfect Breaks of Hawaii and Take to the Ocean in Outrigger Canoe on Kauai

• Explore Countless Waterfalls, Pristine Beaches, and Stunning Vistas

• Cruise Alongside Dolphins on the Stunning Napali Coast Past Towering Waterfalls

• 30 Hours of Community Service

HAWAIIPRESERVING PARADISE

Days 1: Arrival

Participants are met by their leaders at the Kona AIrport on the Island of Hawaii (or in Los Angeles International

Airport if on the escorted flight). After a quick welcome and introduction to ARCC, we head to our campsite in the

quiet coastal town of Hilo on the East side and spend our first night under the Hawaiian stars. Accommodations:

Campground Hilo, Hawaii

Spotlight Project: Preserving ParadiseTake action for the ocean by growing and transplanting living coral, cleaning beaches and helping to restore vital

habitat for marine mammals, fish, and sea turtles. As the number of visitors to Hawaii steadily increases, educating

newcomers on reef etiquette and the rich ecosystems surrounding the island is critical to the survival of sensitive

ocean-dwelling animals. Work alongside scientists and educators to become a certified “ReefTeacher,” collecting

water-quality and environmental data to monitor the bay’s health. Through volunteer-driven educational projects,

partner with a local grassroots organization to ensure the bay remains a healthy and welcoming place for residents,

visitors, and sea creatures alike.

Days 2: Island Orientation and Stargazing

This morning, we cover program basics such as how to set up tents and use camp stoves. Through games, team-

building activities, and cooking our first meal together, the adventure truly begins. We also introduce the role of

“Leader of the Day,” discuss expectations, and learn more about our new

island home. This evening, we have a chance to visit the highest point of

the island as we take the winding journey up to the summit of the dormant

volcano, Mauna Kea. This vantage point not only has one of the best sunsets

on the island, but it is also one of the best places to view stars in the world!

Once the sun sets into a sea of clouds, we take turns gazing through tele-

scopes and learning from the visitor center staff about the millions of stars

and planets surrounding us. Accommodations: Campground Hilo, Hawaii

Days 3 - 4: Spotlight Project - Kahalu’u Bay Snorkel Service

Over the next two days, we have the incredible opportunity to take action

for the ocean through a series of programs that deepen our understanding

of Hawaii’s sensitive marine ecosystem. By going over the importance of

coral reefs, the relationship between fish, corals and other reef animals we

learn how to take care of the reef and behave responsibly while navigat-

ing it. Dawning snorkel gear, we jump into Kahalu’u Bay collecting data on

species abundance and diversity while exploring the reef. The information

we gather will help inform local scientists about the reefs current state of

health and help advance conservation efforts in the area. Accommoda-

tions: Campground Hilo, Hawaii

ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Preserving Paradise

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

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 get a behind-the-scenes look into the

incredible forces that built these unique islands. Working alongside Rang-

ers, we explore the landscape, learning about the varied volcanic features

that shape the environment here. Giving back to the park, we work along-

side volunteers restoring trails, removing invasive species and protecting

this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy. Accommodations:

Campground Hilo, Hawaii

Day 6: Waipi’o Valley Hike & Manta Ray Snorkel

With countless waterfalls, lush jungles, and pristine beaches, no trip to

Hawaii is complete without a little exploration. Taking the road to its end,

we pause overlooking this majestic valley before venturing down in search

of wild horses and a black-sand beach beckoning explorers. If we are lucky

we can view the Kaluahine Falls cascading off the edge of the island while

taking a well-earned dip in the Pacific.

This evening we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with

Hawaii’s coastal manta rays. Taking a sunset cruise along the Kona coast, we

dawn our 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 manta’s associate bright dive lights with

food, and we take full advantage of this opportunity to witness some of the

Day 8: Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii

Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the BGCH’s clubhouses provide

guidance-oriented character development programs six days a week for

Hawaiian children aged 7-17 years old. Working alongside the awesome

people involved with the BGCH, we organize and implement an “Olym-

pic Sports Day” or “Fear Factor Day” with rotating events, stations, and

prizes for elementary school Boys and Girls Club members. Through

our interactions with locals, we not only build stronger bonds between

the Islanders and the mainland but also build lasting friendships with

the amazing kids and volunteers of the organization. Accommodations:

Campground Hanalei, Kauai

Day 9: Ocean Service and Surfing

Today we work with a large non-profit grassroots organization whose goals are

aimed at improving the ocean and beaches of Kauai which have become dam-

aged by the influx of tourism in recent years. We are educated on their mission

statement of C.A.R.E. (Conservation, Activism, Research, and Education) and,

with the help of professionals, we assist in conservation and research projects

on the beach and in the ocean. Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai

This afternoon, we experience the world-famous break of Kauai’s South Shore.

We learn the fundamentals of the exhilarating sport of surfing with the help of

professional surf instructors. After a lesson on land, we head into the water. Un-

der the care of our instructors, we learn proper stance, ocean safety and how

to maximize our paddling strokes. With a little determination and luck, we soon

find ourselves coasting towards the beach atop cresting waves! Accommoda-

tions: Campground Hanalei, Kauai

ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Preserving Paradise

Day 10 - 11: Sustainable Food Service & Outrigger Canoeing

Hawaii is one of the most isolated island chains in the world and if supplies

were to stop, the island would only have about 5 days’ worth of food to

feed its population. Partnering with a community-based nonprofit organi-

zation that focuses on advocating, educating, and driving action towards

Day 7: Inter-Island Exploration & Beach Day

After a week of adventure in this amazing place, it is time to pack up and

begin our journey to Kauai! Hopping on our short flight, we arrive at Lihue

Airport and make our way to our home for the rest of our adventure. After

we settle into our new camp just steps from the ocean, we take the day to

explore the island, visit hidden beaches and relax in the shade. We also do

laundry, touch base with our families back home and plan for our upcom-

ing service. Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai

oceans most peaceful and majestic creatures. Come face-to-face with these

gentle giants as they gracefully feast on plankton swirling around the lights!

Accommodations: Campground Hilo, Hawaii

a sustainable Kauai, we work to complete a number of food-related out-

reach projects designed to stimulate the community towards agricultural

self-reliance. Utilizing their community food forest, fruits and vegetables are

donated to local food banks. We work together to complete farm-to-school

projects and advance Kauai towards a more sustainable future.

Outrigger canoes were first made in Hawaii around 200 AD, some were

large enough to hold up to 80 people, and were filled with essential items

like edible plants, water, and animals to ensure a safer voyage for the brave

explorers who took off in search of land. Rowing has always been an impor-

tant part of Hawaiian Culture, and we have a chance to practice and learn

this ancient form of exploration! Accommodations: Campground

Want to Learn More? Contact the Regional Director:

Eben Coenen | Regional Director: Hawaii: Preserving Paradiseeben@arccprograms.com415-332-5075 Ext. 227

ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Preserving Paradise

Day 14: Departure

Eventually, all good things must come to an end. After packing up camp,

we drive to the airport, say our goodbyes and board our flights home. The

memories of the experience and the group will carry us through to next

summer!

Day 12: Zodiak Raft Tour and Snorkeling

Today we celebrate all of the service we have completed during our time

on Kauai with a day of ocean exploration and snorkeling. We board a Zo-

diak raft and experience the dramatic Na Pali coast from the ocean as we

discover enchanting sea caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. We have

the opportunity to snorkel the astounding reef in search of sea turtles and

colorful fish while we soak in the sun surrounded by new friends in this stun-

ning paradise. Campground Hanalei, Kauai

Day 13: Group Led Outing and Final Activities

On our last full day in Hawaii, we have a chance to choose our own adven-

ture. Working together with some guidance from our leaders, we have the

opportunity to plan an adventure of our own. Whether it be visiting “Secret

Beach” or the Kilauea Lighthouse, it is bound to be an unforgettable final

day on the Garden Isle.

After an amazing two weeks full of service and activities, we head back to

our camp for one last night together and have our Final Feast to celebrate

all that we have accomplished together! Campground Hanalei, Kauai