United States · Summer 2027
Teen travel programs to the United States
On Rustic Pathways teen travel programs to the United States, students surf and snorkel on the Kona side of Hawaii’s Big Island, log 12 hours of gardening, environmental work and food bank service, and stargaze from Mauna Kea, the highest peak on the Big Island.1
- 8 days
- Ages 14–18
- $3,395 Program Tuition
- 2 summer 2027 departures
$3,395 Program Tuition8 days · Ages 14–18 · 2 departures
See dates and prices- Operating in the United States
- Since 2007
- Local language
- English
- Getting there
- Students fly into Kona (KOA); no passport for U.S. students
The Hawaii teen travel program for summer 2027
Surf, Snorkel, and Service is Rustic Pathways’ only Hawaii teen travel program for summer 2027, based near Kona on the Big Island.
Program highlights
Kona
Gardening and environmental work with the Akahiao Nature Institute, a talk on farm and food systems, then snorkeling.
Mauna Kea
More work with the Akahiao Nature Institute, then the Mauna Kea summit and stargazing.
Kona coast
A surf lesson, then beach time and ocean swimming.
Kailua-Kona
Snorkeling from a catamaran, then a visit to Kailua-Kona town.
United States vs. Costa Rica, Fiji and the Dominican Republic
The United States differs from Costa Rica, Fiji and the Dominican Republic by keeping students in the U.S., with surf lessons, snorkeling from a catamaran and 12 hours of garden and food bank service on Hawaii’s Big Island. Costa Rica offers a choice of six programs, including a Surf and Service week; Fiji offers 45 hours of village and reef service over 16 days; and the Dominican Republic offers community service at the lowest tuition.
United States vs.
| This pageUnited States$3,395 | Costa Rica$2,495–$5,745 | Fiji$3,995 | Dominican Republic$1,995 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose this if… | Your teen wants surf, snorkeling and service in the tropics without leaving the U.S. | Your teen wants a choice: service, turtles, surf, Spanish, camp leadership or a middle school week. | Your teen wants 45 hours of village and reef service. | Your teen wants community service, snorkeling and surf for the lowest tuition. |
| Length | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 or 15 days | 16 days (14 in Fiji) | 8 days, 7 nights |
| Program Tuition | $3,395 | $2,495–$5,745 | $3,995 | $1,995 |
| Local language | English | Spanish | English, iTaukei and Fiji Hindi | Spanish |
| Time difference in July2 | 6 hours behind U.S. Eastern | 2 hours behind U.S. Eastern | 16 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern | Same as U.S. Eastern |
| Travel time from New York3 | 12 hr 25 min, 1 stop | 5 hr 17 min nonstop | 19 hr 35 min, 1 stop | 3 hr 52 min nonstop |
| Travel time from Los Angeles | 5 hr 38 min nonstop | 6 hr 7 min nonstop | 11 hr 5 min nonstop | 8 hr 27 min, 1 stop |
| Travel time from Miami | 12 hr 20 min, 1 stop | 2 hr 50 min nonstop | 19 hr 23 min, 1 stop | 2 hr 19 min nonstop |
| Travel time from London | 18 hr 4 min, 1 stop | 14 hr 5 min, 1 stop | 24 hr 25 min, 1 stop | 12 hr 25 min, 1 stop |
| Travel time from Hong Kong | 16 hr 24 min, 2 stops | 22 hr 45 min, 1 stop | 14 hr 30 min, 1 stop | 24 hr 10 min, 1 stop |
| Getting there | No passport for U.S. students. Students fly into Kona (KOA). | Passport. Optional chaperoned group flights from Los Angeles, plus Newark or Miami by date. | Passport. Optional chaperoned group flight from Los Angeles. | Passport. Optional chaperoned group flight from Miami. |
| Land vs. water | Big Island: surfing, snorkeling from a catamaran, Mauna Kea stargazing. | Volcano and rainforest, a turtle beach, a surf coast or a homestay town, by program. | Momi Bay villages first, then Yasawa Islands reef snorkeling. | Service inland, then reef snorkeling and a surf lesson. |
| Service | Gardens and a food bank, 12 hours | Schools, trails, turtles or beaches, 12 to 26 hours on the 8-day programs | Village projects and coral reef conservation, 45 hours | Public health projects, 15 hours |
| 2027 departures | 2: Jul 6, Jul 13 | 21 across six programs | 2: Jun 16, Jul 7 | 2: Jun 22, Jul 20 |
| See Hawaii dates and prices | View Costa Rica programs→ | View Fiji programs→ | View Dominican Republic programs→ |
Prices are in U.S. dollars. Program Tuition is not the total cost. Flights to and from the program, the enrollment fee, medical insurance (required), travel insurance (optional) and personal expenses are separate.
Is the United States right for your teen?
The United States is right for your teen if they want surf lessons, snorkeling from a catamaran and garden and food bank service on Hawaii’s Big Island, with no passport needed for U.S. students.
The United States fits if…
- Your teen wants 12 hours of garden and Kona Food Bank service alongside surfing and snorkeling.
- You want a program in the U.S.: U.S. students take a domestic flight to Kona (KOA), with no passport needed.
- Your teen wants to learn Hawaiian history, make a lei and stargaze from Mauna Kea.
- Your teen is a first-time surfer: the Kona coast surf lesson on Day 5 needs no experience.
- Your teen is comfortable in the water, since every student who goes in the water completes a water-competency test first.
Look elsewhere if…
- You want lower tuition: the Dominican Republic, at $1,995, or Costa Rica, from $2,495.
- Your teen wants to practice Spanish: Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic.
- Your teen wants a longer program with more service: Fiji, at 16 days and 45 service hours.
- You want the option of a chaperoned group flight from the U.S.: Costa Rica, Fiji or the Dominican Republic.
What Hawaii Program Tuition includes
Hawaii Program Tuition is $3,395 for 8 days and 7 nights, including accommodations, scheduled meals, ground transportation, airport transfers within designated windows, and planned activities.
Included
- Accommodation for every program night
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off
- Airport transfers within the published arrival and departure windows
- Ground transportation during the program
- All scheduled activities, excursions and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
- Gratuities and donations, so students never need to bring money to give away
- Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight
- 24/7 emergency support line for families
Not included
- Flights to and from the program
- A one-time enrollment fee, starting at $100 when you enroll early and rising closer to departure
- Medical insurance with coverage in the United States (required)
- Travel insurance (optional, and strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, such as spending money, laundry and phone data
Summer 2027 teen travel departure dates by destination
Rustic Pathways’ Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service program in the United States departs July 6 and July 13, 2027. Compare these dates with summer teen travel departures to Costa Rica, Fiji, and the Dominican Republic in the calendar below.
Calendar tip: Each row represents a week starting Monday. Select a date to view that departure.
Costa Rica dates carry a program initial: P for Pura Vida Service, T for Turtle Conservation Project, S for Surf and Service, L for Spanish Language Immersion, C for Summer Camp Leadership, M for Pura Vida Service (Middle School).
Is teen travel to the United States safe?
Yes, teen travel to the United States is safe on a supervised Rustic Pathways program. Rustic Pathways has run programs in the United States since 2007, with Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight and a 24/7 emergency support line.
Why book the United States with Rustic Pathways
Booking with Rustic Pathways brings a long history in the United States, an airport meeting in Kona, the MyRustic portal and an advisor you can call.
In the United States since 2007
Rustic Pathways has run programs in the United States since 2007. On this program, students garden and do environmental work with the Akahiao Nature Institute and serve at the Kona Food Bank on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Rustic Pathways has operated student travel since 1983.
Met at Kona International Airport
Students fly into Kona International Airport (KOA), and Program Leaders meet them there and transfer the group to its lodging. U.S. students need no passport for this domestic flight; international students confirm U.S. entry and visa requirements for their citizenship. Flights to and from Kona are not included in Program Tuition.
MyRustic portal
MyRustic (myrustictrip.com) is Rustic Pathways’ free, web-based parent and student portal. It holds enrollment forms, billing, the full itinerary, travel logistics and a moderated daily photo feed.
A travel advisor to call
Scott Ingram, Director of Admissions, and Emily Green, Admissions Counselor, answer Hawaii questions before you enroll. Call +1 440-975-9691 or schedule a call.
Hawaii in their words: student takeovers
After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories. Here are two from the Hawaii program in summer 2025 and 2026.
“One moment that stands out to me was snorkeling near the shore on one of the beaches and seeing coral, rainbow colored fish, and a sea turtle!” Abiyana H., on Instagram
“Hi, I’m [Abiyana H.]! I was a part of Rustic Pathways’ Hawaii program this July, and I am forever grateful for it. From service, to snorkeling, to surfing, sharing countless laughs, stories, and even songs I know we will all cherish each bit of our experiences.
It’s so beautiful how we not only found our people, but connected as a whole group as well.
One moment that stands out to me was snorkeling near the shore on one of the beaches and seeing coral, rainbow colored fish, and a sea turtle! It was the most magical feeling, seeing the sea turtle out in the wild, so up close. My whole world stopped and felt so relaxed simply observing this creature. This moment matters to me now because it will always be a reminder to enjoy the little things, and immerse yourself into nature’s beauty.
Shoutout to Tara, Nicole, Saylee, and Emery for being the kindest, funniest roomies one could ever ask for. Shoutout to the wonderful program leaders, Raleigh, Tori, and Eva for making a great time inevitable, and for Raleigh’s incredible humor and capability to make everyone laugh over and over again. Shoutout to Jeff, for having an intriguing tea time with all of us, sharing meaningful nick names and a psychology analysis for each one of us to truly feel heard and seen.”
Abiyana H., Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service, summer 2026
“One of the first things they told us is that going on a Rustic trip means you’re learning, just not in a classroom.” Athifa M., on Instagram
“Hii! My name is Athifa from California. I recently went on the Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service trip with Rustic Pathways, and I had the most amazing time! It’s been three weeks and I’m still missing it. Before the trip I felt so nervous about having to meet new people and basically live with strangers for a week! But from the moment we arrived, our leaders made us feel welcomed and at home.
One of the first things they told us is that going on a Rustic trip means you’re learning, just not in a classroom. And that's exactly what we did. We met so many incredible people who shared their stories and knowledge with us. From learning about the culture and history of Hawaii, to working in a garden, helping at a food bank, learning how to surf, and so much more. It was unforgettable.
My favorite part? Definitely getting to know everyone and sharing memorable moments. I’ll never forget whenever we would huddle up whether we’re cold or waiting in line for shaved ice 🍧😋
From standing by an erupting volcano (such a cool experience by the way) to the last huddle of tears at the airport. So crazy to think how just a few days before we didn’t even know each other.
If you’re thinking about going on this trip my only question is: why haven’t you booked your tickets yet? I wouldn’t have wanted to experience this trip any other way. Thank you Rustic!”
Athifa M., Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service, summer 2025
Hawaii teen travel FAQ
How is the United States different from other countries for teen travel?
The United States differs from other countries for teen travel by offering surfing, snorkeling from a catamaran and community service on Hawaii’s Big Island, with no passport required for U.S. students. Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service also includes Mauna Kea stargazing and 12 service hours.
What does my teen need to travel to the Hawaii program?
U.S. students need no passport or visa for the Hawaii program but must have medical insurance covering the United States. The TSA does not require ID under 18, but airlines may ask minors for proof of age. Travelers 18 and older need valid ID. International students must meet U.S. entry requirements. Students fly into Kona (KOA).
Where do students stay in Hawaii?
Students in Hawaii stay in gender-separated bunk rooms on the Big Island, with Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight. The program is based around Kona.
Where to go instead of the United States
Footnotes
- According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Mauna Kea is the highest peak on the Big Island, at 13,803 feet (4,207 meters). ↩
- Time differences are for July, from the IANA time zone database. None of the four observes daylight saving time. ↩
- Fastest one-way flight, including layovers, on the days students fly in 2027 (Google Flights, October 2026). Not the chaperoned group flight. ↩
The United States has two summer 2027 departures: July 6 and July 13.
See Hawaii dates and prices