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Participant, CLF 2022-2023 Director, CLF 2023-2025 Harvard College Class of 2029
June 19, 2025
June 7, 2025
Explore culture, mountains & ocean
Students must arrange their own airfare for this program. This program will begin and end in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (KOA). Please do not book any flights until confirmed travel details are provided after enrollment.
The Hawaiian islands are dwarfed by the expanse of the ocean that surrounds them. Join us on these small islands and find one of the most unique environments and cultures in the world. You’ll explore the makai (ocean) and the mauna (mountains) and connect with a part of Hawaii that tourists never get to see. On the coastline, you’ll go surfing and snorkeling. In the mountains, you’ll hike to watch the stars rise on Mauna Kea. Experience island living and understand the importance of self-sufficiency on this remote archipelago and take the beauty of Hawaii home with you in your heart.
Island splendor and eco-service
Age 14-18
$3,395 plus Airfare
This small, but friendly country is the only Central American country that is part of the caribbean.
$2,495 plus Airfare
Talk to a Program Expert!
Arrive at Kona International Airport (KOA), where you’ll be greeted by your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.
Jump right in to learning about food security issues on the Hawaiian Islands. Spend the morning working alongside community members at the Kona Food Pantry. Sort and pack boxes and participate in a discussion about food systems. In the afternoon, break out your mask, snorkel, and fins and explore one of Kona’s most famous snorkeling spots.
Bright and early we’ll hit the trail to hike on an ancient cinder cone above the Kona coast. The sun, breeze, and epic views will make it worth the work. After, immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a master class on lei making and local stories from an oral historian. At night, take a sunset swim and reflect on all that you have learned.
Hop aboard for a cruise down the coast by catamaran. While on the water, you may see turtles’ heads popping up for air, dolphins spinning in the waves, and the Hawaiian state fish humuhumunukunukuapua’a with their bright stripes just below the surface. Enjoy pastries for breakfast and burgers for lunch, then throw on your gear and see what’s waiting to discover at favorite snorkel spots along the island coast. In the afternoon, explore downtown Kona for souvenirs and try the famous Hawaiian shave ice. Then, grab your jacket and head up to the Mauna Kea visitor center for the most incredible sunset and stargazing.
Give back today with a visit back to the food pantry. Sort, organize, and prep food to reach people in need in the community. With high cost of living, food access in Hawaii is always tricky and food pantries play an important role in helping provide more access for people who need help. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the beach for time to play games on the beach, swim, and snorkel.
Head up the coast to Hawi! After a 90 minute drive, you’ll arrive on on an organic farm. Do a farm tour and learn about different crops grown on The Big Island, food systems, sustainable agriculture, and local education efforts. Then get your hands dirty helping out with the day’s farm work. This could include clearing and turning a field, seeding, weeding, harvesting, or other tasks to help the farm. Reflect on how your work today feels different, after all of the experiences you’ve had with the local community, and learning about food, food access, and farming on the island. After a lunch out in Hawi, visit one of the most picturesque beaches on the Kohala coast and cross your fingers for dolphins, turtles, and whales!
Pack your bags and say farewell to this incredible island. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.