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Hawaii Spring Break

$3,395 | 7 Days | Ages 14–17 | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International Flights Not Included

Students in the United States gather in chairs around a campfire at night
Students wearing flower leis laugh together on a lava rock shoreline
Teen travelers in masks stand behind a large pile of cleared plant debris on a farm
Students wearing gloves plant a leafy seedling in the soil
Picture of beach in Hawaii with view of the ocean, a mountain, and people in the background.
Students share a meal at long tables on an outdoor deck at sunset
Tall grasses and flowering stalks silhouetted against a setting sun
Students ride waves on surfboards in Hawaii
Photo of girl jumping into the ocean with snorkeling gear and other students swimming in the background.
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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

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.

Program Tuition

$3,395

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

Program details last verified September 1, 2026

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic Pathways since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical teen travel program itinerary. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Hawaii

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.
2

Service and Snorkeling

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.
3

Hiking and Hawaiian Culture

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.
4

Sea to Mountains

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.
5

Beach Day

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.
6

Hawi Charm

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!
7

Mahalo Nui

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.

Total: 7 calendar days / 6 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Maximum Students Per Staff Member: 7:1

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

What is Rustic Pathways' phone and smart device policy?

Rustic Pathways programs follow the Trip Before Scroll policy. Program Leaders place phones and smart devices in locked storage before daytime programming and return them after the final scheduled activity. Students keep their devices overnight, subject to quiet-hours and lights-out rules.

Students keep their devices on travel days, and medical and accessibility exceptions apply. Read the device policy and contact arrangements.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, but speeds and signal strength may vary.

How can I reach my child?

Students receive their phones after the final scheduled activity and keep them overnight, subject to quiet-hours, lights-out rules, and connectivity. Families receive expected timing, time-zone guidance, and contact details before departure.

For non-emergency program concerns, contact the Country Director using the WhatsApp details provided before departure. For routine help, call the Rustic Pathways office at +1 440-975-9691 during published office hours. For an urgent matter at any time, use the 24/7 emergency number in the pre-departure materials.

If a student needs to contact home during programming for an urgent matter, medical need, significant personal concern, or family situation, a Program Leader will help arrange communication as soon as circumstances reasonably allow.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups average 15 students and most programs cap at 20, with a median of one staff member for every 4.37 students. Students are ages 14–17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Rustic Pathways alumni come from 53 countries. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150–200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program tuition.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Other Program Types Are Available?

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