Hawaii Spring Break

Arrive at Kona International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your Rustic Pathways ohana. After everyone arrives, we’ll make our way to a ranch on the slopes of Hualalai above Kailua-Kona which will be our base for the next 6 nights.. You will have an orientation for the week ahead and get to know your group before a delicious home cooked dinner.

We’ll ease into our island life with a morning hike near the ranch to learn the land. In the afternoon, we’ll have a powerful group session exploring our purpose and direction for our futures. Then, lend a hand as we help build a complete meal from farm to table right here.

After a morning helping out on the ranch, we’ll head down to the beach. We’ll get comfortable in our snorkel gear and then hit the water. But, you won’t be alone. This cove is home to a squadron of manta rays. These gentle creatures can grow to be more than 10 feet across, and you’ll get a close up look at how they cruise the water scooping up plankton. This is a life-changing experience!

Today is a big day! The tropical environment of Hawaii looks idyllic, but it faces many different kinds of environmental pressures from farming to invasive species. We’ll work with local partners who are mobilizing to restore native rainforest areas near Hilo. We’ll help with work to control and remove invasive plant species and to plant native species to help the rainforest reclaim its health.
Later in the day, we’ll head up the slopes of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano with a peak above 13,000 feet. Watch the stars come up and learn about the connection the Hawaiian people have to the stars and celestial navigation that they used to cross these vast oceans.

Hit the waves in the morning with an expert instructor. The fun doesn’t end there. After we dry off, we’re headed to Kailua-Kona to explore this fun town perched on the water’s edge. In the afternoon, learn to make leis with a local teacher, then sit with an oral historian and hear stories of the Hawaiian people. Be sure to save room for a traditional Hawaiian dinner tonight!

We’ll hit the trails one last time today, with a hike up an ancient cinder cone that offers us a commanding view of the Kona coast. Take it in, and hold onto the precious memories from this journey and this new group of friends.
In the afternoon, we’re headed back to the beach for a relaxing time in the water and on the sand. We end the day with a pizza party and sharing a campfire. During their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Pack your bags and say one final Aloha to your group and program leaders before leaving Hawaii.