Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service

How do flights work?

Students fly into and out of Kona International Airport (KOA). Rustic Pathways provides arrival and departure time windows, and Program Leaders meet students at the airport.

Students traveling on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for confirming any visa or entry requirements that apply to them.

What’s included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 7 nights), all meals, all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, 24/7 staff support.
Not included: Airfare to/from Hawaii not included, travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. 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 →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

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. Bunk-style rooms are gender-separated. Students share bathrooms, kitchens, and communal spaces at the ranch property.

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.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students have access to cell service at some point each day. Families can also contact Rustic Pathways via the 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they’re okay?

Families receive daily photo updates through the My Rustic portal throughout the week.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

US students will have regular cellular reception, but there is no Wi-Fi on this program.

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 14–18.

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

Yes. International students enroll and fly independently into Kona International Airport (KOA). After enrollment, the team helps families plan flights matching the arrival and departure windows. International students must confirm any U.S. entry and visa requirements based on their citizenship.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Both are common. Many students travel solo and quickly connect with the group through ice-breakers on Day 1. Others come with friends or siblings.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in a hostel booked exclusively for the Rustic Pathways travel group. Students sleep in bunk beds in gender-separated rooms. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders stay on-site to provide 24/7 supervision.

Can friends room together?

Roommate requests are considered. Final rooming decisions are made by staff for safety and group balance.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

The program is structured and fully supervised. Any free time is limited, age-appropriate, and staff-managed. Ocean activities are supervised by qualified instructors and Program Leaders at all times.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

We can usually accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements or allergies with advance notice. Please include details on the medical form so staff can prepare. Meals are prepared at the ranch with some packed lunches for outings. Students will try local Hawaiian dishes, and one highlight is a farm-to-table meal they help prepare. Tap water in Hawaii is safe to drink.

How much spending money?

We recommend approximately $150 per week for souvenirs and incidentals. Hawaii uses USD — no currency exchange needed. The packing list recommends about $200 for souvenirs and personal spending.

Do we need a visa?

Hawaii is a U.S. domestic destination. U.S. students do not need a visa. International students must confirm any entry requirements and visa needs for travel to the United States. Staff help coordinate arrival at Kona International Airport (KOA).

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion → 

Who thrives on this program:

Active students ages 14–18 who love the ocean, want to try surfing and snorkeling, are comfortable being physically active in warm weather (surf lessons, hiking, garden work, ocean service), and want to combine adventure with service.

What they do each day:

Surf lessons, catamaran snorkel, Mauna Kea stargazing excursion, garden and farm work, Kona Food Bank food security service, lei-making, Kona coast beach time. Morning and afternoon activities with evening group reflections.

Who may not be the right fit:

Students who are not comfortable in the ocean or with physical outdoor activity, who require luxury accommodation, or who prefer city or cultural travel over nature and adventure. Students with a serious fear of water or an inability to swim should contact Admissions before enrolling.

Why the big island:

The Kona coast offers world-class snorkeling (warm, clear water, abundant marine life), great surf breaks for beginners, and a deeply rooted culture of land stewardship and food sovereignty.

Service connection:

Garden work connects students to Hawaiian food culture and sustainable farming. The Kona Food Bank service links directly to real community food security needs on the island.