Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service is an 8-day summer travel program on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island) for students ages 14–18 offered by Rustic Pathways. You’ll support local environmental stewardship and food security efforts, then recharge with beach time, surfing, snorkeling, and island hikes. The week includes stargazing on Mauna Kea and reflection time that helps students build confidence, teamwork, and purpose.
The total program cost is $3,395 (plus airfare). Included are accommodations, in-country ground transport, most meals, activities, and 24/7 in-country support. Flights to Kona International Airport (KOA), souvenirs, and personal snacks are not included. This program is ideal for globally curious teens who want hands-on service in Hawaiʻi, plus surfing and snorkeling, with an award-winning educational travel company.
Summer 2026 enrollment now open. Limited spots available!
| High School (Ages 14–18) | ||
| July 8 – July 15, 2026 | Available |
Fully refundable within 24 hours
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| Open to students worldwide (instruction in English). All prices in USD; families book from 50+ countries each year. |
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We are excited to welcome you in Hawai'i and for you to experience the magic of the nature, people, and culture.
Quote by: Emily Green Program Manager, Hawaii
Students will stay at a beautiful property exclusive to the Rustic Pathways group. Rooms are separated by gender and feature comfortable furnishings, with plenty of shared outdoor and communal spaces for group activities.
The property is located conveniently near the sites where students will engage in service, adventure and cultural immersion.
Most of the students’ meals will be prepared at the ranch. For some outings, lunches will be packed.
One of the food highlights will be a farm-to- table meal that the students will help prepare. They’ll gather ingredients from the garden to make local dishes.
The students will make pizza one night. Other highlights may include Kona coffee, local fruits and Hawaiian Haupia, which is a dessert made with coconut milk.
Each student will provide about 12 hours of community service while on the program. The service will focus on gardening and trail maintenance projects that foster environmental sustainability, along with supporting local food security.
Students will work with the Akahiao Nature Institute, based at the Hue Hue Ranch. One of its key missions is to reconnect students with nature and traditional Hawaiian relationships with the land. While on the ranch, students learn how island communities lived in harmony with their surroundings and reflect on the challenges and benefits of using the environment as a guide.
The students learn about environmental stewardship on the ranch. Service projects may include removing invasive plant species, planting native flora, or maintaining trails. Students will also help in the ranch’s gardens, harvesting ingredients for a farm-to-table meal that they’ll help cook. While enjoying their meal, they’ll explore how early Polynesians used the stars to navigate their way to Hawai‘i.
In addition to their work on the ranch, students will volunteer at the Kona Food Bank. There, they’ll learn about food security in Hawai‘i and assist with tasks that help get essential supplies to local families. This part of the experience offers a hands-on understanding of how food systems impact island communities today.
Julie Rogers is the executive director of the Akahiao Nature Institute and is passionate about helping students see the role they play in the environment. She says we’re all stewards of the land and that being amid the mountains, trees and plants can help students figure out their own identity.
“We can let nature lead us to who we are. It’s the teacher,” Rogers said.
The Kona District covers a large portion of the western side of Hawai’i Island, also called the Big Island. The town of Kailua-Kona in the district was once a quiet fishing village. Now it is an activity center for the region. It has many farmers markets and shops and is near numerous beautiful beaches.
This nature reserve encompasses nearly 40,000 acres, including endangered tropical dry forests. The centerpiece of the reserve is the Pu’uwa’aw’a cinder cone. The area has scenic hiking trails with wildflowers dotting the way.
This inactive volcano has the highest point in Hawaii and is estimated to be one million years old. Mauna Kea’s peak, like other ones in Hawaii, is considered sacred by indigenous Hawaiians.
My trip to Hawaii has been quite eventful! We have had many adventures such as swimming in crystal clear waters, going on a five mile hike, paddle boarding, and especially snorkeling on the catamaran. Not only are the journeys exciting, but the service is amazing as well! So far, we have helped in the Hawaiian food bank and garden service making the environment thrive.
– Luke, Rustic Pathways Alumni
| Items | Details |
| Program Name | Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service |
| Location | United States – Hawaiʻi (Hawaiʻi Island / Big Island) |
| Duration | 8 days |
| Ages | 14–18 |
| Cost | $3,395 |
| Service Hours | ~12 hours |
| Program Type | Teen Travel, Service Learning, Outdoor Adventure |
| Included | Accommodations, daily meals, in-country transportation, activities, service projects, 24/7 support |
| Not Included | Airfare, personal spending, travel protection plan, optional insurance |
| Participation | Open to students worldwide (instruction in English) |
| Currency | All prices in USD; families book from 50+ countries each year |
| Provider | Rustic Pathways |
Here’s how to take the next step toward an unforgettable summer with Rustic Pathways:
Here’s a recommended packing list based on feedback from past Rustic Pathways students and staff who participated in the Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service program. Adjust it to fit your personal preferences and habits, especially for items like socks, underwear, swimsuits, and toiletries.
Important: Students should be able to carry all their own luggage. Throughout the trip, you’ll be responsible for moving your bag through airports, loading and unloading from vehicles, climbing stairs, and walking short distances on uneven ground.
Hawaii is warm and sunny in July, but brief rain showers can happen. Sun protection is a must.
Students may also visit higher elevations (such as Mauna Kea) where temperatures can drop quickly, especially at night. Pack a warm layer even if it feels hot at the beach.
| Location | Average High | Average Low | Average Rainfall |
| Kailua-Kona (Big Island) | 86°F (30°C) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.71 in (18 mm) |
| Hilo (Big Island) | 75°F (24°C) | 68°F (20°C) | 1.61 in (41 mm) |
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.
A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
For community service:
For beach/swimming:
General: clothes to wear while at the ranch, the beach, in town, or just hanging out!
Toiletries (travel sized in zip lock bags)
Miscellaneous
We Provide
