Earn Academic Credit in Hawai‘i
Travel with Purpose to Hawai‘i
Spring Break Course: March 13-20, 2027
Earn academic credit while spending Spring Break exploring Hawaiʻi’s Big Island through meaningful community engagement, cultural immersion, and adventure. Support locally led initiatives in native ecosystem restoration, Indigenous land stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and coastal conservation while learning directly from local leaders. Along the way, explore volcanic landscapes, snorkel in the Pacific, and experience a side of Hawaiʻi most visitors never get to see.
This course is offered through SUNY Cortland and is open to students from Cortland and other colleges and universities nationwide. Complete the form below to begin the application process. This non-committal first step simply allows us to send you the next steps. You can reserve your spot whenever you’re ready.
HAWAI‘I Itinerary
Trip Length: 8 Days
Day 1
Welcome to the Big Island & Trip Orienation
Be greeted with Aloha by your GIVE guides & fellow travelers at the Kona airport before heading to our beautiful accommodations (1.5 hour drive) near the Waipi’o Valley Lookout. That evening we’ll share dinner & get settled into the week ahead with our group orientation.
Days 2-4
Support Local Non-Profits and Explore Hamakua & Kohala
Every morning wake up in the lush jungle of our permaculture garden accommodations & enjoy a fresh breakfast before getting your hands in the soil. Each morning we’ll partner with a different local non-profit to Malama Āina (take care of the land) that will support local farmers, enrich the region’s social fabric, and help revitalize and advance indigenous Kanaka Maoli (cultural knowledge and land stewardship). Each afternoon we’ll embark on new adventures like exploring Honoka’a town, hiking through the Kalopa Native Forest, and even go snorkeling in the crystal clear Pacific Ocean.
Day 5
Hilo Farmer's Market & Kaumana Caves
We’ll check out of our accommodations in Waipiʻo and head to another local non-profit for our morning restoration project. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time at the Hilo farmer’s market & together we’ll explore Kaumana Caves (lava tubes) and learn about their sacred significance to Hawaiian people. That evening, we’ll settle into our new accommodations on the SE coast and learn about our projects for the rest of the trip!
Days 6-7
Restore Ancient Land & Hike Kilauea Iki
Each morning, we’ll take part in a variety of locally-led volunteer projects that help to restore native forests, fishponds, coastlines, and archeological sites. (Note: your specific project focus will be dependent on scheduling availability with our local volunteer partners)
After project work, we’ll also get to hike through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, watch the sunset and moon rise from Ka Lae, the southernmost point of Hawaiʻi, and enjoy one final night of reflection & celebration with a traditional imu barbecue we prepare together!
Day 8
Kona Town & Trip End
All good things must come to an end, but these memories and friendships will be with you forever. Enjoy some free time to shop and explore Kona Town before flying home or onto your next adventure!
What's Included
When you travel with GIVE, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Dive into all that’s included in our all-in-one trip prices.
- All accommodations
- Transportation (not including flights)
- 3 meals per day & clean drinking water
- 24/7 guide support
- All adventures and cultural experiences
- Funding for volunteer projects & sustainability initiatives
- Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
- Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
- Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
- Trip preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to GIVE’s Ambassador Community post-trip
Simply put: we care. GIVE goes above and beyond for our travelers before, during and after your trip. See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
What's Not Included
Pretty much everything except your flights, insurance and travel documents, but GIVE will help you organize it all! Dive into what’s included here.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), & vaccinations (if required)
- Immigration entry/exit fees (depending on location)
- Personal souvenirs, snacks and refreshments (drinking water is included 24/7)
- See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here
* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates
* Spring Break trips are slightly shorter due to school/holiday breaks
Where You’ll Stay
From comfortable homes to authentic rural stays, each accommodation has been carefully selected to balance comfort, safety, cultural immersion, and support for locally owned businesses and communities.
Please note: Accommodations may vary slightly depending on your travel dates, group size, and availability. The photos above represent the standard of comfort and authentic local experiences you can expect throughout your GIVE journey.
Voices from the ground
Hear from the locals and leaders who bring GIVE to life:
Hear what recent students have to say
Program Details
- Program Dates: March 13-20, 2027
- Program Cost: $2,995
- Includes your $595 nonrefundable deposit, which secures your spot and is applied toward the total program cost. It is not an additional fee.
- Includes accommodations, meals, drinking water, ground transportation, volunteer projects, adventure and cultural activities, and 24/7 GIVE guide support.
- Flights and travel insurance are not included, but GIVE will guide you through each step of the process.
- The deposit and all balance payments can be made through your GIVE Profile.
- Academic Tuition:
- SUNY Cortland undergraduates: No additional tuition cost. The course is included within your existing spring semester tuition.
- Other SUNY and non-SUNY students: Additional tuition/course costs will apply. Details coming soon.
- Scholarship Tuition:
- SUNY Cortland students are encouraged to apply for study abroad scholarship funding through the International Programs Office.
- For short-term programs like this, scholarship awards are typically around $750.
- Funding is not guaranteed and requires a separate scholarship application.
- Contact the SUNY Cortland International Programs Office for eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application details.
- GIVE also provides fundraising resources and flexible payment options to help make your trip possible.
- Application & Enrollment:
- Complete the online application form above.
- Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions to access your password-protected GIVE Profile.
- Confirm your spot by submitting your $595 deposit through your GIVE Profile.
- Flights:
- You are responsible for booking your own round-trip flights to Kona International Airport (KOA).
- GIVE can connect you with our preferred flight partners or provide schedule guidelines if you prefer to book independently. Click here to learn more about the flight booking process.
- Travel Insurance:
- Travel insurance is required for all participants.
- GIVE will help you select and purchase an appropriate policy before departure. Click here to learn more about travel insurance.
- Important Deadlines:
- Documents Deadline: December 13, 2026: Required flight and travel insurance information must be submitted by this date.
- Program Balance Due: December 23, 2026: Your remaining GIVE program balance must be paid by this date.
- We encourage you to apply early to secure your spot, find the best airfare, and allow plenty of time to prepare for departure.
The Heart of Your GIVE Experience
Volunteer Projects
Adventure Activities
Cultural Immersion
