Hawaii Itinerary
Hawaii Itinerary
Hawaii Trip Length: 8-9 Days
Here’s a glimpse into all that awaits you in Hawaii
Volunteer on environmental restoration & food security projects | Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Pacific | Learn from Hawaiian cultural practitioners | Explore the Big Island’s native forests, coastlines, and waterfalls | Hike across a solidified lava lake at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Experience some of the best star-gazing on the planet
Day 1
Meet your GIVE guides and fellow volunteers at the airport, and then head to our accommodations (~1.5-hour-drive) near the Waipi’o Valley Lookout, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the distance! That evening, we’ll dive into the details of the journey ahead during our group orientation.
Trip Commencement: Upon meeting your GIVE guides at Kona International Airport.
Day 2
Get your hands in the soil while volunteering at Hāmākua Harvest, a local nonprofit working to support local farmers, enrich the region’s social fabric, and promote healthy rural lifestyles for the benefit of Hāmākua’s communities, economy, and environment. After volunteering, we’ll hike through the Kalopa Native Forest and learn about the diversity of rare and endangered plants from our Hawaiian guides!
Day 3
Volunteer at the Waikoloa Dry Forest, where you will learn about the diverse forest that once covered the driest regions of the islands, while helping build trails, clear weeds, plant trees, collect native seeds, and propagate the plants that will grow into future forests. After finishing up project work, we’ll head to a snorkel charter for the afternoon!
Day 4
Visit Waipi’o Valley to take part in volunteer projects and educational programs designed to revitalize and advance indigenous Kanaka Maoli cultural knowledge and land stewardship. As a volunteer, you will learn the historical and cultural significance of this sacred valley, while helping to malama ʻāina (care for the land) by planting indigenous and native plants. After work, we’ll be heading into historic honoka’a town for a chance to support local businesses.
Day 5
We’ll check out of our accommodations in Waipiʻo and head to the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center to volunteer on native fishpond restoration projects. In the afternoon, weʻll explore a series of waterfalls along the Wailuku River, 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 6-8
On days 6-8, 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 the southernmost point of Hawaiʻi, and enjoy one final night of reflection & celebration while enjoying a traditional imu barbecue!
Day 9
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 in Kona Town before flying home or onto your next adventure!
Trip End: When your GIVE guides drop you off at Kona International Airport.
**THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CERTAIN TRIPS ARE 8 DAYS LONG TO ALIGN WITH UNIVERSITY AND HOLIDAY BREAKS. ALL MAJOR PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE STILL INCLUDED IN THE 8-DAY ITINERARY; THERE’S JUST A BIT LESS DOWN TIME THROUGHOUT THE SCHEDULE.
What’s Included?
- All accommodations within Hawaii, which have access to basic amenities and security
- All group transportation within Hawaii
- All meals throughout your stay (country specific exceptions)
- All of your epic adventure and cultural immersion activities
- Funding for volunteer projects
- Drinking water 24/7
What’s Not Included?
- Flights to/from Hawaii, along with associated air taxes, ticket fees, and any country entry/exit taxes.
- Medical and Travelers insurance
- Passport and visa (specific to your citizenship)
- Vaccinations (specific to host country)