Hawaii: Island Exploration

Trip Name
Hawaii: Island Exploration

Who It’s For
High school students (completing grades 9–12)

2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 15 – June 28, 2026
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Travel information will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Maui, Hawaii

Trip Length
14 Days

Tuition
$6,295

This is the plan, but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1: Arrival in Maui
After meeting at the airport, we transfer to our campsite and settle in. We spend the evening setting up camp, getting to know each other, and kicking off our time together on the island.

Days 2–4: Community Service Projects
We jump into our projects with our local partners. Tasks may include invasive species removal, native planting, trail maintenance, erosion control, and beach clean-ups. Projects vary year to year depending on local needs. After each day’s work, we cool off in the ocean and unwind on Maui’s beautiful beaches.

Day 5: Surf Lessons & Local History
In the morning, we learn about the area’s past as a historic whaling village. Then we hit the beach for surf lessons with local guides. We learn how to read the waves, balance on our boards, and enjoy some time in the water.

Day 6: Explore Black Rock Beach
We spend the day at Black Rock Beach, playing games, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a beach picnic. We soak up the sun and explore this scenic part of the coast.

Days 7–8: Continued Service Work
We return to our environmental projects, learning about local conservation and sustainable energy, including the role of wind turbines. We wrap up our project work and say goodbye to our local partners at Maui Cultural Lands, proud of what we’ve contributed. In the evenings, we relax, explore, and take in the slower rhythm of island life.

Day 9: Snorkel Molokini Crater
We take a boat trip to Molokini Crater for world-class snorkeling. We explore its vibrant underwater ecosystem and enjoy a scenic cruise along the coast, capping it off with a sunset view on the water.

Day 10: Road to Hana
We take a scenic drive along the Road to Hana, stopping at waterfalls, black and red sand beaches, flower farms, and more. We taste fresh banana bread, Hawaiian BBQ, and ice cream from local food trucks, while soaking in the iconic sights of the island.

Day 11: Another Day of Surfing
Continue the fun of surfing by working again to develop your skills riding some waves! After another great session with surf instructors, have a relaxing afternoon exploring tidepools and beach time.

Day 12: Cultural Canoe Tour
We spend the day paddling along the coast with our guide, and learn how the history of Hawai’i is so interconnected with the land. With opportunities to swim, snorkel, and spot local wildlife, it’s a great way to experience the island from the water.

Day 13: Sunrise & Closing Banquet
We wake early to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a final hike. After a relaxed final day as a group that includes enjoying some of the tastiest treats of Hawai’i, we close out our trip with an RLT banquet and one last campfire under the stars.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
We say goodbye to our group and head to the airport for the journey home - sun-soaked, saltwater-washed, and full of stories to share.

We’ll be tent camping on Maui for the full two weeks, staying at a beachside campground on the island.

Group Tents: Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), divided by gender.

Rustic Facilities: The campsite has flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities. It provides the perfect base for our exploring. Short showers are available every 1-2 days.

Setup & Breakdown: Everyone pitches in to set up camp, cook meals, and keep our shared spaces clean.

What to Expect: Sleeping to the sound of ocean waves, rinsing off in beach showers, and waking up to morning light and birdsong in the palms.

Cook Crew: Each day, small groups rotate through planning, prepping, and cooking meals for the whole camp.

Simple + Fresh: Meals are easy to make and satisfying after a full day - think poke bowls, tacos, pasta, pancakes, and grilled veggies.

All Diets Welcome: We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, nut free, gluten free, dairy free, and more.

Snacks + Hydration: Daily snack breaks and constant water refills keep everyone fueled - especially during beach days and hikes.

Flights:
Families book flights to and from Maui, Hawaii (OGG). Do not book your teen’s flight until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Unaccompanied Minor Info:
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing:
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note:
We recommend one checked bag (soft-sided duffel, NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers: Once enrolled, you’ll get access to your RLT portal where you’ll complete required forms including health history, emergency contacts, and our participation agreement. All paperwork must be submitted before the trip.

Medical Clearance: No doctor’s visit is required unless there’s a new or complex medical condition. Our team reviews every form to make sure we’re fully prepared to support your teen.

Medications: All medications (prescription or over-the-counter) should be listed in your teen’s medical form. Leaders manage and dispense medications as needed.

Behavioral Expectations: Families will receive a Participation Agreement to review together. It helps set the tone for a safe, supportive, and inclusive group experience.

Trip Insurance: Not required, but strongly encouraged. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. Reach out if you’d like recommendations.

Vaccinations: We follow CDC guidelines for travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

Passport: Not needed for US citizens for this domestic program. International participants should review any visa and passport requirements specific to their home country.

Device-Free Philosophy: Phones and personal electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end. We do this to help teens fully engage with each other and their surroundings.

Disconnect helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome: Teens are encouraged to bring a camera or GoPro, anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Leaders also take and share photos in an online gallery after the trip.

Communication: Families receive regular updates during the trip. If there’s an emergency, our on-call team is available 24/7.