Hawaii: Island Exploration

Trip Name
Hawaii: Island Exploration

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

2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 22 – July 5, 2026
Session 2: July 9 – July 22, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details 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 2–3: Community Service Projects
We jump into our first projects with our local partner, Ekolu. 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 4: 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 5: 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 6–8: Continued Service Work
We return to our environmental projects, learning about local conservation and sustainable energy, including the role of wind turbines. 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: Final Day of Service
We wrap up our project work and say goodbye to our local partners at Maui Cultural Lands, proud of what we’ve contributed.

Day 11: 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—soaking in the iconic sights of the island.

Day 12: Coastal Kayaking Adventure
We spend the day paddling along the coast with our guide. 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. After a relaxed final day as a group, 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 in beachside and forested campgrounds around the island.

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

Rustic Facilities: Campsites vary from basic to semi-developed, with access to showers every 1–2 days and bathroom setups ranging from flush toilets to latrines.

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, a small group rotates through planning, prepping, and cooking meals for the whole camp—learning teamwork and basic outdoor skills.

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, 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.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info: If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, we’ll provide all necessary details for check-in and pick-up.

Packing: We’ll send a detailed packing list after enrollment—everything should fit in a duffel or hiking backpack. Key items include a sleeping bag, headlamp, water shoes, swim gear, and rain jacket.

Luggage Note: We recommend one checked bag 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 Code of Conduct 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: No specific vaccinations are required. Please ensure your teen is up to date on routine immunizations based on CDC guidelines.

Passport: Not needed for this domestic program.

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.