MIDDLE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE AND ADVENTURE TRIP
JULY 5 - JULY 18, 2024 (Waitlist)
JULY 22 - AUGUST 4, 2024 (WAITLIST)
LENGTH 14 Days
COMPLETING GRADES 6-8
SERVICE HOURS 10-20
ARRIVE/DEPART Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL)
TUITION $5895
Journey throughout Oahu on this epic 14-day environmental service and adventure program. Oahu boasts everything from lush rainforests, majestic wildlife, and breathtaking beaches. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and environment of Hawaii, and paddle out into the big blue on this epic introductory middle school adventure.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP OVERVIEW
ACTIVITIES
Snorkel: The best snorkel spots of the clear, tropical, North shore
Private Boat Trip: On a 40ft catamaran
Surf: Waikiki Beach
Bee Farm Tour: Learn about the vital role bees play at Hanai Hives
Visit: An ancient archeological site dating back to the 1500’s
Hike: Diamond Head State Monument, Kaena State Park, Waimea Botanical Gardens
Taste: Visit various Farmer’s Markets to get a taste of authentic local food, and discover class Hawaiian foods
SWIMMING ABILITY
Due to the nature of this program, it is required that participants are comfortable being in the water and swimming in various depths.
SERVICE
A Certificate of Community Service indicating the total number of hours worked and a group Presidential Volunteer Service Award will be issued upon successful completion of the program. Service work could include some of the following:
Removing invasive species, citizen science data collection, reforestation, trail maintenance, basic construction tasks, and other projects. Full details will be released soon!
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED IN TRIP TUITION
The trip tuition listed above includes accommodations, activities, meals, and group gear. The tuition does not include personal gear and clothing, travel insurance, spending money, and travel expenses such as airfare to and from the start and end of the program, unaccompanied minor fees, and baggage fees.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SHOWERING
Accommodations are at a private rustic bunkhouse on the island. Bedrooms will be divided by gender, and participants will sleep slumber party-style – in sleeping bags, rotating available beds nightly, and sharing beds as needed.
Bathrooms and showers can be rustic so please be prepared. In an effort to save time and conserve water resources in the areas we are traveling, participants will have access to showers every 3-4 days even when showers are readily available in private housing accommodations. On days with ocean-based activities, participants will be able to rinse off with fresh water. Bathrooms are a mix between flush toilets and latrines.
FOOD
Participants on this trip will plan, prepare, and eat meals as a group. Split up into smaller cook crews, each crew will have the chance to prepare a meal approximately once per day. This process is supervised by staff who offer advice on nutrition, and menu planning, and ensure safe food storage, preparation, and handling.
Meals are prepared on back-country-style camp stoves. Meals are nutritious and filling, but the back-country nature of the program often necessitates a simpler menu than a restaurant or home cook might allow.
We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements and preferences.
TRAVEL
Families are individually responsible for booking their own airfare or making their own travel arrangements to get their students from home to Honolulu Airport (HNL) on the first day of the trip, and from Honolulu (HNL) to home on the last day of the trip. RLT will provide exact windows of time that we require all students to arrive and depart within. It is imperative that no one make any travel arrangements until RLT directs them to do so.
A leader-escorted round-trip flight will be available between New York and Honolulu (but is not required) for those travelers who wish to fly with a leader. Booking information for the escorted flight will be available after enrollment.
TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Road Less Traveled does not provide its own insurance nor do we require travel insurance for domestic trips. However, travel insurance can protect your investment in your participant's trip from the risk of unexpected expenses from last-minute cancellations or early trip departure. If you are interested in more details regarding travel insurance, please visit our FAQ page or you may contact a member of our team at info@theroadlesstraveled.com or 773-342-5200.
TECHNOLOGY
As part of the RLT experience, our trips are electronic-free. While it is encouraged to travel with cell phones, leaders will collect phones and any other personal devices after all participants arrive on the first day. It can feel tough initially to not have access to your phone, but it really helps everyone in the group to connect and have a really great trip experience. This includes phones, iPods, tablets, gaming devices, music devices, smartwatches, etc. All electronics will be held by RLT leaders, kept safe and dry for the duration of the trip, and returned at the end of the program. All cameras, go pros, etc. are acceptable and can be kept with you! If you do not have a camera, please note that leaders will also be taking photos throughout the program, and these photos will be shared through an online gallery.
“The RLT Hawaii middle school program exceeded all of our expectations. My daughter had such an incredible experience, met amazing friends, learned about a new culture, tried new foods and had so much fun!”
- SUMMER 2023 ALUM PARENT -
SAMPLE ITINERARY
*Please note the itinerary listed below is the intended itinerary for this trip. No two trips are exactly the same. All itineraries are subject to change to ensure the best possible program experience. Weather, group dynamics, new opportunities, and the unpredictability of travel all shape the final trip itinerary - and it's all part of the adventure!
ARRIVAL (DAY 1)
After meeting at the airport in Honolulu, we transfer to our accommodations and spend the evening getting to know each other and our new home.
Beach day and exploring (DAY 2)
After a busy travel day, we take a more relaxed start to the trip exploring the local area. We discover some of the local beaches and spend time playing games and swimming in the crystal blue waters. As we swim in the Pacific, we keep our eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, green turtles, and manta rays.
archeological tour (DAY 3)
On Day 3, we learn about some of the history and heritage of the island as we discover the archeological site of Pālehua. Standing 510 meters above sea level on the southern end of the Wai’anae Mountains, we learn what the site was used for from its creation in AD 1500. We get started on learning about the importance of giving back to the community and taking care of the native Hawaiian lands. This is the first introduction to the impactful environmental service work the group will be involved in throughout the trip.
palehuA reforestation project and hike (DAY 4)
Continuing the experience of mālama aina - caring for and honoring the land - we hike the trails as we learn about native plant species and reforestation projects to help restore the lands and protect native species. We cool off later in the day on the beach, watching the sun go down over the water.
boat trip and snorkeling (DAY 5)
Today we explore from the water as we take a 40ft catamaran along the North coast. The reefs of the North shore are home to hundreds of species of fish and other marine life. During our sail we observe sea turtles near the shore, and if we are lucky we might catch a glimpse of spinner dolphins! Along the way, we stop off at some of the best snorkeling spots to see the marine diversity up close. Following our snorkeling trip, we will relax while exploring a small coastal town, which of course includes a stop for classic Hawaiian shaved ice!
community service (DAYS 6-7)
We work alongside a local organization to support ongoing environmental conservation projects. The full details of the conservation projects, carefully chosen to maximize impact, will be released closer to the trip. Examples of previous environmental service projects we have helped with include trail maintenance, tree planting, tackling invasive species, erosion control projects, data collection, and species ID. During our time in Hawai'i, we will also have the opportunity to explore the renowned Kuala Ranch, where we will learn about the importance of locally grown and responsible food practices - a vital aspect of sustainable living. Furthermore, we will have the chance to visit local artisan craft fairs, where we can appreciate and support the talents of the community while gaining a deeper understanding of their culture and traditions.
surfing and diamond head state park (DAY 8)
In the morning, we explore Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi), a majestic volcanic cone that stands near the eastern edge of Waikiki's picturesque coastline. Diamond Head is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts; it also holds a significant place in military history. As we hike through the expansive 475 acres of parkland, we learn about the fascinating tales of the past that intertwine with the surroundings. After a morning of exploring, we cool off in the water as we take surf lessons from a local instructor.
kaena point state park (DAY 9)
We spend the day immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Kaena State Park. Along the picturesque coastline hike, we discover hidden gems including secluded sandy beaches, crystal-clear pools, lush vegetation, and wildlife.
Manoa Falls (DAY 10)
Today, our journey takes us to the enchanting Manoa Valley, nestled just beyond the city of Honolulu. We follow the famous trail leading to Manoa Falls, as we are surrounded by Hawaiian tropical rainforest. These iconic surroundings may look familiar to some Hollywood fans, as we find ourselves strolling through movie scene locations from the likes of Jurassic Park and LOST! In the evening, we explore Honolulu and taste some of the best traditional Hawaiian foods.
hanai hives bee tour and waimea botanical garden (DAY 11)
We start our day learning about the fascinating and vital role of pollinators and beekeeping on the island with the passionate team at Hanai Hives. They help us learn about the hives, and the teams of bees buzzing about their important work. As we explore their orchards, we learn about the intricate honeycombs, and of course help with the crucial task of taste-testing the delicious, golden honey. After our hands-on experience with the bees, we venture to Waimea Botanical Gardens to learn about the native flora and fauna.
Visit PEARL HARBOR NATIONAL MemoriAL (DAY 12)
We learn about the intriguing historical significance of the iconic Pearl Harbor as our group visits the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Within the heart of Honolulu, we will uncover the stories and events that have shaped history. Through our exploration, we will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between past and present, reminding us of the value of knowledge, community, and history.
BEACH DAY AND RLT FINAL BANQUET (DAY 13)
We wrap up the trip with one more epic day visiting beaches, where we will soak up the sun and squeeze in some final swim and beach time. Before saying farewell to Oahu, we finish our journey with a famous RLT banquet, where we will gather one last time to share laughter, stories, and memories under the backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset.
HOMEWARD BOUND (DAY 14)
We say goodbye to new friends before starting on the journey back home. We reflect on the adventures of the last two weeks before flying out of Honolulu.
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