HAWAII: ISLAND ADVENTURE

MIDDLE SCHOOL IMMERSION, ADVENTURE, AND SERVICE TRIP

JUNE 16 - JUNE 29, 2025

LENGTH 14 Days

COMPLETING GRADES 6 - 8

SERVICE HOURS 10-12

ARRIVE/ DEPART Maui, Hawaii (OGG)

TUITION $5495

Join us on a 14-day middle school environmental service and adventure trip where we explore the landscapes and culture on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. Join us to discover the crystal clear waters, the vibrant culture, the breathtaking mountains and everything in between. Help with ongoing service work helping restore the native lands, and immerse yourself in island life as we work side by side with local community organizations.

Activities

• Surf: Ride the iconic waves of Lahaina

• Snorkel: Molokini Crater

• Hike: The lush green trails of the island

• Kayaking: Paddle around the coastline to explore

• Discover: The unique journey of the Road to Hana

• Sunrise: Experience the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean

• Taste: Some of Hawaii’s best, fresh, local produce

• Attend: An authentic Polynesian hula show

• Kalepolepo Beach Park: A great place to see turtles in their natural habitat

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:

• Help with a marine and coastal plant restoration project

• Help clearing invasive plants, debris, and other materials that has accumulated over time, carefully preserving any indigenous plants that are part of the ecosystem.

• Fish identification surveys, beach clean-ups and marine debris collection.

• Community rebuilding projects

• Constructing traditional Hawaiian terracing (loʻi kalo) or irrigation systems (ʻauwai) if applicable to the project site.

• Planting vegetation, with a focus on using native plant species that were historically present at the site, helping to restore its natural balance and enhance its cultural value.

The type of environmental service on this trip not only contributes to the physical restoration of cultural sites but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian traditions, ecology, and heritage among the group.

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 tent camping for the full 14 days of the trip. Tents are provided and we aim for it to be 2 participants in a 3-person tent or 3 participants in a 4-person tent with luggage, divided by gender.

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 1-2 days even when showers are readily available. 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 Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) on the first day of the trip, and from Maui (OGG) 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.

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.