Ready for Summer 2013? We are! We’re offering the Wind and Water course for students ages 12-16. Join us as we earn open water SCUBA certification, hike to waterfalls in Waipi’o Valley, learn to sail on Hilo Bay, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and help restore a native Hawaiian forest. When you’re ready to enroll, click here to get started!
- Day 1- Arrival Meet at the Kona Airport. Once we’re all together, we’ll make the trek to our basecamp, get to know each other and prepare for the amazing days ahead.
- Days 2-3- Waipi’o Valley Known as the “Valley of the Kings,” it was once a flourishing community of Hawaiian royalty. A few families still live and farm in the rustic valley. They keep Hawaiian culture alive by harvesting traditional taro crops and making poi. It’s a cultural treasure and a truly sacred place. We’re fortunate to be able to explore the valley. Experience the history and culture of Waipi’o by learning from a local farmer and helping him work in his taro patch. Hike, climb, and swim to incredible waterfalls and lounge on an amazing black sand beach.
- Days 4-7- Open Water SCUBA Certification Earn your certification with Kohala Divers, a 5 Star PADI center. The pristine Kona coast is considered to have the best diving in the Hawaiian Island chain. Its underwater topography is the most interesting with caves, reef shelves, tide pools and healthy coral. Its lack of sediment keeps underwater visibility excellent. Tropical fish and sea turtles abound. It’s the closest you’ll come to swimming in an aquarium! This valuable certification opens the door to a new world.
- Days 8-9- Hilo Bay Sailing Sailing and sea navigation were invaluable skills for the Polynesians who sailed to Hawaii. Taught by Na Hoa Holomoku Yacht Club instructors, students will learn basic sailing techniques. We learn hands on by sailing “Sunfish” on tranquil Hilo Bay. These small, two person boats are perfect for learning. They’re fast, wet, and fun!
- Days 10-11- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Service Project We end on a high note exploring this other-worldly landscape. Volcanoes has been honored as a “World Heritage Site” and “International Biosphere Reserve.” There’s no place on earth quite like it! Finally, we give back to the environment we’ve enjoyed by preserving a critical habitat for native Hawaiian plants while learning about healthy ecosystems.
- Day 12- Aloha! After a memorable closing ceremony, we say our final goodbye’s at the Kona Airport. Keep in touch!
Dates: June 19-30, 2013
Cost: $2,495 (Hawaii Residents: $2,295)
Ready to enroll? Click here to get started!
