Session 1: Land, Sea, Air, and Space

Explore Hawaiʻi Island Ecosystems

Hawaiʻi Island is your home as you explore the many different ecosystems of this amazing island and its coral reefs, volcanoes, beaches, lowland forests, rain forests, deserts, and dark skies. Field trips take you out across the island to explore and to meet scientists and conservationists, all through activities that are fun and hands-on.

Hawaiʻi Volcano Field Studies

• At the beach: Black and green sand, coral, swimming, snorkeling, sea turtles, tropical fish
• At the shoreline: Traditional erosion control, Hawaiian fish ponds, water quality, biodiversity, new shorelines
• At the volcano: Life cycle of Hawaiian volcanoes, lava flows, volcanic ejecta, lava tubes, tree molds
• In the lowland forest: Native and invasive species, biodiversity, land management, archaeology
• In the rainforest: Endemic and indigenous flora and fauna, fungi and viruses, meteorology
• On the mountain: Star-gazing, habitat restoration, astronomy, rare and endangered species
• At camp: Eating, sleeping, relaxing, volleyball, designing, building, and launching model rockets, and building electronic gizmos

Astronomy, star-gazing, and Polynesian Voyaging

Hawaiʻi Island is one of the world's premier places for viewing the night sky. At camp, the clear and dark skies offer many star-gazing opportunities, where our instructors share their knowledge of western astronomy as well as the astronomy of the Polynesian navigators. High on the slopes of Mauna Kea, campers meet with astronomers and gaze through telescopes at galaxies, binary star systems, nubulas, planets, and more.

"Minds Blown" witnessing the eruption of Kīlauea volcano.

Field Trip Destinations

Daily field trips to destinations across Hawaiʻi Island make each day a new opportunity to experience new places, explore the natural world, and meet scientists. Popular field trip destinations include:

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Ka Lae (South Point)
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and Planetarium
• Keck Observatory Headquarters
• Mauna Kea Visitors Center
• Miscellaneous coastlines, beaches, lava tubes, waterfalls, and hiking spots!

Registration Fees

Registration fee is $2,955 per ten-day session and includes meals, lodging, instruction, supervision, transportation during camp, field trips, entry fees, program activities and materials, and airport transfers (Hilo and Kona).

Eligibility

Campers must be ages 13-17 and entering grades 8-12 in the fall after the start of camp.

Health and Safety

Camper health, safety, and well-being is our top priority. Visit our camp safety page to learn more.

Lodging

Campers stay at the Pāhala Plantation Cottages. Visit our camp lodging page to learn more.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Click here to learn more and to apply online.

Deposit and Payment

A deposit of $375 is required at the time of registration, with full payment due no later than May 25th. Registrations after May 25th must be paid in full at time of registration. Monthly payment plans are also available. Refund Policy. Liability Policy.

Available Discounts

Discounts are available for military families and Kamaʻaina (Hawaiʻi residents):
Military Discount ($100) — use Promo Code US37W
Kamaʻaina Discount ($100) — use Promo Code R6435
Both Military and Kamaʻaina ($200) — use Promo Code QY57

More Information

Visit our FAQ page or learn about our leadership team.