Hawaii Spring Break

Arrive at Kona International Airport (KOA), where you’ll be greeted by your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.

Jump right in to learning about food security issues on the Hawaiian Islands. Spend the morning working alongside community members at the Kona Food Pantry. Sort and pack boxes and participate in a discussion about food systems. In the afternoon, break out your mask, snorkel, and fins and explore one of Kona’s most famous snorkeling spots.

Bright and early we’ll hit the trail to hike on an ancient cinder cone above the Kona coast. The sun, breeze, and epic views will make it worth the work. After, immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a master class on lei making and local stories from an oral historian. At night, take a sunset swim and reflect on all that you have learned.

Hop aboard for a cruise down the coast by catamaran. While on the water, you may see turtles’ heads popping up for air, dolphins spinning in the waves, and the Hawaiian state fish humuhumunukunukuapua’a with their bright stripes just below the surface. Enjoy pastries for breakfast and burgers for lunch, then throw on your gear and see what’s waiting to discover at favorite snorkel spots along the island coast.
In the afternoon, explore downtown Kona for souvenirs and try the famous Hawaiian shave ice. Then, grab your jacket and head up to the Mauna Kea visitor center for the most incredible sunset and stargazing.

Give back today with a visit back to the food pantry. Sort, organize, and prep food to reach people in need in the community. With high cost of living, food access in Hawaii is always tricky and food pantries play an important role in helping provide more access for people who need help.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the beach for time to play games on the beach, swim, and snorkel.

Head up the coast to Hawi! After a 90 minute drive, you’ll arrive on on an organic farm. Do a farm tour and learn about different crops grown on The Big Island, food systems, sustainable agriculture, and local education efforts. Then get your hands dirty helping out with the day’s farm work. This could include clearing and turning a field, seeding, weeding, harvesting, or other tasks to help the farm. Reflect on how your work today feels different, after all of the experiences you’ve had with the local community, and learning about food, food access, and farming on the island.
After a lunch out in Hawi, visit one of the most picturesque beaches on the Kohala coast and cross your fingers for dolphins, turtles, and whales!

Pack your bags and say farewell to this incredible island. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.