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Hawaii Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

by: Pacific Discovery

9.43 (7)Verified

Craving adventure beyond the classroom this summer? Immerse yourself in the magic of Hawaii with our 4-week program for participants ages 17-22! Hike volcanic landscapes, surf legendary waves, and witness a breathtaking starry sky from Mauna Kea's summit. Learn the art of hula, savor an Imu feast, and connect with Hawaiian culture. But our exploration goes deeper. Roll up your sleeves with a loca...

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Program Highlights

Stargaze on top of the (official) tallest peak in the world, Mauna Kea.

Attend three days of surf lessons in North Shore.

Snorkel the reefs of Kona and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles.

Hike and drive across lava fields and volcanic craters in Volcanoes National Park.

Learn about conservation and sustainable living from a local non-profit.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Hilo, Hawaii (USA)
Availability
Year(s) Offered2026Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
Causes:
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Gap Year2025 Finalist - Innovation in DiversityGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Gap Year AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Gap YearPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistInnovation in Sustainability 2023 FinalistInnovation in Sustainability 2023 WinnerTop Rated Gap Year Provider 2022Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media Finalist 2022Top Rate Organization 2021 - Gap Year

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.43

Total Reviews

7

Amazing experiential education!

April 05, 2021by: Eliza Powers - United States

Program: Hawaii Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

10

From learning the art of cutting open a coconut, a proper surf board stance, hiking up Coconut Creek, enjoying a private manta ray tour, or looking at the stars at the top of the volcano of Mauna Kea, I can think of dozens of magical moments these past 4 weeks that were elevated by the support and community of my fellow peers and the Pacific Discovery team. All while prioritizing safety, Pacific Discovery has given my group a rare opportunity of true cultural immersion: daily fun experiential education peppered with moments of deeply personal growth.

Found myself on the island lols

April 05, 2021by: Mira Brodsky - United States

Program: Hawaii Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

8

Got to meet really interesting people and learn about Hawaiian history and culture. Also got to do lots of thrilling activities like cliff jumping off a 40 ft cliff, surfing, swimming with manta rays, sharks, sea turtles and much more. I loved the kids on my program, everyone was so kind, smart, funny and adventurous. There was one student who was very disrespectful and unkind to the group and many of the people we met and the student was removed from the program eventually. Other than that one challenge, the majority of the trip was wonderful! Definitely an expensive 6 weeks (around 10k plus at least another 1-3k for flights and spending money), but got to do some awesome stuff. If you got the funds this is the trip for you!

Amazing gap year!

April 05, 2021by: Christopher Zeren - United States

Program: Hawaii Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

9

This gap year has been an amazing experience! With covid 19 almost everything I had planned for this year was canceled but this has been an amazing experience because of the people and places we have met and travels too. Our group instructors have been so helpful, alway making sure we are having a great time with our operators. My favorite thing that we have done so far was the sunset atop Maunakea. The colors were so vibrant and the stars afterwards were mind blowing. My other favorite thing was the manta ray dive, they came so close which really emphasized the massive size to the animals

On top of maunakea, stargazing

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hilo, Hawaii (USA)

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Group Meals
  • Tuition & Fees

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

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