GoAbroad

TFT: USA for Younger Teens: Hawaii and California

VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2003Year established

Program Overview

Join us this summer for sun, sand, and sea turtles as we explore the Hawaiian Islands and California on an adventure designed for younger teens. From vibrant Honolulu to laid-back San Diego, experience postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise water, lively cities, and plenty of outdoor fun.

Learn about sea turtle conservation by supporting efforts to protect endangered hawksbill turtles. Activities may include watching over basking turtles, nest checks, and night patrols. You’ll also volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Honolulu, running activities for local youth and gaining insight into their mission. Then head to Southern California to see San Diego’s iconic sights, volunteer with the local Boys and Girls Club, and learn to surf at one of the area’s famous beaches.

Adventure continues in both states: hike a volcanic crater, surf, and ride a traditional outrigger canoe in Hawaii before heading to California for more exploration. Discover Los Angeles, take in dramatic views along Highway 1 and Big Sur, and visit Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. End the trip by experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Muir Woods, and more in the City by the Bay.

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Program Highlights

Earn up to 15 hours of service credit helping with a sea turtle conservation project, volunteering on a farm, and working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego
Participate in evening beach patrols to watch for nesting turtles, or if you are lucky, witness baby hatchlings and make sure they make it safely to the ocean
Snorkel with vibrant marine life in the biodiverse Molokini Crater
Learn to surf on the famous shores of Waikiki Beach
Learn to hula from a professional hula dancer and create your own fresh flower lei

What's Included

Tuition & Fees

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hawaii, United States
  • Los Angeles, United States
  • Monterey, United States
  • San Diego, United States
  • San Francisco, United States
  • Santa Barbara, United States
  • Santa Cruz, United States

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records

Age Requirement

14-20

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Travel For Teens

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Volunteer Placement
4.0
Living Situation
4.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Eliyah HusraviUnited States · December 2024

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience

I spent my summer in Hawaii, surrounded by ocean, turtles, and strangers who quickly became friends. We worked hands-on with turtles, learning how important they are to the ecosystem. One day, a Hawaiian woman taught us to weave baskets, sharing stories that made the experience feel personal and meaningful. What began as a journey turned into something much more: a lesson in connection, community, and care. I left with new skills, lifelong friends, and memories I'll never forget.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated High School Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Notable Mentions 2022
Top Rated Organization 2021 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Organization 2019 - High School Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organizations 2018 (Notable Mention)
GoAbroad Top Youth Travel Program 2017

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