Hawaii: Sea Turtle Conservation 11 Days
This community service program in Hawaii is the perfect option for teens who want to learn about and help with marine conservation efforts! Make a positive environmental impact with like-minded peers in an effort to protect the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population. You’ll also learn about Hawaiian culture and gain a strong appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their way of life. Every day will be different as you help with various tasks related to sea turtle conservation and coral reef ecosystem preservation, such as, scientific research, photo identification efforts and coastal clean ups. There is so much to be done to help protect endangered species in our marine ecosystems! Outside your volunteering time, soak up the spectacular scenery while surfing or experiencing an authentic luau. This program explores all the beauty, culture and adventure of two Hawaiian islands. By the time your program comes to an end, you will be a close-knit ohana!
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
Hotels.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 1 lunch.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Travel in passenger vans driven by our staff.
Up to 24 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Engage in an educational program focused on the anatomy, history, and the importance of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Working alongside Malama na Honu staff, students will offer educational outreach and public awareness to residents and visitors at the service facility. Experience hands-on work to maintain clean beaches and communicate the importance of wildlife conservation to the community.
About Malama na Honu
Malama na Honu is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Hawaiian sea turtles through education, public awareness and conservation, all in the Spirit of Aloha. They are focused on protecting this threatened species and spreading the word to the public on the continuing need for preservation efforts.
Work directly assisting biologists and conservationists with various research and conservation projects related to Hawaii’s sea turtles and coral reef ecosystems. Try your hand at photo identification of endangered Hawaiian sea turtles, assess coral coverage percentages along Maui’s reef ecosystems, and clean up marine debris. Look out for the opportunity to view a turtle that comes into the center to be rehabilitated!
About MOC Marine Institute
MOCMI is a nonprofit organization based on Maui with a mission to inspire lifelong environmental stewardship and ensure the survival of coral reefs and sea turtles in Hawaii through science-based conservation efforts, education, and outreach.
Welcome to Island Life! Soak up the sun as you enjoy the sweeping views and unwind on Secret Beach. Hike Diamond Head, a crater formed from the eruptions of the Ko’olau Volcano many years ago. Master the waves and hang loose while learning to surf with professional instructors who will have you on the board with confidence in no time!
Sail and snorkel among 250 species of tropical fish, most of which can only be found in the Hawaiian waters. You’ll leave the island feeling like a local after experiencing an authentic luau! Spend the afternoon exploring the Iao Valley and the beautiful Twin Falls. Say farewell to the scenic island of Maui, the perfect place to reflect on all the memories and friendships you’ve made that will last a lifetime!
O'ahu, Hawaii
The Holiday Inn Express is located just three blocks to Waikiki beach and a short distance to restaurants and activities. Amenities include a hot breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool as well as a fitness center.
Maui, Hawaii
Situated on the shores of picturesque Kahului Bay, the Maui Seaside Hotel is just minutes from Kahului the beach. Enjoy the ‘island style’ room decorations and chill at the pool with new friends in your free time.
Flight to Honolulu, Hawaii
For participants on this program, we help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Honolulu.
Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $195 USD fee for an internal flight from Honolulu to Maui.
Return Flight Home from Maui, Hawaii
For your return flight from Maui, our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. Depending on the number of students from the New York area we may offer a chaperoned flight home.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals
We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality and quantity of food and variety of options. On this program in Hawaii, breakfasts are at restaurants (either the hotel’s or out) and lunches and dinners are out at restaurants.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, 1 lunch, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes:
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