HAWAII
LOCAL CONNECTIONS
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Restore Beaches with the Non-Profit Surfrider
Foundation
• Mentor and Inspire Students at the Boys and Girls
Club
• Learn to Surf and Perfect Your “Hang Ten” Skills
• Explore the Breathtaking Na’Pali Coast by Foot
and Boat
• Camp Beachside in the Famous Hanalei Bay
• Snorkel the Pristine Waters of Kauai
• Renovate Homes with Kauai Economic Experience
• 30 Hours of Community Service
Days 1: Travel Day
Participants are met by their leaders at the Lihue Airport on the Island of Kauai (or in San Francisco International
Airport if on the escorted flight). After a quick welcome and introduction to ARCC, we head to our campsite on
the beautiful Waipa Beach, just outside the surf town of Hanalei and spend our first night under the Hawaiian
stars. Accommodations: Campground
Day 2: Orientation and Waipa Foundation Service
This morning, we cover program basics such as how to set up tents and use camp stoves. Through games, teambuilding activities and cooking our first meal together, the adventure truly begins. We also introduce the role of
“Leader of the Day” which is an essential component of every ARCC trip.
This afternoon, we get a hands-on experience helping our friends at the Waipa Foundation with a few hours of
service. Waipa is run by a Hawaiian foundation and it is where we call home for the next weeks. They take us
into the lush green fields to learn about taro farming and how to make the taro into “poi,” a staple food of early
Hawaiians. Accommodations: Campground
ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Local Connections
Days 3 - 5: Boys and Girls Club Service
Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the BGCH’s clubhouses provide
guidance oriented character development programs six days a week for Hawaiian children aged 7-17 years old. Working alongside the awesome people
involved with the BGCH, we organize and implement an “Olympic Sports
Day” or “Fear Factor Day” with rotating events, stations and prizes for elementary school Boys and Girls Club members.
We also have a chance to spend a day working with the Club to learn the
ancient tradition of outrigger canoeing while using it as our transportation
to a remote trail in need of restoration. There is much work to be done and
with the BGCH Director by our side, we certainly make a huge difference in
this great organization. After three days, we have made true connections
with the children of Kapa’a. Accommodations: Campground
Day 6: Beach, Laundry and Free Day
Today we take some time to explore the island, visit hidden beaches and
relax in the shade. We also do laundry, make calls home and plan for our
upcoming service. This much needed respite helps us reset for our upcoming adventures. Accommodations: Campground
Day 7: Surfrider Foundation Service and Surfing
Today we work with the Surfrider Foundation of Kauai for a community
service project aimed at improving the ocean and beaches of Kauai, which
have become damaged by the influx of tourism in recent years. We are
educated on Surfrider’s mission statement of C.A.R.E. (Conservation, Activism, Research, and Education) and with the help of professionals at the
Surfrider Foundation, we assist in conservation and research projects on
the beach and in the ocean.
This afternoon, we experience the world-famous break of Kauai’s South
Shore. We learn the fundamentals of the exhilarating sport of surfing with
the help of professional surf instructors. After a lesson on land, we head
into the water. Under the care of our Hawaiian instructors, we learn proper
stance, ocean safety and how to maximize our paddling strokes. We take
the skills we learn here and expand upon them during our free surf time
later in the week. Accommodations: Private Campground, Hanalei Bay,
Kauai
Day 8: Na’Pali Coast Day Hike
We take our Hawaiian adventure to new heights by hiking along the spectacular Na’Pali Coast. It is exciting to see the coast from a different view.
We hike through lush rainforests on a trail rising above the blue-green water and the rugged and rocky shore of the Kauai coastline where we pass
waterfalls over 100 feet high. We stop for lunch at one of the coast’s many
spectacular beaches and work our way back to our home away from home
at the Waipa Foundation. Accommodations: Campground
ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Local Connections
Days 9 - 10: Kauai Economic Opportunity Service
Today we embark on our service with Kauai Economic Opportunity
(KEO). KEO is a non-profit human services organization whose purpose is to serve the low-income community members of Kauai. Their
mission is to alleviate poverty in the community through action and
they continue to do so through the development and administration of
over 20 programs. During the day, we take time to paint and renovate
group homes around the island. In the evenings, we prepare and serve
meals to those in need at the KEO Emergency Homeless Shelter. After
two days of work, we are able to look at all we have accomplished for
these families in need. Accommodations: Campground
Day 11: Limahuli Garden Service and Group Led Outing
Today, we focus our last service efforts on helping out an amazing non-profit. We wake up early and head to the National Botanical Garden at Limahuli.
This preserve is located on the Northern Coast of Kauai and consists of three
separate ecological zones: a pristine stream, a lush valley and many ancient
Hawaiian archaeological sites. We work together planting native vegetation
and have a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful scenery. This preserve is one of
the most pristine and beautiful environments of all Hawaii. We are lucky to
be able to help protect this land.
After lunch we head out as a group on our student led outing. After working together with some guidance from the ARCC leaders, the group has the
opportunity to plan and head out the adventure of their choice. Weather it
be visiting “Secret Beach” or the Kilauea Lighthouse, it is bound to be a fun
afternoon. Accommodations: Campground
Day 12: Zodiak Raft Tour and Snorkeling
Today we are able to celebrate all of the service we have completed during our time on Kauai with a day of rafting and snorkeling. First, we board
a Zodiak raft and experience the dramatic Na’Pali coast from the ocean on
this thrilling tour.
Next, our group charters our own private boat and sets out along the coast
of Kauai. On this unique voyage we discover enchanting sea caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. We also have the opportunity to snorkel the astounding reef and soak in the sunshine on this exciting journey! Surrounded
by new friends in this stunning paradise, we enjoy a day of amazing views
and activity. Accommodations: Campground
ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Local Connections
Day 13: Surfing and Final Activities
On our last full day in Hawaii, we have a chance to perfect those surfing
skills we learned earlier in the program. Heading out to Hanalei Bay, which is
known for great surf, we spend the morning playing in the waves. We surf,
boogie board and soak up our last opportunity to play in the tropical waters
we have come to love.
After an amazing two weeks full of service and activities, we head back to
our camp for one last night together and make our Final Feast to celebrate
all that we have accomplished together! Accommodations: Campground
Day 14: Departure
Eventually all good things must come to an end. After packing up camp,
we drive to the airport, say our goodbyes and board our flights home. The
memories of the experience and the group will carry us through to next
summer!
Want to Learn More?
Contact the Regional Director:
Eben Coenen | Regional Director: Hawaii: Local Connections
[email protected]
415-332-5075 Ext. 247
ARCC Programs | Hawaii: Local Connections