HAWAII
MARINE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE
For Middle School Students
Designed specifically for middle schoolers: explore volcanoes, swim near waterfalls and stargaze on the Big Island all while helping support Hawaii’s animals and forests!
Program Overview
Step onto the Big Island for an epic Hawaiian adventure designed specifically for middle school students! Centered on aloha ʻāina—love and care for the land this program combines fun outdoor exploration with real, age-appropriate conservation work. From exploring active volcanoes and sacred historic sites to swimming in clear ocean waters, you’ll team up with local experts to help protect native forests and wildlife, learn cool island traditions and experience Hawaiʻi’s unbelievable nature firsthand alongside peers your age.
On GLA’s Hawaii: Marine Island Service Adventure For Middle School Students program you will:
- Stroll through historic Waimea
- Explore lush trails and waterfalls at ‘Akaka Falls State Park
- Soak up the sun, snorkel Kealakekua Bay and hike to the iconic Captain Cook Monument
- Step back in time at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and spend an unforgettable afternoon at Volcanoes National Park
- Dive into service work focused on environmental care, Hawaiian traditions and marine conservation
Program Menu
HAWAII
MARINE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Aloha and welcome to Hawaii! Upon arrival at Kona International Airport (KOA), you’ll be greeted by our staff. We’ll then journey along the coast to the Home Base to unpack, relax, and meet your fellow adventurers. Enjoy your first meal together, meet your Mentors and local staff and watch a stunning Hawaiian sunset as we kick off an exciting adventure ahead!
Day 2: Orientation & Guest Speaker
Return to Home Base for program orientation, an overview of service projects and a guest talk from a local community member about the Big Island and volunteer expectations, with time to connect as a group.
Days 3-4: Cultural, Environmental Education & Service
Partner with a local organization at a cultural reserve to support environmental stewardship while learning about Native Hawaiian culture, traditions and the ahupuaʻa land system through hands-on service and cultural activities.
Day 5: Snorkel, Sea & History
Enjoy a catamaran cruise and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, then explore Kona Town on a walking tour of historic sites, local shops and coastal life.
Day 6: Service, Innovation & Stargazing
Continue conservation service in the morning, then explore environmental innovation at the Energy Lab with a guest speaker on climate resilience. At night, enjoy stargazing under Hawaii’s clear skies.
Day 7: Service & Hawaiian Culture
Spend the morning on sustainability projects, then enjoy leadership activities and free time. In the evening, dive into Hawaiian traditions with lei-making and hula, followed by mentor group reflection.
Day 8: Cultural Site Visit
Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to explore sacred sites, walk the coastline and learn about traditional Hawaiian values like forgiveness and spiritual protection.
Day 9: Volcanoes, Lava Tubes & Farewells
Start with a ranger-led lesson on the island’s volcanic forces, participate in service at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, explore lava tubes and celebrate your final evening with a sunset dinner.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy one last Hawaiian breakfast before heading to the airport, where GLA staff will assist with check-in and bid you aloha until next time.
Program Map
HAWAII
MARINE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 09 – July 18, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Jax R. | 2025 Alumni Student
“This trip was inspirational, I learned that not only do I want to do marine conservation but I want to get involved in cultural projects. Patience matter, kindness matters, community matters. You will learn so much about yourself, I would do this 100% over and over again!”
The Program Experience
Service Learning
Join forces with local conservationists on meaningful, age-appropriate stewardship projects built just for middle school students! You’ll work together to protect native wildlife habitats, plant young trees and restore the island’s unique dryland forests. Guided by the Hawaiian value of aloha ʻāina—love and care for the land, you’ll discover the stories behind the island’s ecosystems while experiencing Hawaiian culture firsthand through fun, interactive traditions like lei making, hula dancing and learning from local community leaders.
Outdoor Adventure
Experience the adventurous side of the Big Island with activities tailored for middle school explorers! Snorkel in clear ocean waters alongside colorful sea life, hike scenic forest trails and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—home to Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. You’ll also have time to relax on sunny beaches, play field games with your group and stargaze under some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Country Spotlight
Discover the welcoming spirit, incredible landscapes and rich culture of Hawaii’s Big Island alongside fellow middle school travelers.
Lodging: Stay in exclusive, dormitory-style accommodations at Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) in Waimea. Nestled between the Kohala Mountains and Maunakea, the HPA campus provides a secure Home Base deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Students share gender-segregated dorm rooms with dedicated common spaces for group reflection and social time.
Meals: Enjoy wholesome, fresh meals prepared at Home Base that reflect the island’s local agriculture and food traditions, incorporating fresh tropical fruits, local produce and familiar regional favorites to keep you energized throughout your service and adventures.
HAWAII
MARINE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE
Photo Gallery
HAWAII
MARINE ISLAND SERVICE ADVENTURE
Explore Similar Programs or Internships
ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Discover delicious food, stunning architecture and rich history on this authentic Italian adventure through three of the country’s most impressive cities: Rome, Florence and Venice.