The Huaka‘i Hawai‘i Summer Short Course will resume in 2024
View the online course brochure below
The in-person course below is postponed until further notice.
Huaka‘i Hawai‘i: A Journey of Change and Resiliency, Exploring Climate Impacts in Hawai‘i as a Vehicle for Envisioning Local/Global Sustainable Solutions
Do you have a passion for the outdoors? Are you interested in learning about how island innovations and bio-cultural restoration are responding to the challenges of climate change? Do you want to engage your senses and pursue your passion for climate justice while having fun and making new friends?
Then join both Hawai‘i and international youth for a two week exploration of the island of O‘ahu that will improve your ecological literacy, challenge your assumptions, and develop your change-maker skills in the most remote population center on earth.
Program Details
Dates: next in-person event dates TBA
Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, USA
Age Requirement: 15 - 18 years by start of program
Application Deadline: next deadline TBA
Course Fee: $3,000 includes:
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All food, accommodations, admissions/fees and ground transportation, including to and from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
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All equipment and outdoor activities instruction by qualified professionals
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All educational material and instruction
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Does NOT include:
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Air travel costs to and from Honolulu International Airport
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Visa costs (as required)
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Individual health insurance (all participants are required to show proof of individual health insurance)
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Scholarship Availability: Limited scholarship funds are available and will be awarded based upon demonstrated need.
Download Huaka‘i Hawai‘i Program Brochure.
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Focus on United World Colleges core values and key Native Hawaiian values and wisdom
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Engaging, hands-on, place-based activities and discussions
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Comfortable lodging
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Great food
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Active participation in simple daily sustainability activities
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Daily opportunities for reflection
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Opportunities to play and relax
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Field trips & activities
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Paramount safety
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT
WEEK 1
We begin building our community and exploring our sense of place. We’ll visit many places including one of the most sacred sites in Hawai‘i. We’ll engage in fun activities while exploring indigenous and modern approaches to systems thinking, navigating coastal climate change, conservation, and food and energy production all on the stunning North Shore!
Day 1: E Komo Mai at Camp Mokule‘ia
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Welcome and orientation
Day 2: Building Community: A Hawaiian Sense of Place
Day 3: Navigating Change: Mitigating Impacts on the Ahupua‘a
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Exploring Mokule‘ia bay, beach and streams at Camp
Day 4: Biocultural Tourism
Day 5: Exploring ‘Āina (That Which Feeds Us)
Day 6: 21st Century Ahupua‘a Systems Thinking and Action Planning
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Hike to Ka‘ena Point
WEEK 2
We'll explore bio-cultural restoration, and food and energy production in the diverse Ko‘olau, Ala Wai and Wai‘anae watershed communities on the Windward and Westside of the island!
Day 7: ‘Āina, Conservation and Tourism on the Windward Side
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Windfarms and Watering Holes
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Kualoa Ranch, settle in at Kokokahi YWCA
Day 8: Marine Ecosystems and ‘Āina on Kaneohe Bay
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Expedition to Moku o Lo‘e with Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
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Paepae o He‘eia Fishpond in the He‘eia Natural Estuarine Research Reserve
Day 9: Biocultural Restoration and Tourism in Kailua
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Ulupō State Historic Site, Kailua Town and Beach
Day 10: ‘Āina, Energy and Watershed Restoration in Honolulu
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Hawai‘i Food Service Alliance, Pacific Biodiesel and Ala Wai Watershed, and settle in at Kahumana Community
Day 11: Biocultural Restoration, ‘Āina, and Energy Justice on the Westside
Day 12: ‘Ike ‘Ai: Building Knowledge for Healthy Food Systems
Day 13: Closing the Circle and Completing the Journey
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Kahumana Community and Culminating Ceremony
Day 14: Aloha: Sharing the Universal Breath
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Farewell, ground and airport transfers
Ma‘o Organic Farms
