Written by Fiona, Overseas Educator on the Hawaii semester, this aloha spirit farewell reflects on what students sought from the island and what they bring home after 10 weeks of living, learning, and growing in Hawaii. What did you ask of the island? You asked to explore, both “the outdoors” and within. You asked not just to see the world, but to be folded up with the mountains and oceans… Read More

Written by Kayla, Emma, Nick, and Jaidan, this Hawaii semester closing week recap covers their final days together, from Volcano National Park and taro restoration to hammocks, movie nights, and farewell hugs at the airport. In the past two weeks we got to enjoy our last few moments as a group. We have gotten the chance to work with a local native Hawaiian named Alohi. She talked about her Kalo… Read More

Written by Izzy and Olivia, this Hawaii semester Milolii community update covers a week of cultural immersion, local connections, snorkeling, and a memorable farewell dinner with the village. This past week we had the opportunity to spend time learning about the culture and community of Miloli’i. We met many different people throughout the community such as Wes and Bobo, Auntie Lynda, Auntie Laila, Uncle Ted, and Uncle Ka’imi. We also… Read More

Written by Hawaii Students, Abby🦑 and Nicole🐡 Shortly after arriving to Hawai’i Island, we got a warm welcome from the Manta rays on our sunset snorkel adventure. Some Mantas even brushed up against us while feeding on the plankton under the board! The next few days we are free to explore Kona Town or stay in and relax while at our hostel. After five days, we drive south to Miloli’i,… Read More

Written by Hawaii Students, Abdulaziz & Nick Our group had a lot of fun with bee farming and making medicine from natural plants! We harvested vegetables, planted banana trees, and built a water tank for our friends and hosts at the Pono Grown farm. Everyone is happy to have a bed and indoor showers again, after flying to the Big Island and staying at a hostel. The views are stunning… Read More

Written by Hawaii Students, Olivia & Emma  We have spent the last week at Pono grown weeding, planting, and harvesting. At Pono Grown, we have had the opportunity to work with Evan, the owner of the property, and the interns who are also living on the farm as well. The interns are really cool! Its so fun to learn from them and talk about all our different lives. Our Top … Read More

Written by Hawaii Students Nicole🐞and Jaidan🐝  We arrived at our new campsite at Whispering Winds, a bamboo farm where we got the opportunity to volunteer with River. We also were lucky enough to get a tour from Rich who taught us all about bamboo and the process of growing and preserving it! Our Top Three Highlights of the Week:  🗻 We took a long winding road to Hana where we… Read More

Written by Hawai’i Students, Izzy and Abby  On Sunday March 12th, we arrived at the Hawaiian Island Land Trust campsite in Waihe’e. We took some time to get in the water and watch the sunset after our arrival. Monday morning, we weeded with Demby in preparation for planting later in the week. In the afternoon, we got a tour of the land with Scott Fisher to learn more about where… Read More

Written by Hawai’i Students, Kayla Pitch 🍊 and Abdulaziz Albreiki 🐙 The past week has been jam packed with new experiences. Last weekend we went to The Blowhole, which is a massive hole in the rock where water blows through up to dozens of feet in the air creating a truly unique experience for everyone. The following day we went to the Lahaina Crafts Fair, where we were able to… Read More

Written by Hawai’i Overseas Educators, Fiona & Forrest After some nefarious weather on the mainland and some heavy delays all of our students arrived in Maui by Friday afternoon! The week has consisted of orientation, snorkeling, starting work at Kipuka Olowalu, and a whole lot of wind. Students have enjoyed marine life, silly games, and have approached every day with gratitude. Our Top Three Highlights of the Week:  🤿 Snorkeling… Read More

CODA E Hō Mai ka ‘ike mai luna mai ē O nā mea huna no’eau O nā mele ē E hō mai E hō mai E hō mai ē The E hō mai is a chant to grant us knowledge from above. Hawaii has given us more than we could ever hope to return. The islands have taught us patience, empathy, history, restoration, gratitude, and of course the game of… Read More

Written By Adi 11/7 Aloha! Our week started off at the Ulu co – op where we met Anissa, she started off by giving us a tour of the 4 acre farm where they have trees such as Ulu (Breadfruit), Papaya, Lilikoi (Passionfruit) , and many many ti leaves. We harvested some Ulu and Papaya and got to work cleaning up tarps, digging in the very rocky ground that 2,500… Read More

Written By Will Aloha and happy Halloween!!. The week began with an early morning as the students headed off to Kahalu’u for another lesson with Kona Town Adventures. The waves were a bit tame today, but this allowed most of the students to try and catch waves and ride on their own. Everybody was able to catch their own waves, stand up and consequently fall face first into the beautiful… Read More

Written By Ukiah This week was a busy one, full of work, learning, and personal growth. Monday, the group woke up (a bit colder than some liked) to our new views of fruit trees in the food forest at Pono Grown. After stretch circle and breakfast, we met up with Evan to learn more about the farm. We took a tour through the gardens, and familiarized ourselves with Evan’s vision… Read More

Written By Issy This packed week started with our first taste of Hana, a hike to the Twin Falls. This was a short and sweet hike with a break to swim as the water was falling on top of us. That ended with what Forrest would say to be the best coconut ice cream he has ever had. After the hike the group leaders, Alexa and I, went on the… Read More

Written By Adi Our week started off with our first move to a new campsite, Hawai’i Land Trust in Waihea – Waihe’e, Maui where the group met Kia’i, the Educator and Steward of HLT. Will and Adi were this weeks leaders and them along with the rest of the group adjusted to the porta-pottys and cold showers that came with the beautiful mountains and ocean front views of our tent… Read More

Written By Nina Ukiah and I (Nina) took over as leaders of the week, starting off with an early drive to the Iao Valley. In this historically sacred and special river drainage, we met up with Ua, Lizzy and their dog, Joi, from Kipuka Olowalu. The group hiked through the valley to a spot very special to Ua. There we all collected Ti leaves that we all then later used… Read More

Written By Elise & Issy Come Monday morning, Elise and Issy spend their first day as leaders, waking everybody up for our first day at Kipuka Olowalu. The group spent the morning cleaning up plantain trees and clearing the surrounding area while also exploring the river and getting to know the amazing staff. After lunch, the group took a trip to Target to pick up essentials (candy and sleeping supplies)… Read More

Written By OEs, Stace & Forrest The Aloha Semester started with a bang. All seven students arrived at the Kahului Airport safe, excited, and a little bit groggy. Everyone was blown away by the coastal views on the way to Camp Olowalu. We were surprised to find you can see the other islands from the coast of Maui. We made it back to camp, set up tents, grabbed some pizza,… Read More

We’re happy to report that all Hawai’i ALOHA students have arrived safely to Maui! The group is happy to finally be together and are looking forward to the journey ahead. They’ll be posting blogs here throughout the semester, so stay tuned for more updates!… Read More