Detailed 14 Day Itinerary

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

– Arrival at Kona International Airport (KOA)

– Transfer to accommodation

– Welcome dinner and orientation on Hawaiian culture, customs, and the program

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Morning:

– 08:00 AM: Arrival at Kona International Airport (KOA)

– Pick up luggage and complete arrival formalities.

– Proceed to the designated meeting point to find your group representative.

– 09:15 AM: Transfer to accommodation

– Board a pre-arranged shuttle or private vehicle and, depending on distance, expect a 30-60 minute drive to the lodging.

– Check-in at the accommodation, unpack, and rest.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

– 11:30 AM: Explore surroundings

– Take a walk around the nearby area, acclimatize, and get familiar with your surroundings, including local shops and restaurants.

– 12:30 PM: Lunch on your own

– Explore local dining options and enjoy a Hawaiian culinary experience.

Afternoon:

– 02:00 PM: Group gathering and ice-breaking activity

– Meet at the accommodation’s common area or designated location.

– Engage in a fun, interactive ice-breaking activity to get to know your fellow participants.

Mid-afternoon:

– 03:30 PM: Orientation walk around the accommodation

– Get acquainted with the lodging facilities such as pool, gym, restaurant, and recreational areas.

– Discuss essential safety measures and evacuation procedures.

Late afternoon:

– 05:00 PM: Free time

– Take some leisure time to rejuvenate or explore more of the surrounding area on your own.

Evening:

– 07:00 PM: Welcome dinner and orientation on Hawaiian culture, customs, and the program

– Gather at the designated dining area of the accommodation or local restaurant.

– Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau-style dinner, including dishes like Kalua pig, Lomi Lomi Salmon, and Haupia dessert.

– During dinner, engage in an informative presentation on Hawaiian culture, traditions, and customs.

– Overview of the program itinerary and introduction of team members responsible for activities.

– Q&A session to address any concerns or inquiries.

– 09:30 PM: Closing remarks and end of orientation.

Night:

– Feel free to retire to your room or spend the evening with fellow participants in one of the common areas or local hangouts.

Day 2-3: Cultural Immersion & Exploration

– Visit a local school or community center for cultural exchange

– Participate in traditional Hawaiian workshops, including hula dancing, lei-making, and ukulele lessons

– Explore downtown Kailua-Kona or Hilo, observing local lifestyle and art

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning:

– 8:30am: Meet at the hotel lobby and head to a local school/community center for a cultural exchange program

– 9:00am – 11:00am: Engage with students, educators, and community members in conversation and participate in various interactive activities, such as language learning, storytelling, and art projects

Lunch Break:

– 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch at a local Hawaiian restaurant to get a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine

Afternoon:

– 1:30pm – 3:30pm: Participate in traditional Hawaiian workshops

– Hula dancing workshop: Learn the basics of hula and its cultural significance (1 hour)

– Lei-making workshop: Learn the art of creating beautiful flower garlands and the meanings behind various flowers (1 hour)

Evening:

– 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Ukelele lessons with a Hawaiian music expert, where you’ll not only learn how to play but also get to know more about the history and cultural importance of the instrument

Day 3: Exploration & Arts

Morning:

– 9:00am: Start your day exploring either downtown Kailua-Kona or Hilo (depending on your preference/location)

– 9:30am – 11:00am: Visit local galleries and studios featuring local artists’ work to gain insight into Hawaiian arts & crafts, such as wood carving, weaving, and printmaking

Lunch Break:

– 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant offering healthy organic dishes using locally-sourced ingredients

Afternoon:

– 1:30pm – 3:00pm: Shopping and exploration in the downtown area, where you can purchase traditional arts, crafts, and souvenirs from local boutiques and shops

– 3:30pm – 5:00pm: Walk along the oceanfront and visit significant landmarks, such as the Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua-Kona or Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo, to learn more about the historical and cultural background of the area

Evening:

– 6:30pm – 8:30pm: Finish your day with dinner at a unique local restaurant, offering a wide range of Hawaiian-fusion cuisine or a traditional Hawaiian luau experience

Day 4-6: Environmental Conservation

– Collaborate with local organizations for native forest restoration

– Remove invasive species and plant native trees

– Assist in monitoring and maintaining established projects on coastal ecosystems

Day 4-6: Environmental Conservation Itinerary

Day 4: Collaboration and Native Forest Restoration

Morning:

– 8:00am – 8:30am: Breakfast at the accommodation

– 8:30am – 9:00am: Travel to the local organization’s headquarters

– 9:00am – 9:30am: Introduction to the organization and the conservation project

– 9:30am – 10:00am: Briefing on native forest restoration techniques, safety measures, and tools handling

– 10:00am – 12:30pm: Participate in native forest restoration activities, such as planting native trees and removing non-native plants

Lunch Break:

– 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch at a local restaurant with the organization’s team

Afternoon:

– 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Continue working on native forest restoration project

– 4:30pm – 5:00pm: Debrief and discussion on progress made during the day

– 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Travel back to the accommodation

Evening:

– 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Dinner at a local restaurant

– 9:00pm onward: Free time and relaxation

Day 5: Invasive Species Removal

Morning:

– 8:00am – 8:30am: Breakfast at the accommodation

– 8:30am – 9:00am: Travel to the designated invasive species removal site

– 9:00am – 9:30am: Briefing on invasive species identification and safe removal techniques

– 9:30am – 12:30pm: Invasive species removal and habitat restoration activities

Lunch Break:

– 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Packed lunch at the removal site

Afternoon:

– 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Continue invasive species removal and habitat restoration

– 4:30pm – 5:00pm: Wrap up and clean up the worksite

– 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Travel back to the accommodation

Evening:

– 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional cuisine

– 9:00pm onward: Free time and relaxation

Day 6: Coastal Ecosystem Monitoring and Maintenance

Morning:

– 8:00am – 8:30am: Breakfast at the accommodation

– 8:30am – 9:00am: Travel to the coastal ecosystem project site

– 9:00am – 9:30am: Briefing on the established project, its aims, and monitoring techniques

– 9:30am – 12:30pm: Engage in monitoring activities, which may include photography, data collection, and coastline mapping

Lunch Break:

– 12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch at a seaside restaurant or picnic on the beach

Afternoon:

– 1:30pm – 4:30pm: Help with maintenance tasks such as installing additional protective barriers, cleaning debris, or working on signage and educational material

– 4:30pm – 5:00pm: Debrief and discussion on the overall experience and future collaboration possibilities

– 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Travel back to the accommodation

Evening:

– 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Farewell dinner with the local organization’s team to celebrate the collaboration and positive impact

– 9:00pm onward: Free time and relaxation

Day 7: Adventure Day

– Free day for participants to choose among various adventure activities (snorkeling, surfing, hiking, etc.)

Day 7: Adventure Day

07:00 – 08:00: Breakfast buffet in the dining area

08:00 – 08:30: Adventure Day briefing and safety guidelines

08:30 – 12:30: Morning Adventure Activities

Option 1: Snorkeling

– Group transportation to a local snorkeling spot

– Equipment rental and safety briefing

– Guided underwater exploration of coral reefs and marine life

Option 2: Surfing

– Transportation to a nearby beach suitable for surfing

– Intermediate and beginner-level lessons

– Surfboard rental, safety briefing, and guided practice

Option 3: Hiking

– Drive to the trailhead of a picturesque hiking route

– Guided hike to explore local flora, fauna, and scenic viewpoints

– Photo opportunities and short breaks at lookout points

12:30 – 14:00: Lunch break and leisure time

– Packed lunches for all participants

– Relax and socialize with fellow adventurers

14:00 – 18:00: Afternoon Adventure Activities

Option 1: Zipline Adventure

– Transportation to a nearby zipline park

– Safety briefing, equipment fitting, and guided zipline tour

Option 2: ATV Riding

– Group transportation to an ATV rental facility

– Basic training, safety briefing, and guided ATV trail ride

Option 3: Kayaking

– Drive to a nearby lake, river, or bay

– Kayaking fundamentals lesson and safety briefing

– Guided kayak tour, wildlife encounters, and paddling practice

18:00 – 19:00: Return transportation and downtime to freshen up

19:00 – 21:00: Dinner and Adventure Day recap

– Buffet dinner at the dining area

– Participants share highlights and stories from the day’s adventures

21:00 – 22:00: Outdoor movie night and relaxation

– Select a film related to adventure and exploration

– Set up an outdoor screen and projector

– Provide blankets, comfortable seating, and refreshments

22:00: End of Adventure Day and bedtime

Day 8-10: Marine Conservation

– Join local marine biologists in conducting coral reef surveys and maintaining mooring buoys

– Participate in beach cleanups and awareness campaigns on plastic pollution and marine debris

– Engage in sea turtle conservation efforts, learning about their nesting habits and protection strategies

Day 8 – Focus on Coral Reefs

Morning:

8:00 am – 9:30 am: Breakfast and meeting with marine biologists to discuss the day’s plan.

9:45 am – 11:00 am: Engage in a brief training session with the marine biologists to learn about coral reef survey techniques and data collection methods.

11:20 am – 12:30 pm: Maritime safety briefing and distribution of snorkeling gear.

Afternoon:

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Board boats and depart for the reef survey sites. Conduct hands-on coral reef surveys with the guidance of the marine biologists, documenting the health of the reefs and identifying various coral species.

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Free time for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.

Evening:

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Participate in a debriefing on the day’s findings with a discussion on potential coral conservation strategies. Enjoy a group dinner with fellow participants.

Day 9 – Tackling Plastic Pollution and Marine Debris

Morning:

7:30 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and overview of the day’s beach cleanup initiative, including safety guidelines and waste segregation techniques.

9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Divide into smaller groups and participate in a beach cleanup, identifying and collecting marine debris and plastic pollution.

Afternoon:

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Lunch break with a guest speaker, discussing the impact of plastic pollution and marine debris on marine life and ecosystems.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Engage in creating awareness campaigns, using collected beach trash to create educational displays and art installations.

Evening:

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Participate in a community potluck for dinner. Share experiences and insights gained throughout the day with fellow volunteers and local residents.

Day 10 – Sea Turtle Conservation

Morning:

7:00 am – 8:30 am: Breakfast and an introduction to sea turtle conservation, including their nesting habits and threats.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Visit a local sea turtle nesting area with a wildlife biologist, learning about nesting patterns and strategies for protecting their habitats.

Afternoon:

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch and a discussion on the role of regional and global efforts in sea turtle conservation.

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Implementation of sea turtle protection measures, such as beach cleanups, nest monitoring, and the installation of educational signage.

Evening:

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Farewell dinner and awards ceremony, acknowledging the contributions of all participants in the Marine Conservation Program.

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Reflections on personal experiences and commitments to continue advocating for marine conservation in everyday life.

Day 11: Hawaiian Agriculture and Sustainable Living

– Visit a local farm to learn about Hawaiian agriculture and sustainable practices

– Assist in farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and composting

– Participate in a farm-to-table cooking class featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes

Day 11: Hawaiian Agriculture and Sustainable Living

07:00 am – 08:00 am: Morning breakfast at your hotel

– Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your accommodation to energize yourself for the day’s activities.

08:00 am – 08:30 am: Travel to Local Farm

– Meet your organized tour group and depart for the local farm on Big Island.

– Engage in conversations with your knowledgeable guide about Hawaiian agriculture and sustainable living.

08:30 am – 10:00 am: Guided tour of the local farm

– Explore the farm in-depth and learn about local plants, fruits, and vegetables.

– Discover the goals, philosophies, and practices of Hawaiian agriculture.

– Ask questions and take photos to document your experience.

10:00 am – 12:30 pm: Participate in farm tasks

– Roll up your sleeves and get involved in farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and composting.

– Learn the importance of these activities in maintaining a thriving, sustainable farm.

– Bond with other tour participants in this hands-on, collaborative experience.

12:30 pm – 01:30 pm: Lunch Break

– Relax and enjoy a well-deserved break after your morning’s activities.

– Indulge in light refreshments and a prepared lunch featuring locally grown ingredients from the farm.

01:30 pm – 04:00 pm: Farm-to-table cooking class

– Participate in a farm-to-table cooking class led by a local chef with a focus on traditional Hawaiian dishes.

– Get insights into the local ingredients used, as well as their cultural and nutritional significance.

– Prepare and cook several authentic Hawaiian dishes together with other participants.

04:00 pm – 05:00 pm: Group Dinner

– Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you share your freshly cooked meal with your tour group.

– Discuss your experiences from the day, and savor the incredible flavors of the dishes you’ve created.

05:00 pm – 05:30 pm: Travel back to your hotel

– Depart the farm and reflect on your agricultural and culinary experiences as you head back to your accommodation.

05:30 pm – Evening: Leisure time

– Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, taking the opportunity to relax, explore your surroundings, or enjoy other activities available in the Big Island.

By the end of your Day 11, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Hawaiian agriculture and sustainable living practices. You’ll also treasure the memory of connecting with others through hands-on farm tasks and the shared experience of cooking and eating delicious, traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

Day 12: Sharing the Experience

– Attend a storytelling workshop to learn how to effectively communicate the impact of the program

– Create a digital campaign to raise awareness and inspire change in the participants’ home communities

Day 12: Sharing the Experience – Empowering Change Through Stories and Digital Outreach

Morning:

7:00 am – 8:00 am: Breakfast and morning briefing

– Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian breakfast with the group while reflecting on the experiences so far and discussing the day’s schedule.

8:30 am – 12:00 pm: Storytelling Workshop

– Attend a hands-on storytelling workshop facilitated by a skilled Hawaiian storyteller to learn the art of captivating narrative.

Workshop agenda:

– 8:30 am – 9:30 am: Introduction and icebreaker activities to build trust and create a comfortable storytelling environment

– 9:30 am – 10:30 am: Understanding the elements of story structure and how it relates to sharing impactful experiences

– 10:30 am – 11:00 am: Coffee break

– 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Practicing storytelling techniques (small group exercises and individual presentations)

Afternoon:

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch and networking

– Mingle with fellow participants while enjoying a delicious lunch made from local Hawaiian ingredients.

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Digital Campaign Workshop

– Learn how to create an effective digital campaign to raise awareness and inspire environmental change with the guidance of a digital marketing expert.

Workshop agenda:

– 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm: Overview of digital campaign strategies and platforms, e.g. social media, blogs, and newsletters

– 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm: Defining objectives, audience, and key messages for the campaign

– 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Break and refreshments

– 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Hands-on session – Develop digital campaign materials in groups, such as graphics, videos, and content drafts, before presenting them to the rest of the attendees for feedback

Evening:

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Closing ceremony and reflection

– Briefly recap Day 12’s learning outcomes and recognize participants’ achievements.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Free time

– Take a break to explore the local area or relax at the accommodation.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Farewell Dinner

– Gather for a special farewell dinner featuring a mix of Hawaiian and international cuisine, as well as sharing thoughts and expressing gratitude for the entire experience on the Big Island.

9:00 pm onwards: Optional stargazing activity

– To cap off the day, join astronomy enthusiasts for a guided stargazing session to appreciate the clear night skies and discuss the connection between the natural environment and celestial events.

Day 13: Farewell & Graduation Ceremony

– Evaluation and reflection of the program’s experiences

– Graduation ceremony and awarding of certificates

– Farewell reception with traditional Hawaiian music and dance

Day 13: Farewell & Graduation Ceremony on the Big Island, Hawaii

08:00 am – 09:00 am: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant

Start off the day with a delicious Hawaiian-style breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant to energize everyone for the exciting day ahead.

09:30 am – 12:00 pm: Evaluation and Reflection Session

Gather in a group setting to collectively reflect on the highlights, experiences, and learnings of the program. Engage in fun and interactive activities to encourage sharing of personal experiences and insights. End the session by completing individual evaluation forms to gain feedback on how the program could be improved for future editions.

12:00 pm – 01:00 pm: Lunch Break

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at the hotel restaurant, offering a variety of local and international cuisine options.

01:30 pm – 03:30 pm: Graduation Preparation Time

Participants will have time to return to their rooms, get dressed for the graduation ceremony, and gather any items they might need for the evening.

04:00 pm – 06:00 pm: Graduation Ceremony

The official graduation ceremony takes place in the hotel’s grand ballroom or an outdoor venue, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Opening remarks by the program director, followed by a selection of speakers reflecting on their journey in the program, and the opportunity for the whole group to share their memories. Graduates will be called up one by one to receive their certificates, followed by group photographs.

06:30 pm – 07:30 pm: Sunset Cocktail Hour

A sunset cocktail hour at the hotel’s oceanfront terrace or beach area, where participants can mingle and enjoy Hawaii-themed cocktails or mocktails, paired with appetizers, and enjoy the beautiful view.

07:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Farewell Reception

Gather for a festive farewell reception featuring traditional Hawaiian music and dance performed by local artists. Try a variety of Hawaiian dishes in the form of a luau-style buffet dinner. As a finale, a traditional hula performance and interactive group dance will take place to share in the spirit of Aloha.

10:30 pm onwards: Free time

Participants have the option to continue their celebrations at the hotel bar, explore nearby nightlife options or return to their rooms for a good night’s rest before departure the following day.

This itinerary provides a detailed schedule for the Farewell and Graduation Ceremony day on the Big Island, Hawaii, with ample opportunities for reflection, celebration, and embracing the Hawaiian culture.

Day 14: Departure

– Transfer to Kona International Airport (KOA) for departure