The Huaka‘i Hawai‘i In-Person Summer Short Course will take place on the island of Oahu July 18- August 1, 2026
Potential Course Schedule (subject to change)
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
The Huaka`i Hawai`i Short Course is endorsed by the United World Colleges Short Course Development Initiative, joining a global movement delivering transformative educational experiences to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
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: July 18 - August 1, 2026
Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, USA
Age Requirement: 14 - 18 years by start of program
Application Deadline: Applications are Due April 15, 2026 for international applicants and April 30 for USA applicants
Course Fee: $3,500 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: Very 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
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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 Paumalu
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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 Pupukea
Day 4: Biocultural Tourism
Day 5: Exploring ‘Āina (That Which Feeds Us)
Day 6: Exploring ‘Āina
Day 7:Exploring ‘Āina
Ma‘o Organic Farms
WEEK 2
We'll explore bio-cultural and marine restoration, and food production in the diverse Ko‘olaupoko, Kuliʻouʻou and Maunalua Bay watershed communities on the Windward and East side of the island!
Day 8: ‘Āina, Conservation and Eco-Tourism on the Windward Side
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Depart Camp Paumalu
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Settle in at Moku o Lo‘e - Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
Day 9: Marine Ecosystems Management
Day 10: Ahupua`a Ecosystem Management
Day 11: Action Planning
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settle in at Winners Camp
Day 12: Ahupua`a Ecosystem Restoration
Day 13: Tourism Industry Impacts & Initiatives
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Kahala Hotel Sustainability Tour
Day 14: Closing the Circle and Completing the Journey
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Action Planning
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Culminating Ceremony
Day 15: Aloha: Sharing the Universal Breath
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Farewell, ground and airport transfers
