For students currently in grades 9–12
Pre-College
Barcelona
Tokyo
Tuscany
You may also like
French
France
Mandarin
China
Spanish
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Spain
Climate & Conservation
Baja & the Gulf of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
You may also like
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam

2-weeks & under

Campus-Based

Climate & Sustainability

Eligible for rising 9th graders

Intensives & Workshops

New for 2025!

North America Based

Putney Classics

Science & Nature

Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
For students currently in grades 6–8
Eligible for 8th grade*
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8
France & Holland
Iceland
Ireland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Special programs & collaborations
Custom Programs

Looking to create a custom program or collaboration?

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Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Hawai’i

Environmental Service & Hawaiian Culture on the Big Island

July 5 — July 17
$6,890 + airfare

Hawai’i

Environmental Service & Hawaiian Culture on the Big Island

July 5 — July 17
$6,890 + airfare

With its incredible landscapes, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii’s Big Island is the perfect paradise. This summer, experience the island’s remarkable ecosystems up close as you hike through inactive calderas and lava tubes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, snorkel with manta rays off the Kona coast, and explore the lush, tropical gardens and waterfalls of Hilo. Learn the importance of the Hawaiian phrase Mālama ʻĀina, which means to care for and honor the land, as you engage in land-based service work with local non-profit organizations committed to the protection and maintenance of the island’s natural areas. Learn about how ancient Polynesians used celestial navigation to discover the islands while you stargaze atop Mauna Kea, visit the spiritual sanctuary of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau to learn more about kapu, an ancient Hawaiian code of conduct, and find out how early Hawaiian agricultural practices can inform present day efforts to care for and conserve the environment. 

• Snorkel with manta rays off the Kona coast
• Work alongside Hawaiians to restore, maintain, and protect the land
• Hike through inactive calderas and lava tubes in Volcanoes National Park
• Stargaze atop Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak
“I really liked the snorkeling with manta rays! They were so close to us and because it was in the night all of plankton lit up.”
—Olivia D., St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Denver, CO

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Kona, Hawai'i. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Waimea — 4 days

From the airport, head northeast to Waimea, the home of Paniolos, cattle ranches, and rolling grasslands. Get to know your group and participate in an in-depth orientation on your time in Hawai’i. Partner with a local nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and preserving ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices as you help plant and harvest native crops, clear invasive species, and learn about the island’s many ecosystems and climate zones. Hike to a nearby cinder cone to catch a glimpse of the expansive Kohala Field System and learn about how our partners are working hard to revitalize and conserve this land for future generations. In the afternoons after service, head to the beach for a swim or venture out for a hike in the forest near your accommodations.

Hilo — 4 days

Travel to the lush eastern coast, dotted with waterfalls, rainforests, and beautiful beach parks. Work with another grassroots organization near the sacred Waipi’o Valley dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian cultural knowledge and land stewardship. Visit the expansive Volcanoes National Park where you can peer into Kilauea Caldera, the most active and researched volcano in the world, or hike down into the dormant Kilauea Iki crater. Explore Hilo’s tropical terrain through trips to botanical gardens and waterfalls, visit the world-famous Hilo Farmers’ Market, and enjoy the area’s many beach parks with your group.

South Point — 3 days

Settle into your Japanese-inspired accommodations nestled among the macadamia nut trees of an active pick-your-own orchard in Naalehu, near South Point. Peer over dramatic cliffs at Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States, and visit the stunning Punalu’u black sand beach where you can spot honu, or sea turtles, in their natural habitat. Explore thousand-year-old lava caves and tube systems once used by Hawaiians for water collection, and participate in a luau with your hosts and fellow group members to celebrate your time on the Big Island. End your program with a magical evening snorkel with manta rays, the gentle giants of the ocean, off the Kona coast.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Kona to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Kona, Hawai'i. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Waimea — 4 days

From the airport, head northeast to Waimea, the home of Paniolos, cattle ranches, and rolling grasslands. Get to know your group and participate in an in-depth orientation on your time in Hawai’i. Partner with a local nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and preserving ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices as you help plant and harvest native crops, clear invasive species, and learn about the island’s many ecosystems and climate zones. Hike to a nearby cinder cone to catch a glimpse of the expansive Kohala Field System and learn about how our partners are working hard to revitalize and conserve this land for future generations. In the afternoons after service, head to the beach for a swim or venture out for a hike in the forest near your accommodations.

Hilo — 4 days

Travel to the lush eastern coast, dotted with waterfalls, rainforests, and beautiful beach parks. Work with another grassroots organization near the sacred Waipi’o Valley dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian cultural knowledge and land stewardship. Visit the expansive Volcanoes National Park where you can peer into Kilauea Caldera, the most active and researched volcano in the world, or hike down into the dormant Kilauea Iki crater. Explore Hilo’s tropical terrain through trips to botanical gardens and waterfalls, visit the world-famous Hilo Farmers’ Market, and enjoy the area’s many beach parks with your group.

South Point — 3 days

Settle into your Japanese-inspired accommodations nestled among the macadamia nut trees of an active pick-your-own orchard in Naalehu, near South Point. Peer over dramatic cliffs at Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States, and visit the stunning Punalu’u black sand beach where you can spot honu, or sea turtles, in their natural habitat. Explore thousand-year-old lava caves and tube systems once used by Hawaiians for water collection, and participate in a luau with your hosts and fellow group members to celebrate your time on the Big Island. End your program with a magical evening snorkel with manta rays, the gentle giants of the ocean, off the Kona coast.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Kona to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropMSSHI Christine Drozd_2
Christine Drozd
View Bio
CropSFIJA Terry Williams_2
Terry Williams
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropMSSHI Christine Drozd_2
Christine Drozd
View Bio
CropSFIJA Terry Williams_2
Terry Williams
View Bio
Loading...
About the Destination

Hawai'i is the birthplace of surfing, hula, and the ukulele, among countless other contributions to global culture. The most remote island chain on Earth, these islands were first settled by Polynesian explorers 1,500 years ago; since then, many waves of immigration have followed. The islands were annexed by the U.S. in 1898, against the will of Native Hawaiians, who proudly maintain their cultural traditions and language to this day. From coral reefs and fresh lava flows, to snow capped volcanic peaks, the landscape offers incredible variety and endless opportunities for exploration.

Language

English is the official language of Hawai'i, though most of our service partners and contacts are Native Hawaiian and proudly speak Hawaiian. You will have an opportunity to learn phrases and practice the Hawaiian language throughout the program.

Climate

Hawai'i is home to the majority of the climatic zones found on Earth, from tropical rainforests to alpine tundra. Expect temperatures ranging from approximately 85°F/30°C to 65°F/18°C. At high elevations, the temperature can dip to as low as 50°F/10°C. Prepare for some windy days on the south side of the island, and some wet days on the east coast.

Cuisine

Hawaiian food contains a fusion of native crops and cooking techniques brought by the earliest Polynesian settlers, as well as Portuguese, American, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean immigrants. Expect to try local staples like taro and passionfruit alongside modern dishes like poke and spam musubi.

About the Destination

Hawai'i is the birthplace of surfing, hula, and the ukulele, among countless other contributions to global culture. The most remote island chain on Earth, these islands were first settled by Polynesian explorers 1,500 years ago; since then, many waves of immigration have followed. The islands were annexed by the U.S. in 1898, against the will of Native Hawaiians, who proudly maintain their cultural traditions and language to this day. From coral reefs and fresh lava flows, to snow capped volcanic peaks, the landscape offers incredible variety and endless opportunities for exploration.

Language

English is the official language of Hawai'i, though most of our service partners and contacts are Native Hawaiian and proudly speak Hawaiian. You will have an opportunity to learn phrases and practice the Hawaiian language throughout the program.

Climate

Hawai'i is home to the majority of the climatic zones found on Earth, from tropical rainforests to alpine tundra. Expect temperatures ranging from approximately 85°F/30°C to 65°F/18°C. At high elevations, the temperature can dip to as low as 50°F/10°C. Prepare for some windy days on the south side of the island, and some wet days on the east coast.

Cuisine

Hawaiian food contains a fusion of native crops and cooking techniques brought by the earliest Polynesian settlers, as well as Portuguese, American, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean immigrants. Expect to try local staples like taro and passionfruit alongside modern dishes like poke and spam musubi.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your time in Hawai'i, you can expect to work for approximately 20-30 hours on land-based restoration projects. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on sea turtles, teach the group Hawaiian phrases, or interview one of our service partners, for example.

Physical Activity

This is a moderately active summer travel program, and almost all of your time will be spent outside. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Altitude

Depending on weather conditions, this program may visit one high-altitude destination—Mauna Kea, which reaches an elevation of 9,000 feet/2,743 meters.

Accommodations

In Waimea, we stay in a large, shared house on Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Campus. In Naalehu, we reside in a large Japanese-style guesthouse located near South Point. In Hilo, we stay at a comfortable seaside hotel with a pool and restaurant. At all accommodations, students stay in rooms of 2-4 and are separated according to gender. Students have access to common and outdoor spaces at all of our accommodations for group meetings, working on projects, socializing, etc. Leaders reside with students throughout the program.

Meals

In Waimea, we take most of our meals at the campus cafeteria with occasional dinners out on the town. We often make and pack our own lunches at other stops throughout the program, and often enjoy breakfast and dinner in small Hawaiian establishments.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your time in Hawai'i, you can expect to work for approximately 20-30 hours on land-based restoration projects. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on sea turtles, teach the group Hawaiian phrases, or interview one of our service partners, for example.

Physical Activity

This is a moderately active summer travel program, and almost all of your time will be spent outside. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Altitude

Depending on weather conditions, this program may visit one high-altitude destination—Mauna Kea, which reaches an elevation of 9,000 feet/2,743 meters.

Accommodations

In Waimea, we stay in a large, shared house on Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Campus. In Naalehu, we reside in a large Japanese-style guesthouse located near South Point. In Hilo, we stay at a comfortable seaside hotel with a pool and restaurant. At all accommodations, students stay in rooms of 2-4 and are separated according to gender. Students have access to common and outdoor spaces at all of our accommodations for group meetings, working on projects, socializing, etc. Leaders reside with students throughout the program.

Meals

In Waimea, we take most of our meals at the campus cafeteria with occasional dinners out on the town. We often make and pack our own lunches at other stops throughout the program, and often enjoy breakfast and dinner in small Hawaiian establishments.

A Day in the Life: Hilo​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Waimea.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast with your group
9:00am
Start your service learning in the Kohala Field System
12:00pm
Break for a picnic lunch
1:00pm
Hike to a nearby cinder cone to catch a glimpse of the island’s northern coast
4:00pm
Head to a nearby beach to relax and swim with your group
6:00pm
Have dinner in Waimea town
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day’s work and learning

A Day in the Life:
Hilo​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Waimea.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast with your group
9:00am
Start your service learning in the Kohala Field System
12:00pm
Break for a picnic lunch
1:00pm
Hike to a nearby cinder cone to catch a glimpse of the island’s northern coast
4:00pm
Head to a nearby beach to relax and swim with your group
6:00pm
Have dinner in Waimea town
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day’s work and learning
“We would recommend the Putney program to anyone looking for a positive leadership/service experience for their child.”
—Jennifer L., Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
portia-watson

This Program is Directed by

Portia Watson

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

portia-watson

This Program is Directed by

Portia Watson

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Pre-College
Barcelona
Tokyo
Tuscany
Intensives
Oxford Academia
You may also like
Climate & Conservation
Baja & the Gulf of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
Culture & Art
Science & Business
Exploration
Australia & Fiji
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Norway
Patagonia: Skiing
Switzerland, France, & Holland
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
French
France
Mandarin
China
Spanish
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Spain
You may also like
Service
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam
Eligible for 8th grade*​
Columbia Climate School Collaboration
Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Grades 7&8​
Ireland
Iceland
France & Holland
Italy & Greece
Grades 7&8​
France
Spain
Grades 6–8
Costa Rica
Grades 7&8​
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i
Hawai’i
Environmental Service & Hawaiian Culture on the Big Island

2024 Dates
July 5 — July 17

Duration
13 days

Tuition
$6,890 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 7–8
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 3 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles

Service Hours
20–30 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2024 Dates
July 5 — July 17

Duration
13 days

Tuition
$6,890 + airfare

Service Hours
20–30 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 7–8
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 3 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

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Why Choose Putney?

Putney has been the leader in student travel and educational summers for more than 70 years. As a family-run organization, our decades of experience, our dedication to quality programs, and the personal service you receive are unmatched.

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