Hawai'i Big Island: Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation & Snorkeling

Hawai'i Big Island: Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation & Snorkeling

Location
  • United States of America
    • Hawaii
Length
1 to 2 weeks
Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Age Min.
16
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter
Housing
Guesthouse Lodge
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
2695
Price Details
What's included:
All accommodations within Hawaii, which have access to basic amenities and security
All group transportation within Hawaii
All meals throughout your stay
All of your adventure and cultural immersion activities
Funding toward volunteer projects
Drinking water 24/7
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Dec 31, 2025
Aug 11, 2025
67 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Travel to Hawai’i with GIVE and explore stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests on the Big Island. Our projects focus on giving back to the ‘Aina (land) and Moana (sea) through forest restoration, marine conservation, and regenerative farming projects. Work with local nonprofits to learn about indigenous culture & land stewardship practices. You will also be able to snorkel with green sea turtles, hike across volcanic craters, stargaze and see the sky as you've never seen before, and talk stories with indigenous leaders about their sacred lands, culture, and history.

Enhance your trip with our optional add-ons
- Scuba conservation: Receive PADI Open Water certification and scuba dive to protect our oceans
- Academic course in EcoTourism: earn 3-6 college credits while traveling with GIVE!

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers a well-structured, immersive experience focused on sustainable travel, cultural learning, and meaningful volunteer work.

Program Highlights

  • Volunteer on environmental restoration projects
  • Trek through lava fields on active volcanoes
  • Chase waterfalls and snorkel amongst vibrant marine life
  • Take part in a farm to table cooking class
  • Experience some of the best stargazing on the planet

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

GIVE's mission is to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide. To truly inspire growth and achieve sustainable travel internationally, GIVE has adopted the Asset-based community development (ABCD) model, a set of proven best practices in sustainable development that mobilizes a community’s assets and resources as the basis for development. Furthermore, through providing hands-on and eye-opening learning experiences that foster authentic connections between participants and host community members, we can empower global citizens who will continue to spread GIVE’s values and ignite sustainable change worldwide.
Exploring the world with GIVE is all about responsible travel, but what does that really mean?
Mindful Tourism + Community Partnership = Economic Growth & Community Empowerment.

Part of what makes GIVE trips so special is being fully immersed in the cultures and communities we visit. However, we take extra steps to ensure we minimize our influence and always respect local cultures. We prepare all participants before travel and ensure they understand the culture and how to dress appropriately.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 55 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 4.95
  • Safety 5
Showing 41 - 48 of 55 reviews
Linda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Hawaii

This was an amazing experience! I didn’t know what to expect, but It met all my expectations! I was able to see, hear, feel and taste the Hawaiian culture! Working on farms to fishponds, Seeing breathtaking places, Learning how to build an Imu (underground oven) and cooking a Kalua Pig was amazing! Learning to be responsible travelers when visiting there and anywhere. I truly admire the love, passion and respect they have for their land, as much as we should have the same in our own space. Mahalo for allowing me to be apart of your space!

Pros
  • Working on different farmlands and fishponds
  • Experiencing the Hawaiian Culture
  • Meeting new people within GIVE and the Hawaiian locals
143 people found this review helpful.
Katelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE

This experience changed my life. I always wanted to help the planet, be more culturally aware, and meet inspiring people, but never knew where to begin. GIVE have me all of that and more. I was able to learn about Hawaiian culture and hear the struggles that native Hawaiians face now and through history. I helped the community through projects on organic farms and historical sites. I met amazing strangers from all over the world who I now call friends. The guides are some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful for this experience.

143 people found this review helpful.
Raegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Give Hawaii Trip

Honestly the best experience of my life. We learned so much about the hawaiian culture as well as how much our decisions impact the earth and future generations. The guides were AMAZING and the trip was very organized and thought through. 10/10 recommend going to hawaii with GIVE!
There were any different volunteer projects that give you the chance to get involved in the community and understand the importance of sustainability, keeping the earth clean, and Hawaiian culture. DO THE TRIP!! YOU WON’T REGRET IT

Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Learning new culture
  • Helping change the world
149 people found this review helpful.
Karina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Experience!

This trip has given me a different perspective on how I should travel in the future and the impact I can make in my own community. I was able to meet people from across the country, learn about Hawaiian history and it’s beautiful culture, as well as being more sustainable in my everyday life! I will definitely be doing more give trips and will be encouraging people around my community to do the same. I have been inspired to educate my friends, family, and community about irresponsible tourism and how to live as one with nature.:) I also wanted to add that our guides were top tier. They were very knowledgeable and made sure we had a great time learning the history and culture of Hawai’i.

Pros
  • Beautiful views
  • Being one with nature
  • Traveling responsibly
150 people found this review helpful.
Jason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Hawi'i with GIVE

I'm just making this now, but I went to Hawai'i back in August 2021. It was definitely a different experience being that it was a very small group compared to when I went to Thailand with GIVE in 2019. In a way, it was easy to get to know one another fast and create a bond. The first part of the week we stayed at Waipiʻo Lodge. Waking up every morning to the sunrise was unreal. Overlooking the vast ocean. We volunteered at Hamakua Harvest one day, clearing invasive grass species and preparing the land for more permaculture projects. Other times we had fun playing volleyball or stopped at fruit stands on the side of the road. No matter what is planned, you will appreciate the activities you're doing and learn so much. You definitely get to experience Hawaiian life in a more respectful way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The first time you truly start living is when you step outside of your comfort zone. Leave with an open-mind set, but be willing to learn as you go.
143 people found this review helpful.
Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE - Hawaii Forest Conservation & Responsible Tourism Excursion

To begin, I want to thank Traven and Mana for welcoming me to Hawaii, and inspiring me more than one realizes. I want to thank Dylan for his energy, smile, and excitement for each new day. This trip was beyond incredible, and a wonderful start to 2022. If you want a change, a new perspective, or refresh this trip is definitely for you. This was my first time traveling by myself, and I think the Hawaii experience is a perfect start for those wanting to get into international traveling. Also, I have to thank Brandon and Thomas for connecting me with Give, and giving me the opportunity to take on this incredible adventure. My thoughts on traveling really did change, and how I want to travel in the future. I want to continue emphasizing the give and take relationship. Just go, be open-minded, learn, and have fun. Thank you everyone once again, and I am ready for the next adventure :)

142 people found this review helpful.
Nathaniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hawaii Experience

Volunteering in Hawaii was transformative and educational in all aspects. I knew little about Hawaii's culture and its way of life before taking on this experience. Aside from the stereotypes and levels of tourism it has, there was an abundance of learning I was able to gain during my time in Hawaii. It was amazing to learn about the diversity of the agriculture Hawaii has alongside the people who are beyond passionate about the conservation and sustainability of the island. This was an incredible experience shared with amazing individuals who I went from calling strangers to family.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
On the last day in Hawaii, we went to see manta rays at night and it was one of the most fascinating and mesmerizing things I have ever witnessed. During our session with them, our guide provided deep information and insightful jokes about the manta rays. From how they reproduce, feed, and their importance to the ocean. It was an experience I will never forget.
116 people found this review helpful.
Vittoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience Hawai'i with a positive impact

GIVE sets up the most incredible experiences. The thing I loved most about this trip was that we were there to learn and help local non-profits and educational organisations without interfering. Being able to help the restoration of native plants and be surrounded by such a sacred culture is as rewarding as it gets. Recommended for people who are not afraid of doing the work and getting their hands dirty. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone and meet amazing people along the way. I promise you will not regret it.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Noni. It's a little fruit that will surprise you.
123 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers