Hands-on Overnight Science Camps for Teens on Hawaiʻi Island.
Presented by Science Camps of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
View 2027 ScheduleAt Science Camp for Teens Hawaiʻi, an overnight residential summer science camp in Hawaiʻi, you go into the field for the opportunity to experience, learn and do science - hands-on and interactive.
Students in grades 8 to 12 explore the coral reefs, beaches, shorelines, forests, and mountains of Hawaiʻi Island while enjoying an experience with the fun of summer camp, the excitement of watching volcanoes erupt, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and learning new science and engineering skills, as well as about the history and culture of Hawaiʻi.
Explore Our SessionsHands-On Summer Science Camp in the Natural Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Island
Science Camps of America is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing young people with opportunities for hands-on, experiential science education. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, develop scientific understanding, and make meaningful science learning experiences accessible to young people.
Through immersive field science programs, educational outreach, and student scholarships, we introduce teens to marine biology, geology, environmental science, and other STEM disciplines.
Financial circumstances should not prevent motivated young people from experiencing the excitement of scientific discovery. Our programs, scholarship fund, and educational activities work together to advance our mission of expanding access to informal science education. The Science Camp Scholarship Fund is supported through grants and individual donations from supporters like you. Click here to learn more.
Science Camps of America is a nonprofit educational organization. Camp tuition helps support the costs of delivering our hands-on educational programs, including scientific equipment, expert instruction, field activities, and student scholarships. Donations and grants provide additional support for scholarships and educational outreach, helping more young people participate in meaningful science learning experiences.
"Curious minds. Hands-on STEM summers."
The best way to learn science is to experience it. Science Camps of America provides opportunities for young people to explore, experiment, create, and discover through hands-on science education.
Our immersive science camps take students into the natural laboratory of Hawaiʻi. Through field studies, scientific exploration, and hands-on activities, students discover marine biology, geology, environmental science, astronomy, and more.
Explore Field Science Programs
We believe financial circumstances should not prevent motivated students from experiencing science education. Our Science Camp Scholarship Fund provides full and partial scholarships to help make science camp accessible to more young people.
Learn About Scholarships
Our Camp to Classroom programs bring engaging, hands-on science and STEM activities directly to schools and to after-school and intersession programs. Students explore topics such as rocketry, marine science, astronomy, electronics, and engineering through creative learning experiences.
Explore Education Outreach
July 1-10, 2027
Explore volcanoes (geology), the ocean (marine science, oceanography), the forest (biology, botany, zoology), the environment (climate, meteorology), the skies and space exploration (Polynesian Navigation, astronomy, space science and engineering) through daily field trips on the island of Hawaiʻi.
Each Science Camp field trip takes you on an exploration of one of the many different ecosystems of Hawaiʻi through field science activities such as collecting data, analyzing observations, and designing, building, and launching model rockets.
Learn More about Session 1
July 11-20, 2027
This session takes you on an exploration of the ocean, including its physical characteristics (oceanography) and the incredible life forms within it (marine biology). Field trips will take you to beaches, coral reefs, rugged coastlines, to learn about the near-shore environment through hands-on activities.
Visit with scientists, engineers, fishers, and conservationists that are working to preserve and protect these vital ecosystems and learn what is being done to develop solutions that are sustainable and protect our natural resources.
Learn More about Session 2Cancellation Policy: All registrations are backed by our transparent cancellation policies. To review our refund windows, medical withdrawal exceptions, and full terms, please visit our dedicated Camp Policies Page.
Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
— Carl Sagan —
"My son came back happy, fulfilled, smarter and more motivated in school! He learned a lot about science and the natural world, gained confidence and independence, and proved he didn't need his phone."— Karen C. (Parent)
"I looked forward to and enjoyed all the nightly email updates coupled with all the great pictures that the campers took of each other. You are teaching invaluable life skills to these young people."— David M. (Parent)
"This camp was one of the best weeks of my life! It was surreal to see such a breathtaking representation of the power of volcanoes. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and learned amazing new skills."— Acacia F. (Camper)
The health, safety, and well-being of our campers is our highest priority. Our overnight camp maintains a safe, supportive, low-pressure learning environment. We feature highly experienced science instructors and professional counselors who are with campers throughout the day.
Make sure your teen has sturdy hiking shoes and reef-safe mineral sunscreen to help us protect our delicate Hawaiian ecosystem. For comprehensive information on medical exceptions, physical requirements, and general safety protocols, please visit our dedicated health pages.
Learn more about camp safety
The entire island of Hawaiʻi is our natural laboratory. From the active volcanic landscapes of Kīlauea to the black sand beaches of Kaʻū, our students experiencing field science every day.
Our camp headquarters is located in the historic Pāhala Plantation Cottages, where we eat, learn, and grow as a community. Living in these historic cottages for ten days offers a comfortable, unique experience that feels like stepping back into a simpler time.
Learn more about camp facilities
Have questions about prerequisites, tuition details, or dietary options? There are no prerequisites for attending Science Camp, and we welcome teenagers from all backgrounds.
All camp registration tuition directly supports our seasonal field equipment and scholarship options. For complete program details, please explore our main Frequently Asked Questions page or schedule a personal call directly with the Camp Director.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Campers spend their time at Science Camp alongside the camp staff, lodging together, eating together, learning together, all under the leadership of a professional staff with many years of experience in high-school and middle-school classrooms, in outdoor education, and in leading groups of students in out-of-school activities. The leadership team, consisting of a camp director and teaching staff, are assisted with additional staff that often includes former campers, university science students, and photographers. Visit our about page to learn more about our camp staff and our Board of Directors.
About our Leadership Team
Campers will leave with a deep understanding of what it means to be a scientist, how to use modern scientific equipment, and the massive possibilities that exist for careers in STEM fields.
Beyond science, our camp emphasizes the invaluable personal skills that every young person needs—leadership development, critical thinking, communication, self-confidence, and long-lasting friendships with peers from around the world.
In the words of a camper:
My Amazing Ten Day Experience at Science Camp in Hawaiʻi
Our program takes science completely out of the classroom environment. Daily activities explore different ecological zones across the island. We focus on hands-on team challenges like collecting field data, building circuits, data mapping, and building and launching model rockets.
More camp details and RegistrationChoosing the right science camp is an opportunity to explore various summer programs. At Science Camps of America, we highlight key elements that make a program valuable, reassuring, and fun. Explore the different types of science camps to learn more.
Are activities hands‑on?
Will campers learn practical skills?
How much time is spent outdoors, in classrooms, or in labs?
At Science Camp for Teens, every day includes a field trip - most to outdoor locations, others to observatories, planetariums, and science centers. Evenings feature star-gazing, night-hikes, and campfires. Activities are fully hands-on exploring different ecosystems, collecting data, taking measurements, using scientific equipment, and learning science and engineering skills.
Is the learning live and interactive?
Are instructors qualified?
Is the program in‑person or online?
Our senior instructors have led Science Camp instruction for nearly a decade and bring years of formal and experiential teaching experience. Dr. Michael Walker holds a PhD in Environmental Ecology. Anna Downey holds a Master’s in Geology. Additional staff contribute expertise in volcanology, Hawaiian culture, history, and environmental science. Aside from the occasional video call with a scientist or engineer, all instruction is in‑person and interactive.
Are costs and policies clear?
Are reviews trustworthy?
Are there prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for attending Science Camp. The $2,955 fee for each ten‑day session is listed on every session page, along with details about what’s included. Limited financial aid is available. Learn more about, and apply for, scholarships here. Costs are also clearly displayed during registration, along with available discounts for military families, Hawaiʻi residents, siblings, and early registration. View camp policies here.
All reviews featured on our website come from verified campers and parents through ActivityHero.com.
Are there opportunities to connect with scientists and professionals?
What support systems help ensure a successful experience?
Is there pressure to learn?
Field trips and guest instructors give campers the chance to meet and talk with scientists, engineers, and conservationists. Our senior instructors and expert staff are with campers throughout the day, creating plenty of informal moments to ask questions, explore career paths, and build confidence. The atmosphere is intentionally low‑pressure—no tests and no grades, all in our supportive and safe learning environment. Our goal is for campers to experience what it’s like to be a scientist or engineer, learn new skills, discover Hawaiʻi, and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Science Camps of America welcomes campers of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender identity in the administration of our educational policies, scholarship allocations, or camp programs.
Science Camps of America