Science Camp for Teens

Session 1: Land, Sea, Air & Space

July 1-10, 2025

Hawaiʻi Island is your base as you explore the many different ecosystems of this amazing island and its coral reefs, volcanoes, beaches, lowland forests, rain forests, deserts, and dark skies. Field trips take you out across the island to explore and to meet scientists and conservationists, all through activities that are fun and hands-on.

• At the beach: Black and green sand, coral, swimming, snorkeling, sea turtles, tropical fish
• At the shoreline: Traditional erosion control, Hawaiian fish ponds, water quality, biodiversity, new shorelines
• At the volcano: Life cycle of Hawaiian volcanoes, lava flows, volcanic ejecta, lava tubes, tree molds
• In the lowland forest: Native and invasive species, biodiversity, land management, archaeology
• In the rainforest: Endemic and indigenous flora and fauna, fungi and viruses, meteorology
• On the mountain: Star-gazing, habitat restoration, astronomy, rare and endangered species
• At camp: Eating, sleeping, relaxing, volleyball, design, build, and launch model rockets, build electronic gizmos

Field Trip destinations include:

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Ka Lae (South Point)
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and Planetarium
• Keck Observatory Headquarters
• Mauna Kea Visitors Center
• Mauna Loa Observatory
• Miscellaneous coastlines, beaches, lava tubes, waterfalls, and hiking spots!

Science Camp for Teens

Session 2: Science of the Sea

July 11-20, 2025

This session takes a closer look at the ocean, the way it works, the many forms of life within it, how humans interact with it, and what is being done to protect this incredible resource. You will collect and analyze scientific data about the characteristics of the water, coral, fish, sea turtles, and other life. Activities are fun, hands-on, and exploratory.

• Examine the biodiversity of nearshore waters
• Analyze the chemical characteristics of water from various sources
• Learn about coral reefs, the threats they face, and coral restoration
• Examine the biology of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
• Study the effects of a warming world on the ocean, coastlines, plants, animals and humans.
• Learn about sources of ocean pollution and what is being done about it
• Gain a better understanding of tides and the movement of sand along a shoreline
• Learn how coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrasses protect ocean communities
• Examine how ocean scientists work and communicate their findings

Field Trip destinations include:

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• Ka Lae (South Point)
• Mokupapapa Discovery Center
• Kealakekua Bay
• Mauna Kea Visitors Center
• Natural Energy Lab
• Puʻuhonua O Honaunau
• Miscellaneous coastlines, beaches, streams, waterfalls, and hiking spots!