Hawaii - GLA for Families

GLA for Families provides immersive & meaningful family vacations operated by our sister organization, Discover Corps. Each trip will take you on a journey through the country's must-see sites while going behind-the-scenes to experience a variety of purposeful organizations and people that are making difference.

From towering volcanoes to some of the world’s best beaches, Hawaii is defined by its stunning natural beauty. On these islands, everything is more extreme - the ocean is bluer, the rainforests are greener and the warmth of the locals is exemplified by the Aloha state of mind. But if you dig deeper below the surface, you’ll quickly see that the ancient Hawaiian people have left a legacy of indigenous wisdom and sustainability that can serve as a model for many of today’s pressing issues. From tackling climate change to protecting biodiversity, innovative practices are being pioneered on these remote Pacific Islands.

Over the course of the week, we will journey between the islands of Oahu and Maui and go behind the scenes of several community-led initiatives. On Oahu, we’ll venture to the majestic Waimea Valley to lend a hand on a reforestation project and have a farm-to-table dinner with a local family’s eco farm. Over on Maui, we’ll spend two mornings helping the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute protect endangered sea turtles where they nest through participating in data collection, tracking, and habitat restoration. This work is central to the effort to preserve the green sea turtle’s increasingly threatened habitat.