What You Need to Know About Hawai'i
The History of Hawai'i
Hawai'i is the world’s largest island chain, and the Hawai'ian Islands aren’t as young as we think. Even though Hawai'i has been a state for less than one hundred years, it was first settled as early as 400 C.E., when Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, two thousand miles away, traveled to Hawai'i’s Big Island in canoes.
They were highly skilled farmers and fishermen; Hawai'ians lived in small communities ruled by chieftains who battled one another for territory. Hawai'i had been a sovereign constitutional monarchy until 1893, when the last Queen, Lili'uokalani, was deposed by a group of American sugar planters and missionaries with the support of the United States.
Flash forward to the twentieth century, Hawai'i was made a territory in 1900, and Dole became its first governor. Political tensions in the United States pushed back statehood until a compromise linked Hawai'i's status to Alaska, and both became states in 1959. Also, did you know Hawai'i is the only U.S. state with two official languages? English and Hawai'ian!
The Weather in Hawai'i
There are really only two seasons in Hawai'i: summer from May to October and winter from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F, while the average daytime winter temperature is 78°.
The adventures we offer will all be available in June, July, and August. The average daily summer temperature in Kauai, Hawai'i, is around 80 degrees. The mountain temperatures can be significantly cooler, with lows in the mid-50s and highs in the 70s. The island has a lush, green, tropical landscape which means occasional rain.
Don’t worry; you will get plenty of sunshine and rainbows to enjoy on your adventure, too. The average daily summer temperatures in Oahu, Hawai'i, are around 85 degrees. It tends to be breezy and cooler in the evenings since our camp is located right on the beach. We recommend packing a sweatshirt!
The Wildlife in Hawai'i
Hawai'i is one of the most ecologically diverse states, and it is estimated that over 21,000 species have been recorded all over the state of Hawai'i, including the ocean, mountains, and land! According to Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai'i’s nearshore waters provide a habitat for a number of marine mammals – whales, dolphins, and the endangered Hawai'ian Monk Seal.
Hawai'i is also home to beautiful sea turtles, a ton of seabird species, and a host of distinctive endemic forest birds, which are found nowhere else on earth but in Hawai'i’s beautiful forests. If your teen is lucky, they may catch a glimpse of a Hawai'ian Monk Seal lying on a beach or shore anywhere in Hawai'i, but the greatest number can be found on Kauai.
Monk Seals are critically endangered and are the second-rarest seal species on earth. Only about 100 of these solitary mammals frequent the main Hawai'ian Islands, occasionally coming to shore to bask, rest, or give birth.
The Terrain in Hawai'i
The Hawai'ian Islands are volcanic islands. Hawai'i sits just over 2,000 miles west of California. We all know Hawai'i for its beautiful beaches and blue waters, but did you know Hawai'i is home to 750 miles of coastline? Hawai'i is also home to the world’s most active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
Hawai'i is also home to around 3,000 plant species that can be found on the islands, ranging from trees to flowers to ferns; some of the plants you might see in Hawai'i cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Hawai'i also has beautiful green mountains, and the peaks of Mauna Kea stand 13,796 feet high and are at odds with the tropical and beach climate at its base.
Mauna Kea is a wonder. We are confident that seeing the mountains and beaches of Hawai'i will be incredibly special for your teen.
Your Teen Can Go to Hawai'i with Created for Adventure
Here at Created for Adventure, we offer three different adventure camps for your teen. Each of these trips is different and equally rewarding. So take a look and decide which one you think would work best for your teen!
Hawai'i Adventure Oahu
This adventure is a nine-day adventure with options for a co-ed adventure or an all-girls adventure for 9th-12th graders. On this adventure, you’ll have your chance to learn how to surf the waves, and you’ll sail and snorkel in search of sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, and more.
Our group will sleep in tentalos located steps from the ocean at a camp located on the North Shore of Oahu. You and your new friends will swim underneath a waterfall and enjoy hikes with amazing views of the island. Our group will also kayak along Oahu's coastline to a private island for a delicious picnic lunch. You’ll end an incredible week together at a Hawai'ian Luau.
Whether your teen is an adrenaline junkie or searching for new outdoor activities they can enjoy, we are here to provide some exhilarating ways to experience this new adventure for your teen!
There is no doubt that our adventures will be beneficial for your teen. Just listen to what these campers and parents had to say about their adventures:
- "My experience going to Hawai'i was truly something I will remember forever. The friendships I made on this short trip will last me a lifetime. These people quickly became my best friends." -Carol, a camper from Oahu Adventure
- "Our Son had a great experience on the Oahu trip! Everything was very well planned and organized. He fit in seamlessly with the group and really enjoyed getting to know the leaders as well. He loved the activities and participating in worship each night. I would say, “it’s a once in a lifetime experience,” but he is already planning to go on another trip with Created For Adventure." Wendy, a parent from Canton, GA
Hawai'i Adventure Kauai
This adventure is a nine-day adventure for girls from 9th-12th grade. On this adventure, you’ll horseback ride along the shores of Kauai and kayak or paddle board along the Hanalei River. Have fun learning to surf and enjoy beach days of swimming with your new best friends. Go on an epic hike and explore the Waimea Canyon.
Our group will be staying on a farm in a solar-powered retreat lodge that is surrounded by a tropical landscape. You'll make an impact by giving back to the land through the ministry we've partnered with that owns and operates the farm.
You'll have a couple of opportunities to serve on their farm by harvesting tropical fruit, honey, or tea or helping to take care of their farm animals. You'll celebrate an incredible week by sailing into the sunset along the Napali coastline!
Listen to what these campers and parents said after their girls' adventure in Kauai!:
- "Our daughter went on her first Created for Adventure trip last summer. My husband and I were excited for her to experience the beauty of Hawai'i but we could have never predicted how wonderful this adventure was for our girl. She returned with a spirit of adventure, deeper friendships and most importantly a deep awe of her Heavenly Father and His beautiful creation…a reminder that her identity is in Him and how much He loves her. Created for Adventure reaches these teenagers in a way that cultivates fun and faith. As a parent, we are so grateful!" Jennifer, a parent from Hendersonville, NC
- "My daughter attended the all girls trips in Kauai. I cannot say enough good things about Colleen and her team at Created for Adventure. Prior to the trip we had all the information needed for her to have a successful trip. I highly recommend this trip for your teens adventure!" -Jennifer, a parent from Hamden, CT
Hawai'i Mountains to Coast Adventure - Kauai
This adventure is a 9-day co-ed adventure that offers opportunities to explore the island while hiking, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and more! You’ll end your amazing adventure together at a traditional Hawai'ian Luau on the North Shore. Our group will stay at two private base camps located in the mountains and by the sea to fully experience all that Kauai has to offer.
- "My daughter embarked on an amazing journey to Hawai'i! She loved the trip immensely and my daughter definitely grew in her faith! She came home feeling renewed and refreshed in her path and desiring to share so much with us. I wouldn’t hesitate to send her again. Thanks Created for Adventure!" Kristie, a parent from Hendersonville, NC
- "Our son had a wonderful experience visiting Hawai'i with Created for Adventure. He was able to see beautiful places, go on daily adventures, make new friends, all while growing closer to God. I highly recommend sending your teenager on a Created for Adventure trip. They will make memories that last a lifetime." Cazenove, a parent from Augusta, Georgia
If your teen is ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Hawai'i, reach out to Created For Adventure!