We’ll explore traditional and modern ideas about sustainability in Hawaii. We'll study traditional settlement patterns before European contact, contemporary native Hawaiian issues, permaculture, the organic agriculture and small farm movement, and renewable energy. We'll also explore group dynamics and leadership throughout the organization of the trip and through adventure sport.

The course will include formal lecture by the course leaders and a variety of guest speakers, site visits to farms and farmers markets, visits with non-profits involved in sustainable agriculture, agriculture research facilities, visits to renewable energy sites, entrepreneurs involved in renewable energy, research facilities involved in renewable energy, and other leaders in the sustainability movement in Hawaii.

We’ll explore historic and contemporary Native Hawaiian issues through a stay at Aha Punana Leo Hawaii immersion school in Keau and visits with Hawaiian elders and leaders in the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. We’ll give back by doing service work for the various organizations and institutions we meet along our journey.

The course also explores leadership and group dynamics through adventure sport (adventure sport could include surfing, stand up paddling, ocean kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, traditional Hawaiian navigation/voyaging canoe, and more) and by involving student teams in daily leadership and decision-making. We’ll spend time in three spots known for the presence of dolphins and whales, and we may get to spend time in the water near them. We’ll swim in natural hot springs, visit steam vents and an active volcano, and explore ancient and modern taro culture in Waipio Valley.

We will camp and cook our own meals. We will focus on cooking with local foods and tropical staples like taro and breadfruit.  

Intern and study at the beautiful Finca Luna Nueva Farm and Sacred Seeds medicinal sanctuary under the supervision of sustainable entrepreneur Tom Newmark where hundreds of organic flora, spices and ancient medicinal herbs are cultivated and preserved. Finca Luna Nueva is one of the most prolific and significant natural preserves on the planet. Learn about rainforest ecology, marine biology, organic agriculture, and sustainable entrepreneurship with enough spare time for rainforest hikes, volcano climbs, white water rafting and scuba diving in the Atlantic or the Pacific ocean.