Hawaiian Islands FAQ

Where does my trip start?

Hawaiian Islands begins on the Garden Isle of Kauai. You will actually meet other Moondancers who are on your trip in the Los Angeles airport! As a group, you will fly into Kauai where your instructors will meet you in baggage claim before heading to your first campsite!

What islands are we on? How to we get to them?

This Moondance trip will take you to the islands of Kauai and the Big Island to explore this tropical paradise by foot, boat, and flipper! We begin our adventure on Kauai sea- kayaking along the Na Pali coastline and hiking within its rainforest canopies. There is no inter-island ferry system, so we will hop aboard a plane to take us to the Big Island, where Volcanoes National Park awaits us as well as the pristine coral reefs!

What happens in a typical day?

That depends on whether you are backpacking, sea kayaking, or snorkeling, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of the country, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will begin a day of paddling, or pack packs and start hiking to the next destination! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, learning how to surf, or hiking along a cliffline, your group will pick a great campsite, cook a warm meal, and settle into new surroundings. Each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.

Hawaii seems so exotic -- will it be similar to my other Moondance trips?

Hawaiian Islands will dive into the common experience of a Moondance trip that alumni have come to know so well: the chance to explore unparalleled beauty the Moondance way -- simply and with great friends, coupled with adventure and discovery. Though the geography is significantly different from most of our other trips, the importance of reaching beyond your comfort zone to discover new friendships, new beauty, and new strength from either on top of a ridge, from the cockpit of a kayak, or from inside a tent on a rainy night will remain.

What if I've never been sea kayaking before?

No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes together from professional sea kayaking guides in calm estuaries before you navigate the open water along the Hanalei Bay coastline and the Wailua River. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device -- a PFD -- at all times while on the water.

How difficult is it to surf? Is it dangerous?

Like with any new sport, surfing will feel a bit new the first time you hop on a board. However, with perseverance, patience, and a little hard work, you'll be balanced on a wave in no time. All Moondance activities have an element of risk involved; however, we use professional guides who will be with you at all times to help you stay safe on the water.

Does it get really hot in Hawaii?

Found deep within the tropics, Hawaii's temperature is warm and humid throughout the entire year. You will be hiking through the rainforests of Kauai, the volcanic deserts of the Big Island, and paddling along the rugged coasts of Kauai's North Shore. Whatever your environment, bring lots of sunscreen! Even on days when it is overcast, UV rays will still pierce through the clouds. During June and July, temperatures generally range from upper 70s to the high 80s, with evening temperatures rarely falling below 68 degrees.

Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?

Absolutely! The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!

How many miles do we backpack in a given day?

Itineraries can often change while in the backcountry since poor weather is possible at any given time. Therefore, your instructors may decide that it is safer to set up camp early rather than continue hiking. Your group will begin to read weather patterns and will start to make these kinds of decisions too, with your instructor's help. Your group may also decide to stop early in order to view wildlife, or to camp near a beautiful waterfall. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days when the weather is ideal and your group feels strong, you hike longer.

What else do we do on our backpacking section?

You'll be hiking alongside "Birds of Paradise," climbing high cliffs for a tropical overlook, and keeping watch for orchids under the rainforest canopy -- a photographer's dream! You'll hone your route-finding skills as you navigate through the dense forests and mountain valleys and perfect your backcountry culinary skills at breakfast and dinner. There will be plenty of opportunities to cool off in a natural pool, for an evening hike to find the perfect sunset spot, or for exploring the ancient lava beds found throughout Kauai and the Big Island. Most of all, you'll laugh harder than you have in a long time, the art of packing a backpack will be second nature, and the simplicity of life while carrying your home on your back will never be forgotten.

What kind of wildlife or marine life might we see?

This is the land of the alabatross, green sea turtle, and monk seal, so from shore or from kayak, keep your eyes pealed! As you're hiking along the coastlines or resting in your boat, you may see a spinner dolphin -- so called to describe the playful "spins" of its body as it breaches -- perform for you! Koa trees are home to one of the two native species of butterflies in Hawaii -- the bright red and black Kamehameha butterfly -- and Hawaiian owls may greet you as you settle in for the evening.

What will I learn by the end of my trip?

By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to find your way using topographical maps and a compass, or how to "ferry" to the shoreline in your kayak. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging cliff walk and a heavy pack, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.