ʻĀina Explorers Summer Camp -

The Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative is committed to offering enriching education programs for our community’s keiki. We aim to inspire children to discover their natural surroundings and become lifelong learners in nature. These hands-on, outdoor camps allow keiki to take a closer look at our storied ʻāina and the natural forces that connect people to place.

Our community makes ʻĀina Explorers possible through donations and small grants. Waikōloa residents Lynne Schneider and Dick Fusch have helped us provide free summer programming since 2022, and we are grateful to them for their dedication to teaching the next generation of forest stewards!

Only 13 spots per camp are available, applications do not ensure enrollment.

The ʻĀina Explorers Summer Camp is a FREE 5-day program that runs from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday. The camps are based in the Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve and pick up/drop off will be at Quarry Road.

The following summer programs are offered to incoming 4th, 5th, and 6th graders in August 2026:

Geology Rocks (Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 13): Explore the explosive world of rocks and volcanoes! How was Hawaiʻi formed? Who is Pele? Through hiking and exploration, learn about the earth beneath our feet. End the week with a trip to visit Pele at Kīlauea! Includes overnight at Kīlauea Military Camp.
Manu Magic (Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26): Get to know our feathered friends… birds! From the forest to the sea, many birds call Hawaiʻi home. Explore their natural habitat and help in the protection of these many species. Includes overnight at Kīlauea Military Camp.
Camp Kamiki (Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10): Follow in the footsteps of Kamiki, one of two supernatural brothers, in his story across the island. Visit Hualālai, Waipiʻo, Maunakea, and Holoholokū, learning firsthand the story that earned windy Waikōloa its name. Includes overnight at Camp Kilohana.

APPLY FOR ‘ĀINA EXPLORERS HERE

We are also excited to announce our first summer program for middle grade students entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade in August 2026:

Kūkū for Kapa (Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24): Kapa, a valued craft of old Hawaiʻi, is a barkcloth made from wauke. Kapa Camp students will go through the steps of harvesting, beating, and printing their kapa in this intensive program. This program will connect students with Hawaiian plants, crafts, and places.

APPLY FOR KŪKŪ FOR KAPA HERE

All camps will include off-site field trips to other places throughout our community in our 14-passenger van. Parent/Guardian drop-off and pick-up will be on Quarry Road.

Camp enrollment is determined by financial need and student interest. Please provide a brief statement in your application on how our program would be beneficial for your child and household. Only 13 spots are available per camp.

NOTE: Each application is for ONE child. If applying for multiple children/siblings, please fill in an additional form.