O‘ahu Nature Adventure Camps for Keiki
O‘ahu Nature Adventure Camps
2131 Makiki Heights Drive, Honolulu | Call: 808.955.0100 x126 | Email: nac@hawaiinaturecenter.org
Our week-long Nature Adventure Camp for keiki, ages 6 to 11, are held during school breaks and one of the best things for kids to do on O‘ahu as a science-based, environmental exploration. Kids can go tech-free and high touch in nature in this five-day program (unless there’s a holiday) held Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The program is led by expert environmental educators. On O‘ahu, students enrolled in a Free/Reduced Lunch program at any Hawai‘i Department of Education school can apply for full or partial scholarships, which are limited and not guaranteed. Click here to apply. Email the completed application here
Winter 2024 Nature Adventure Camp | December 23 – January 3 | For Ages 6 to 11
Registration opens in late-October
Week 1 – Ahupua‘a Adventures | December 23 – 27, 2024 (Closed Christmas Day – Wednesday December 25th)
Discover ahupuaʻa and study traditional land division system that Native Hawaiians use to cultivate and sustain sections of the islands from mauka (mountains) and makai (sea). Utilizing games, storytelling and experiential learning students adopt values of mālama ʻāina (caring for the land), laulima (teamwork), and more during this four-day nature camp. No camp on Christmas Day.
Week 2 – Uncovering Hidden Nature | December 30, 2024 – January 3, 2025 (Closed New Year’s Day – Wednesday January 1st)
Through sensory games and exploration, we’ll employ all senses to learn about hidden creatures. We’ll look through microscopes and investigate the soil to find forgotten friends. We’ll also learn about what it means to be nocturnal. Join us on this adventure uncovering and appreciating the small unnoticed heroes of nature. No camp on New Year’s Day.
4-day programs: $320 for members | $395 general public | 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
8 am to 3 pm (drop-off as early as 7:45 am) | Extended Care Is Not Available. Wait List: If sold out, contact NAC@HawaiiNatureCenter.org for wait list. Include number of spots, age of child(ren), and your best phone number. Scholarships may be available. Title One school students and other families financially in need can apply for full or partial scholarships, which are limited and not guaranteed. Click here to apply. Email the completed application here.
2024-25 O‘ahu Nature Adventure Camp Schedule
Summer 2024: Hawaiian Habitats
Our main theme this summer, Hawaiian Habitats, will take us on an island-wide exploration of four different ecosystems: forests, wetlands, coastlines, and streams. Each week, we will feature a place representing one of these four ecosystems. We will learn about that specific place and the science and culture behind it, then visit it on our field trip so we can experience everything we’ve learned. Locations will rotate throughout the summer but will likely include: Mānoa Cliff Trail, Judd Trail, Hāmakua Marsh, Hūnānāniho, Moanalua Valley Trail, Maunalua Bay, and more.
*We will not be swimming during any part of these weeks … but we will get wet and muddy!*
Day Camp Hours
8 am to 3 pm with drop-off as early as 7:45 am. Extended care Is not available.
Gear Up & Get Ready
- Eat a hearty breakfast.
- Wear clothes and closed-toe (hiking or athletic) shoes that can get wet and dirty.
- Put on mosquito repellent and sunscreen at home.
- Leave anything expensive, valuable, or fragile at home.
What to Pack Daily
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
- Morning snacks and a big lunch (no refrigeration)
- Extra change of clothes, raincoat/poncho and water shoes
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Swimsuit and towel for beach day field trip
- COVID face masks (optional)
