Kauai Adventure - Hawaii
Beaches, Snorkeling & Marine Biology

Kauai Adventure 2026

August 3–12

Pre-Trip Meeting: July 11, 2026

This is a two-part meeting:

• 1 pm–2 pm: Parents, kids, and camp staff.
• 2 pm–6 pm: Kids and camp staff.

The first meeting covers the camp itinerary in detail and answers any questions. All campers need to attend, as does at least one parent/guardian. Students need to bring a swimsuit, towel, dive mask, snorkel & fins.

The second meeting gives kids the chance to meet each other before the trip and accomplish a few important tasks: kids create their own journals at Trackers, then travel to a nearby pool for a swim test and snorkeling lesson. We return to Trackers at 6:00 pm for pick-up.

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This trip is a full-on dive into the nature and natural history of Kauai. We include lessons in Geology, Marine Biology, Island Biogeography, and Ornithology throughout the camp. Kids take notes and record all the species they see in their journals each day.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Kauai & Move In

Staff and campers meet at Portland Airport to catch the flight to Kauai. All are greeted in Kauai at Lihue Airport by the Trip Leader. We load the vans and head for the North Shore — our home for the next 9 days. We stop en route in Hanalei for the first of many fruit smoothies, then head to Camp Naue to move in.

Camp Naue is a special place. Located on the far end of Kauai's North Shore within walking distance of world-famous Tunnels Beach, the cabins are literally on the beach — the first thing kids' feet touch leaving the cabin is sand. Ocean safety briefing follows, then swim time, a big welcome dinner, campfire, island history, stories, and songs.

Day 2 — Explore the North Shore

Marine Biology 101 focusing on coral biology and Reef Etiquette, then straight to Tunnels Beach for the first snorkel. The coral reefs just offshore are home to over nine phyla of marine organisms and a myriad of coral fish. Kids have waterproof fish ID cards as they snorkel, and huddle up on the beach afterward to discuss species. Then the Wet & Dry Caves, Hanalei village, grocery shopping for dinner, journal time, campfire.

Day 3 — North Shore Exploration Continues

Kilauea Lighthouse & Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge — nesting Tropicbirds, Red-footed Boobies, and soaring Frigate Birds. Lunch at Lumahaʻi Beach, famous as a setting for South Pacific. Island Biogeography lesson, free time, BBQ dinner, campfire with optional stargazing and celestial navigation.

Day 4 — Waimea Canyon & Poipu Beach

Waimea Canyon — the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Koke'e Natural History Museum for the history and culture of Kauai's indigenous people. Lunch at Koke'e State Park. Then Poipu Beach for swimming and snorkeling in protected waters. Journal sharing at campfire.

Day 5 — Kalalau Trail Day

The stunning 2.5-mile Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast to Hanakapiai Beach — a beach few visitors ever reach. Morning of swimming and relaxing. Discussion of invasive species and conservation. Hike out, back to camp, free time, journals, dinner, campfire.

Day 6 — Smoothies Galore & More Snorkeling

Hanalei outdoor Farmer's Market — kids select tropical fruits for a smoothie free-for-all back at camp. Marine Biology lesson on major fish groups, then snorkeling off camp's own world-class reef. Journal time, dinner, campfire.

Day 7 — In-Camp Day

Swimming, snorkeling, games, smoothies, and just having fun. Journal time on the beach with a watercolor painting activity — students create an image of the ocean, mountains, or beach to remember this place.

Days 8 & 9 — Kids Choice Days

For the last two days, the kids choose the agenda — revisit favorite beaches, more time in Hanalei, or another hike. Pack bags before the final journal time and a special last campfire on Kauai.

Day 10 — Heading Home

One of the goals of the trip is to give kids a chance to make new friends — this has no doubt happened. Today is the beginning of something, not an ending. Flights home from Kauai in the morning, arriving stateside in the evening.

Travel Information

We provide a pre-trip meeting with all participants and parents/guardians where we cover the specific packing and travel needs. For air travel we typically meet students at the airport across from the ticket counter of the airline being used. Contact Us for packing lists and required vaccination information. We provide chaperoned air travel from Portland to our destination. We can work out arrangements for Bay Area and Seattle area families as well.

Flight Booking

Trackers Earth will take the lead on selecting the flight by providing assistance from our travel agent (free of charge to participants) to secure the proper flights and seats.

Dietary Allergies & Preferences

We do our best to accommodate diet preferences and allergies. Due to the backcountry nature of this trip, those eating vegan may need to bring some food items to accommodate unavailability of certain foods in our backcountry camp.

Cancellation Policy

In the event a participant needs to cancel a reservation, the following policies apply:

• 120 days or more prior to departure: 75% of the deposit is refunded.
• Less than 120 days but more than 60 days prior to departure: all payments refunded, minus 50% of deposit.
• Less than 60 days prior to departure: no refunds.
• All refunds are subject to a 3% processing fee.

Please Note: The cost of any internal air flight purchased by Trackers Earth for your trip is not refundable.

If Trackers Earth cancels a trip prior to its start, full refunds — minus the cost of any airline tickets purchased and any non-refundable deposits already made — will be given. All refunds are subject to a 3% processing fee. Trackers Earth reserves the right to cancel any trip with insufficient registrations.

Travel Insurance & Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance and trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen losses due to accidents or illness. Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies.

Tour Date & Trip Leader Changes

Leaders and schedules are determined a year or more in advance of our tours. In the event of a change in a trip's dates and/or leaders, we reserve the right to do so and will strive to inform participants as early in the process as possible. Additional leaders may be added according to group size or other factors.