A life-changing experience focused on preserving Hawaiian culture for a sustainable future

The Molokai conservation trip is an intensive week-long community service-learning program that’s designed to introduce participants to diverse communities and an array of important social issues—with a lens of the preservation of Hawaiian history and culture.

You benefit from over a decade of relationships and get to participate in a unique experience in partnership with organizations across the Molokai. Past projects include invasive species removal, fishpond restoration, boardwalk maintenance, kalo farming, and sand dune restoration.

Registration information

Follow @AthertonYMCA on Instagram or contact us to be added to our email list for updates.

  • Dates: March 16 - 22, 2024
  • Destination: Molokai
  • Eligibility: Applications are open to all college students enrolled in ANY college or university. All applicants must be a registered student for the Spring 2024 semester to be eligible to attend. 
  • Cost: $700 (all inclusive of flight, ground transportation, meals, lodging) without fundraising or subsidies. Fundraising opportunities, additional financial assistance, & payment plans available.

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 Philippines Service Trip. For questions, concerns or inquires, please email Jon at [email protected].

Health & Safety

Work assignments normally involve strenuous physical activity. Team members must be in good physical health. Conservation Trip team members participate at their own risk.

The YMCA follows all guidelines provided by the CDC, Department of Health, and both Honolulu & Maui Counties. As guidelines are updated, the YMCA and its participants are expected to adjust and adhere to all guidelines including, but not limited to mask wearing, vaccination and testing, and distancing.

As an extra precaution, all participants, staff, and volunteers attending the Spring 2024 Conservation Service Trip must test negative for COVID-19 within 72-hours of departure from Honolulu, regardless of vaccination status. Molokai is an extremely special place and our project hosts are literally welcoming us into their homes. All participants, volunteers, and staff attending the trip will be asked to be very mindful of their social activities and engagements leading up to the experience.

Meetings & Trainings

All participants are required to attend and actively participate in planning meetings. Participants are to take a role in service activities and projects. Attendance for all meetings, trainings, and trip preparation are important and required unless excused by the Program Director. Listed below are training dates; location and times are to released once group has been solidified.

  • December 16, 2023
  • January 13, 2024
  • February 17, 2024
  • March 1 - 3, 2024 - Weekend Camp Training