Summer programs for high schoolers in Hawaiʻi offer a unique opportunity to dive into specialized fields while enjoying the island’s stunning landscapes. These experiences allow students to develop advanced skill sets in areas like marine biology, environmental science, and the arts, all while collaborating with industry professionals and peers. With a blend of learning and exploration, these programs foster personal growth and can help you discover your strengths and interests.
Here are 13 awesome summer programs for high school students in Hawaiʻi.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods.
After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply here for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, data science
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
2. ‘Iolani School Summer Programs
The ‘Iolani Summer Programs aim to provide students from both the community and abroad with opportunities to explore their interests through engaging curricula and interactive learning experiences. Previously, students could choose from a variety of courses, including English, Innovation & Leadership, Mathematics, Performing & Visual Arts, Sports & Fitness, and World Languages & Culture. You can also take certain courses, such as SAT prep, for credit.
Subject Areas: English, innovation & leadership, mathematics, performing & visual arts, sports & fitness, world languages & culture
Location: ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, HI
Cost: $360 – $650, depending on course taken. Lunch can be purchased for an additional cost
Application Deadline: May 10
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 – 28
- Session 2: July 1 – 19
- Auxiliary program: July 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May. November 24 for the upcoming winter cohort
4. Honolulu Community College’s Summer CTE Academy
The Summer CTE Academy is a five-week exploratory program designed for high school students in Hawaiʻi, offering a chance to experience various career and technical education (CTE) programs at Honolulu Community College. The program includes lab work, group projects, lectures, and assignments across a range of subjects such as automotive, computer networking, early childhood education, music, fashion, welding, and more.
During the program, you’ll rotate through three different modules, each lasting seven days, allowing you to explore different technical fields and assess which align best with your interests and abilities. In addition to the technical experience, the program provides an introduction to a college environment. You’ll become familiar with general campus resources, learn about college procedures, and engage in discussions about defining success.
Subject areas: Technical training, music, early childhood education, fashion, welding, architecture, and more
Location: Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, HI
Cost: While the cost of the program isn’t specified, the application cost is $50. You can sign up here to receive more information about the program
Application Deadline: April 27
Program Dates: June 12 – July 16
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates in Hawaiʻi
5. University of Hawaiʻis Pre-Health Career Corps
The Hawaiʻi Pre-Health Career Corps is a free, year-round program for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The program aims to raise awareness about various health careers while offering mentoring, shadowing opportunities, and research experiences. The Teen Health Camps held on different islands give you hands-on clinical skills, such as suturing, casting, and CPR. There is also a summer research program where you can learn how to collect data, analyze scientific literature, work with Principle Investigators, and present your research findings.
Subject Areas: Medicine, healthcare
Location: University of Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, HI
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open year-round
Program Dates: Varies based on available opportunities
Eligibility: Students of all ages. Students under 18 must fill out a consent form with parents
6. Science Camps of America
Science Camps of America provides a structured program for high school students interested in the study of natural sciences. Located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, the camp offers two sessions focused on different scientific disciplines.
- The Land and Sea Camp centers on geological and ecological studies, including the examination of oceanic systems, volcanic activity, and the island’s diverse flora and fauna. You will engage in field studies at Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and analyze unique mineral-based beaches.
- The Air and Space Camp emphasizes topics related to astronomy, climate science, engineering, and rocketry. You’ll participate in activities such as model rocket construction and launches, visit local observatories, and engage in discussions about climate change and alternative energy solutions with industry professionals.
Subject Areas: Ecological studies, climate science, astronomy, engineering
Location: Pahala Island, HI
Cost/Stipend: $2,795. Military families and Hawaiʻi residents receive discounts, and limited scholarships are available
Application Deadline: May 25
Program dates:
- Land & Sea: July 1 – 10
- Air & Space: June 11 – 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12 who are between the ages of 13–17
7. Global Environmental Leadership And Sustainability Program by UC San Diego
The Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Program, hosted by UC San Diego on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, offers an in-depth exploration of the relationships between environmental science, leadership principles, and personal growth. You will work alongside local experts, graduate students, and university faculty to analyze the interactions between Earth’s systems and human influences. The curriculum integrates scientific inquiry with leadership training, drawing on the Social Change Model of Leadership to promote collaborative efforts toward social impact.
Field studies will include water quality assessment, coral reef health, and sustainable practices, with research activities conducted on both the Hilo and Kona sides of the island. Additionally, the program incorporates service projects in the Ka’upulehu Dryland Forest and Kiholo Bay.
Subject Areas: Environmental studies, leadership, climate science
Location: Big Island of Hawaiʻi, HI
Cost: $3,600 (plus a $100 registration fee)
Application deadline: Applications will open in December
Program dates: June 22 – 29
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are at least 14 years of age with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
8. Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy offers a series of specialized four-week academies for middle and high school students aged 11 to 17. These programs provide a focused educational experience in a variety of subjects while allowing students to engage with the island’s unique cultural and ecological context.
The summer academies cover a broad spectrum of interests. For instance, the Young Authors Academy allows you to develop your writing skills by creating narratives influenced by the island’s landscapes. The Marine Explorations program focuses on marine biology, enabling students to study the coastal ecosystems and the diverse marine life native to Hawaiʻi. The Sustainability Academy includes practical projects centered on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecological conservation. The programs are available in both day and boarding formats.
Subject Areas: Marine biology, ecology, English, creative writing, art
Location: Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, HI
Cost:
- International Boarding: $7,100
- Domestic Boarding: $6,000
- Day Program: $1,900
Application deadline: May 15
Program dates: June 24 – July 19
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 11 to 17 (entering grades 6 to 12)
9. Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy Summer School Programs
Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy (HBA) provides a structured Summer School program to support students in grades K-12 in both academic and personal development. For high school students, HBA’s Summer School includes credit courses in subjects such as Algebra, Trigonometry, and SAT/ACT preparation. Additional courses include Reading and Comprehension Skills and Communication Skills.
In addition to academic courses, the program offers opportunities for creative and practical learning. Classes like Art Studio, Intro to Photoshop, and Summer Film Camp enable students to cultivate artistic abilities, while Sports Conditioning and Investing & Finance courses provide insights into physical fitness and financial literacy. This diverse curriculum allows you to customize your summer educational experience according to your goals and interests.
Subject Areas: STEM, social sciences, humanities, business, physical education
Location: Stan Sagert High School Campus, Honolulu, HI
Cost: $305 – $605 per course. Lunch not included
Application deadline: March 29
Program dates: June 12 – July 3
Eligibility: Students entering grades K-12
10. Summer School by Le Jardin Academy
Le Jardin Academy’s Summer School offers four-week programs to foster curiosity and creativity in kindergarten through high school students. Courses such as “3D Sculpture and Woodworking,” “Anime Adventure,” “Beginning Jazz Band,” and “Jazz Improv” allow you to engage with artistic disciplines. For those with an inclination toward science and technology, options like “STEAM Explorers Club” and “Blast Off to the Stars: Rocketry Exploration” offer hands-on project opportunities. This variety allows you to explore multiple areas of interest in a structured learning environment.
Subject Areas: Art, sciences, technology, physical education
Location: Le Jardin Academy, Kailua, HI
Cost: Varies based on the course selected, typically $540
Application deadline: April 15
Program dates: June 17 – July 19
Eligibility: Students in grades K-12
11. Musical Theatre Experience by Diamond Head Theatre
The Musical Theatre Experience (MTE) at Diamond Head Theatre provides high school students with a structured introduction to musical theatre. The program includes a variety of offerings aimed at different age groups and skill levels, focusing on acting, singing, and dancing within a collaborative environment.
MTE features two primary summer programs:
- Musical Theatre Experience 1 (MTE I): This eight-week, half-day program is accessible to students of all experience levels. You will engage in activities designed to build foundational skills in musical theatre.
- Musical Theatre Experience 2 (MTE II): This one-week intensive program is for students aged 8–16 with prior performance experience. MTE II provides more advanced training in acting techniques, vocal performance, and choreography, culminating in a final performance that showcases the skills acquired during the program.
For older students or those with previous experience in arts and theatre programs, Diamond Head Theatre offers internship opportunities. As a Student Director or Intern, you will assist instructors with daily activities and rehearsal management, gaining practical insights into the process of theater production.
Subject Areas: Musical theatre
Location: Diamond Head Theatre, Honolulu, HI
Cost: MTE I: $1,150 | MTE II: $450. Scholarships available
Application deadline: No information available
Program dates:
- MTE I: June 10 – August 2
- MTE II: August 5 – 9
Eligibility: High school students below 16 years of age
12. Summer Scholar Program by UH Mānoa Outreach College
The Summer Scholar Program at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College provides academically motivated high school sophomores and juniors with the opportunity to earn college credits while experiencing aspects of university life. You can select from a range of college credit courses offered in various formats. Course offerings encompass core subjects such as Trigonometry, Economics, and Calculus, as well as specialized topics like Introduction to Social Problems, Ethnic Studies, Human Nutrition, and Prisons. Additionally, you will have the chance to explore the UH Mānoa campus and its resources, guided by the Summer Scholar Coordinator.
Subject Areas: Psychology, statistics, economics, math, public health, nutrition, sociology
Location: Virtual, hybrid, or in-person at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Cost: $471/credit + $86 in fees. Scholarships worth $1,200 available for Hawaiʻi public school students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and Hawaiʻi private school students who receive financial aid from their school
Application deadline: April 15
Program dates:
- Session 1: May 20 – June 28
- Session 2: July 1 – August 9
- Midsummer Session: June 10 – July 19
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school and have a 3.5 cumulative GPA
13. Pacific Discovery: Hawaiʻi College Summer Program
The Pacific Discovery: Hawaiʻi College Summer Program offers participants a month-long experience focused on environmental conservation and personal development. The program includes a variety of hands-on activities and community service initiatives aimed at fostering environmental awareness. You will explore volcanic terrains, engage in marine conservation efforts, and learn sustainable living practices, including permaculture and ecological restoration. Additionally, the program features a three-day surf camp, where you can learn the fundamentals of surfing from instructors. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Environmental Conservation.
Subject Areas: Ecology, environmental conservation
Location: Starts in Hilo and ends in Honolulu, HI
Cost: $8,950 (plus a $500 registration fee and ~$1,000 flight)
Application deadline: Applications are open year-round
Program dates: July 3 – August 1
Eligibility: National and international students between the ages of 17 – 22
Image Source – Horizon Logo
