Academy students participated in a broad array of travel experiences this summer, upholding the School’s extensive tradition of exploration. Ranging from immersive cross-cultural experiences to gaining insights on social and environmental issues, these adventures empowered the students to gain a better understanding of our vast world. Here is a recap of their purpose-filled summer travels.
El Paso and Las Cruces
This eight-day trip to El Paso and Las Cruces, was designed for students who are interested in immigration and social justice issues. Students had the opportunity to engage with local non-profit organizations to glean a unique and humanizing view of immigration. They also had the chance to see the government agencies responsible for controlling the border, including the U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Court System as well as the many non-profits and religious organizations working on behalf of migrant workers, undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
The Netherlands
A group of students traveled to the Netherlands for their Senior Capstone, experiencing Amsterdam and Rotterdam like natives by biking around town, visiting farmers markets and enjoying transportation via canal. New this year, the trip centered on sustainable and livable cities in partnership with the Netherlands’ Aspire Institute. Students visited sustainable housing developments, participated in gardening and took part in a trash cleanup. The trip highlighted the Netherlands as one of the most well-designed and sustainable countries per capita. Originally, the trip was intended to include Iceland, but due to volcanic activity during the planning phase, travel to Iceland was canceled.
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks
The Summer Senior Capstone Travel course took students on an epic adventure to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, blending classroom work at Punahou with a 10-day expedition in the Rocky Mountain West.
During the trip, the 24 students partnered with the Teton School of Science to investigate the unique wildlife, distinctive geology and rich history of the two iconic national parks – a stark contrast to the tropical landscapes of Hawai‘i. While hiking and exploring the stunning summer landscape, the group spotted animals, including a moose, camped in Yellowstone, took part in invasive weed removal to help native plants, studied the aquatic species of Jackson Lake, sampled the local cuisine and even experienced a summer snowfall.
Spain
During the five-week trip, students explored the vibrant history and culture of Spain. The immersive experience enabled students to take in diverse aspects of Spanish life while living with a host family – and sharpen their language skills at the University of Salamanca.
Bhutan
The Himalayan Buddhist kingdom was the exciting destination for a group of 24 Punahou seniors and faculty chaperones this summer. Through cultural sharing and environmental preservation, students learned what makes Bhutan one of the happiest countries in the world. The trip, which took place from June 25 – July 17, was an international version of Senior Capstone, a course which emphasizes culture, the environment and community service.