15 Summer Programs in Hawaii for High School Students
Summer programs are an excellent way for high school students to build practical skills, gain industry exposure, and form valuable connections. Whether your interests lie in marine biology, data science, engineering, or the humanities, these programs offer structured environments to explore new subjects, collaborate with professionals, and even contribute to projects. Many of these opportunities are hosted by well-known organizations and universities, which makes them standout additions to your high school experience and future applications.
We’ve created this list of the 15 best summer programs in Hawaii for high school students, carefully selected for their learning, mentorship opportunities, and overall educational value. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to get into the field, work alongside researchers, or explore a potential college major, these summer programs in Hawaii are worth considering.
15 Summer Programs in Hawaii for High School Students
1. Create And Navigate Opportunities in Education (CANOE) Pre-Health Academy
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Oʻahu, HI; Virtual options available too
Dates: July 20 – July 27 (residential); June 30 – July 18 (online modules)
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, non-traditional students, or college students planning to transfer to UH Mānoa; Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet at least one of the following: first-generation college student, economically disadvantaged, underrepresented group, or veteran
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,000 stipend (residential only)
A rigorous four-week program, the CANOE Pre-Health Academy offers opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in health. The program includes asynchronous online modules that focus on college and career success, along with a one-week residential experience at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. You will earn three college credits through UH West Oʻahu, participate in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) demo similar to training at JABSOM, gain CPR and First-Aid certification, and receive tailored pre-health advising. The program also emphasizes networking opportunities with health professionals and peer cohorts. Overseen by the Hawaiʻi/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC), this experience equips you with essential skills and insights for future success in health professions programs.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 12-15 week cohorts year-round, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varied deadlines by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate experience with AI or Python
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers rigorous virtual programs that introduce high school students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. The AI Scholars program is a structured 10-session boot camp designed for beginners to build foundational knowledge and apply it to hands-on projects. For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides a chance to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on individualized AI research projects, with support from an in-house team to pursue publication in high school research journals. Throughout both programs, you will gain practical coding experience, deepen your understanding of modern AI applications, and build a portfolio that demonstrates real-world problem-solving.
3. Teen Health Camp
Location: Available on all Hawaiian islands
Dates: Varies by location
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 interested in health careers
Cost: Free
Teen Health Camp is a free, one-day immersive program for high school students across Hawaiʻi who want to explore careers in health. Held annually on each island, the camp features hands-on clinical skills workshops like suturing, casting, and CPR, taught by JABSOM medical students and health professions volunteers. The day also includes an early-morning exhibitor session where students can learn about local health professions schools, scholarship opportunities, and pipeline programs. You can register individually, with friends, or even attend as a class. Teen Health Camp is designed to make health careers more accessible by offering practical experience and mentorship in a supportive setting.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students enrolled in an accredited institution
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic experience designed to help high school students conduct original, independent research under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. You’ll work one-on-one to explore advanced topics in areas such as psychology, economics, physics, computer science, international relations, and more. Over approximately 12 weeks, you’ll develop a full research paper, gaining skills in critical analysis, academic writing, and data interpretation. The program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate students worldwide and provides structured support, making it an excellent way to build a scholarly portfolio that stands out on college applications.
5. ʻIolani Summer Programs
Location: ʻIolani School, Honolulu, HI
Dates: June 15 – July 17
Application Deadline: Varies by grade level
Eligibility: Students from the local community and abroad in grades 6-11
Cost: Tuition varies by course
The ʻIolani Summer Programs continue the school’s tradition of academic excellence by offering a diverse range of courses and workshops that foster curiosity and lifelong learning. Programs span both Lower and Upper School levels, allowing you to build skills in subjects like mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts. Interactive and hands-on learning environments encourage students to explore new interests or strengthen existing ones under the guidance of experienced educators. The summer also includes the Career Compass Workshop and an auxiliary program for extended exploration. With participants coming from Hawaii and around the world, you will have the opportunity to learn in a vibrant, multicultural setting while making connections that last beyond summer.
6. Summer at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA)
Location: Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Kamuela (Waimea), Hawai‘i Island, HI
Dates: June 23 – July 18; boarding students on campus June 21 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling; Early application recommended due to limited spaces
Eligibility: Students ages 11-17 entering grades 6-12; open to local, national, and international students
Cost: $7,600 (international boarding); $6,500 (domestic boarding); $2,050 per day
The Summer at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to combine academic exploration with the natural beauty and culture of Hawai‘i Island. You can select one of five specialized academies: Robotics, Arts, Hawaiian Style, Marine Explorations, or English Language Learning, and spend four weeks deeply immersed in your chosen field under the guidance of experienced mentors. Outside of class, you will enjoy excursions and outdoor adventures that showcase the island’s landscapes and traditions. Boarding and day options allow for a diverse, global community, giving you the chance to learn alongside peers from around the world. The program’s holistic approach encourages both intellectual growth and personal discovery, all in a vibrant, supportive environment.
7. Le Jardin Academy Summer School
Location: Le Jardin Academy, Kailua, HI
Dates: June 16 – July 18
Application Deadline: Opens March 3 for LJA students and March 10 for non-LJA students; Rolling until courses fill
Eligibility: Students entering kindergarten through grade 8; Courses assigned by grade level
Cost: Tuition varies by course selection; Additional charges may apply
The Le Jardin Academy Summer School program offers students a lively and innovative way to explore academic subjects and personal interests on a beautiful campus in Kailua. You can build customized schedules by selecting individual two-hour courses in topics like robotics, coding, cooking, songwriting, knitting, visual and performing arts, and more. Sports and outdoor adventure classes, as well as small-group swim lessons, provide additional opportunities for movement and hands-on exploration. Early morning care is included at no charge for students enrolled in the first class slot, while extended day options allow families added flexibility.
8. Jazz Intensive
Location: Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony at ʻIolani School, Honolulu, HI
Dates: July 5 – July 13
Application Deadline: Rhythm section audition videos due by April 15; Other students accepted on a rolling basis until full
Eligibility: Students entering 8th grade through first-year college (19 and under) with at least 2 years of experience on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass guitar, or drum set
Cost: Tuition varies by program
The Jazz Intensive gives young musicians a chance to explore jazz theory, improvisation, ensemble playing, and performance techniques under the guidance of top faculty, including Dean Taba (director of HYS Jazz) and Seattle saxophonist Steve Treseler, along with prominent local artists. You will engage in daily jam sessions to develop skills in leading and improvising on jazz standards. No prior jazz experience is necessary; placement into Jazz 1 (Intermediate/Advanced) or Jazz 2 (Beginner) ensembles will be determined based on experience and audition results. Rhythm section positions are competitive, with only two students per instrument; auditions are required by mid-April. The intensive wraps up with a final concert on July 13, where ensembles perform alongside other youth symphony groups.
9. Hawaii Summer Program: Surf, Summit, and Service
Location: Starts in Hilo, Big Island, and finishes in Honolulu, Oʻahu, HI
Dates: July 2 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 17-22 seeking a pre-college or gap summer experience
Cost: Program tuition $8,950 (excluding flights); estimated flight cost $1,000
The Hawaii Summer Program offers a transformative four-week journey combining adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on conservation. You will explore Hawaii’s diverse landscapes by hiking volcanic terrains, surfing world-class waves, and stargazing atop Mauna Kea. Cultural highlights include learning traditional hula, preparing an imu feast, and engaging deeply with Hawaiian customs. The program also emphasizes environmental stewardship, with students working alongside local nonprofits on permaculture farming, invasive species removal, and marine conservation efforts. Completing over 40 hours of service learning, you will earn a Certificate of Environmental Conservation.
10. Science Camp for Teens: Science Camps of America
Location: Pāhala, Hawaiʻi Island, HI
Dates: Session 1: Land, Sea, Air & Space: July 1 – 10; Session 2: Science of the Sea: July 11 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; Full payment required by May 25
Eligibility: Students of the ages 13-17, entering grades 8-12 at the start of camp
Cost: $2,795 per ten-day session; Discounts for military families and Hawaiʻi residents; Limited scholarships available
The Science Camp for Teens on Hawaiʻi Island offers two immersive ten-day sessions that combine hands-on science learning with outdoor adventure. The first session, Land, Sea, Air & Space, explores geology through hikes on volcanic landscapes, astronomy and engineering with model rocket launches, and ecology in rainforests and coastal areas. The second session, Science of the Sea, focuses on oceanography, marine biology, and conservation, featuring snorkeling trips, rugged coastline studies, and visits with local scientists and conservationists. You will participate in data collection, analysis, and environmental investigations to deepen your understanding of Hawaiʻi’s diverse ecosystems. Registration covers all meals, lodging, instruction, field trips, and materials, with additional discounts and scholarships available to support families.
11. Summer Programs: Core & Summer Adventures
Location: Hawaiʻi
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Students entering grades 1-9
Cost: Morning Core (5 weeks): $880; Afternoon Core (5 weeks): $800; One-Week Adventures: $550; Two-Week Adventures: $1,050; After-School Program: $120/week
This Summer Program offers a wide range of courses designed for students entering grades 1-9. The Core Programs run over five weeks and allow you to mix and match morning and afternoon classes, with subjects ranging from robotics and art to the renowned Hawaiʻi Nature Studies Program. For shorter, more intensive experiences, you can enroll in Summer Adventures, one- or two-week full-day courses packed with hands-on learning and exploration. An after-school program provides additional enrichment and supervision into the late afternoon.
12. Marine Science Investigations at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
Location: Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island), Kāne‘ohe Bay, HI
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (typically fills early due to limited spots)
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates interested in marine science
Cost: $750 for Hawai‘i residents; $1,250 for non-residents
The Marine Science Investigations program offers a unique, immersive week-long experience at UH Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology on Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island). Each day, students board the learning vessel Ka Noelo Kai from He‘eia Kea Boat Harbor to reach the island research station, where they engage in hands-on field and lab activities. The curriculum includes coral reef transects, biodiversity studies, marine bioacoustics, neuroethology labs, and a guided science walking tour of the island. Designed for those considering careers in ocean and earth sciences, the program blends classroom learning with authentic fieldwork to deepen understanding of Hawai‘i’s unique marine ecosystems.
13. Academy Summer School at Punahou School
Location: Punahou School, Honolulu, HI
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: Varies by program type and grade level
Eligibility: Current Punahou students and new incoming Academy students
Cost: Summer tuition varies by course
The Academy Summer School at Punahou offers credit-bearing courses for rising and current high school students exclusively enrolled at Punahou, with subjects that support academic advancement and graduation requirements. Registration for these courses is coordinated directly through grade-level deans during February, streamlining the process. For those interested in non-credit summer options such as aquatics, ILH athletics, music, dance, tennis, or SAT prep, you must follow the standard summer registration timeline. This program provides Punahou students a robust way to deepen skills or accelerate learning during the summer months in a familiar and supportive environment.
14. Marine Science: Hawai‘i – UCSD Research Scholars Program
Location: Oʻahu, HI
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 and recent high school graduates
Cost: $3,675
The Marine Science: Hawai‘i program offered by UCSD’s Pre-College Research Scholars provides a rigorous, hands-on introduction to marine science, ecological restoration, and traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices. Held on Oʻahu, this ten-day immersive experience combines field research with cultural learning through partnerships with organizations like Mālama Maunalua, Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership, and Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai. You will engage in coral reef monitoring, watershed restoration, invasive species removal, and data visualization with ArcGIS, culminating in digital story maps that showcase your research. You will also explore the Hawaiian ahupua‘a system, integrating mountain-to-sea conservation, and examine the impacts of climate change and land use on marine ecosystems.
15. Hawaii Baptist Academy Summer School
Location: Stan Sagert High School Campus, Honolulu, HI
Dates: Middle & High School Non-Credit Courses: June 9 – June 27; High School Credit Courses: June 9 – July 1
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Students entering grades JK–12 (specific tracks by grade level)
Cost: Varies by course
The Hawaii Baptist Academy Summer School program offers students a robust mix of credit and non-credit options designed to support academic progress and exploration. Middle and high school students can take focused three- or four-week courses in a variety of subjects, blending hands-on learning with collaborative classroom experiences. The program emphasizes face-to-face engagement to foster curiosity and critical thinking. Held at the Stan Sagert High School campus, this summer initiative also honors Hawai‘i holidays, with no classes on June 11 (Kamehameha Day) or June 19 (Juneteenth).