What?

Although Hawai'i is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and verdant landscapes, it is also home to many uncommonly advertised issues. For example, Hawai'i has the highest homelessness rate in the nation at 487 homeless per 100,000 people. Also, ecologists refer to Hawai'i as the

"Endangered Species Capital of the World" because 1/4 of the U.S. endangered species

are found on the small islands. 

While on HYC Hawai'i, participants will have the chance to work at Waimanalo Transitional Shelter: a houseless shelter for families that helps parents find stable jobs, learn life skills, and eventually transition to permanent housing. For three days, HYC participants will provide the children with one-on-one attention and mentoring. 

In another effort to help the houseless of Hawai'i, participants will spend a day with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for families in need. Responsible land management and conservation are also important practices to the residents of O'ahu. Therefore, when HYC Hawaiʻi volunteers work the land, not only do endangered plants and animals benefit, but community members who rely on the land are positively impacted as well.

This year, HYC Hawai'i will return to the sacred Waimea Valley. In the valley, participants will do important work restoring habitats for endangered plant and animal species that are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. 

A new project that recent HYC Hawai'i participants have experienced is a day at Pohai Nani, a Christian Nursing Home for the elderly run by a disciple of the O'ahu Church of Christ. In past years, participants have had a blast getting to know the residents, listening to their stories, playing bingo,

laughing and singing songs together.

Although practicing community service is the prevailing purpose of HYC Hawai'i, participants will also have the chance to swim at famous beaches, snorkel with native marine life, visit tourist destinations, experience Native Hawaiian culture, and enjoy breathtaking views. More importantly, participants will be able to experience Hawai'i with their new HYC 'ohana (family) as they build spiritual, deep, and lifelong relationships by serving together. But most importantly, participants will have the amazing opportunity to grow closer to God and build stronger convictions about loving others by enriching and partnering with their own communities back home.