Finale in Hawaii!
June 20, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
Aloha from the Big Island 🌺
Our final days on the Big Island were everything we could have hoped for. We closed out the scuba diving section with the kids feeling confident and proud of how far they’d come underwater, and then treated ourselves to a manta ray snorkel – floating above the water as these gentle giants glided beneath us was pure magic, and the kids’ faces said it all. From there we spent our last stretch of time simply soaking it all in: toes in the sand, sun on our skin, and the kind of ocean views that make you understand why people fall in love with Kona.
Everyone is tan, happy, and walking away with full hearts. We experienced the true magic of Hawaii these past weeks, and we want to be honest – we could not have done it without these incredible kids. Each one of them brought something different to the group, and together they created something truly special. They hold a permanent place in our hearts, and we already miss them.
Here’s a little bit about each of them and the mark they left on this trip:
Elle – Elle became one of the people who truly glued this group together. She was there for everyone, always offering a listening ear when someone needed it. Her impact on the group was never clearer than on our last day, when she personally wrote a letter to every single kid. Watching them read those letters, teary-eyed, said everything about her character and how close she grew with this group.
George – George brought a big sense of humor that we could always count on to take the edge off a stressful moment. He also has great taste in music, and we have him to thank for queuing up the best soundtracks for our long drives to and from scuba diving.
Anna – Anna really came out of her shell as the trip went on. She became a strong, grounding force for the group, and her calm, caring presence was especially felt during scuba diving and ocean dives – moments that can understandably feel nerve-wracking. Kids looked to her, and her steadiness helped everyone else feel calm and safe too.
Fin – What a true leader. One of Fin’s best qualities is his genuine curiosity about people, which meant he made friends everywhere he went. He knew exactly when to be silly and lighten the mood, and when to step up and support his peers. As Leader of the Day, he set a clear example for the group and made everyone around him feel comfortable. He also showed great expedition behavior, regularly refilling water bottles to make sure everyone stayed hydrated.
Parker – Parker played a key role in keeping the group’s energy up, always excited and ready for whatever was next. He showed off real culinary skills during our cooking class, slicing and dicing vegetables for our Hawaiian salad like a pro. It was clear that whatever Parker puts his mind to, he succeeds at.
Wesley – Wesley brought endless energy, and the group could never stop laughing when he was around. He kept spirits high at all times and had everyone’s stomachs hurting from laughter on the regular. His energy was contagious and fueled the whole group.
Walker – Walker has a way with words that really stands out. He was always up for any activity and kept a positive attitude no matter what. He was especially great at keeping the group engaged during cooking, and he went out of his way to try new foods along the way.
Miller – Miller has an incredible way of making people feel seen and heard. She’s endlessly supportive, always willing to lend a hand or tackle a task alongside someone else. She’s also a pro at setting up and taking down camp – the girls broke records on tent time, and she even jumped in to help the leaders with theirs.
LK – LK brought an amazing burst of fresh energy to this trip. She pushed her own limits and proved to herself that she can do hard things. Even though she felt nervous heading into the scuba diving section, she did it anyway – showing herself and everyone else that anyone can rise to a challenge.
Croft – Croft really came out of her shell and became an incredible asset to this group. As our unofficial group photographer, she captured all the moments that mattered. She was never afraid to be vulnerable with the group, which helped create a safe space for others to open up too.
Ella – Ella was a crucial part of this group’s dynamic, bringing joy to absolutely everything we did. She was always up for anything, always positive, and always quick with a joke – giving the boys a real run for their money in the laughs department.
Thank you to every single one of these kids for making this trip what it was. We are so proud of them, so grateful for them, and we’ll be carrying this Hawaii magic – and these full hearts – with us for a long time.
Mahalo, HWI 1B – Marga, Eloise, Thomas 🤙🩷
Sea Creature Features
June 16, 2026
Aloha families!
We are back with another update from paradise, and wow – do we have stories to tell.
After our last update, we traded land for sea and set out on one of the most breathtaking adventures yet. We kayaked 7 miles along the iconic Napali Coast, paddling through the open ocean with towering cliffs on one side and endless blue on the other. But the real magic? We were joined by a pod of roughly 30 dolphins who swam and played alongside our kayaks that morning. It’s safe to say no one was complaining about sore arms after that experience!
From Kauai, we made our way to the Big Island, and we are currently getting SCUBA certified! Between pool sessions and open water dives, our group has already spotted a sea turtle and two octopuses – and last night we had the most unforgettable experience of the trip so far: a manta ray night snorkel. The rays were enormous, graceful, and absolutely stunning. Tonight wraps up their final dives before they officially earn their certifications. We couldn’t be more proud.
Now, let’s talk about these incredible kids…
Elle came into this trip with a heart full of excitement and she has not let up for a single moment. During our classroom day for SCUBA certification, she set a tremendous example by staying focused and locked in when it mattered most. But the highlight for Elle came last night at the manta ray snorkel – she was absolutely beside herself with joy. She shared with us that the manta ray has been her favorite animal since 7th grade, and watching her live out that dream in real time was one of those moments that reminds us why we do these trips. She is more confident than ever and her positivity is contagious.
George continues to be one of the most generous and warm-hearted humans in the group. Even after a grueling day of sea kayaking, George had jokes ready and a smile on his face, doing what he does best – lifting the spirits of everyone around him. He’s never too tired to check in on someone or share what he has with others. The compassion he shows grows with every single activity, and this group is better because of him.
Anna is what we like to call a quiet powerhouse. She doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room – she lets her actions speak. On our 7-mile Napali Coast kayak, Anna was ahead of the group, drawing on her rowing background and never once complaining. When she does speak, it’s intentional, thoughtful, and worth listening to. She owns exactly who she is, and in doing so, she sets one of the highest standards for respect in the group.
Finn is the kind of student who walks into every new environment ready to connect. He was consistently the first among the group to introduce himself to our outfitters – something that doesn’t go unnoticed by the people guiding us. When Fin decides to focus, watch out. SCUBA instructor Mel pulled us aside during pool training to specifically point out how locked-in Fin was when he put his mind to it. That kind of recognition from an outside instructor says everything.
Parker has been quietly exceptional. He is one of the only students to pass each SCUBA skills test on the very first attempt – and he doesn’t say a word about it. No bragging, no fanfare – he just does the work and moves on. Parker is the gold standard for humility on this trip, and his confidence in the water has been a joy to watch develop.
Wesley showed us something really special this week. Due to an issue with his tooth filling and ears, Wesley was unable to participate in SCUBA diving – which, for a trip like this, could have been a really hard pill to swallow. Instead, he stayed back on the boat with the best attitude imaginable, cheering everyone on and never once making it about himself. His positivity in that moment was genuinely one of the more impressive things we’ve seen on this trip.
Walker has had a breakout stretch on the Big Island. He has grown noticeably more comfortable within the group – checking in on fellow students, engaging more freely, and stepping into his confidence in a real way. SCUBA threw him a challenge with a few buoyancy retakes, but Walker went back at it every single time with a great attitude and came out on top. He is now fully embracing the open water dives and thriving out there.
Miller was an absolute star on the Napali Coast kayak. Seven miles on the open ocean next to one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world – and she handled it like a seasoned paddler. Her attitude throughout the entire route was stellar, and as dolphins surfaced around our kayaks, she soaked in every second of it. A true sport in the best sense of the word.
LK is a firecracker in the best possible way. She speaks her mind, she pushes herself, and she does not back down from a challenge. SCUBA breathing underwater gave her some real hesitation – and she did it anyway. Every single dive. She came face-to-face with a sea turtle and two octopuses along the way, and we think that’s a pretty fitting reward for someone who faces her fears head-on. We love her energy on this trip.
Croft has taken to the ocean like she’s been living in it her whole life. We’re fairly convinced she was a mermaid in a past life. Every water activity that would make most people nervous has felt completely natural to her – she picks things up almost immediately and moves through the water with a comfort and ease that the whole group admires. A total gem to have out here.
Ella is pure energy – the kind that spreads across a group like wildfire. When the kids are tired and the day feels long, Ella breathes new life into the room. But she also knows when to flip the switch and be completely dialed in, listening carefully to our outfitters when it counts. That balance makes her a natural leader. Case in point: at dinner on the coast the other night, with live music playing, Ella got up and started dancing – and within moments, everyone followed. That’s not something you can teach. That’s just who she is.
We are so proud of every single one of these students. They are pushing their limits, looking out for each other, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned – the adventure isn’t over yet! 🤙🐢🌺
Aloha Hawaii 1B
Mom and dad,
Thank you so much for sending me on this trip, it has been a great experience and one of the best trips I have been on in my life. I have made incredible connections, unforgettable memories, and genuine friendships. Thank you so much. 10/10 experience wouldn’t change a thing. Finn
Dear mom and dad,
This has been the most incredible 2 weeks ever and I am so grateful that y’all allowed me to go on this trip! I have met some of the best people and experienced the most insane things! I’m so excited to tell y’all about it!
Love, Lily Kate
Dear mom and dad,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to go on Moondance and go to Hawi. It has been so much better then my last years trip. See y’all soon! Love you both say hi to the dogs for me.
Lots of love, Ella
Hey Mama and Dad,
Thank you so much for letting me come on this trip. It has been a blast and I wouldn’t want to change anything. They people, food, and views are amazing. I love you both so much and tell whit i said hi and I hope Daisy is okay!
Love you, walker
Hey mom and dad,
I wanted to thank yall for allowing me to come on this trip, Ive had a great time. The surfing and scuba diving were my favorite. I hope all yall are doing well. Love yall, parker
Hey mum and Dad
You guys know i’m not the best with words unless spoken, so i will try my best. I am so so so so grateful I got to do this. Love ya’ll George
Hey, Mom and dad
I am so grateful that I am allowed to come on this trip.I have had a great time, the surfing was an absolute blast
Love-Wesley
Hi Mom, Dad, and Emerson
I miss you guys so much and can’t wait to see you guys soon! I am having so much fun but I’m so excited for Boca and hawaii is spectacular. Love you guys so much 🪢🐬🌭
Love- elle
Anna – Hi! I miss you guys a lot and I can’t wait to see you soon! Hawai’i is so cool and we’ve been scuba diving the past few days. It’s really fascinating; you would love it so much! See you soon,
-Anna
Croft – Hi mom dad and lid I love youu so much cant wait to see yall this is my fav trip yet its the most fun ever! Wish yall were here sending hugs your way-btw thank you for this insane experience and opportunity.
Miller – Hi Dad and Mom! Thank yall soooo much for letting me come on this trip! I have had the best time and met the best people. I love yall and miss yall soooo much and cant wait to see you!
Surfing With a Side of Splash!
June 11, 2026
Aloha from Kauai! 🌺
We are thrilled to share that your adventurers are having the time of their lives on the Garden Isle, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible group they have become together.
Day 1 – Ziplining Through the Mountains
We woke up on our first full day in Kauai and dove headfirst into adventure – ziplining through the lush, breathtaking greenery of the island’s mountains. The views were absolutely stunning, and the energy was electric. LK was upfront about her nerves around the heights, but in true form, she volunteered again and again to be one of the first to go – a bravery that inspired everyone around her. Walker made it a point to learn the instructors’ names immediately and locked in his focus, setting a great tone of respect and intentionality for the whole group. Croft’s camera was already out and working its magic, capturing the laughter, the screams, and the smiles that will be memories for a lifetime.
Day 2 – Surfing Hanalei Bay
There are few things more magical than watching a group of teenagers catch their first waves at the world-famous Hanalei Bay – and this group did not disappoint. Hughes and Miller co-led the day as LODs (Leaders of the Day), and the two of them were an unstoppable duo, keeping the group energized, on schedule, and laughing the whole way through. Fin was an instant favorite among the surf instructors, with his natural curiosity and charisma drawing people in wherever he went – he even struck up conversations with locals and fellow Americans in the ice cream line after the session, getting the inside scoop on the best spots around the island. When surfing, Ella brought a fierce and joyful competitive spirit to the water. Wesley, ever the entertainer, grabbed a shorter board just to make things harder on himself and share in the group’s struggles – which had everyone in stitches. By the end of the day, the stoke was real.
Day 3 – LK’s Sweet 16 & The Nāpali Coast Hike
This was a day none of us will forget. We set out early on a challenging 7.5-mile hike overlooking the jaw-dropping Nāpali Coast – and we did it all in honor of LK’s 16th birthday. While LK was candid that hiking isn’t exactly her favorite activity, she still did the whole thing! Elle kept the energy upbeat and positive the whole way up – even with more dirt on her pants than anyone else – reminding the group that the view was absolutely worth it. She was right. Parker quietly and steadily made sure everyone around him was taken care of, no fanfare needed, while Anna had a gentle way of checking in on others – refilling water bottles, sharing sunscreen, and lending a listening ear on the trail. George, our first LOD of the trip, had already set the bar high by preparing an incredible chicken teriyaki stir fry for the group’s first self-made meal – a tough act to follow! After the hike, the group spent the afternoon splashing in the ocean, and the evening wrapped up with a dance party, birthday decorations, and a Costco chocolate cake. LK said it was one of her best birthdays ever – and honestly, we believe it.
Day 4 – Back on the Waves
The group returned to the water for a second surf session, and the improvement was something to behold. Every single one of them got up on the board – real pros at this point. Fin’s easy warmth, Wesley’s fearless enthusiasm, and Ella’s drive pushed the whole group to rise to the occasion. Miller, ever the social butterfly, made sure no one was left on the sidelines, weaving the group together with her natural gift for connection. Hughes kept everyone laughing and intermingling, as he always does. The smiles said it all.
Up Next – Sea Kayaking Along the Nāpali Coast
The adventure continues! We are heading out to sea kayak alongside the magnificent Nāpali Coast, and if this group’s spirit is any indication, it is going to be extraordinary. They have already shown so much grit, joy, and genuine care for one another – and every day they grow closer as a team.
We are so grateful to be sharing this experience with your kids. More updates to come!
With aloha, HWI 1B 🤙
Shoutouts
Elle Miller:
- Hi everyone!! I am having a spectacular time and I miss all you guys, Mom and Dad thank you so much for letting me come! Happy Birthday Bami!! 🪢🐬🌭
George Underwood:
- Hi Mum, Dad, Walker, and Henry. Hope y’all had fun at big island. I learned my name in Hawaiian too, Keoki. Really cool, anyway love y’all -Keoki
Walker Batson :
- What’s up Mom, Dad, & Whit. I hope you are you having a wonderful day & I hope that you don’t miss me too much. I am having a blast and meeting/learning a lot. Love y’all. – Walker
Lily Kate Tatman:
- Hi Mom and Dad! I had the BEST birthday, Hawaii is beautiful, I love my group so much, and I’m having so much fun! I miss and love y’all so much!!
Wesley Kurtz
- Hi Mom and Dad. Hawaii is beautiful, and I am having so much fun. I am learning a lot and miss you guys. Thank you for this opportunity!!
Finn Walsh:
- Hey Mom, Dad, and Nora! Hawaii is amazing and all of the people I am on the trip with I am good friends with! This trip is amazing and I love everything we have been doing. I am exhausted, but it has been from hiked and swimming. So far the trip is a 10/10. I miss you all
Miller Caine:
- Hey Mom and Dad!!! I have been having the best time and have the best group! I hope y’all are doing well. I miss y’all and love y’all sooooo much!!
Parker carlson:
- Hey Mom and Dad, I’m having a great time here in Hawaii. I miss y’all.
Hughes Mortimer
- Hey guys, I miss y’all but I’m genuinely having a blast, I have made some great connections and memories. Also text MH and tell her I miss her a lot!
Ella Mosley
- I miss y’all so much, but I am having so much fun! Can’t wait to meet Otis when I get home. It’s beautiful and I have a great group! I love y’all!
Croft Harper:
- Hi y’all!! I miss you so much! Having a blast, and you will def get your presentation when I get home! I love you and can’t wait to see you all. I have a great group of people. I hope y’all miss me as much as I do you!
Anna Little:
- Hi! I miss you guys, but I am having a lot of fun here. Anyways I miss y’all, but have fun at Jan’s grad, and I will see you soon!
Safe Arrival!
June 7, 2026
Hello Hawaiian Islands Families!
We heard from our leaders last night that the group has landed safely in Lihue! Please remember that our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will post trip updates throughout the trip! This will allow you to follow along with their adventure. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
