From Coast to Cliff
July 6, 2026
Aloha from Kauai!
It is with full hearts that we write this final trip update. The last time we spoke, we had just finished our first day of surfing, and it was pure magic – watching your kids catch their very first waves is a memory we’ll carry with us long after this trip ends. Since then, we have been busy and booked solid, with early mornings full of adventure, laughter, and the kind of exhaustion that only comes from living life to the fullest.
We kicked things off with our 10-mile kayak journey up the Napali Coast, and wow – it was every bit as beautiful as we promised. The towering emerald cliffs rising straight out of the ocean took our breath away, even as the wind decided to test our resolve. Despite the choppy conditions, the group paddled through it with grit and good humor. Taylor turned out to be a natural on the water, fearlessly leading the pack from the front the entire way. Emily brought her own kind of magic to her boat, keeping spirits high with a steady stream of giggles and chit-chat that made the miles fly by. By the time we hauled the kayaks ashore, arms were tired, but hearts were full. We piled back into the van and were greeted with one of the most stunning sunsets we’ve seen all trip – the sky lit up in shades of orange and pink as if celebrating the day’s accomplishment right alongside us. What followed was a full-blown dance party on wheels, complete with an ever-rotating playlist. There really is something special about doing something hard together, and that bond was on full display. Claire and Helen took over DJ duties and did not disappoint, keeping the energy alive with song requests that had the whole van singing at the top of their lungs.
The next day, we set out on a 6-mile hike along the Napali Coast, this time getting to experience its beauty from an entirely different vantage point. Where the kayaks had shown us the coastline from the water, the trail wound us up along dramatic cliffside overlooks, and the view of the ocean crashing below was nothing short of breathtaking. Every switchback revealed a new postcard-worthy view, and it was easy to see why this hike is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Wilkens and Michael kept morale high the entire way, cracking jokes and keeping everyone laughing through the tougher climbs, just as they always seem to do. After conquering the trail, we treated the group to ice cream before heading back to camp, a well-earned reward after a long day on our feet. That evening, we sat down to a home-cooked dinner of chicken Alfredo that hit the spot after all that hiking. Madelyn and Claire took the reins in the kitchen and completely blew us away with their culinary skills – there may be a couple of future chefs in this group.
The following morning brought our final surfing lesson, and the progress since day one was incredible to witness. By now, nearly everyone was catching waves and staying up on their boards with real confidence – including Chris, who made it look almost effortless out there. We spent the rest of the day exploring, wandering through shops for some last-minute souvenir hunting to bring a piece of Kauai home.
Our final day landed on the Fourth of July, and we celebrated with a Hawaiian Islands Extravaganza that the kids will be talking about for weeks. We ran a full lineup of games, including an egg toss challenge, a watermelon eating competition, a find-the-bean-in-the-whipped-cream contest, and an Oreo-on-your-forehead challenge that had everyone in stitches. These kids are born competitors, through and through. Millie fought her way into the top two of the egg toss competition, and Emma gave the other girls a serious run for their money in the watermelon eating contest. Through it all, Cameron kept the whole group doubled over laughing, providing the perfect soundtrack to close out our two weeks together.It has been an incredible experience from start to finish, and we thank you, parents, for trusting us with your most prized possessions – your kids. They have warmed our hearts in ways we didn’t expect, and each one of them, in their own unique way, has made this trip what it was. They are each so wonderful, and they will each hold a special place in our hearts long after we say goodbye.
With much love,
Mahalo, Marga, Thomas, Eloise
Aloha from Kaua'i!
July 1, 2026
Aloha from Kauaʻi!🌺🐬💛
Since our last update, we have traded the lava fields of the Big Island for the lush green mountains and laid-back beach lifestyle of Kauaʻi, and what an incredible few days it has been! We are camping quite literally on the beach, and every morning we wake up to the most breathtaking sunrise. It is one of those moments where we all stop for a second and think, “Can you believe we get to wake up here?” We certainly don’t take it for granted.
Our first day on the island greeted us with a little rain, but that didn’t stop the adventure. We embraced a slower-paced sightseeing day in Princeville, and it ended up being one of our favorites. As soon as we arrived at camp, Claire grabbed her camera and organized an impromptu photoshoot with all of the girls sprinting straight into the ocean fully clothed! It was one of those spontaneous moments that nobody planned, but everyone will remember. During our shopping stop, Millie and Helen fully embraced vacation mode with a shopping spree before giving the whole group a fashion show of everything they found. Safe to say there were lots of laughs.
That afternoon, we headed off for ziplining, and wow… the views were unlike anything we had ever seen. Flying high above Kauaʻi’s lush valleys and mountains was absolutely unforgettable. Every time we thought the scenery couldn’t get any prettier, we turned a corner and somehow it did. We were so proud of Madelyn, who was one of the first to flip upside down in her harness on the zipline and inspired everyone else to give it a try. Michael was cool, calm, and collected from start to finish, making the whole course look effortless as he soared high above the valley. His confidence was contagious and gave everyone else an extra boost of courage.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was discovering a hidden natural swimming hole tucked away between the trees. After a short walk, we arrived at crystal-clear water that looked like something out of a movie. Wilkens and Chris wasted no time and were the first to zip straight from the platform into the water. It was the perfect way to cool off after an afternoon full of adventure. Moments like that remind us why we love this job so much. Watching this group experience places like these for the very first time has been such a gift. We wrapped up the day with Costco pizza, full stomachs, happy hearts, and plenty of stories to tell around camp.
Today was another unforgettable day. We spent the morning volunteering at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful places any of us have ever seen. Surrounded by incredible tropical plants and fruit trees, we spent three hours spreading mulch and caring for the orchard. Taylor was the very first to grab a shovel and jump right in, setting the tone for the entire group with his hard work. Emma was right behind him, tackling every task with enthusiasm and a huge smile. Watching this group serve with such positive attitudes made us incredibly proud. They continue to show us that adventure and service really do go hand in hand.After service, we headed to Hanalei Bay for our afternoon surf lesson, and there truly aren’t enough words to describe how special it was. Surfing with the vast Pacific Ocean stretching out in front of us and Kauaʻi’s iconic green mountains rising behind us felt almost surreal. We kept looking around at one another thinking, “This can’t be real.” Emily and Cameron looked like naturals out on the waves, catching ride after ride and cheering everyone else on. The excitement every time someone stood up on a wave was contagious, and there were smiles that simply wouldn’t quit.
Tomorrow we are setting out on a 10-mile kayaking adventure, and we cannot wait to see what memories are waiting for us next. Every day this group continues to impress us, not only with their willingness to try new things, but with how genuinely kind, encouraging, and adventurous they are with one another. We keep saying to each other that this trip has such a special energy.
Before we sign off, we wanted to let your kids have the final word. We asked each of them if they’d like to share a little message home, and they were so excited to do so. Here are a few notes from your favorite adventurers:
Madelyn: Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come on this trip! I’ve made so many amazing friendships. Looking forward to seeing y’all. Love y’all!
Emma: Hi Mom! Thank you for sending me here. I’ve made lots of friends, and I’m having so much fun!
Cameron: Hey Mom and Dad! Thank you so very much for sending me to Moondance! I love it so much here and all of the amazing people I’ve met. Love y’all!!!
Wilkens: Thanks for sending me here. It’s so fun! Love y’all. See you soon.
Chris: Hello Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for sending me here. I am having a blast, and I feel so blessed to be here. Love you guys!
Taylor: Thank you guys so much. I love you all so much, and I’m having a lot of fun! Of course I miss you all, and I can’t wait to tell you everything about this trip. Keep Millie and Rosie happy!
Claire: Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you for investing in me and my adventurous spirit over all these years! I am so grateful that you’ve given me such rare and incredible opportunities. Love you!
Michael: Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for supporting me over the years and giving me the opportunity to do things like Moondance. Love you guys!
Millie: Hiii! I miss y’all so much! Thank you for sending me here. It is the best! The sun is amazing. Love y’all! ♥️
Helen: Hi! I miss you guys so much. Thank you so much for dedicating the time and effort to sending me to Hawaiʻi. I love this place and the people here. It is beautiful. See you guys soon. Love, Helen
Emily: Mom and Dad, I’m so grateful for everything y’all do for me! This has been the trip of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to share all my memories and stories with y’all. Thank y’all so much for giving me the opportunity to come on Moondance again and see more of the world. I love y’all so much. See you in a couple of days!
Aloha from HWI 2A!
June 27, 2026
Aloha from the Big Island! We’ve hit the ground running here in Kona, and this group has not slowed down for a single moment.
From the very first day, it was clear that Hawaii 2A had something special – an energy, a willingness to dive in (literally and figuratively), and a genuine enthusiasm for everything this island has to offer. We couldn’t be more grateful to be sharing it with them.
Before we even touched the ocean, we gathered around the kitchen for a cooking class celebrating the incredible local flavors of Hawaii – fresh-picked fruits and vegetables straight from the island. There is something grounding about preparing food together, and this group leaned into it fully. Wilkens and Michael were right at home with a knife in hand, proudly showing off their skills as they prepped our ingredients with confidence and no small amount of flair. The reward? A rich, slow-cooked beef stew that filled the kitchen with the most incredible smell, and for dessert, homemade Nutella sauce drizzled over a spread of fresh tropical fruit. Safe to say there were absolutely no complaints around that table.
We’ve spent the last four days under the stars, and camp life has become second nature for this crew. Setting up and breaking down camp each day is no small feat, but you’d never know it watching these students. Claire has quietly become the group’s unofficial tent expert – she’s always the first one set up and already lending a hand to her neighbors before anyone has to ask. That kind of quiet leadership makes a real difference on the road, and it has not gone unnoticed. Emma has also been stepping boldly outside her comfort zone, embracing the full camping experience – sleeping outside, waking up to birdsong, doing it all again the next day – with impressive spirit and a great attitude throughout. And some of the boys – Michael and Chris among them – took to sleeping outside from night one, hammocks swinging under the Hawaiian sky like they’d been doing it for years.
There is something about this group and the outdoors that just clicks. The depth of connection in this group hasn’t happened by accident, and so much of it traces back to the intentional moments we’ve carved out together. Taylor has had an incredible impact on the energy and heart of this trip from the very start – the kind of presence that makes everyone around him feel seen and included. He and Emma co-led one of the best Moon-Ups we’ve had as a group – an open, honest, and genuinely moving conversation that gave everyone a chance to share, to listen, and to show up for each other in a deeper way. It set a tone for the whole trip that we’ve been building on ever since. Helen and Madelyn have also been essential in holding this group together day to day. After long days out on the ocean when energy starts to dip, these two have a remarkable gift for lifting the mood, sparking laughter, and reminding everyone why we’re here. This is simply a group that looks out for one another – and it shows in everything they do.But the real centerpiece of our Kona chapter has been scuba. We are wrapping up our full PADI diving certification, and the journey has been nothing short of remarkable to witness. Watching students who had never strapped on a tank transform into confident, calm divers over the course of just a few days is one of the most rewarding things we get to do as trip leaders. Cameron and Millie have been absolute naturals in the water – full-on mermaids at this point, gliding through the ocean as if they were born to it, effortlessly comfortable at depth in a way that takes most people much longer to find. We also want to give a very special shoutout to Emily, who pushed herself through skills that genuinely challenged her and did so with real courage, grit, and determination. Watching her work through those moments and come out the other side beaming is exactly what this program is all about. The open water divers who had never been below the surface before have been especially awe-inspiring to watch, and we are so incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Along the way, the ocean has rewarded us handsomely – colorful fish darting through the coral, eels weaving in and out of the rocks, and sea turtles drifting past with the kind of effortless grace that makes you forget to breathe.And then there was last night. Our manta ray snorkel was, without question, one of those once-in-a-trip moments that none of us will forget any time soon. The mantas came in close – enormous, elegant, and utterly breathtaking – gliding through the lit water in slow, sweeping arcs. A few of them came so close that they swept right up and “kissed” members of our group. Legend has it that earns you seven years of good luck.
With a group this special, we have a feeling the luck was already there. Next stop: Kauai. Stay tuned.
Shoutouts:
Emma: Hey mom im having so much fun. I couldnt finish the scuba diving bc my bars were tweaking out so i get to lay on the boat and tan and eat food instead which is great. Please change my flight to go to lax if it isnt that already so i can fly with everyone. Thanks for everything!
Emily: Hey mom and dad!! I am having the best time ever! I love my group and leaders. Dad- I have seen a couple of Takeuchi’s here! Love and miss yall so much and cant wait to see you soon. And cant wait for the beach! Love yall!
Cameron: heyyy mom and dad!!!!! How are yall?? I am having the best time everrr!!! So far we’ve been scuba diving and we had a cooking class and last night we went swimming with manta rays (so cool). Im actually on the boat right now getting ready to do my final two dives for my certification!!! All the people in my group are so nice and my counselors are actually the best ones ive ever had! This is literally the best summer camp ive been too!!! Sleeping arrangements arent that bad i tired sleeping in my hammock last night and got rained on lol but its okay. Ive been able to shower pretty much everyday dont worry + im wearing sunscreen!! Love tall so much!!!!
Claire: Hey Lemmons family! I miss you all so much, but only a little bit because it is just so fun and beautiful here. I hope all is well at home and that you give Wrigley and Daisy lots of love for me, and I can’t wait to share all of these incredible adventures with you when I get back!
Millie: hiii guys. This is so much fun and im getting so tan. The animals are so pretty. Love yall so much and miss yall. Haylei mary ann and stella- miss yall so much and i cant wait to see yall when im back. (Send this them) anyways i cant wait to tell all about this. In on a boat tanning rn about to go scuba diving so i love life. Byee
Madelyn: Hi fam! Hope y’all are having a fun time on your trips, and happy late birthday Evelyn! I’m having a lot of fun in Hawaii with my group and i think y’all would love it here. We have our last scuba dive today. Thanks mom and dad for sending me on this trip! Love y’all ❤️❤️
Helen: thank yall so much for sending me on this trip. I love my leaders so much and hawaii is absolutely beautiful but i miss u guys so much. I hope yall are doing well and i camt wait to see u soon. Tell my friends i say hi! Love helen
Chris: Hey Mom, Dad and Michael I love you guys so much and I had a great scuba diving experience with lava rocks and I ended up being fine and only had a few scratches. I am enjoying this trip so much and I am having a great time hope you guys are having fun and doing interesting things without me. Make sure Michael does not lose our placement in pro clubs
Taylor: Hey mom and dad! I am having a blast. The diving is so much better than the videos! The mantas were stunning and tell gmommy I saw an octopus! Love to you all as well as millie and rosie
Wilkens: Hi mom and dad, im having the most fun diving and hanging out. I have made many friends and cant wait to tell yall about everything i have seen so far. I love yall so much!
Michael: Hi Mom and Dad, im having a lot of fun in Hawaii and I just got my advanced diving certification! Love you guys and see you back in Atlanta!
Safe Arrival!
June 23, 2026
Hello Hawaiian Islands Families!
We heard from our leaders last night that the group has landed safely in Kona! 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
