Final Aloha!
July 24, 2026
Aloha from Maui!
As our Maui adventure has come to an end, it is hard to believe how quickly the past two weeks have flown by. This group has continued to impress us with their positive attitudes, willingness to try new things, and the friendships they have built along the way. It has been incredible to watch everyone grow in confidence while making memories that we know will last long after returning home.
Our final stretch of the trip began with one of the group’s favorite activities: our Redline Rafting snorkel tour. The early wake-up was well worth it as the students spent the morning exploring beautiful snorkel spots, riding on the raft, and enjoying everything the ocean had to offer. Henry and Betsy especially loved snorkeling and free diving throughout the day, making the most of every opportunity to get in the water. After returning to camp for some downtime, we headed to the Beach Park for our Moondance Olympics. The friendly competition brought together multiple Maui groups for an afternoon full of games, teamwork, and plenty of laughs. Thomas and Tommy both gave every event their all and competed with great energy, helping make the afternoon a memorable one. We wrapped up the day with dinner at Raising Cane’s before ending the evening with group confessionals, which gave everyone a chance to reflect on the trip in a fun and meaningful way.
Our final activity day took us to Makena Landing for sea kayaking and snorkeling. The students had an incredible time paddling along the coastline, exploring sea caves, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Jack and Graham especially loved the opportunity to explore the underwater caves, while everyone enjoyed spending one last morning out on the ocean together. After lunch at Paia Fish Market, the group made a quick stop at the thrift store to find outfits for the banquet before getting ready for the evening festivities. The banquet luau was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the trip with the other Maui groups. The students loved the music, food, and especially the fire and drum performances. Afterward, we enjoyed one final beach dinner with ice cream before returning to camp for our last Moonup. It was a special evening filled with reflection, appreciation, and celebration of everything the group had experienced together. Ryan and Mary Frances especially enjoyed spending the evening listening to music, laughing, and soaking in those final moments with their new friends.
Earlier in the day, Mary Ellen and Bea also represented our group by winning the spikeball tournament, giving everyone another reason to celebrate. Before heading to the airport, we enjoyed one last slow morning together with a big breakfast before working as a team to clean up camp. Xander was an enormous help throughout the cleanup, always looking for ways to lend a hand and make sure everything was taken care of before we left. We grabbed lunch from some local food trucks before making our way to the airport, where travel home went smoothly for everyone. While it was exciting to reunite with family, it was also bittersweet saying goodbye to a group that had become so close over the course of the trip. As we reflect on these past two weeks, we are incredibly grateful to each of you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for giving them the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, experience the beauty and culture of Maui, and create friendships and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
It has truly been an honor to spend this time with such an outstanding group of students. Watching them encourage one another, overcome challenges, laugh together, and grow in confidence has been one of the most rewarding experiences for us as leaders. We have genuinely enjoyed every minute of this adventure and feel incredibly fortunate to have shared it with your children. Thank you again for allowing us to be a small part of their summer and for trusting Moondance to help create an experience we hope they will never forget.
-Annie, Carter, and Ryan
Having a Blast in Maui!
July 18, 2026
Aloha from Maui!
Over the second half of our adventure, the group has continued to grow more confident, independent, and comfortable with one another. It has been rewarding to watch friendships strengthen while students continue stepping outside their comfort zones through new activities, service projects, and plenty of memorable moments together.
We started day 6 with our final surfing lesson at Kalama Park. The students were excited to get back in the water and put everything they had learned from their first lesson into practice. The wind brought in larger waves, giving everyone a fun challenge and an opportunity to test their new skills. Jack especially stood out, really beginning to get the hang of surfing and catching some impressive waves. That afternoon, we went to Pono Grown for another conservation experience where the group harvested sweet potatoes and learned more about sustainable farming before celebrating all of their hard work with the famous farm slip-and-slide. It was the perfect way to wrap up another day of service and adventure.
The following day, we visited the Marine Institute for our final conservation activity, where the students learned more about Maui’s marine ecosystems and local conservation efforts. Although this activity was a change of pace from many of our adventure days, we learned some very valuable and important information about the Maui marine life. Afterward, they especially enjoyed exploring the aquarium exhibits and spending time together before heading back to camp.
One of the biggest highlights of the week came during our windsurfing lesson at Kanaha Beach. Windsurfing proved to be one of the most challenging activities of the trip, but it also became one of the most rewarding. Graham did an excellent job throughout the lesson, while Mary Frances gained a tremendous amount of confidence as she continued improving throughout the morning. Watching students push through and celebrate their progress afterward was one of the best moments of the trip. That evening, we traveled to La Kahea Farm for an authentic Hawaiian cooking class where students prepared a delicious taco meal using fresh ingredients grown right on the farm like pineapple, watermelon, cilantro, and sugar cane. Betsy especially enjoyed getting involved in the cooking process and embraced every opportunity to help prepare dinner
The excitement continued the next day with our trip to Kapalua for ziplining. Between soaring through the trees and taking in incredible views of Maui, the students had a fantastic time. Bea and Mary Ellen especially loved every minute of the course and couldn’t stop smiling throughout the experience. Afterward, we spent the afternoon exploring the town of Paia, giving everyone the opportunity to pick up souvenirs and enjoy some free time together. It was also Tommy’s birthday, so we made sure to celebrate in true Moondance fashion. The day began with a birthday pancake stack complete with candles, and we ended the evening with a fun celebration that the whole group enjoyed!
Our final full activity day brought another favorite as we tackled the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. The hike challenged everyone physically, but the incredible views at the top made every step worthwhile. Ryan especially enjoyed the scenic overlooks and appreciated the opportunity to take in the beauty of Maui from above. Later that afternoon, we visited Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, where students met the goats and sampled a variety of unique cheeses. Thomas and Xander both loved trying all of the different cheese flavors and quickly became two of the biggest fans of the tasting.
We wrapped up the day with one of everyone’s favorite traditions—Iron Chef. The students split into boys versus girls teams, planned their meals, and worked together to prepare dinner from scratch. The teamwork, creativity, and confidence they displayed were incredible to watch, especially considering how much they have grown in the kitchen throughout the trip. Henry stepped up as the head chef for the boys’ team, leading his teammates to victory with an outstanding meal. More importantly, every student contributed in some way, making it one of the best examples of how much this group has grown together over the past week.
As we approach the end of our adventure, it has been amazing to reflect on everything this group has accomplished together. From surfing, windsurfing, hiking, ziplining, cooking, conservation work, and celebrating birthdays, every day has brought new opportunities to challenge themselves, support one another, and create memories that will last long after leaving Maui. We are incredibly proud of how much each student has grown and can’t wait to enjoy these final days together before heading home.
-Annie, Ryan + Carter
Thank You’s:
Henry: I’m having so much fun in Maui. Thank you so much for sending me to camp. I will see you soon. Love you
Thomas: I’m having fun thank you for taking me here I can’t wait to see yall again love you guys.
Tommy: hey mom I am having a great time in Maui,thank you for signing me up. I miss you and I can’t wait to see you. Love you
Betsy: Hey y’all, I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to get to spend two weeks in Maui and it’s all because of you guys. I never want to leave here but I am so excited to see y’all. Tell everyone I’ll be home so so soon. Love you guys and the whole fam lots
Ryan: Hey mom and dad I’m so thankful for you letting me come on this trip! I am having a great time here and sad to leave, but I can’t wait to see yall! Love you!
Mary Frances: Hey!! This is such an amazing trip and thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I am truly having the best time and thank you so much. I love yall so much and can’t wait to see you soon!
Mary Ellen: Hey guys!!!! I’m having the BEST time!! I’m so sad to leave but also cant wait to see yall! Thank you so so so much for letting me go on this amazing trip! I love yall so much!!!!!
Jack: Hey Mom and Dad. Thank y’all for sending me on this trip it has been so much fun. Can’t wait to see you soon.
Xander: hey mom and dad I’m having lots of fun thank you for sending me love you.
Graham: hey mom and dad I am having a blast in Maui thank y’all so much for sending me here it is so much fun cant wait to see yall when we get home
Soaking Up The Sun!
July 13, 2026
Aloha from Maui!
The first few days of our Maui adventure have been an incredible start to the trip! The group has settled into camp quickly, made new friendships, and embraced every opportunity to experience the island. From conservation work and surfing to rappelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and learning about Hawaiian culture, the students have approached each day with enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new.
Our adventure began with an airport day as students arrived from across the country. Once everyone had made it to camp (with one student joining us later), we got settled before heading to Kanahā Beach Park for pizza and an amazing Maui sunset. It was the perfect way to kick off the trip, and our first Moonup gave everyone a chance to get to know one another and reflect on the exciting week ahead.
The following day we started with a birthday breakfast for Jack, as he was also one of our first Leaders of the Day, before heading to Olowalu for our conservation project with Kipuka Olowalu. The day was a great balance of service and learning as students participated in Hawaiian protocols, helped remove invasive weeds, and learned about the many native plants and fruits that grow on the land. Tommy was especially adventurous, making sure to try every unique fruit he could find. That night Henry impressed everyone by making some amazing quesadillas for dinner, and we wrapped up the evening by celebrating Jack’s birthday with cake before another great Moonup.
Day three brought one of the group’s favorite activities so far: surfing at Kalama Beach. The instructors did an excellent job teaching everyone the basics, and it didn’t take long before students were catching waves. Mary Frances, our Leader of the Day, became the first person in the group to stand up and ride a wave, setting the tone for an exciting morning. Thomas also had an outstanding surfing session and quickly became comfortable on the board. After surfing, we enjoyed lunch overlooking the Nakalele Blowhole, where the strong south swell created an impressive display. We finished the afternoon at Black Rock, where students enjoyed swimming, cliff jumping, and spending time together on one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches before heading back to camp for dinner.
Our next adventure took us to the Garden of Eden for rappelling. For many students, stepping backward over the edge of the cliff required a lot of courage, but everyone rose to the challenge. Mary Ellen and Ryan both showed tremendous bravery while rappelling and were proud of themselves for pushing through their nerves. Cooling off with a swim after the rappels made the experience even better. Graham was incredible as well and even jumped in to help the Rappel Maui team catch a chicken that needed a little “therapy,” which quickly became one of the funniest moments of the trip. That evening we enjoyed dinner at Kalama Beach Park, followed by a competitive volleyball game that included nearly everyone in the group. It’s been wonderful to watch the students naturally spend time together as one large group where new friendships continue to grow each day.
Today we explored the beautiful waters of Makena during our stand-up paddleboarding tour. The calm conditions made for a fantastic morning on the ocean, and Xander especially stood out, quickly picking up the sport and becoming one of the strongest paddleboarders in the group. After lunch at camp, we headed to our lei making and hula dancing lesson. Students enjoyed learning more about Hawaiian traditions, and Bea especially loved the opportunity to create her own lei and participate in the hula lesson. Back at camp, everyone worked together to make burrito bowls before spending the evening listening to music, playing volleyball, and reflecting during Moonup. Cards has also quickly become very popular as Betsy has become the undisputed champion of the card game ERS, often gathering a crowd of students eager to challenge her.
The group has had an outstanding first five days. They have embraced every activity with positive attitudes, encouraged one another to step outside their comfort zones, and already formed strong friendships. We are excited for everything still to come and can’t wait to see what the rest of the adventure has in store!
Ryan, Carter, and Annie
Trip Update 3B shoutouts
Tommy – hey mom I miss you and I hope your having fun with bombaclyde hi from Thomas
Henry – Hey mom I’m having fun in Maui. I miss you so much. Love you
Graham – yo mom, dad. Maui is lit having a blast
Ryan – hey mom and dad I’m having so much fun here! love yall!
Betsy – Hey mom and dad I miss y’all lots but I’m having a blast right now. The activities are great and so fun! I miss my bed and homemade meals but it’s worth being in Maui to not have those things. Tell everyone I said hi and that I’ll be home soon. Play with birdie and Pete for me! Love and miss yall.
Bea- Hello family! I am having a great time and I’m so exited for the rest of the trip. We have surfed, paddle boarded, repelled, and done sone service on a farm. My group is great and everyone has been really nice. We have seen some cool animals like a super cute turtle while surfing and a pretty cool ray while paddling. I miss y’all soooo much and hope you’re having the best trip ever. Tell Jojo I say hi as well as Elio, Tiki, and heatstroke sigma. I love y’all so much. Xoxo!!
Mellon – Hey guys! I am having so much fun! We just went surfing for the second time and we have also rappelled, done service on a farm, paddle boarded, and cliff jumped! I miss y’all so much and I can’t wait to see you guys and not Lucy! Tell Anna I said to have so much fun at camp and make a lot of friends! Love yall!!!!!
MF- Hey! This is so much fun and I miss y’all so so so much. We have done so many fun activities like surfing, repelling, paddle boarding, and so many more fun things. I am having so much fun and I love yall so much.
Xander – Hey mom and dad I’m having a blast I love the weather and Maui’s views are the best. The leaders are super chill there are two boys and one girl leader. I can’t wait to get home and say hi to Finley. My group has been really fun I just got done surfing for the second time the activities are super tiring so I’ve been having the best sleep even though it’s a tent. Cant wait to see you.
Jack – Hey Mom and Dad! I am having a ton of fun and the scenery is beautiful. We just got out of our second surf session and are going to plant some crops. We have rappelled, paddle boarded, cliff jumped, and more. Dad, Olise and France have a big game coming up and I look forward to watching the replay of the World Cup matches together. I am making a lot of new friends and I love y’all so much. I cannot wait to see you guys soon.
Thomas – Hey mom and dad having fun need mom to turn off spam calls. We surfed today and swam in a waterfall yesterday I want a steak very bad when I get back I’m so mad Conner broke his knee love yall.
Aloha from Maui!
July 10, 2026
Hello Maui 3B Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely! The trip is off to a great start and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next couple weeks! This will allow you to follow along with the trip.
You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
