Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures
Society and the Kona Family YMCA have partnered to offer a series
of marine science educational programs and overnight camps this
summer on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Created by Cousteau’s Hawaii Ambassadors of the Environment,
this experiential education program is offered at the Kona Family
YMCA sustainable campsite in Ke’ei. Kids from 10-17 years will
learn about Hawaii’s unique coral, marine life, plants and
environment from marine educators and Hawaiian cultural
practitioners.
Parents staying at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort can enroll
their children in special one-, two- or three-night adventure camp
programs that include all meals, supervised activities, equipment,
beachfront camp accommodations and round-trip transportation from
the resort to the camp.
According to Sharen Paoa, sales and marketing manager for the
property, children are actually driving the destination decision in
this case.
“It’s really interesting to see how kids are saying they want to
go to the Big Island and participate in this program,” she
explained. “We had a call from a parent who found the information
online last year, but couldn’t quite pull off the trip then. But
her daughter was so excited about it being offered again this
summer, that they re making the trip.”
This year’s camp schedule is June 20-26, June 27-July 3, July
4-6, July 7-10, July 11-17, July 18-24, July 25-31, Aug. 1-7, and
Aug. 8-14. The cost is $ 85 per child, per night. Guests can
register in advance with the YMCA or upon arrival at the hotel,
based on space availability. Camp registration must be made through
the Kona Family YMCA (808-329-9622; www.aote.org).
As part of the program, the hotel will offer a special Ocean
Adventure Rate of $119 per night, single or double occupancy, to
guests with children attending the camp. The rate covers oceanview
accommodations, with waived local calls and parking fees.
Guests also receive one complimentary FairWind Raft Adventure
with the purchase of one paid adult ticket. This award-winning trek
cruises along the Kona Coast to sea caves, lave tubes and
Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling at the historic site of the Captain
Cook Monument.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience
Kealakekua Bay together,” said Paoa. “It lets the kids apply what
they’re learning from the camp. It’s a great partnership.”
The 311-room oceanfront Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort features 10
acres of landscaped grounds, restaurant and bar, salon and day spa,
fitness center, six tennis courts and an activities desk. It is
managed by Ohana Hotels & Resorts, a division of Outrigger
Enterprises, Inc.
800-462-6262
www.ohanahotels.com
