E Komo Mai! Join us for a camp full of exploration!

Hālau Lamakū Fall 2026

 This place-based program invites keiki to strengthen their connection to ʻāina, deepen their cultural awareness, relationship to self and others as well as expand their curiosity about the natural world above and around them. This program nurtures growth, ʻike (knowledge), and a strong sense of belonging in our island home. 

In the Māla!

This one-week program for students in grades K–5 invites young learners to explore the vibrant world of Hawaiʻi's māla (gardens) and the beloved food plants that have nourished island communities for generations. Through hands-on gardening, interactive lessons, art projects, storytelling, and sensory exploration, students will discover how locally grown fruits, vegetables, and traditional crops are cultivated, cared for, and harvested. Participants will learn about the life cycle of plants, the essential needs for healthy growth, and the cultural significance of staple crops such as kalo, ʻuala, ʻulu, and other locally cherished foods. By planting, observing, and creating, students will develop an appreciation for sustainable growing practices, caring for the land, and the important connection between healthy ecosystems, local agriculture, and the food on our tables.

Member Registration Opens: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Non-Member Registration Opens: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 25, 2026

Participant Information Form Deadline: Tuesday, September 25, 2026

Eligibility


Keiki must be between the ages of 5 and 11 and currently enrolled in grades K–5 in the 2026-2027 school year to participate.

Keiki must be able to participate safely and follow rules and instructions in a teacher–student ratio of 1:20. ʻImiloa is not able to provide one-on-one support or supervision. To discuss accommodations, please email the Hālau Lamakū Program at:

Imiloaed@hawaii.edu

Upcoming Programs


FALL 2026:

October 5 - 9

SPRING 2027

March 15 - 19


PROGRAM FEE

Member Fee: $325/Week

Non-Member Fee: $425/Week

Program weeks that include a holiday will have a reduced fee. Please refer to the adjusted prices for weeks with a holiday.

The Parent Handbook is your go-to guide for supporting your keiki before and during their time in the program. It’s filled with important information to help things run smoothly, so we encourage all parents and caregivers to read it in full.

CHECK OUT THE PARENT HANDBOOK HERE!

Core Values

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Center has been nominated and awarded the ACA California Hawaii Program Excellence Award !

The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization serving the more than 15,000 year-round and summer camps in the US that annually serve 26 million campers. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy, evidence-based education, and professional development, and is the only independent national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp's voluntary commitment to the health, safety, risk management, and overall well-being of campers and staff.

Our Mission

Hālau Lamakū empowers keiki to explore, discover, and care for the world around them, from deep sea to deep space, through hands-on learning, creativity, and kuleana.

HOW TO REGISTER

Step 1:READ OUR PARENT HANDBOOK‍ ‍(OUR HANDBOOK HAS BEEN UPDATED)

  • Our parent handbook is critical to understanding the program safety protocol, educational components, and program operations. Please read the handbook linked below prior to registering your child for the program. By registering your child, you are agreeing to the protocols, policies, and procedures outlined in the handbook.

  • New protocols and program structures may be employed as needed. The Parent Handbook will reflect any changes that are made. For questions regarding the handbook, please contact us at (808) 932-8901 email us at:

STEP 2: PROVIDE PAYMENT ONLINE

STEP 3: PARTICIPANT INFORMATION FORM (MUST BE COMPLETED AFTER PAYMENT TO CONFIRM YOUR CHILD’S SPOT IN THE PROGRAM).

  • We will need to gather more information to prepare and host your keiki at ʻImiloa. The Participant Information Form will be emailed to the email address provided upon payment. If you are a member, the form will be sent to the email address associated with your membership account. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE EMAIL ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP. 

  • The deadline for submitting the Participant Information Form is Monday March 2nd, 2026 by 3 pm. If your child's form is not received by this date and time, your child may lose their spot in the program.

Sign-up or renew your membership:

A current membership (family level or higher) is required to receive the member discount.

  • Renewing Members — click NO and then Login.

  • New Members — click YES or NO, skip the Login button, and proceed to choose your desired Member Level.

Refund Policy

Refunds will not be provided for withdrawals or program days missed. We will issue a refund if ‘Imiloa is required to cancel the program for health and safety reasons. Should this happen, full or partial tuition will be refunded based on the number of remaining program days canceled. 

Health and Safety Information

  • Hālau Lamakū will implement protocols to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for your child and our staff. These protocols are based on federal, state, county, and industry recommendations. 

  • Help keep your child and our staff healthy by being alert to signs of illness and keeping sick children at home. 

  • Hālau Lamakū Health and Safety Protocols/Policies have been updated. Please read our updated handbook.