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

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.

Core Values

Eligibility


Keiki must be between the ages of 5 and 11 and have completed grades K–5 in the 2025–2026 school year to participate.

Keiki must be able to participate safely and follow rules and instructions in a teacher–student ratio of 1:22. 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


SUMMER 2026:

June 1 - July 3

5 One-Week Sessions Offered

FALL 2026:

October 5 - 9

SPRING 2027

March 15 - 19


SUMMER SESSIONS 2026

 ʻImiloa is proud to present our summer 2026 Hālau Lamakū enrichment program Ma Uka to Ma Kai! 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. 

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!

REGISTER HERE!

Member Registration Opens: Tuesday, April  28th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m

Non-Member Registration Opens: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Registration and Participant Information Form Deadline: May 22, 2026 by 4pm

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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. 

  • Yes. Once the program is full, a waitlist will be available on our website. Submissions are time-stamped, and if a spot opens, it will be offered in order of registration.

  • No, the program does not provide meals or snacks. Keiki are responsible to bring a healthy lunch, a water bottle and two snacks daily.

  • Yes. Keiki may be dropped off after the 8:00 a.m. start time and picked up before the 3:00 p.m. end time. If a child is picked up early, they are welcome to return and rejoin the program later that day.

    We are now offering an early drop off time (7:30 a.m.) at no additional cost. Students will enjoy activities prior to the 8am program start time.

  • Our required supervision ratio is 1 adult to 22 keiki. Most classrooms are staffed with two adults for up to 22 keiki, allowing for additional support and supervision. Children must be able to participate in this setting. We cannot accommodate one-on-one supervision. If you child requires one-on-one supervision please email the program coordinator at imiloaed@hawaii.edu

  • Camp staff are trained in youth supervision, safety procedures, and emergency response, and many hold CPR/First Aid certification. Staff are also EpiPen certified to respond to severe allergic reactions. In addition, they have backgrounds in education or science and receive training in hands-on STEM learning and culturally based Hawaiian education.

  • We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and foster an inclusive environment for all campers. Staff are trained to address behavior concerns immediately using calm, age-appropriate interventions that promote respect, safety, and inclusion. Incidents are documented and communicated to families when needed. In more serious or repeated cases, additional steps may include parent contact or removal from the program to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

  • We welcome information about each child’s unique needs and encourage families to share this with us before camp begins. Parents or guardians can provide details during registration or contact our staff directly by email or phone. This helps us understand your child’s needs and prepare appropriate support to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive camp experience.

  • We take allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. We are a nut-free camp, and families are still asked to share all relevant allergy and dietary information during registration or with staff before camp begins. We work to accommodate additional dietary needs whenever possible and take precautions to help ensure camper safety. Staff are also trained to respond appropriately to allergy-related concerns during camp activities.

  • We understand that homesickness and separation anxiety are a normal part of camp for some children. Our staff are trained to provide calm, supportive reassurance and help campers engage in activities and make connections with peers. We gently encourage participation while giving children space and time to adjust. If needed, we will contact families and work together to support the child’s comfort and well-

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.