Harborside Hawaii Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Logistics
1. Do I need to get Covid tested before flying to Hawaii?
a. As of May 8th, 2022, there are NO testing or vaccination requirements for domestic travelers arriving in Hawaii.
b. With that said, please be prepared to get Covid tested prior to departing Chicago as the restrictions are known to change. It’s better to be organized ahead of time with a planned Covid test within 24 hrs of flying with the possibility of cancelling the test, rather than need a test and have to scramble. We will keep you posted if any entry requirements change prior to the Harborside Expedition.
2. What are the required forms that need to be completed prior to the expedition?
a. There are several different forms that need to be completed and returned to Global Treks by September 30th, 2022. All of the forms can be found on the expedition webpage, HERE.
b. The form called, “Parental Authorization Form” must be printed, notarized and returned to Melissa Jakubowski at Harborside Academy prior to March 15th, 2023.
c. All paperwork can be completed either electronically via docuhub OR each form can be printed, signed and mailed to the Global Treks office at:
Global Treks and Adventures
Attn: Harborside Academy
278 Mankato Ave, #201
Winona, MN 55987
3. Why do you need to have a form notarized (Parental Authorization Form)?
a. This document provides proof of permission for your child (a minor) to leave the state under the care of the Harborside Academy instructors. TSA could require this paperwork be presented to allow your child to travel without a parent present.
4. What should I expect on the travel day flying to/from Kona?
a. Harborside teachers will escort students from Kenosha to Kona. It’s important to remember that travel within a group is slow. Please arrive to the airport before the designated meeting time announced by the Harboside Staff for departure day. The group will travel through check-in and security together.
b. All students need to have a legal ID to fly with the group. Please make sure your child’s legal ID matches the name provided for the airline ticket.
c. We recommend students pack a lunch and snacks for the travel day and/or bring some money for purchasing some snacks in the airports. Meals are no longer provided on flights by the airlines.
d. Students should pack an empty water bottle with them in their carryon luggage to fill in the airport after security prior to the flight.
e. The group will remain together throughout the entire time all the way to Kona where the Global Treks staff will greet them.
5. What if I want to check luggage for the flight?
a. Anyone wishing to check luggage for the flight will need to purchase a checked bag at check-in.
b. Each student can take a carry-on and personal item aboard the flight.
c. Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.
d. Your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for your personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).
Health/Wellness
6. What happens if I don’t feel well or I get sick?
a. A paramedic is on staff with the group throughout the time in Kona and the Global Treks staff is all wilderness medically trained personnel. Anyone needing assistance will be provided immediate care by the team and then transported to a local clinic/hospital for further evaluation, if needed. Emergency contacts will be contacted as soon as possible regarding any medical concerns with their child.
7. What if I get homesick?
a. No worries! We will have plenty of staff, teachers, friends and beautiful places to help. And, a call or text home to connect with family always helps!
Lodging/Food
8. What does the lodging look like? Can I room with my friends?
a. The lodging will be a mix of rooms consisting of 4 – 8 students per room. Students will have their own personal locker for storage. Students will also be able to provide feedback on who they would like to room with, with final room assignments determined by Harborside Staff. Our group is the only group staying at the entire facility, which also includes an open-air kitchen and gathering space and is located just down the street from one of the most famous beaches in the area – Magic Sands.
9. Will I have access to wifi in Hawaii?
a. Wifi is available at the lodge.
10. What will we be eating? What if I don’t like the food or I have food sensitivities?
a. Breakfast will be a mini-buffet each day, so students can choose what they’d like to eat. Students will also have choices each day for packed lunches (typically a sandwich, chips, fruit and snacks). Dinners will be buffet style or within restaurants. All meals are prepared vegetarian and with minimal spices, allowing students to add a meat option or spices to their meals as they wish.
Itinerary
11. How do we get from place to place?
a. Global Treks staff will be driving large passenger vans for the group.
12. Will I have any free time?
a. We teach students the importance for self-reflection and rejuvenation time. So, while the day will have plenty of opportunities for activities and built-in opportunities for students to relax a bit, students will also have some evening time each day.
13. Do I need extra spending money?
a. Everything is included, but students may want money for personal snacks/drinks (we support the students drinking water as much as possible, but if they prefer soda, they may want to purchase some) or souvenirs.
14. What if I don’t know how to swim or snorkel?
a. No problem. Flotation devices will be provided for new swimmers and a snorkeling lesson is provided at every swimming opportunity.
15. Do I have to swim in the ocean?
a. Nobody is required to swim. Students who prefer to stay out of the water can absolutely choose to do so.
16. What type of experiential education will we be doing with Global Treks?
a. Global Treks will be teaching several workshops throughout the week which focus on leadership development, character reflection and development, communication, risk management and leave no trace principles. All workshops are age-appropriate and focus on students learning more about themselves, as they will soon be approaching the beginning of high school.