The Big Island has more diverse terrain than anywhere else in Hawaii — active lava fields, dense rainforest, alpine desert on Mauna Kea, remote Puna coastlines, and off-grid communities where practical self-reliance isn't a choice. Hawaii Survival School brings hands-on island survival training to Big Island residents, with private group sessions available on-island and public courses at our North Shore base on Oahu.
Most Diverse Terrain in Hawaii
From lava flows that can cut off roads in hours to remote jungle valleys with no cell service, the Big Island demands a different level of preparedness than most people arrive with. Knowing how to build a shelter, find water, and start fire without modern tools matters here in ways it doesn't in most places.
Off-Grid & Remote Communities
Lower Puna, Waipio Valley, and the Hamakua Coast are some of the most isolated communities in the state. Emergency response times here can be significant — Wilderness First Aid certification and core survival skills aren't just interesting, they're genuinely useful.
Courses in Big Island
Island Survival Skills Training Adventure (4 Hours)
A hands-on 4-hour adventure on Oahu's wild North Shore: Build primitive shelters, start friction fire, cook wild foods, and master core island survival skills. Great for families, beginners, and all ages. (Private groups trainings also available!)
Wilderness First Aid Training Hawaii
A 16-hour WFA certification course covering essential wilderness first aid skills for preventing and responding to outdoor medical emergencies. Nationally recognized via NASAR and valid for two years, ideal for guides, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Summer Camp
An immersive multi-day summer camp (daytime only) where kids learn real island survival skills: shelter building, friction fire, wild food foraging, and more, in the wilds of the North Shore of Oahu. Designed for Ages 7-13, with safety and adventure in equal measure.