Why We Are Unique

Since 2004, Pacific Quest has offered a holistic and unique approach to wilderness therapy by replacing hiking and survival skills with gardening and sustainable life skills unlike traditional wilderness programs. Our approach to wilderness therapy is based on structure, support and choice as opposed to coercion or punitive consequences; it allows for students to grow individually, at their own pace, with their own motivations.

Our wilderness therapy program operates on a 7-acre certified organic farm and a 3-acre historic retreat, both located on the Southern side of the Big Island of Hawaii known as the Ka’u region. Hawaii was chosen as the location for our wilderness program because of its safe climate and its inspiring nature. We provide an environment that allows for a true discovery process for our students, a place that is safe, structured, experiential and natural. But make no mistake, Pacific Quest is a highly clinical wilderness therapy program, and each student works with licensed professionals in both individual and group settings. Our clinical team carefully screens each and every candidate before admission.

We utilize a Rites of Passage model that looks at the past, present and future through the processes of severance, threshold and incorporation. We emphasize the cycles of life and personal development instead of working towards a culminating event. The organic gardening and plant life cycles provide clear and relevant metaphors.

A Personal Development Plan is created through a collaborative process between each student, the family, referring professionals, and program staff directly supervised by one of our licensed therapists. Short-term and long-term goals are identified, explored and revised. Information is obtained by staff members through careful observation and testing of the student’s behavior and attitudes in daily activities and interactions.

A Wellness Plan is also created, as an understanding and routine of how basic health is an important component of Pacific Quest. A healthy diet, fresh water, good hygiene, fresh air, ample movement, proper sleep and emotional processing are part of this foundation and emphasized daily. We believe food is medicine and fuel for the body so our diet consists of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, local protein sources (eggs, beef, fish), limited amounts of dairy and no refined sugars or processed foods. Our Wellness Team consists of a Medical Doctor (MD), a Naturopathic Physician (ND) and a Registered Nurse (RN).