Courtesy photo High school students from the city of Nashua continue enjoying their trip to Hawaii. From left are Coryn Flavin, Hannah Swain, Corita Chartier, Abbey Rowe and Kendall Bush.

Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series of articles from Nashua High School South senior Abbey Rowe, who is one of nearly 70 local high school students on their trip to Hawaii.

Day 3

Today was a really emotional day. We went to the memorials and saw all the fallen soldiers’ tombs. Some were crying, while others were just silent. Everyone was just taking in the moment.

Maddie Keefe, a senior at Nashua South said, “I learned so much. I was moved by the stories and the pictures on the walls. It was really surreal hearing about how the Japanese were basically sent on a suicide mission.”

After the memorials, we went to the beach as a group. It was amazing, uniting with people we don’t normally talk to. We were all one big family, honestly.

Day 4

Today was a really cool day. Some got to go shark cage diving, while others got to go to a waterfall and swim. We all were able to kayak and paddle board. Personally, I had the opportunity to go shark cage diving. It was by far the coolest, and scariest, moment of my life. These sharks were anywhere from 4 feet to 14 feet in length — and they were coming right up to the cage.

Victoria Gates, a senior at Nashua South said, “I love trying new things, so learning how to kayak and paddle board was really exciting for me. It was also fun to be around all of my friends who were struggling as much as me.”

Tomorrow, we get to hike and learn how to surf. Seeing the scenery just at our own hotel is stunning enough, but hiking and being on a mountain is going to be breathtaking.

Day 5

Today was a very active day. We were able to go hiking up Diamondback Crater Park, and go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, while some were able to try surfing. The fish we saw while snorkeling were the most vibrant and unique animals I have ever seen. It really is a whole other world under the water.

Lydia Mathson, a senior at Nashua South said, “Seeing the fish at Hanauma Bay was so cool. There were so many different kinds, and they let us get so close. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.”

Seeing the view of the ocean from the top of the mountains is amazing. It honestly has just hit some of us that we are in Hawaii. Tomorrow, we get to go to a luau and be really submerged in their culture.