Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025
Hawaii
All Hands on Deck: Maintaining the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor
Program No. 2617RJ
Leave your mark on history while maintaining the USS Missouri and enjoying time in Pearl Harbor. Also, experience privileged access to the ship on a unique overnight!
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
| Standard View | Upgraded View |
|---|---|
|
Comfortable accommodations that offer typical/average views of the area’s scenery.
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Comfortable accommodations offering views of the areas scenery and partial ocean views. |
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8 days
7 nights
11 meals
6B 0L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
2
Mighty Mo Introduction & Orientation, Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
3
Pearl Harbor Field Trip, Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
4
Punchbowl National Memorial, Service, Overnight Mighty Mo
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
5
Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
6
Free Day
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, Conclusion of Service
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
8
Program Concludes
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
At a Glance
Walk the decks of the USS Missouri and recall its storied history as the site of Japanese surrender in World War II, a veteran of four wars and the last battleship to be active in any navy in the world. At one time, hundreds of sailors kept this powerful dreadnought fit and ready for duty. Now you will become a part of the “Mighty Mo’s” history.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking from three blocks up to one mile over the course of the day. Some stairs, walking on boat decks and uneven surfaces.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn intimate, little-known details about the ship through special classes and field trips.
- Relive the experience of life aboard the “Mighty Mo” by spending a night on the ship.
- Work in the beautiful Hawaiian weather with spectacular views of Pearl Harbor, mountains and ocean.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Steve Kooiman
Steven served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and has visited many World War II battle sites. He moved to Hawaii in 1983 and has called it home ever since. An avid WWII history buff, Steven served as an instructor on the battleship Missouri. He eventually became the education manager, and enjoys teaching new staff members and students of all ages. Steve has had the honor of working at the USS Arizona memorial and leading groups at Pearl Harbor.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Steve Kooiman
View biography
Steven served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and has visited many World War II battle sites. He moved to Hawaii in 1983 and has called it home ever since. An avid WWII history buff, Steven served as an instructor on the battleship Missouri. He eventually became the education manager, and enjoys teaching new staff members and students of all ages. Steve has had the honor of working at the USS Arizona memorial and leading groups at Pearl Harbor.
Suggested Reading List
(24 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
All Hands on Deck: Maintaining the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor
Program Number: 2617
From a Native Daughter, Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii
Trask, a descendant of the Pi'ilani line of Maui and the Kahakumakaliua line of Kauai, explores issues of racism and imperialism in Hawaii, documenting the work of native Hawaiian student organizations and the native Hawaiian self-governing organization Ka Lahuni Hawaii.
Lost Kingdom
Royalty and rogues, sugar barons, politicians and missionaries all figure in Siler's riveting tale of Liliuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor and Military Environs
A detailed map of the US bases bombed at Pearl Harbor. The reverse features period postcard images depicting 1940s Pearl Harbor.
Hawaii Wildlife
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered birds, mammals and other critters of Hawaii.
Plague And Fire, Battling Black Death And the 1900 Burning of Honolulu's Chinatown
Mohr relates the gripping tale of the bubonic plague that reached Hawaii's shores just as the islands were about to become a U.S. territory through the eyes of the people caught up in the vast conflagration that engulfed Honolulu's Chinatown.
Hawaii, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
This all-around field guide features color illustrations of commonly encountered birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish with notes on Hawaii's geology and popular parks and reserves.
From Here to Eternity
One of the finest books on the army and World War II, this powerful tale is set among the soldiers at the US Army base at Diamond Head in 1941. While the army is the primary subject of the book, it's also a vivid portrait of Hawaii just before Pearl Harbor.
Dismembering Lahui, A History of the Hawaiian Nation to 1887
Osorio charts the effects of Western law on the national identity of Native Hawaiians in this political history of the Kingdom of Hawaii from the onset of constitutional government in 1840 to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887.
Paradise Remade, The Politics of Culture and History in Hawaii
By focusing on the experience of the indigenous people of Hawaii rather than on that of their colonizers, Buck considers the transformation of Hawaiian culture over the past 200 years.
Hawaii
A romantic, fictional overview of the islands' history, people and culture from prehistoric times to statehood in 1959.
The Island Edge of America, A Political History of Hawaii
Journalist Tom Coffman brings Hawaii's story into the twentieth century through this reinterpretation of major events leading up to and following statehood in 1959.
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
A poignant plea for sovereignty. Queen Liliuokalani, deposed by the United States in 1893, tells the story of her islands.
The Food of Paradise, Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage
Laudan takes readers on a thoughtful, wide-ranging tour of Hawaii's farms and gardens, fish auctions and vegetable markets, fairs and carnivals, mom-and-pop stores and lunch wagons to uncover the delightful complexities and incongruities in Hawaii's culinary history. With 150 recipes.
Aloha Betrayed
Silva draws on newspapers, books, letters and contemporary accounts in Hawaiian for this eye-opening account of popular resistance to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
Captive Paradise, A History of Hawaii
A fascinating history of America’s youngest (and, arguably, most unique) state. Historian and biographer James Haley charts Hawaii’s epic journey from kingdom to statehood with authority.
Fodor's O'ahu, With Honolulu, Waikiki, and the North Shore
A practical guide in the popular series, saturated with valuable information on accommodation, shopping, sights, and dining on the island of Kaua'i.
Hawaiian Islands Map
A map of all the individual Hawaiian Islands, including maps of O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i at 1:150,000 and of Hawai'i at 1:330,000. Includes an inset map of Waikiki.
Unfamiliar Fishes
Tracking the Americanization of Hawaii from the arrival of the first missionaries in 1820 to the annexation in 1898 (Queen Liliuokalani was in Washington lobbying to save her nation during the McKinley inauguration), Vowell shows the complex interplay of god, business and tradition with her usual acerbic wit (and research).
Pearl Harbor Ghosts, The Legacy of December 7, 1941
A well-researched and evocative look at the bombing of Pearl Harbor by a veteran travel writer. Clarke compares and contrasts the social life and culture of Hawaii on the day of the bombing and sixty years later, enumerating the changes wrought by WWII.
At Dawn We Slept, The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor
A massive account of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, long but readable.
Nation Within, The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i
Coffman follows the rising tensions between the U.S. and the once-independent Hawaii through the late 19th century, documenting how the native population resisted annexation.
Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii
These observant and often wildly hilarious letters from an 1866 trip display Twain's famous wit.
Hawaii, Islands Under the Influence
A history of economic development in the islands from sandalwood and whaling to sugar, tourism and Japanese investment in the 1980s.
Hotel Honolulu
This hilarious sendup of ex-pats and their ilk, drawing on Theroux's time in the islands, where he has a home, features a full cast of eccentrics who reside in and visit a fleabag hotel on the coast of Oahu.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Program Concludes
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals
11
| 6B |
5D |
Activity Level
Walk the decks of the USS Missouri and recall its storied history as the site of Japanese surrender in World War II, a veteran of four wars and the last battleship to be active in any navy in the world. At one time, hundreds of sailors kept this powerful dreadnought fit and ready for duty. Now you will become a part of the “Mighty Mo’s” history.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn intimate, little-known details about the ship through special classes and field trips.
- Relive the experience of life aboard the “Mighty Mo” by spending a night on the ship.
- Work in the beautiful Hawaiian weather with spectacular views of Pearl Harbor, mountains and ocean.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Steve Kooiman
Steven served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and has visited many World War II battle sites. He moved to Hawaii in 1983 and has called it home ever since. An avid WWII history buff, Steven served as an instructor on the battleship Missouri. He eventually became the education manager, and enjoys teaching new staff members and students of all ages. Steve has had the honor of working at the USS Arizona memorial and leading groups at Pearl Harbor.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking from three blocks up to one mile over the course of the day. Some stairs, walking on boat decks and uneven surfaces.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(24 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Dec 01 - Dec 08
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Includes the Pearl Harbor Commemoration Ceremony on December 7.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Dec 01 - Dec 08
Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Includes the Pearl Harbor Commemoration Ceremony on December 7.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 6B | 5D |
3 expert-led field trips
12 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you have checked in with the hotel front desk, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where dinner and introductions will take place. If you arrive late, please ask the hotel front desk for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via motorcoach, bus, and/or van depending on local conditions and schedules at the time of the program. Periods in the schedule labeled and "Free Time" and "At Leisure" offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Road Scholar service-learning programs are short-term experiences that engage participants in volunteer projects to benefit the common good. These projects utilize the skills and energy of participants to meet demonstrated needs of the local and/or broader community. In addition to a significant amount of time in the specified service-learning project and activities, participants will learn about relevant aspects of local history, culture, nature, etc. within the available time and as appropriate to the themes and settings. Orientation will be followed by an Overview of Service Projects presented by the USS Missouri Association Volunteer Department.
Day
2
Mighty Mo Introduction & Orientation, Service Work
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Due to the military base security checkpoint required daily to access Ford Island, we depart early to make the most of our work day. Boarding bus, driving approx. 14 miles from hotel to Pearl Harbor; up to 45 minutes one way depending on Honolulu Traffic. Stairs unavoidable while aboard the USS Battleship Missouri.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
Depart on motorcoach for the USS Missouri located on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. Upon arrival, there will be an overview and quick tour of the Mighty Mo to get our bearings and be briefed on service projects.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own - choose from options on Ford Island.
Afternoon:
Start Service Projects. Past Road Scholar projects have included the following: Compartment Refurbishment, TACC Room Set Up, Bookmark Creation, Painting, and Teak Wood Cleaning. Most projects will generally involve being outside with great views of Pearl Harbor, the ocean, and the mountains. Of course we do try to work in the shade where possible, and those who are particularly sensitive to the sun can be assigned projects out of the sun. No specific skills are required to participate in this service program, but we are certainly interested in identifying and using your specific talents, so let us know! Please fill out the Mighty Mo Skills Form at the end of this packet and send it back along with the other required forms before your program begins.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Day
3
Pearl Harbor Field Trip, Service Work
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Boarding bus, driving approx. 14 miles from hotel to Pearl Harbor; up to 45 minutes one way depending on Honolulu Traffic. Stairs unavoidable while aboard the USS Battleship Missouri. Pearl Harbor has a no bag policy. Bags that offer concealment, such as purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage, etc. that exceed the measurements of 1.5" X 2.25" X 5.5," are not allowed at the monument. There is a baggage storage center onsite that costs an additional fee.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Depart hotel for Pearl Harbor. This morning we will have the opportunity to explore other sites around Pearl Harbor. Our field trip will begin at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center where we will pick up self-guided audio tours. As the National Park Service reminds us, “Pearl Harbor was the home port for much of the Pacific Fleet and the surprise attack on December 7, 1941 drew the United States into World War II. A total of 2,390 American service members and civilians were killed that day.” The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum shares the story of the “Silent Service” throughout World War II, the Cold War, and modern warfare. It is also home to the USS Bowfin, commissioned one week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Please note that the National Park Service does not allow guided interpretation of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, so your visit here will be self-guided. Due to unprecedented demand, tickets for the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and are not guaranteed for our group members in advance. There is a stand-by line available for those looking to take the boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial without a ticket. If you would like ensure a ticket in advance, you may purchase one for yourself directly on www.recreation.gov for $1. The group will arrive at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center at approximately 9:00 AM and our volunteer projects will resume by 1:30 PM. If your ticket time is outside of those hours, you will need to coordinate your own transportation to and from Pearl Harbor.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own - choose from options on Ford Island.
Afternoon:
After lunch, take the free Pearl Harbor shuttle back to the Mighty Mo. Pick up service work projects where you left off. Continue service work projects until the bus departs back to hotel late afternoon.
Dinner:
Dinner will be on your own to enjoy the many options in Waikiki
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare your overnight bag for tomorrow's sleepover aboard the Mighty Mo. Sheets and bedding are provided in the crew’s quarters. You will want to bring your towel. We also recommend bringing shower shoes and a flashlight.
Day
4
Punchbowl National Memorial, Service, Overnight Mighty Mo
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
USS Missouri Memorial
Activity Note
Boarding bus, driving approx. 14 miles from Pearl Harbor to hotel; up to 45 minutes one way depending on Honolulu Traffic. Stairs unavoidable while aboard the USS Battleship Missouri. Prepare for overnight on Mighty Mo. Advised to use clear bag to hold overnight items. Sleeping in small bunk beds in crew quarters overnight.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As we all will be overnighting aboard the USS Missouri, we will check out of hotel rooms and store luggage with the porters, and bring overnight bags on the bus. Depart the hotel for a drive-through visit of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in a dramatic natural setting in extinct Puowaina crater which was formed 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Then continue to Pearl Harbor where we will continue our service projects until lunch.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own - choose from options on Ford Island.
Afternoon:
Continue service work projects. In the late afternoon there will be time to shower and clean up for evening activities.
Dinner:
Social Hour followed by a BBQ dinner on the pier.
Evening:
Get settled in to your on-board accommodations. Triple-level bunkbeds in shared, open quarters give you the same experience of the sailors living aboard the USS Missouri.
Day
5
Service Work
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Boarding bus, driving approx. 14 miles from hotel to Pearl Harbor; up to 45 minutes one way depending on Honolulu Traffic. Stairs unavoidable while aboard the USS Battleship Missouri.
Breakfast:
Aboard the Mighty Mo.
Morning:
Continue service work.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own - choose from options around Pearl Harbor.
Afternoon:
After lunch, resume service work until we depart for Waikiki in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check into hotel again and free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Free Day
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Day is completely at your leisure.
Breakfast:
On your own to explore local eateries.
Morning:
This day is at leisure to explore individual interests. All meals and activities are on your own today.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local eateries.
Afternoon:
This day is at leisure to explore individual interests. All meals and activities are on your own today.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local eateries.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony, Conclusion of Service
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
The Twin Fin Hotel
Activity Note
Boarding bus, driving approx. 14 miles from hotel to Pearl Harbor; up to 45 minutes one way depending on Honolulu Traffic. Stairs unavoidable while aboard the USS Battleship Missouri. Pearl Harbor has a no bag policy. Bags that offer concealment, such as purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage, etc. that exceed the measurements of 1.5" X 2.25" X 5.5," are not allowed at the monument. There is a baggage storage center onsite that costs an additional fee.
Breakfast:
To-go breakfast for our early morning start.
Morning:
Pearl Harbor Day Anniversary Commemoration: The program varies annually but highlights of the ceremony generally include military band music, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath presentations, echo taps, special speakers and recognition of the men and women who survived that December 7, 1941 and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Free time to experience the commemorative events - listen and talk to special speakers and experience tours of the harbor.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own - choose from options on Ford Island.
Afternoon:
Complete service projects. Say goodbye to the Mighty Mo, and return to the hotel mid-afternoon.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes
Location:
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out is by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys. Aloha and a hui hou!
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MEALS
11 Meals
6 Breakfasts
0 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 7 Reviews
Sort By:
Brings history alive while seeing it up close.
— Review left January 19, 2024
A great experience. Our group leader was very knowledgeable, and the volunteer coordinators on the USS Missouri were patient and helpful. To be able to do service projects to contribute to the maintenance of the ship in any small way was very rewarding. Attending the commemoration ceremonies for both the USS Arizona and the USS Oklahoma was another great part of the week. As a way to have a hands-on connection to WWII history, I recommend this program.
— Review left December 22, 2023
Great Program that is everything described in the brochures.
— Review left December 13, 2023
A wonderful way to appreciate WW II history by touching and feeling it.
— Review left February 5, 2023
If you have an interest in history and enjoy giving your time for a good cause, this is the program to join. Can't go wrong spending a week in Hawaii.
— Review left December 21, 2022
Great experience. I plan to return next year and bring a friend.
— Review left December 12, 2022
I felt honored and privileged to take this trip and be part of history. Our guide, Steve, was so knowledgeable and informative that it never ceases to amaze me with the quality of guides Road Scholar has on their team. I enjoyed this service learning project and my limited contribution of painting the Whale boat was so rewarding. Attending the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Ceremony was quite a privilege. To find out that one Road Scholar traveler has volunteered to work on this battleship 18 times, is a testament on the types of dedicated and honorable people that participate in these programs.
— Review left December 26, 2019
