This was a wonderful first Road Scholar experience for both my 13 y.o. Grandson and for me! We both enjoyed the whole trip very much and found it had a very good balance of water adventures and learning experiences. As a novice to snorkeling, I felt comfortable by the second time and enjoyed the lovely locations we snorkeled. My GS loved the water adventures--the Waikiki Boys who taught surfboarding were a good combination of encouragement, fun, and instruction. Surfboarding and snorkeling were tops for GS and I found the outrigger canoes and catamaran boats lots of fun. Excellent teaching staff on marine life both on Oahu and Hawaii. To us the best learning adventure was the Luau preparation experience at the home of a native Hawi couple--Grands did everything from picking their own coconut, preparing the fire to cook, to learning the Hula--every step was explained and enjoyed! Opportunities to have fun with other kids played a big part in the trip's success. Grandparents had a good time being together too! Would recommend this trip for the 12-14 year old. Hotels and food were good to great! Aloha!

My grandson (age 14) and I went on this program in June 2011. It was a small group and the grandchildren (about half/half boys/girls) bonded instantly and went everywhere together or in small groups. The surfing was great. The instructions were perfect and I actually managed to stand up and surf! It was tiring though, paddling out and keeping the board into the waves. But lots of fun. We had many opportunities to snorkel and saw a lot. Was glad that I had purchased rashguards for us. Everyone on the islands wore them and they helped with the sun. There was a good balance of outdoor activity, Hawaiian/Island culture and educational opportunities. The weather is absolutely perfect - a couple of little showers. And even if cloudy it is warm enough for swimming. The GK's seemed to like to spend the evenings in the hotel pool in Honolulu after the programs ended and some of the grandparents usually sat around and kept tabs on everyone. We decided when "the pool closed".
The hotel in Honolulu was a block from Waikiki Beach and shops and both the GK's and GP's enjoyed walking along the beach or touring in the shops. Very handy location. The second location is a beautiful resort. You can get by with a couple pair of shorts and T's. Contact me if you want more information. mimicoyne@comcast.net