Hawaii

Tropical Splendor: Exploring the Hawaiian Islands

Program No. 11513RJ
The Big Island was home to Kamehameha the Great, Maui is iconic for its lush island landscapes and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca. Learn Hawaii’s story on this adventure of a lifetime.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

The Big Island was home to Kamehameha the Great, Maui is iconic for its lush island landscapes, Kauai is home to the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca. Learn Hawaii’s story on this adventure of a lifetime aboard the Pride of America as you sail to each island, exploring its fascinating history and geology, while delving into its age and personality with local experts at your side.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles daily on varied terrain. Some stairs. Getting on and off bus. Limited wheelchair-accessible rooms. Elevation up to 10,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and learn about the island’s geothermal core with a local expert.
  • Visit the only royal palace in the U.S. and former residence of the Hawaiian monarchy.
  • See the cliffs of Waimea Canyon, the geologically spectacular "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

General Notes

This voyage combines Road Scholar’s trademark education and camaraderie with access to Norwegian Cruise Line’s wide variety of activities and dining and entertainment options. While you’ll spend much of your time with the Road Scholar group, please consider that you’ll be on a large ocean liner with passengers of all ages when deciding if this program is right for you. The maximum group size will be 42 participants. Roommate matching is available in some lodging categories.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Frank Lau
From serving in community development on the border of Mexico to developing an English curriculum for the Olympics at a 5-star hotel in Beijing, Frank’s life has fed his passion for the cross-cultural. Traveling has drawn him to fascinating locales across the globe, but his Hawaiian roots are perhaps strongest of all. His interest in Hawaiian culture and his desire to show his students an “insider’s” view of the Islands have made him a perfect match for Road Scholar’s Hawaii programs.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Frank Lau
Frank Lau View biography
From serving in community development on the border of Mexico to developing an English curriculum for the Olympics at a 5-star hotel in Beijing, Frank’s life has fed his passion for the cross-cultural. Traveling has drawn him to fascinating locales across the globe, but his Hawaiian roots are perhaps strongest of all. His interest in Hawaiian culture and his desire to show his students an “insider’s” view of the Islands have made him a perfect match for Road Scholar’s Hawaii programs.
Profile Image of Tai Crouch
Tai Crouch View biography
Richard Taiwi “Tai” Crouch is looking forward to sharing his deep connection to the Pacific region and its environment. He is a native Hawaiian and an active member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. He helped build and implement the launching of the Hokulea, the Hawaiian voyaging canoe, and worked with the City and County of Honolulu to initiate a Hawaiian culture program associated with sailing canoes. Tai previously taught Hawaiian and history and culture, and environmental science with a focus on Hawaii’s flora and fauna.
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.





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