Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner: Enjoy an award-winning and highly-rated buffet in our private room. Beverage options include coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars with a brief introduction to the members of the group. We will call it an evening early to allow participants to adjust to the travel and the time difference.
Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 15 miles; up to 1 hour depending on Honolulu Traffic. Up to 1.5 mile walking during the course of the day on paved walkways. Stairs between levels at Bishop Museum, elevators available.
Breakfast: Full buffet at 100 Sails Restaurant. Enjoy an array of western breakfast choices (cereal, eggs, pastries, fresh fruit), as well as Asian breakfast options. Beverage options include juice, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome 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 any questions you may have. Travel and transfers for field trips will be via motorcoach, bus, and/or van depending on local conditions and schedules at the time of the program. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. After the orientation, enjoy an introduction to Oahu in a morning class led by a local expert.
Lunch: Enjoy a boxed lunch poolside, in your room, or find a nice quiet spot in the hotel.
Afternoon: After lunch, depart on motorcoach to Bishop Museum, designated the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of Hawaii and its place in the Pacific. Start with an expert-led exploration of the museum, then enjoy free time to explore on your own. Next, we will depart on a drive-through of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, (commonly referred to as “Punchbowl”) and learn of its significance.
Dinner: Delicious buffet in the hotel restaurant.
Evening: Enjoy time at leisure to explore the excitement of Waikiki. Check out local music, walk along the beach, or just soak up the atmosphere.
Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 7 miles; up to 45 minutes depending on Honolulu Traffic. Walking up to 1.5 mile during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks. Elevators at Iolani Palace.
Breakfast: Full buffet at 100 Sails Restaurant.
Morning: Depart on motorcoach to Iolani Palace, the official residence of King David Kalakaua (1882-1891) and Queen Liliuokalani (1891-1893), the last monarchs of Hawaii. It is a Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. Led by qualified docents, we will learn about Hawaii's rich history before statehood.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: Enjoy free time to explore Waikiki and Honolulu on your own. Your group leader will make suggestions based on your interests, or if you are in need of ideas to explore all of the culture and beautiful natural surroundings this paradise has to offer. You may wish to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center as an optional free time activity at a specially-arranged reduced rate (see notes section and purchase form attached).
Dinner: On your own to explore Hawaii's diverse island fare.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 20 miles; up to 1 hour depending on Honolulu Traffic. Walking up to 1.5 mile during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks.be aware that boat rides out to the USS Arizona Memorial are sometimes suspended or cancelled due to high winds or strong water currents. This decision is made by the U.S. Navy, which operates the boats to the memorial, and is for the safety of all guests.
Breakfast: Full buffet at 100 Sails Restaurant.
Morning: Hear a fascinating lecture by a local expert in the hotel meeting room on "The Island Chain - Formation and Evolution of the Hawaiian Islands". Learn about Hawaii's unique natural history and its environment. After our luggage is loaded, we will transfer via motorcoach to Pearl Harbor for lunch.
Lunch: A plated meal at a local restaurant, choose from a select menu of dishes available.
Afternoon: Depart on motorcoach for a field trip to the USS Arizona Memorial National Historic Park. Explore exhibits and the book shop, view a historical film in the theater, and board the launch for a ride across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial. In addition to the interpretation provided by exhibits and audio tours, Park Rangers are available. Transfer via motorcoach to Honolulu Harbor to board the “Pride of America.”
Dinner: As a group aboard the ship in one of the fine dining establishments.
Evening: At leisure to explore the ship, relax and participate in shipboard activities and entertainment.At leisure. We’ll cast off for our adventure as the Pride of America sets out from Honolulu at 7:00 p.m. towards our first stop in Maui.
Activity note: Our ship will arrive to Kahului, Maui at approx. 8:00 a.m. Boarding bus; driving approx. 14 miles; up to45 hour depending on Maui Traffic. Walking on uneven ground, standing during field trip. Up to 2 miles walking during the course of the day. During the Iao Valley field trip, there is an option of climbing 131 stairs to the top or staying on the bus. .
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship. Choose any open dining venue on your own before meeting the group for the first activity of the day.
Morning: Nicknamed the "Valley Isle," the island of Maui boasts a string of lush valleys and is flanked on two sides by volcanoes, Puu Kukui to the west and the great Haleakala to the east. According to legend, the Hawaiian demigod Maui pulled up both ends of the island from the sea bottom with his fishhook to create this Pacific paradise. In the ship meeting room, enjoy the lecture presented by a local expert on the topic “Where Did Everybody Come From?” Learn about Maui's unique history and its special qualities before your field trip in port.
Lunch: Aboard ship on your own. Choose from the grill on the pool deck, sit down in the open restaurant or choose the buffet lunch.
Afternoon: Depart on motorcoach with a local expert to experience Iao Valley State Park, a lush green valley that is a sacred site to the Hawaiian people and is the historic location of a fierce battle between Maui warriors and the army of Kamehameha I.
Dinner: On your own aboard ship or explore the local fare at one of Maui's many restaurants.
Evening: The ship overnights in Maui. Take the evening to explore Maui, enjoy the nightly entertainment aboard the ship, or just relax.
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 80 mile total throughout the day with stops; about 3 hours altogether. Walking up to 2 miles total for the day; some uneven terrain and dirt trails. Bring sturdy walking shoes and sun protection is recommended.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: Via motorcoach with a local expert, enjoy a spectacular day in Haleakala National Park and the summit area of Haleakala, an active shield volcano. Learn about Hawaii's indigenous animals and plants, including the endemic Ahinahina (silversword). The park is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
Lunch: At a local Kula restaurant, plated.
Afternoon: Return to the ship mid-afternoon where they will be time to relax before dinner. Be sure to be aboard as the ship will depart this evening.
Dinner: As a group aboard ship.
Evening: Enjoy free time on board to relax and participate in shipboard activities. You might consider several music venues and nightly entertainment in the showroom. The ship will set sail for Hilo, the Big Island of Hawaii, at 6:00 p.m.
Activity note: Ship will arrive at Hilo, Hawaii Island, at approx. 8:00 a.m. Getting on/off motorcoach for multiple stops throughout field trip; driving approx. 30 miles one way to the entrance of Volcanoes National Park; about 2 hours total aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on varied terrain; Thurston Lava Tube can be wet and slippery; about 50 stairs total up and down.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: The Big Island is the youngest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands and Hilo is its largest city. Commanding Hawaii's wet eastern Hamakua Coast, Hilo is surrounded by lush forest, resplendently draped in flowers and greenery all year. Since Hawaii is also the largest member of the volcanic chain, it is fairly easy for visitors to find a secluded spot on a beach or a quiet trail traversing one of its natural preserves. Its lush eastern rainforests contrast sharply with the eerie lunar-like landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On an exclusive Road Scholar field trip with a local expert, we’ll travel via motorcoach to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a full day of exploration including many stops. Specific activities will be dependent on local conditions and determined by our expert, but some attractions include the Jaggar Museum and its overlook into Kilauea Caldera as well as the Steam Vents where ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks in this area and returns to the surface as steam. Lush rainforest to Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, a natural cave formed by ancient lava flows, or hike the Devastation Trail, which was formed in 1959 as a result of an eruption from the Kilauea Iki crater (Iki is Hawaiian for small). We’ll also stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center to see exhibits on volcanoes, rainforest and island formation.
Lunch: At the Rim Restaurant Volcano House located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we’ll enjoy a plated meal with non-alcoholic beverages included while soaking in glorious views of steam rising from an active crater!
Afternoon: We’ll continue our exploration of the park before heading back to the ship.
Dinner: Freestyle dining on your own aboard the ship. Return to a restaurant that you enjoyed or try out a new one.
Evening: At leisure. Enjoy the nightly entertainment aboard the ship or just relax. The ship sails for Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii at 6:00 p.m.
Activity note: The ship will arrive at Kailua-Kona at 7:00 a.m. The port is shallow and requires docking off-shore. We will shuttle to land via small tenders; assistance provided by ship staff as needed when getting on/off boats. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 60 mile total throughout the day with stops; about 2 hours altogether. Walking approx. 2 miles; uneven trails, sandy paths. Puuhonoua is considered a sacred site; observe guidelines, stay on marked trails and paths, take only photographs.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: The legendary Kona Coast is famous for its fine weather and inviting beaches. Many Hawaiian people tend to anthropomorphize the beach saying “Kona is sunning herself” in its sunny and dry climate. A district of the Big Island, Kona, encompasses the western coast and lies at the foot of towering Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Here one will find bright, clear days and magnificent sunsets. After gathering aboard the ship, we’ll de-board and load into a bus motorcoach for transfer to Kaloko Cloud Forest, a privately-owned forest preserve on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, where we will set out on a field trip led by a horticultural expert. A cloud forest is defined generally by Miriam-Webster as “a wet tropical mountain forest at an altitude usually between 3,000 and 8,000 feet that is characterized by a profusion of epiphytes and the presence of clouds even in the dry season.” Hosting educational visits since 1984, the mission of the Kaloko Cloud Forest is to protect the array of species that thrive here while inspiring appreciation and respect for tropical ecosystems. Covered by native and, in some sections, a variety of non-indigenous plants, the fragrance and color of the sanctuary is truly captivating.
Lunch: Boxed lunch at the Cloud Forest.
Afternoon: After lunch, we will depart on motorcoach to experience the historic site of Puuhonua (Place of Refuge) O Honaunau National Historical Park, which contains one of the most sacred heiau (traditional place of worship) in the islands. Through a self-led walking exploration, learn about Hawaiian building construction, heiau, and the process through which ancient Hawaiians pardoned those who broke the kapu (laws). The ship will set sail for Nawiliwili, Kauai, at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner: As a group aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Kauai. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities or check out the ship's shore excursions. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own, either in Kauai or aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Aboard ship or independently in port.
Evening: Enjoy free time to continue your exploration of Kauai, relax, or participate in shipboard activities. The ship overnights in Kauai.
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 85 mile total throughout the day with stops; about 3 hours altogether. Walking up to 2 miles total for the day; some uneven terrain and dirt trails. Bring sturdy walking shoes and sun protection is recommended.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: Meeting aboard the ship, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to Waimea Canyon with a local expert for a field trip. We’ll make stops to view its incredible erosional valleys from several vantage points while learn about this gorgeous spectacle of geology. As we work our way to Kokee Park, located at the summit, we’ll also study aspects of Kauai's natural history. At the top, we’ll make a quick visit to the tiny Kokee Museum to learn about Kauai’s native birds, plants, and other unique natural resources through a self-led exhibition.
Lunch: Aboard the ship.
Afternoon: The ship sets sail for Honolulu at 2:00 p.m. via the spectacular Na Pali ("the cliffs") coast of Kauai. Afternoon is at leisure to take in the view, relax or participate in shipboard activities.
Dinner: As a group aboard ship. This is a last opportunity to socialize with new friends before disembarking tomorrow.
Evening: At leisure. Last evening to enjoy the nightly entertainment aboard the ship or just relax.
Activity note: Ship arrives by 7:30 am Honolulu Harbor. Disembarkation process will follow and timing is based upon cabin location. Disembarkation is complete by 10:00 a.m. and everyone must be off the ship by this time.
Breakfast: Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning: Disembark ship. This concludes our program. Independent departures. The ship's Shore Excursion desk offers optional activities for this day for those who may have late flights and are interested (there may be a fee; book through shore excursions desk aboard ship). 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. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys! ALOHA!
