Hawaii
On the Road: Best of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu
Program No. 1410RJ
Hit the road for an in-depth exploration of four Hawaiian islands, learning about traditional culture, active volcanoes, vibrant wildlife and the true essence of this paradise on earth.
Itinerary
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.
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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
21 days
20 nights
What's Included
53 meals (
18B, 17L, 18D
)
11 expert-led lectures
34 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
7 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
20 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Hilo, Hawaii
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; flat terrain.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. 3:15 p.m. After checking in at the hotel, come to Road Scholar tables in the outside lobby to meet program staff and fellow Road Scholar participants. Everyone will receive welcome folders, nametags, finalized itinerary and other important information. Participants will also receive listening devices and be asked to sign up for pre-order meals. If you arrive late, inquire at the front desk about where the Road Scholar is having dinner. Around 4:15 pm, we’ll do an orientation walk around the area of historic Banyan Drive and cross the bridge over to Coconut Island (Moku Ola) for a sunset view of historic Hilo Bay where we'll enjoy a social hour with included tropical fruit juices and wine. We'll walk back to the hotel in time for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless otherwise specified, transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach requiring going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. At times, we'll also be using taxis (vans) holding up to 7 people. Field trips and lectures will be led by the Group Leader, who is also the Study Leader, or local experts when indicated. The weather can be expected to be tropical and hot so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water with you each day. Periods in the schedule labeled “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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Lyman Museum, Rainbow Falls, Hawaii’s Ancient Places
Location:
Hilo, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; sidewalks; stairs in the 2-storey museum; elevators if needed; maintained trails. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 10 miles; about 1.5 hours aboard throughout the day with multiple stops.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in hotel dining room, includes coffee.
Morning:
Morning session at the Lyman Museum, includes class and guided visit. Hear the story of Hawaii, its islands, and its people. Split into small groups to explore exhibits dedicated to Earth’s Heritage, Island Heritage, and Cultural galleries, as well as the Mission House itself. After finishing up at the museum, we’ll walk half-mile to historic downtown Hilo.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in historic old Hilo, we’ll have lunch with non-alcoholic beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, visit Rainbow Falls – this picturesque river is the town boundary line of Hilo. Witness water cascading in front of an ancient lava tube cave and hear the story of how the demigod Maui saved his mother from the dangerous dragon (Mo'o). Witness how water has shaped the land and rock into peculiar pools and pockets. As we go, our Study Leader will point out the volcanic and igneous geology of the area while also teaching us about the nearby flora and fauna. We’ll also visit the King Kamehameha Statue, one of only four such statues in the world. We'll learn about how he changed the life of Hawaiians after 500 years of warfare.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant.
Evening:
Walk back to hotel after dinner, flashlights are recommended. Prepare for tomorrow’s field trip.
Day
3
North Hawaii Field Trip, Waipio Valley, Kamehameha’s Temple
Location:
Hilo, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; sidewalks, paved paths, park trails. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 200 miles; about 5 hours aboard throughout the day with multiple stops.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Beginning our full day North Hawaii field trip, we’ll visit Hilo Farmers Market, the largest local farmers market on the island, where we will get to see and try tropical fruits and vegetables, meet local farmers (many of whom cannot speak English), and also see the local arts and crafts vendors, many still perpetuating their native art forms. Next, we’ll visit Akaka Falls where we’ll walk through a rain forest on park trails to a spectacular 400'+ waterfall (twice the height of Niagara Falls) while enjoying close up views of the nearby flora including the bamboo grove and the towering trees. You may be surprised to find out that nothing in the vicinity is native! Afterwards, we’ll drive to Honoka'a for brown bag lunch.
Lunch:
We’ll have pre-ordered brown bag sandwiches and sample the famous Tex's Malasadas (Portuguese donut) for lunch.
Afternoon:
Our final destination for the day will be Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, a great temple constructed by King Kamehameha in 1790. This “heiau,” or temple, was constructed of special rocks from 20 miles away, a free-standing structure held together over the centuries with no mortar and dedicated by the king to his family’s war god, Kuka’ilimoku, as part of the fulfilment of a prophecy which foretold of the unification of all the Hawaiian Islands under one rule: Kamehameha’s. While here, we’ll go on an expert-led walk rich with history as we learn about this legendary Hawaiian leader. We’ll then return to town.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant in Hilo, plated meals with standard beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Return to hotel after dark, using local taxis; flashlights are recommended.
Day
4
Tsunami Museum, Native Hawaiian Plant Garden
Location:
Hilo, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about ½ mile on garden pathways; periods of standing.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum and learn from experts in the field about the history of tsunami, why Hilo is known as the "Tsunami Capital of the World" as well as the science of tsunami.
Lunch:
Brown bag lunch in historic Hilo town.
Afternoon:
Visit a native Hawaiian Plant Garden and learn about the "canoe" plants brought the by first Polynesian voyagers to these isolated islands.
Dinner:
Dinner at hotel.
Evening:
Prepare for departure and field trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, Pele’s home. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona
Location:
Kona, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Royal Kona Resort
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; uneven, damp, potentially dark terrain, park trails. Driving approx. 100 miles throughout the day with stops; about 3-4 hours total aboard motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll depart for 2-hour field trip of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 4,000' elevation. Explore some of the park's iconic features, such as steam vents and Halema'uma'u Crater. br> We’ll walk a mile along the Crater Rim Trail looking into the 3-mile wide chasm of Pele's home. We'll see panoramic views of Mauna Loa from the summit region of Kilauea and feel the heat from the steam vents before departing for the black sand beach at Punalu'u.
Lunch:
We'll have lunch at a popular eating spot in the charming little town of Na'alehu, known as "the southernmost town in the USA".
Afternoon:
Continuing our transfer, we’ll arrive in Kailua-Kona in the mid-afternoon and check into our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
In our private dining room, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. We'll take time to enjoy views of the sun setting over the vast Pacific ocean.
Evening:
Preview of next day's snorkel adventure.
Day
6
Snorkeling, Historical Kailua-Kona Walk
Location:
Kona, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Royal Kona Resort
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; paved sidewalks. Snorkeling at local bay for 1-2 hours; swimming distance dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Morning snorkel at local beach featuring dazzling array of colorful reef fish. Local beach personnel will provide us with all rental equipment and basic instruction before letting us explore the fascinating world just below the surface on our own.
Lunch:
At the beach, we’ll have pizza lunch, shared group-style.
Afternoon:
After returning to hotel, we'll freshen up and set out on a walking field trip of historic Kailua-Kona village, including a visit to Hulihe’e Palace, where we'll view precious artifacts of Hawaiian royalty.
Dinner:
At a local Thai restaurant, dinner will be served family style with water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
We'll walk back to hotel after dinner, half-mile.
Day
7
Free Day
Location:
Kona, Hawaii
Stay:
Royal Kona Resort
Activity Note
Dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like, numerous restaurants within walking distance of hotel.
Morning:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to attend local church services, visit the farmers market, or explore further on your own.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP, Kona Coffee Farm
Location:
Kona, Hawaii
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Royal Kona Resort
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; rocky, sandy terrain in coastal environment. Typically very warm; bring sun protection, water, etc. Driving approx. 30 miles throughout the day with stops; about 2 hours total aboard motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, an ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge. We’ll set foot on the royal grounds, experience the giant men’s canoe shed, see the 1,000-foot free-standing lava rock wall, which was built without mortar or wheel, yet has withstood over 500 years of rains, floods, hurricanes, and other weather events. We’ll also hear about ancient “kapu” laws and practices that impacted everyday life in pre-contact Hawaii.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy pre-ordered sandwiches and bottled water at the national park picnic area.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will travel to the Kona Coffee Living History Farm where docents will provide a live presentation illuminating what life was like in 19th century Kona. Activities will include harvesting coffee in the field, experiencing the house and home life of a coffee field-hand, and seeing the process of getting the beans ready for roasting.
Dinner:
Dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we'll talk about and prepare for the next day's departure and flight to Maui. Before leaving Kona, we'll have a chance to sing some popular Hawaiian Songs, song sheets will be provided.
Day
9
Fly to Maui Island, 'Iao Valley
Location:
Maui
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Activity Note
Inter-island flight to Maui Island; about 1 hour. Driving about 40 miles throughout the day; approx. 2.0 hours total.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to the Kona airport (10 miles, ½ hour) for our flight to Maui.
Lunch:
Depending on our flight schedule, we’ll have lunch either at the airport or after our arrival on Maui.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we’ll visit the famous 'Iao Valley or "Supreme Cloud" with views of the steep-sided caldera walls. We'll walk up to the shelter where we hear the story of Kamehameha's victorious battle with the Maui warriors. Then, we'll depart for our hotel on the West Side in Ka'anapali.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have plated meals with standard beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Humpback Whale Talk, Free Afternoon.
Location:
Maui
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; flat terrain; standing approx. 1 hour in the museum.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Walk over to the Whaler's Village and visit the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center. Learn about Hawaii's Humpback Whales and why they come back each winter to mate and give birth at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at a place of your choice in the area.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy the area and do what interests you most. Afternoon Humpback Whale Watching tours (on own, optional) pre-sign-ups required. Also offered are Cultural Activities at the hotel, pre-sign-ups required.
Dinner:
Enjoy trolley ride to a nearby local restaurant where we’ll enjoy ocean views and whale sightings at sunset. Dinner will be plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Choice of trolley ride or walk back to hotel along the coast trail.
Day
11
History of Lahaina, Sugar Museum, MACC Gallery
Location:
Maui
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Activity Note
Driving about 30 miles each way; 2 hours. Minimal walking; standing in small museum (tight spaces) for 1-2 hours.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Join the staff of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and hear about their ongoing efforts to restore many of the historical buildings and places in Lahaina after the devastating fires of August 2023. These include buildings and places dating from pre-contact days, the monarchy, and the days of whaling and missionaries.
Lunch:
Lunch in Lahaina at one of the first restaurants on historic Front Street to open for business.
Afternoon:
We’ll then travel to Kahului to visit the Sugar Museum located in one of the former manager's house across from Hawaii's last sugar mill to close in 2016. Docents will share their experiences growing up in the sugar plantation. After that, we'll experience Maui's vibrant art scene at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
We’ll then return to the hotel and gather with our Group Leader to preview tomorrow’s field trip up to Haleakala NP.
Day
12
Haleakala National Park
Location:
Maui
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Activity Note
Driving to Haleakala National Park is approx. 70 miles; about 2 hours each way. Slow and limited walking at 10,000 feet elevation with temperatures often in the 40s Fahrenheit with wind chill; bring some warm clothes.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel dining room.
Morning:
To begin our day, we’ll travel via minibuses to Haleakala National Park. Our total change in elevation will be from sea level to 10,000 feet and our first stop is at Park Headquarters at 7,000’ elevation where we will hear a ranger talk about Maui’s famous Silversword plant found only on Haleakala while we adjust to the altitude. Ascending further, we’ll reach nearly 10,000 feet at the summit of Maui’s dormant volcano. Amidst the clouds, catch a glimpse of the giant eroded depression that measures nearly 20-miles in circumference, colorful cinder cones, and, on clear days, distant views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. We’ll then board our vehicles and transfer back down to the cowboy town of Makawao at about 1,500 feet for lunch.
Lunch:
At local outdoor restaurant in Makawao, we’ll have plated, pre-ordered meals with iced tea and soft drinks included; limited selection of other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Taking a little time for independent exploration in the historic cowboy town of Makawao, we’ll explore some of Maui's local art studios, craft, boutique and flower stores hidden along the main street before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have plated meals with standard beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and flights in the morning.
Day
13
Fly to Kaua’i, Spouting Horn Blowhole, Botanical Garden
Location:
Kaua'i
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Kaua'i
Activity Note
Driving to Maui airport is approx. 40 miles; about 1 hour. Inter-island flight to Kaua’i Island is about 1 hour. Drive from Kaua’i airport to the hotel is approx. 40 miles; about 2 hours with stops. Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; paved paths.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel dining room..
Morning:
We'll take a moment to remember our days on Maui and cherish our memories of our time on the island. Hotel check-out, flight to Kaua'i (layover in Honolulu)
Lunch:
Depending on our flight schedule, we’ll have lunch either at the airport or after the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Kaua’i, we’ll board a motorcoach and make a brief visit to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens where we will walk through the flower gardens, which feature rare endemic plants found nowhere else on earth. Then we’ll walk across the street to witness the natural phenomenon of the island’s famous blowhole, Spouting Horn, where ocean waves produce large water sprays through tiny fissures in the lava coastline. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Our Group Leader will share information with us regarding activities that will be available during the next day’s free time, including dining options nearby.
Day
14
Free Day
Location:
Kaua'i
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Kaua'i
Activity Note
Dependent on personal preference
Breakfast:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy at your leisure.
Morning:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. One of the best family beaches on the island is behind the hotel with separate children and adult swimming ponds. Explore historic ruins on the hotel grounds. Take a leisurely walk along the beach paths that lead to innovative bridges built by the community and decorated by the local youth.
Lunch:
Enjoy an unstructured day on your own - relax, catch up on sleep, read, do laundry, savor the day and the beauty of the island. Shops and eating places located across the Wailuku River about a mile away.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Parks
Location:
Kaua'i
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Kaua'i
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles; approx. 1 hour; park trails at 4,000 feet elevation. Drive to Waimea is approx. 50 miles each way; about 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel dining room.
Morning:
En route to the Waimea Canyon, we'll detour through picturesque Hanapepe Town with historic plantation style store fronts. Continuing along in the motorcoach, we’ll pass fields of corn and other produce on the island’s south side. As we drive the winding roads, we’ll climb to an elevation of about 4,000 feet and view the famous Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, with colorful canyons and silvery waterfalls.
Lunch:
We'll continue on to Koke'e State Park, where we'll enjoy picnic lunch at a park pavilion on the meadow, bottled water included.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll walk to nearby Koke’e Natural History Museum to independently explore the beautiful exhibits of the island’s rare forest birds. Time permitting, we'll sample some Kaua'i coffee before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Hanalei Town, Bay & National Wildlife Refuge
Location:
Kaua'i
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Kaua'i
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; beach and paved paths. Transport via school bus approx. 50 miles; 2-3 hours over the course of the day.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today is for the birds! We'll travel on school bus across a narrow one-lane bridge to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, where we'll see some of Hawaii's endemic wetland birds. We'll see them in their natural habitat among newly planted taro fields.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy lunch (sandwiches and bottled water) at historic Hanalei town, amidst the lush taro fields and misty waterfalls. If time permits, we’ll walk down to beautiful Hanalei Bay, white sand beach, where South Pacific was filmed.
Afternoon:
After lunch, explore the historic town of Hanalei. Make time to walk down to the beautiful Hanalei beach - a beautiful white sand beach where South Pacific was filmed.
Dinner:
In the dining room at the hotel, enjoy a chef prepared meal with coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight in the morning.
Day
17
Fly to O'ahu Island, Pearl Harbor Memorial
Location:
Honolulu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Activity Note
Inter-island flight to O'ahu Island is about 1 hour. Driving approx. 15 miles; about 2 hours with stops. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; on street and beach sidewalks.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer to the Lihu’e airport for our flight to O'ahu.
Lunch:
Depending on our flight schedule, we’ll have lunch either at the airport or after the flight.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we’ll visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial where we'll visit two World War II museums to learn about the events leading up to the attack on Dec. 7, 1941. We’ll view a National Park Service documentary film detailing the events of the attack. Weather and harbor conditions permitting, we’ll board a Navy launch from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial. The memorial floats above the sunken Battleship USS Arizona and honors the 1,177 crew of sailors and marines that were killed on board during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as all the other servicemen and women, and civilians who were injured and killed that day.. We'll also drive through the National Cemetary of the Pacific before arriving at our hotel in time for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we'll have a privately catered dinner served in one of the private rooms on the second floor.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Bishop Museum, Waikiki Aquarium, Luau
Location:
Honolulu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Activity Note
Walking and standing in museums for about 1-2 hours. Driving approx. 15 miles, about 1 hour throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel on the 3rd floor pool terrace, coffee and juices included.
Morning:
This morning we'll visit the Bishop Museum, Hawaii's State Museum. Docents will lead us through stately Hawaiian Hall over three floors filled with treasures of Hawaii's natural and cultural history. On view are precious feathered capes, war clubs and other artifacts carved out of stone, bone, and wood. Afterwards, enjoy some time for independent exploration in the Science Hall, Nature Garden, and Castle Exhibition Hall.
Lunch:
At the museum's on-site cafe, we’ll have sandwiches with water or soft drinks included.
Afternoon:
After lunch, our motorcoach will transport us to the Waikiki Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums in the country. At our own pace, we'll view indoor and outdoor exhibits of live coral polyps, colorful ocean fish, giant Pacific clams, tropical sea horses, and face-to- face with some of our biggest ocean creatures.
Dinner:
During the Polynesian Luau (feast) at a nearby hotel, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
After dinner, enjoy a spectacular show featuring music and dances from all over Polynesia: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Hawaii. We’ll then return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day
19
Pali Lookout, State Capitol, 'Iolani Palace
Location:
Honolulu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Activity Note
Walking and standing in historic buildings for about 2 hours. Driving approx. 15 miles roundtrip, about 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel on the 3rd floor pool terrace, coffee and juices included.
Morning:
First stop this morning is the often very windy Pali Lookout, for a panoramic view of the windward side of the island. We will also hear about the epic Battle of Nu’uanu, which was fought by Kamehameha in his campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. Afterwards, we’ll visit the State Capitol Building and make our way over to the grounds of the historic ‘Iolani Palace.
Lunch:
Lunch in historic Capitol District with numerous eating places downtown.
Afternoon:
Visit historic 'Iolani Palace as we learn of the painful overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, and the annexation of Hawai’i to the United States of America in 1898. We'll also visit the Judiciary History Building, famous as "Five-O" Headquarters, and the King Kamehameha Statue.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant in Chinatown.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Day
20
Windward & North Shore O'ahu, Waimea Valley Park and Gardens
Location:
Honolulu
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Activity Note
Walking about 1-2 miles throughout the day; paved paths and garden trails. Driving approx. 80 miles, about 2-3 hours over the course of the day with stops.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel on the 3rd floor pool terrace, coffee and juices included.
Morning:
While traveling aboard the motorcoach, local experts share information regarding the geology and history of the various places on our "circle island" route. We'll view the crater known as Diamond Head, the iconic symbol of Waikiki, the majestic Hanauma Bay, famous Blow Hole and Eternity Beach to soak in the beautiful views of Molokai and Maui on clear days.
Lunch:
At Waimea Valley Park on the north shore, we’ll have a lunch of sandwiches with water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Park docents from Waimea Valley Park will demonstrate Hawaiian cultural handicrafts and games that enabled them to live for centuries in these valleys. We’ll then walk through the park’s extensive gardens featuring flowering plants from Asia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. Expert leaders from the park will lead us through the gardens while explaining some of the origins and uses of the various plants. On the way back to the hotel, we'll pass famous Dole pineapple fields. Time permitting, we may be able to squeeze in a quick stop for some pineapple ice cream. We’ll then return to hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
We'll walk along famous Waikiki beach for our last glimpse of sunset then onto our farewell dinner with coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase. Recall some of our favorite experiences of the past three weeks in the 50th State on four Hawaiian Islands with Road Scholar.
Evening:
Talk story with new Road Scholar friends about our favorite experiences of three weeks in the 50th State on four Hawaiian Islands. Farewell to the islands until we meet again. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
21
Program Concludes
Location:
Honolulu
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Independent departures to Honolulu Airport available by taxi, make reservations with the hotel front desk the night before.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel on the 3rd floor pool terrace, coffee and juices included.
Morning:
Program officially concludes after breakfast at 10:00 am. Hotel check-out is 11:00 am. Be sure to make taxi arrangements with the hotel front desk the night before to get to the airport. 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!
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