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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8 days
7 nights
11 meals
6B 0L 5D
View Full Itinerary

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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
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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.

Profile Image of Steve Kooiman
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.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Aug 27 - Sep 03
  • Aug 27 - Sep 03
  • Dec 04 - Dec 11
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Aug 27 - Sep 3, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Includes the End of World War II Commemoration Ceremony on September 2.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Aug 27 - Sep 03
  • Aug 27 - Sep 03
  • Dec 04 - Dec 11
Aug 27 - Sep 3, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Includes the End of World War II Commemoration Ceremony on September 2.
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.
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8 days
7 nights
11 meals
6 B 0 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: 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 earn 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
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B,D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

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 the hotel.

Morning: Depart on bus 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 eatery options on Ford Island.

Afternoon: Service Work on Mighty Mo: Start Service Projects. Past Road Scholar projects have included the following: Brass Polishing, Compartment Refurbishment, TACC Room Set Up, Bookmark Creation, Painting, and Teak Wood Cleaning. Most projects will generally involve being outside with views of Pearl Harbor and the mountains. 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.

DAY
3
Pearl Harbor Memorial, Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

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: This morning we will have the opportunity to explore other site 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 the options around Pearl Harbor.

Afternoon: After lunch, take the free Pearl Harbor shuttle back to the Mighty Mo. Pick up service work projects where you left off until the bus departs back to Hilton Garden Inn late afternoon.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you have something special in mind, we recommend making reservations well in advance.

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 on Mighty Mo
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B,D
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. Recommended clear bag to hold overnight items.

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. The bus will depart for Pearl Harbor after breakfast. We will depart on bus for 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. Once we arrive at Pearl Harbor, begin service work.

Lunch: Lunch will be on your own. Choose from eatery options on Ford Island.

Afternoon: Continue service work. In the later 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: After dinner, a lecture on the "The Road to Pearl Harbor" will be held at with a local expert. Get settled in to your on-board accommodations.

DAY
5
Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

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.

Breakfast: Aboard Mighty Mo.

Morning: Continue service work projects at the USS Missouri until lunch.

Lunch: Lunch will be on your own. Choose from eatery options on Ford Island.

Afternoon: Continue service work projects where you left off until the bus departs back to Waikiki late afternoon. Upon arrival, check into hotel and free time.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you have something special in mind, we recommend making reservations well in advance.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Free Time
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Activity note: Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

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: At leisure.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
End of WWII Ceremony, Conclusion of Service Work
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B,D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

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: The End of World War II Commemoration: The program varies annually but highlights of the commemoration generally include special speakers, military band music, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, and recognition of the men and women that served and sacrificed for their country. After the program is completed, return to your service projects.

Lunch: Lunch will be on your own. Choose from eatery 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
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
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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