Hawaii

Hawaii’s National Parks: Exploring Four Islands from Volcanoes to Pearl Harbor

Program No. 2810RJ
Join local experts on an exploration of Hawaii’s volcanoes, where you’ll learn about Hawaiian mythology, unique island ecology, natural monuments and sacred sites.

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13 days
12 nights
31 meals
12B 10L 9D
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Follow the journey of Pele — Hawaii's volcano goddess — from Kilauea on Hawaii to Haleakala on Maui, to Kalaupapa on Molokai, and to bustling Waikiki on Oahu. Led by local experts, delight in Hawaii's natural and cultural history while you traverse through its national parks and historic sites.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 10,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea’s active eruption.
  • Explore and study St. Damien’s ministry to Hansen's Disease patients quarantined on an isolated portion of Molokai.
  • Visit Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial.
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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.
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13 days
12 nights
31 meals
12 B 10 L 9 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Introductions
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
D
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

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 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: Welcome dinner at hotel

Evening: Introductions: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead as we begin to explore Hawaii from an insider’s perspective. This Road Scholar program is designed for students of lifelong learning who may be first-time visitors as well as those returning to a place they love. Please read the daily schedule carefully to understand what is included. There is a limited amount of free time so that we can cover as much as possible. If you have special interests that are not part of the Road Scholar program, we recommend making plans to arrive early and/or stay on after its conclusion. Road Scholar Travel Services can assist you in making such plans.

DAY
2
Orientation, Hilo Walking Field Trip, Geology Class
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
B,L
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, streets, sidewalks, dirt roads for morning and afternoon field trips. Getting on/off bus.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Orientation. 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 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. After Orientation, we’ll then head out on a walking field trip led by a local expert to an overview of historic Hilo to learn about its history and culture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will drive to nearby Rainbow Falls which cascades 80 feet over a lava cave. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel for a lecture on the Geologic Formation and Evolution of the Hawaiian Islands to prepare us for our field trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tomorrow.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from your program to give you an opportunity to explore on your own. Your group leader is happy to recommend some options.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
B,L,D
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach for multiple stops throughout field trips; driving approx. 70 miles on field trips; about 2 hours total aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on varied terrain

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: We will depart via bus mid-morning for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We will be joined by a local expert who will share with us the history of this geological wonder. From the National Park Service: “Hawaii Volcanoes National Park displays the results of at least 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution in the Hawaiian Island-Emperor Seamount chain — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture.”

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will make multiple stops within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, determined by the evolving conditions of this fascinating geologically active area.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: After dinner, we will ride back to our hotel in Hilo. Prepare for morning check-out and transfer to Kona.

DAY
4
Travel to Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau NHP
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
B,L,D
Courtyard by Marriott's King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 110 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 2.5 hours aboard motorcoach. 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: At hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer to Kona, with a stop en route at a black sand beach.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon we will visit Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park located along lava flats of the Kona Coast. The entire complex covers about 420 acres including significant sites that recall four centuries of Hawaiian history. This location was a sacred sanctuary and place of refuge in ancient times. Mark Twain visited this site in the 1860s and remarked, “ The walls of the temple are a study. The same food for speculation that is offered the visitor to the Pyramids of Egypt he will find here – the mystery of how they were constructed by a people unacquainted with science and mechanics.” After our Field Trip, we’ll proceed to our hotel in Kailua-Kona and check in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
B,L
Courtyard by Marriott's King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 70 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 1.5 hours aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles; park-maintained, coastal, sandy and rocky trails.

Breakfast: At hotel.

Morning: We will depart on bus to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, established in 1978 and a culturally significant Ancient Hawaiian settlement. We will then travel to Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, "The temple on the hill of the Whale.” Built by Kamehameha I in 1790-1791 to incur the favor of the war god, Kukailimoku, this was the last major heiau (temple) built in the islands.

Lunch: Picnic style lunch at a beach.

Afternoon: We’ll linger at the beach with an opportunity to relax or take a stroll. We’ll then return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from your program to give you an opportunity to explore on your own.

Evening: At leisure to prepare for tomorrow's departure to Maui.

DAY
6
Fly to Maui, Haleakala National Park
Kaanapali, HI (Island of Maui)
B,L,D
Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Activity note: Flight time is approximately 35 minutes but the trip could take 3-4 hours due to transfer times. Getting on/off bus; driving approx. 90 miles total throughout the day with stops; about 3 hours altogether. Walking up to 1 mile for the day; some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer with luggage via bus to Kona International Airport. We will fly to Maui Island.

Lunch: Lunch location varies based on flight schedules.

Afternoon: We will set out for our afternoon in Haleakala National Park with a local expert and visit the summit area of Haleakala, an active shield volcano. We’ll learn about Hawaii’s indigenous animals and plants, including the endemic Ahinahina (silversword). The park is recognized by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. After our Field Trip we will depart the park for our hotel.

Dinner: At hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Free Day
Kaanapali, HI (Island of Maui)
B
Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Activity note: Today is on your own to explore the island. Consider booking a Whale Watch (Nov - May), Road to Hana day trip, or enjoying Maui's world-famous beach. It is recommended to book in advance if you are looking for an organized activity as many activities sell-out.

Breakfast: At hotel.

Morning: At leisure to explore what interests you most.

Lunch: On own

Afternoon: At leisure to explore what interests you most.

Dinner: On own

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Flight to Molokai, Molokai Museum, Kalaupapa Overlook
Kaunakakai, Molokai
B,L,D
Hotel Molokai

Activity note: Flights to Molokai on 9-pax prop planes. Transport in 15-passenger vans or school bus (no AC) while on Molokai. Walking on grassy lawn at Molokai Museum.

Breakfast: At hotel.

Morning: Check out of the hotel, depart via bus for Kahului airport for flights to Molokai on 9-passenger planes.

Lunch: Lunch location varies based on flight schedules.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Molokai we will head to the Kalaupapa Peninsula Overlook. As we stroll down a paved path, we will view the historic Phallic rock and the isolated peninsula where the Kingdom of Hawaii’s government decided to isolate those with leprosy disease in the village of Kalawao. Many volunteers came to Kalawao to care for the patients of the disease including a priest known as Father Damien, and Sister Marianne Cope who managed the Bishop Home for Girls. Both were later canonized after dedicating their lives to caring for those in the isolated community. After our visit to the overlook we will drive to a local Macadamia Nut Farm operated by a local family. We will continue to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center which features the former Rudolph W. Meyer Sugar Mill (1878), now restored to operation with its century-old steam engine, mule-driven cane crusher, and other vintage equipment. A museum docent will take us on an historical walk through the Mill, on the State and National Register of Historic Places. We’ll examine the original Mill equipment and handwritten records of the German-Hawaiian family who started it all. In the museum gallery exhibit on Kalaupapa history, artifacts from patients are on display. At the conclusion of the field trip we will depart for the hotel and check-in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Air Shuttles to Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kaunakakai, Molokai
B,L,D
Hotel Molokai

Activity note: Shuttle flights of approximately 15 minutes will be via 9-passenger, twin-engine prop planes. Getting on/off a school bus (non-A/C) in Kalaupapa, light walking. 20 miles to and from Molokai airport.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: We’ll transfer to Molokai Airport and board small commuter planes for the short flight down to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. There, we’ll board a school bus for our field trip to the isolated peninsula where Father Damien ministered to leprosy patients. Hansen's disease (leprosy) was first diagnosed in the Hawaiian islands in 1853. Little more than a decade later, it had spread, causing great fear. After several attempts at creating care and treatment centers in different places, those with the disease were required to move to an isolated settlement on Molokai in 1866. A number of religious workers and other volunteers came to provide care for the residents. The most famous of these was Joseph De Veuster, a Belgian who became a priest in the Roman Catholic order of the Sacred Heart and took the name Father Damien. He was a dynamo of activity, not only providing medical care to settlement residents, but also building houses, organizing activities, and pressuring the kingdom of Hawaii to provide more resources. Father Damien’s efforts attracted worldwide attention for those with Hansen’s disease and the needs of those on Molokai in particular. The settlement gradually became a place to live rather than die. After working in the settlement for 12 years, Father Damien contracted Hansen’s disease. He died in 1889 at the age of 49. His life of devotion inspired multitudes, and he was canonized as Saint Damien of Molokai in 2009. **Please note: Kalaupapa National Historic Park has been closed to the general public in alignment with CDC and Hawaii State Department of Health guidance until further notice. In the event that the closures are still in place at the time of the trip, the replacement activity will be a trip to Halawa Valley on Molokai's Eastern End.

Lunch: Boxed lunch picnic-style.

Afternoon: When our field trip ends, we’ll return via bus and air shuttles to Molokai Airport and back to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure

DAY
10
Molokai's East End, Halawa Valley, Pa'ina/Luau
Kaunakakai, Molokai
B,L,D
Hotel Molokai

Activity note: Getting on/off 15-passenger vans throughout the day. Driving approx. 60 miles, 2 hours aboard vehicles. Walk from beach area into valley, approximately 1 mile. Valley trail may be wet, please wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: We will depart the hotel via vans to explore the island's lush East End and Halawa Valley. Hear from island locals about the importance of Halawa Valley - from historic archaeological remains to farmers cultivating taro and other food crops.

Lunch: Boxed lunch picnic-style.

Afternoon: Visit a family-owned Tropical Flower Farm and garden where we can taste delicious smoothies from home-grown fruits. We will return to the hotel for free time before dinner.

Dinner: We will transfer in vans to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center for Hawaiian Paina (luau). Experience a traditional luau in your honor through food, and music. The luau is prepared by the museum staff with an array of local food selection.

Evening: Return to hotel, prepare for departure in the morning.

DAY
11
Fly to Oahu, Bishop Museum
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B,L,D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

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.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Oahu Island.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After claiming our luggage, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to the Bishop Museum. While here, we’ll have a docent led tour of Bishop Museum with time to explore the museum. We will continue on to our Waikiki hotel and check in later afternoon.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Pearl Harbor Memorial, Punchbowl, Cultural Activity
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B,L,D
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Activity note: Boarding bus; driving approx. 40 miles; up to 2 hours depending on Oahu Traffic. Walking up to 1 mile during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks. Pearl Harbor has a no bag policy. Bags that offer concealment, such as purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags, 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 or use a clear bag instead.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: We’ll begin the day with a drive to 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.” While here, we’ll view a historical film in the park theater, take a launch boat ride across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial with National Park Service rangers, and upon returning, have some time to explore the museum. 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.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: On our way back to the hotel we will drive through The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl.” We are not permitted to get off the bus but will have commentary aboard. There will be some free time after lunch for exploration or relaxation before a late afternoon Cultural Activity. At the hotel meeting space, we will be joined by a cultural organization for demonstrations and other activities.

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
13
Program Concludes
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 11:00 am.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. This concludes our 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!






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