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
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Introductions
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
2
Orientation, Hilo Walking Field Trip, Geology Class
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
3
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii
4
Travel to Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau NHP
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
5
Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS
Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
6
Fly to Maui, Haleakala National Park
Kaanapali, HI (Island of Maui)
7
Free Day
Kaanapali, HI (Island of Maui)
8
Flight to Molokai, Molokai Museum, Kalaupapa Overlook
Kaunakakai, Molokai
9
Air Shuttles to Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kaunakakai, Molokai
10
Molokai's East End, Halawa Valley, Pa'ina/Luau
Kaunakakai, Molokai
11
Fly to Oahu, Bishop Museum
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
12
Pearl Harbor Memorial, Punchbowl, Cultural Activity
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
13
Program Concludes
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
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
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.
Suggested Reading List
(26 books)
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.
Hawaii’s National Parks: Exploring Four Islands from Volcanoes to Pearl Harbor
Program Number: 2810
Paradise Remade, The Politics of Culture and History in Hawaii
By focusing on the experience of the indigenous people of Hawaii rather than on that of their colonizers, Buck considers the transformation of Hawaiian culture over the past 200 years.
Pearl Harbor Ghosts, The Legacy of December 7, 1941
A well-researched and evocative look at the bombing of Pearl Harbor by a veteran travel writer. Clarke compares and contrasts the social life and culture of Hawaii on the day of the bombing and sixty years later, enumerating the changes wrought by WWII.
Captive Paradise, A History of Hawaii
A fascinating history of America’s youngest (and, arguably, most unique) state. Historian and biographer James Haley charts Hawaii’s epic journey from kingdom to statehood with authority.
Moloka'i
Set in Hawaii more than a century ago, Brennert's richly imagined novel of seven-year-old Rachel Kalama -- full of tales of stories of old Hawaii -- draws on historical accounts of Kalaupapa, the isolated leper colony on the island of Moloka'I.
Plague And Fire, Battling Black Death And the 1900 Burning of Honolulu's Chinatown
Mohr relates the gripping tale of the bubonic plague that reached Hawaii's shores just as the islands were about to become a U.S. territory through the eyes of the people caught up in the vast conflagration that engulfed Honolulu's Chinatown.
Volcanoes, Fire From the Earth
By the great French volcanologist (who died on the job on Mount Unzen in Japan in 1992), this pocket guide features hundreds of full-color paintings and traces the study of volcanoes from early myth and legend to modern science.
Unfamiliar Fishes
Tracking the Americanization of Hawaii from the arrival of the first missionaries in 1820 to the annexation in 1898 (Queen Liliuokalani was in Washington lobbying to save her nation during the McKinley inauguration), Vowell shows the complex interplay of god, business and tradition with her usual acerbic wit (and research).
Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands
A vivid, scholarly history of Hawaii, from Cook's first visit to the islands in 1778 through statehood. A classic, well-told history, first published in 1968.
Hotel Honolulu
This hilarious sendup of ex-pats and their ilk, drawing on Theroux's time in the islands, where he has a home, features a full cast of eccentrics who reside in and visit a fleabag hotel on the coast of Oahu.
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
A poignant plea for sovereignty. Queen Liliuokalani, deposed by the United States in 1893, tells the story of her islands.
Aloha Betrayed
Silva draws on newspapers, books, letters and contemporary accounts in Hawaiian for this eye-opening account of popular resistance to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
The Island Edge of America, A Political History of Hawaii
Journalist Tom Coffman brings Hawaii's story into the twentieth century through this reinterpretation of major events leading up to and following statehood in 1959.
Lost Kingdom
Royalty and rogues, sugar barons, politicians and missionaries all figure in Siler's riveting tale of Liliuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii.
Born in Paradise
The autobiographical tale of childhood on a Maui ranch in the early part of this century. A classic account of old Hawaii, warm-spirited and evocative.
Eyewitness Guide Hawaii
An on-the-ground guide to the Hawaiian Islands -- handsome, comprehensive and superb.
Hawaiian Islands Map
A map of all the individual Hawaiian Islands, including maps of O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i at 1:150,000 and of Hawai'i at 1:330,000. Includes an inset map of Waikiki.
Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii
These observant and often wildly hilarious letters from an 1866 trip display Twain's famous wit.
Hawaii, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
This all-around field guide features color illustrations of commonly encountered birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish with notes on Hawaii's geology and popular parks and reserves.
Hawaii Wildlife
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered birds, mammals and other critters of Hawaii.
Hawaii
A romantic, fictional overview of the islands' history, people and culture from prehistoric times to statehood in 1959.
Hawaii Fishwatcher's Field Guide
A handy, laminated card featuring full color illustrations of 60 common and spectacular denizens of Hawaiian coral reefs.
The Food of Paradise, Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage
Laudan takes readers on a thoughtful, wide-ranging tour of Hawaii's farms and gardens, fish auctions and vegetable markets, fairs and carnivals, mom-and-pop stores and lunch wagons to uncover the delightful complexities and incongruities in Hawaii's culinary history. With 150 recipes.
Hawaii, Islands Under the Influence
A history of economic development in the islands from sandalwood and whaling to sugar, tourism and Japanese investment in the 1980s.
Dismembering Lahui, A History of the Hawaiian Nation to 1887
Osorio charts the effects of Western law on the national identity of Native Hawaiians in this political history of the Kingdom of Hawaii from the onset of constitutional government in 1840 to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887.
From a Native Daughter, Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii
Trask, a descendant of the Pi'ilani line of Maui and the Kahakumakaliua line of Kauai, explores issues of racism and imperialism in Hawaii, documenting the work of native Hawaiian student organizations and the native Hawaiian self-governing organization Ka Lahuni Hawaii.
Nation Within, The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i
Coffman follows the rising tensions between the U.S. and the once-independent Hawaii through the late 19th century, documenting how the native population resisted annexation.
Meals
31 Meals
12 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
- Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024 (Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
- Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025 (Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
- Feb 18, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025 (Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
- Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025 (Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
- Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025 (Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
3 nights
Hilo
Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.
2 nights
Kailua-Kona
The Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is a beachfront hotel located on the Big Island of Hawaii's Kona Coast and is 8 miles from Kona International Airport and 105 miles from the city of Hilo. This former king's residence in the heart of the historic fishing village of Kailua-Kona overlooks Kamakahonu Bay and is within easy walking distance to Hulihee Palace, shops, and restaurants in town. Historic artifacts and images are located throughout the hotel.
2 nights
Lahaina
This beachfront hotel is situated on 11 acres and located just steps from the ocean on the white sands of Kaanapali Beach. Free daily cultural lessons on topics including hula, ukulele, and Hawaiian language are just one of the reasons this property is known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The property’s thoughtful design features Hawaiian cultural artifacts and art throughout, including employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that contain traditional handmade Hawaiian items in each guest room.
3 nights
Kaunakakai
Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.
2 nights
Honolulu
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and 2 blocks away from the world famous Waikiki Beach. Just out the hotel front door is the International Marketplace, filled with diverse dining options, shopping, and often live performances and craft fairs. It is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
3 nights
Hilo
Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.
2 nights
Kailua-Kona
The Royal Kona Resort is a full service hotel in downtown historic Kailua-Kona village, on the ocean with three separate buildings/towers. It features a natural salt-water swimming lagoon and sandy sunning area, in addition to a split-level freshwater pool and children's pool.
2 nights
Lahaina
This beachfront hotel is situated on 11 acres and located just steps from the ocean on the white sands of Kaanapali Beach. Free daily cultural lessons on topics including hula, ukulele, and Hawaiian language are just one of the reasons this property is known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The property’s thoughtful design features Hawaiian cultural artifacts and art throughout, including employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that contain traditional handmade Hawaiian items in each guest room.
3 nights
Kaunakakai
Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.
2 nights
Honolulu
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and 2 blocks away from the world famous Waikiki Beach. Just out the hotel front door is the International Marketplace, filled with diverse dining options, shopping, and often live performances and craft fairs. It is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
3 nights
Hilo
Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.
2 nights
Kailua-Kona
The Royal Kona Resort is a full service hotel in downtown historic Kailua-Kona village, on the ocean with three separate buildings/towers. It features a natural salt-water swimming lagoon and sandy sunning area, in addition to a split-level freshwater pool and children's pool.
2 nights
Lahaina
This beachfront hotel is situated on 11 acres and located just steps from the ocean on the white sands of Kaanapali Beach. Free daily cultural lessons on topics including hula, ukulele, and Hawaiian language are just one of the reasons this property is known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The property’s thoughtful design features Hawaiian cultural artifacts and art throughout, including employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that contain traditional handmade Hawaiian items in each guest room.
3 nights
Kaunakakai
Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.
2 nights
Honolulu
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and 2 blocks away from the world famous Waikiki Beach. Just out the hotel front door is the International Marketplace, filled with diverse dining options, shopping, and often live performances and craft fairs. It is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
3 nights
Hilo
Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.
2 nights
Kailua-Kona
The Royal Kona Resort is a full service hotel in downtown historic Kailua-Kona village, on the ocean with three separate buildings/towers. It features a natural salt-water swimming lagoon and sandy sunning area, in addition to a split-level freshwater pool and children's pool.
2 nights
Lahaina
This beachfront hotel is situated on 11 acres and located just steps from the ocean on the white sands of Kaanapali Beach. Free daily cultural lessons on topics including hula, ukulele, and Hawaiian language are just one of the reasons this property is known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The property’s thoughtful design features Hawaiian cultural artifacts and art throughout, including employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that contain traditional handmade Hawaiian items in each guest room.
3 nights
Kaunakakai
Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.
2 nights
Honolulu
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and 2 blocks away from the world famous Waikiki Beach. Just out the hotel front door is the International Marketplace, filled with diverse dining options, shopping, and often live performances and craft fairs. It is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
3 nights
Hilo
Comfortable, laid back Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and an authentic taste of Hawaii's Big Island. The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located right on Hilo Bay and only two miles from Hilo Airport. Old banyan trees line the drive to the hotel, most of which were planted in the 1930's by celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart and Cecil B. DeMille. Mauna Kea looms in the background and the arched bridge that leads to Coconut Island is only steps from the doors of the property. The hotel is flanked by a beautiful beach, the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Naniloa Country Club.
2 nights
Kailua-Kona
The Royal Kona Resort is a full service hotel in downtown historic Kailua-Kona village, on the ocean with three separate buildings/towers. It features a natural salt-water swimming lagoon and sandy sunning area, in addition to a split-level freshwater pool and children's pool.
2 nights
Lahaina
This beachfront hotel is situated on 11 acres and located just steps from the ocean on the white sands of Kaanapali Beach. Free daily cultural lessons on topics including hula, ukulele, and Hawaiian language are just one of the reasons this property is known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”. The property’s thoughtful design features Hawaiian cultural artifacts and art throughout, including employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that contain traditional handmade Hawaiian items in each guest room.
3 nights
Kaunakakai
Hotel Molokai, the only hotel on the island of Molokai, is a rural, relaxed oasis in a busy world. With its charming A-frame architecture, Polynesian-style decor, ocean front detached cottages, and location a few miles from Kaunakakai town, it is a genuine hideaway and treasure from all things mainstream. There is breathtaking natural beauty, deserted beaches, no high-rise buildings, and an ‘old’ Hawaii feel in Molokai.
2 nights
Honolulu
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and 2 blocks away from the world famous Waikiki Beach. Just out the hotel front door is the International Marketplace, filled with diverse dining options, shopping, and often live performances and craft fairs. It is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapiolani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
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