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Hawaii

Tropical Splendor: Exploring the Hawaiian Islands

Program No. 11513RJ
Learn the stories of Hawaii on this adventure of a lifetime as you experience four islands: the Big Island, Maui, Kauai and Oahu.
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National ParksOcean VoyagesAdventures Afloat Study CruiseNature & Environment
Length
11 days
Rating (4.91)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,999

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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. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 10B, 8L, 9D )
2 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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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. The remainder of the afternoon is free to freshen up and relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy the views.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Introductions. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions after dinner. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
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:
At hotel.
Morning:
We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. 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. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. In addition to Road Scholar exclusive lectures, field trips, and activities, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. Please note that routes, field trips, and ship’s excursions are subject to change as local port and weather conditions could affect the progress of the ship, leading to delays, changes in docking locations, and possibly missed ports. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. After the orientation, enjoy an introduction to Hawaiian History in a morning class led by a local expert.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, 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. Through a self-led audio tour, we will learn about Hawaii's rich history before statehood.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we will be joined by a local hula dancer who will share the history of hula and teach us a few steps.
Activity Note
Boarding motorcoach; 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:
At the hotel
Morning:
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 a docent-led exploration of the museum, then enjoy free time to explore on your own. We will depart the museum for a drive-through of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, (commonly referred to as “Punchbowl”) and learn of its significance. As we continue on to the hotel, we will stop at Ala Moana Shopping Center and drop off anyone who would like to get any supplies before boarding the ship tomorrow.
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.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local 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.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll be joined by a local expert who will give us a presentation on the Hawaiian Islands. When everyone is checked out and the luggage loaded on the bus, we will transfer to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. 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.” 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 Pearl Harbor at approximately 10:45 AM and will depart Pearl Harbor by 1:00 PM. If your ticket time is outside of those hours, you will need to coordinate your own transportation to and from Pearl Harbor.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll transfer via motorcoach directly to Honolulu Harbor and board the “Pride of America.” Settle in to your cabin, freshen up, and start becoming familiar with the ship. Be sure to stop by your muster station before heading to dinner.
Dinner:
On the ship.
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 to 45-60 min. 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:
Depart on motorcoach 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. Then we will return to the ship.
Lunch:
On your own aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the ship.
Dinner:
On your own aboard the ship or at a local restaurant.
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, dress warmly, and bring sun protection.
Breakfast:
Freestyle dining aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll set out via motorcoach with a local expert for a field trip in Haleakala National Park and the summit area of Haleakala, an active shield volcano. We’ll learn about indigenous animals and plants of Hawai‘i including the endemic Ahinahina (silversword) that grows only on the islands of Maui and Hawai‘i, as well as connections with native Hawaiians. The park is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. Please be advised that the drive to Haleakala National Park is long and windy and may affect those sensitive to motion sickness. Temperatures at the visitor center can be in 50s so be sure to bring layers to stay warm.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Return to the ship mid-afternoon. Be sure to be aboard on time 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
The ship is schedule to arrive at Hilo, Hawai'i Island, at approximately 8:00 a.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach with multiple stops throughout field trip; driving about 30 miles one way to Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2 hours total riding time aboard motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; varied terrain; some surfaces can be wet and slippery.
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 our field trip, we'll set out via motorcoach for a field trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 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.” With a local expert, we’ll make multiple stops determined by the evolving conditions of this fascinating geologically active area
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
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. Kona, a district of the Big Island, encompasses the western coast and lies at the foot of towering Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. We will transfer off the ship via tenders, board a motorcoach, and ride to the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden where we will set out on a field trip led by a local expert. The garden is dedicated to conserving and supporting native Hawaiian plant resources and the associated traditional land use and cultural practices.
Lunch:
Picnic-style lunch.
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:
We’ll gather aboard ship and transfer via motorcoach to Waimea Canyon for a field trip with a local expert. We’ll make stops to view its incredible erosional valleys from several vantage points while learning about this gorgeous spectacle of geology. As we make our way to Kokee Park at the summit, we’ll also study aspects of Kauai's natural history. At the top, we’ll visit the tiny Kokee Museum for a self-directed exploration to learn about Kauai’s native birds, plants, and unique natural resources. We’ll return to the ship after our field trip.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
The ship sets sail for Honolulu at 5:30 p.m. Afternoon is at leisure relax or participate in shipboard activities. Late afternoon, join the group for a program wrap-up session. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends before this evening’s farewell dinner.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. This is our last evening to enjoy the nightly entertainment aboard ship. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.
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:
We will begin disembarkation when announced. This concludes our program. For those who may have late flights or are staying on, the ship's Shore Excursion desk offers additional activities for a supplementary cost. 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!





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