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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.
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National ParksRegional StudiesOn the RoadNature & Environment
Length
21 days
Rating (4.95)
Activity Level
Starts at
14,199
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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.
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 )
5 expert-led lectures
30 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
4 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
20 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; flat terrain.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. 3:00 p.m. After you have checked into your room, come to the Road Scholar table in the outdoor lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your nametag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. We’ll then set out for a walk along historic Banyan Drive and cross the bridge over to Coconut Island (Moku Ola) for sunset view of historic Hilo Bay while we enjoy a social hour with included tropical fruit juices and wine. Walk back to hotel 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. 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.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; sidewalks; stairs in the 2-story 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, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Morning session at the hotel before going to Lyman Museum for a guided visit. Hear the story of Hawaii, its islands, and its people. Split into small groups and hear docents share Earth Heritage and Cultural Heritage galleries, as well as the Mission House. 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 on the Wailuku River. This picturesque river is the town boundary line of Hilo. 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 4 in the world), before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant.
Evening:
Prepare for tomorrow’s field trip.
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 served at hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
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 enjoy some time for independent exploration to see what we can learn from the local folks. Next, we’ll move on to Akaka Falls where we’ll set out on a beautiful walk on park trails to view the waterfall while enjoying commentary on 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 brown bag sandwiches with water.
Afternoon:
Our final destination for the day will be Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, the great temple constructed by King Kamehameha in 1790. This “heiau,” or temple, was constructed of large ocean boulders 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, flashlights are recommended.
Activity Note
Walking about ½ mile on garden pathways; periods of standing.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
After morning class at the hotel, we'll set off to visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum and learn about the history of tsunami and 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.
Afternoon:
Visit native Hawaiian Plant Garden and learn of "canoe" plants brought by Polynesian voyagers to these isolated islands.
Dinner:
Dinner at hotel.
Evening:
Prepare for departure and field trip to Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, Pele’s home. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll depart for field trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, at 4,000' elevation. There we'll visit Pele's home (Halema'uma'u Crater) at the summit of Kilauea volcano and walk "the edge of the ledge" on the Crater Rim Trail, with a stop at the steam vents. br> We’ll then continue on to the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and the town of Na’alehu, "the southernmost town in the USA."
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, have local style lunch.
Afternoon:
Continuing our transfer, we’ll arrive in Kona in the mid-afternoon and check into our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room with ocean and sunset views, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Preview of next day's snorkel adventure.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
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.
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, there are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the 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.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
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:
Hear Hawaiian music and learn some songs as we sing along with the help of song sheets. Afterwards, be sure to prepare for check-out and our flight to Maui Island tomorrow.
Activity Note
Inter-island flight to Maui Island; about 1 hour. Driving about 40 miles throughout the day; approx. 1.5 hours total.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
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 before the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Maui, we’ll board a motorcoach and see the famous 'Iao Needle, a geological feature of the West Maui volcano. Finally, we'll make our way around the West Maui volcano to the dry side of the island in Ka'anapali (30 miles away) to our hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have plated meals with standard beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; flat terrain; standing approx. 1 hour in the museum.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in the hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
This morning we'll learn about Hawaii's Humpback Whales at the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center, the only public education outreach center on the west side. Humpback whales travel to the national marine sanctuary each winter to breed and give birth in the warm waters offshore.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at a place of your choice in the area, numerous options within walking distance.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon for optional whale-watching excursions that depart from our local beach, reservations required, sign-up ahead of time. Or, take advantage of free cultural programs offered at the hotel, sign up with cultural staff.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant nearby, we’ll enjoy ocean views at sunset. Dinner will be plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving about 30 miles one way; 1 hour. Minimal walking; standing in small museum (tight spaces) for 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Hear about the history of Lahaina and the efforts of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation to help the community heal after the devastating fires of Aug 2023.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Lahaina, we'll have a family style meal, soft drinks and water included.
Afternoon:
We’ll travel back to Kahului town to explore and learn about sugar and plantation history at the Sugar Museum, located across the street from the last sugar mill to close in Hawaii in 2016. We'll also experience the "new" vibrant cultural art scene at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center gallery.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have pre-ordered, 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.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
To begin our day, we’ll travel via motorcoach 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 around, colorful cinder cones, and, on clear days, distant views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. We’ll then board our vehicle 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 Makawao, we’ll explore some of the local artist studios, craft and flower stores hidden along the main street before returning to the hotel via Paia town.
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.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Hotel check-out, flight to Kaua'i (possible layover in Honolulu)
Lunch:
Depending on our flight schedule, we’ll have lunch either at the airport or before the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Kaua’i, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer 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 within walking distance.
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. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to explore the sacred stones and historical features on the hotel grounds, the beach, swimming pools/jacuzzi, walk or bike along the beach paths, or enjoy the unstructured time.
Lunch:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages
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 view their exhibits of the island’s rare forest birds or walk the nearby nature trail. Time permitting, we'll make a quick stop to taste some Kaua'i Coffee before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; beach and paved paths. Driving via school bus approx. 50 miles; 2-3 hours over the course of the day.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages
Morning:
Today is "for the birds" and we'll need a school bus to get to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, to see some of the native wetland birds in their natural habitat of newly planted taro fields.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy lunch in historic Hanalei town, with the backdrop of numerous waterfalls.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll have free time in Hanalei town or walk to the famous Hanalei Bay white sand beach, watching the surfers and swimmers cavort in "South Pacific" country.
Dinner:
Dinner In the dining room at the hotel, with coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight in the morning.
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 served in hotel dining room, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
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 before the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon landing, we’ll head to Pearl Harbor where we'll have time to explore two World War II museums independently. Then, we’ll view a National Park Service documentary film detailing the events of Dec. 7th, 1941. 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.. Following the field trip, we’ll proceed to our hotel for check-in with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we'll gather for our private dinner in one of the hotel's meeting rooms.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and standing in museums for about 1-2 hours. Driving approx. 15 miles, about 1 hour throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served outdoors at the pool terrace, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Our first stop will be the Bishop Museum, Hawaii's State Museum. A docent will lead a visit over three floors through this commemoration of Hawaii’s natural and cultural history in the newly renovated Hawaiian Hall. We’ll view 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 and Nature Garden.
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 reef fish, giant Pacific clams, tropical jellyfish and sea horses.
Dinner:
During the Polynesian Luau at a nearby hotel, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At the luau, enjoy a performance of Polynesian music, songs, and dances. We’ll then return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and standing in historic buildings for about 2 hours. Driving approx. 15 miles roundtrip, about 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served outdoors at the pool terrace, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
We begin the day visiting the Pali Lookout, with sweeping views of the windward side of the island. This is the site of the epic Battle of Nu'uanu where Kamehameha was victorious against the O'ahu warriors in the final battle to capture all the islands under one rule. Afterwards, we’ll visit our State Capitol Building and make our way to the grounds of the historic ‘Iolani Palace.
Lunch:
Lunch in historic downtown area.
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.
Dinner:
Dinner at local restaurant.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
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 served outdoors near the pool terrace, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Today we'll travel "circle island" going counter-clockwise, viewing the geological features of this 3-4 million year-old island and later eruptions that are today's landmarks in rural O'ahu. We'll make stops at both Blow Hole to see wave powered geysers that spray through lava outcroppings, and Eternity Beach Lookout 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:
After lunch, we'll join park docents on a walk through the park's extensive gardens featuring flowering plants from Asia, Polynesia and Micronesia, including 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:
At a nearby hotel, we’ll have our Aloha dinner on famous Waikiki beach during sunset. Dinner with coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Our farewell evening, we'll share some of our favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends, talk story about the future of Hawaii, the 50th State, challenges facing our island state in these difficult times. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Independent departures to Honolulu Airport available by taxi, book the night before with front desk. For later departures, leave luggage with bell desk.
Breakfast:
Breakfast served outdoors at the pool terrace, includes coffee, tea and other beverages.
Morning:
Mahalo for choosing to experience "On the Road: Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu" with us. We hope you have enjoyed your visit and learned something of our islands and people. Road Scholar will send you evaluation forms after the program. Safe Arrivals! Aloha Nui loa and "a hui hou" (see you again).
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