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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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National ParksRegional StudiesOn the RoadSmall GroupMilitary History
Length
13 days
Rating (4)
Activity Level
Starts at
9,599

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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
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
31 meals ( 12B, 10L, 9D )
1 expert-led lecture
13 expert-led field trips
5 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 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. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously)
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. 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.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles, streets, sidewalks, dirt roads for morning and afternoon field trips. Getting on/off a bus.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: 8:00 am. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. 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 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. 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. 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 with the Group Leader which cascades 80 feet over a lava cave. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel for a lecture from a local expert 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 the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus for multiple stops throughout field trips; driving about 70 miles on field trips; about 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on varied terrain.
Breakfast:
At the 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 in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 110 miles total throughout the day with stops; approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 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 the 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:
We will learn from a local expert as we 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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving approx. 70 miles throughout the day with stops; about 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; park-maintained, coastal, sandy and rocky trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart on bus to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park where we will learn from a local expert. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park was 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,” where we will earn from another local expert. 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 boxed lunch at a coastal 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 the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Boarding/deboarding a plane. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes but the trip could take 3-4 hours due to transfer times. Getting on/off motorcoach and bus; driving about 90 miles total throughout the day with stops; approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking up to 1 mile for the day; some uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the 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 the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Continue your independent explorations or just relax.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. 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 for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Flights to Molokai on 9-pax prop planes. Transport in 15-passenger vans while on Molokai. Walking on grassy lawn at Molokai Museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will 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 board vans and depart for our 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.
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; driving 20 miles to and from Molokai airport about 2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the 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.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
When our field trip ends, we’ll return via bus and air shuttles to Molokai Airport and back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off 15-passenger vans; driving about 65 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles including grassy terrain and sandy beach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will depart from hotel via vans to the Kalaupapa Peninsula Overlook. As we stroll down a paved path, we will view the historic Phallic rocks and the isolated peninsula where Father Damien ministered to leprosy patients. Hansen's disease (leprosy) was first diagnosed in the Hawaiian islands around 1850 and within a few decades reached epidemic proportions. After several attempts at care centers throughout the islands, the Kingdom of Hawaii’s government decided to isolate those with the disease in the village of Kalawao on the remote Kalaupapa peninsula on Molokai. Many religious workers and other volunteers went to Kalaupapa to tend to the residents; their care and advocacy for their patient’s conditions led to the development of housing, hospital facilities, and utilities. The settlement eventually became a place to live out one’s life with the disease rather than die. The most famous of these religious workers was Joseph De Veuster, 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.
Lunch:
Box lunches.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll have some time to go beachcombing on Hawaii's longest, white sand beach. We will also see the plantation town of Maunaloa which is surrounded by former pineapple fields. We will return to the hotel for some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
We will transfer in vans to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center for Hawaiian Paina (luau). We will experience a traditional luau in our honor through food, and music. The luau is prepared by the museum staff with an array of local food selection.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus and motorcoach; driving about 20 miles; up to 1 hour depending on Honolulu Traffic. Walking up to 1.5 miles during the course of the day on streets and sidewalks.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will 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 will have a guided tour by a local expert of Bishop Museum with time to explore the museum independently. We will continue on to our Waikiki hotel and check in later in the afternoon.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 40 miles; up to 2 hours riding time depending on 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 the hotel
Morning:
We begin the day with a drive to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center. While here, we’ll pick up audio guides, explore the museums, view a historical film in the park theater, and take a launch boat ride across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial with National Park Service rangers. 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 our visit here will be self-directed. 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 to 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 9:00 a.m. and will depart Pearl Harbor by 12:00 p.m. If your ticket time is outside of those hours, you will need to coordinate your own transportation to and from Pearl Harbor. After Pearl Harbor, 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 from a local expert.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
There will be free time after lunch for independent exploration or relaxation before a late afternoon Cultural Activity Class. At the hotel meeting space, we will be joined by a cultural organization for demonstrations and other activities.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. 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!
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