2027 Season
Dates to be announced soon
Program Dates
Overview
Perform at the Honolulu Heritage Festival on the culturally rich island of Oahu! Ensembles showcasing their talents at this prestigious national festival will advance their skills through expert instruction and adjudicator feedback. Students will experience Hawaiian hospitality, from their lei greeting to a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center and other cultural tours. The program concludes with an awards ceremony and a Polynesian show.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Honolulu, HI
Hotel check-in after 4PM
Kualoa Secret Island Access (optional)
Take a short boat trip across Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond. Canoe across the historic fishpond to Kualoa’s Secret Island to spend an exciting day discovering an isolated private island beach. Have the chance to observe the natural beauty that the island has to offer and meander through well-maintained sand trails on this Secret Island. Explore Kualoa’s Secret Island Beach, an isolated natural area that offers out-of-this-world views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Kaneohe Bay.
Day 2
Free time to explore the island
Grand Circle Island tour with Dole Plantation visit (optional)
Explore the wonders and hidden gems of this beautiful island, from the lush green Koʻolau Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay. Visit iconic landmarks like Diamond Head Crater, Pali Lookout, the Dole Plantation, and more. Embark on a 120-mile narrated tour around Oʻahu to take in its breathtaking scenery and stunning landscapes.
Hike Diamond Head (optional)
Hike to the top of Hawaii’s most famous landmark Diamond Head Crater.
Dinner at Kapiolani Park (optional)
Enjoy a catered sunset dinner at breathtaking Kapiolani Park.
Day 3
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial (optional)
Your festival package includes a transfer to the Pearl Harbor site for a self-guided tour. Learn more about the historic site and the role of the famed ship on December 7, 1941. USS Arizona Memorial tickets are subject to availability. Tour must be arranged separately. Ask your Account Manager for details.
First day of festival performances
After arriving at the concert venue, your group will warm up in a private rehearsal room. Each ensemble will have 30-35 minutes on stage. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback for each performance. Following your performance, a select adjudicator will conduct a mini-clinic on stage with your group, providing valuable feedback and reinforcement for your classroom teachings. Groups will also have the opportunity to participate as an audience for other groups competing—giving your ensemble exposure to their peers.
Day 4
Continue festival performances
Festival performances will continue throughout the day. Your performance time will be given to you weeks before your event, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Polynesian Cultural Center visit
Visit Hawaiʻi’s premier cultural park, dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of Polynesia. Explore island villages like Fiji and Tahiti, try hands-on activities and games, enjoy a scenic canoe ride through the park, and end the day with HĀ: Breath of Life, a spectacular evening show featuring cultural music, dance, and storytelling.
Awards Ceremony, buffet, and "HĀ: Breath of Life" Show" Polynesian show
Celebrate with new and old friends at your exclusive Awards Ceremony. End the night with HĀ: Breath of Life—a show featuring Polynesian dance, music, and blazing fire knives, performed by over 100 Polynesian natives, with special effects, animation, and surround sound.
Day 5
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Performance in a national festival
Adjudication by a panel of three renowned music professionals
Hotel accommodations
Onstage clinic
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
Exclusive awards ceremony
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Honolulu
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.