Welcome, travelers, to another exciting adventure in our Armchair Travel series! Today, we’re setting our sights on the beautiful and vibrant islands of Hawaii. While we may not be able to physically journey there, we can still immerse ourselves in the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes that make Hawaii a true paradise for our seniors in aged care.

If you are looking for ways to spark meaningful conversations, reminisce memories, or provide general fun, our step-by-step instructions on hosting the Armchair Travel in Hawaii equip you with the tools and resources needed to create a captivating experience.

Specially made for the needs of aged care facilities, our guide ensures that every Armchair Travel session is a hit. We offer practical advice and imaginative suggestions, guiding you from selecting destinations, to integrating sensory and interactive elements, all aimed at captivating seniors and ensuring the success of your event.

As a Premium Member, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to downloadable resources, including themed visual aids, discussion starters, and activity sheets. These tools enrich Armchair Travel sessions, creating unforgettable experiences for residents.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the islands of Hawaii with us and discover the transformative power of Armchair Travel to forge meaningful connections, spark engagement, and ignite a sense of adventure among seniors in aged care!

Planning the Experience:

Let’s kick off our Armchair Travel to Hawaii with some strategic planning!

Pick a Date & Promote the Session: Choose a date that suits everyone and create excitement by spreading the word with eye-catching posters or casual announcements. Get everyone in the mood with a friendly, “Are you ready to explore the wonders of Hawaii?” Invitation cards are available below!

Set Up a Cozy Space: Create a comfy environment with ample seating around a large TV, evoking the ambiance of a cozy Hawaiian retreat. Picture yourself nestled in a Hawaiian home, ready to discover sandy shores and lush landscapes.

Print Passports and Boarding Passes: Add an element of fun by printing custom passports and boarding passes. Seniors will love receiving their printed passports and collecting stamps as they embark on their virtual journey.

Get Creative with Decorations: Set the scene with colorful decorations like bunting flags and fabric awnings. Envision Hawaiian flags fluttering amidst tropical foliage, creating a festive atmosphere. Enhance the ambiance with images of iconic Hawaiian landmarks such as Diamond Head or Waimea Canyon.

Prepare Hawaiian Snacks: Indulge in the flavors of Hawaii with traditional snacks like pineapple slices, coconut macadamia cookies, or poi mochi. Treat yourself to the tropical sweetness of fresh fruit or the savory crunch of taro chips. These delightful treats will transport you to the shores of Hawaii, tantalizing your taste buds and leaving you craving more.

Hawaii Session Program:

Printable A4 version of this step-by-step program is found in our premium membership download at the bottom of this page.

Follow our Step-by-Step Sample program for a successful Armchair Travel event:

1. Welcome

Set the atmosphere with Hawaiian Music as guests arrive. As they walk through the door, let’s give them a warm welcome and have a staff hand them the passport with their names already on it.

Seat residents comfortably. Have a staff member go around to each table and glue the stamps into the passports. (Stamps provided in our printable kit) To spice things up, dress the volunteers and the staff as airplane/ship crew for a more realistic experience!

Duration: 5 – 15 minutes

2. Introduction

Engage residents by asking what they know about Hawaii. Ask them basic questions such as the color of the flag, nationality and the national anthem, the continent, famous personalities, and other general knowledge about Hawaii. Then, introduce them to Hawaii’s rich culture, geography, and notable attractions.

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

3. Refreshments

Offer residents a taste of Hawaii with refreshing beverages like pineapple juice or coconut water, accompanied by tropical fruit platters or Hawaiian-inspired snacks. Create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Duration: 5 – 10 minutes

4. Quiz & Trivia

Keep the excitement going with a Hawaiian-themed quiz and trivia session. Test residents’ knowledge of Hawaii’s history, geography, and cultural traditions, providing opportunities for friendly competition and laughter.

Duration: 30 – 40 minutes

5. Show some captivating videos of Hawaii

This can be shown on the big TV or projector screen during the travel experience. Explore the 10 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii. Ready your minds and travel with your imagination! Transport residents to the beauty of Hawaii with captivating videos showcasing its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Duration: 15 minutes

6. Dancing Demonstration

Get residents moving and grooving with a simple hula dancing demonstration or instructional video. Encourage everyone to join in and sway to the music, fostering a sense of joy and connection.

Duration: 30 minutes

7. Share Experiences

Invite residents who’ve visited Hawaii to share their memories. Form a big circle and let every one of them speak and share their core experiences with Hawaii. You can formulate your own or use the provided template for a more organized sharing.

• My most memorable experience in Hawaii is/are _____
• What I like about Hawaii is/are _____
• What makes Hawaii unique is ______
• The people from Hawaii are _______
• If I get the chance to travel back to Hawaii again, I would ______

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

8. The Beauty of Hawaii

Continue the virtual journey with more videos highlighting Hawaii’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Showcase breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks, allowing residents to appreciate the unique charm of the islands.

Duration: 30 minutes

9. Culinary Delights

Treat residents to a sampling of Hawaiian cuisine with traditional snacks and treats. Offer options like pineapple slices, coconut macadamia cookies, or tropical fruit bowls, allowing residents to savor the flavors of Hawaii. Watch these recipe videos for inspiration!

Duration: 20 – 30 minutes

10. Closing

Conclude the event with a heartfelt thank you to participants and a discussion of future travel destinations. Encourage residents to share their feedback and suggestions for future Armchair Travel events, ensuring ongoing engagement and enjoyment for all.

Duration: 10 minutes or less

Extending the Experience:

Wind down the event with a relaxing coloring activity featuring Hawaiian-themed designs. (Coloring pages are available in the printable resources file) Provide coloring sheets and pencils, allowing residents to express their creativity and unwind after their virtual journey.

Hawaiian Lei Craft

Keep the Hawaiian spirit alive with additional activities like crafting leis, learning Hawaiian phrases, or watching documentaries about Hawaii’s history and culture. Extend the Armchair Travel experience into an all-day Hawaiian theme day, filled with music, food, and fun!

Embark on this Armchair Travel to Hawaii, where every moment is filled with warmth, beauty, and the spirit of aloha. Let’s create lasting memories and unforgettable adventures together!