Hawaii Excursions

Shari2 · September 28, 2009

I agree with you on the cruise. It is very expensive to stay on the islands, the hotels and food, etc...very expensive. The first time we went there in 1993 we flew in to Oahu and stayed for two nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and then we boarded the cruise ship, "Constitution" of American Hawaii Cruise Lines (they are no more) and we sailed for 7 days around the islands, and then flew back. We had one overnight stay at Maui which was nice since we had more time in port. Our stay on land was very expensive. Second time we sailed from San Diego. That was a great cruise, but not much time in the ports.

If we go again I thnk I will try NCL, and fly there and then cruise the islands again...you have two overnights, in Maui and Kuai on NCL, and then fly home again, although I don't like flying, I think this would be the cheaper way to go if airfares don't go crazy at that time.

My dream now is to do a Mediterranean cruise, so it will be a while for us to go back to Hawaii, too.

RayColey · October 2, 2009

I think that the island hoppers are a great way to get around. My relatives use them, and they live there on Oahu!

The excursions purchased from the cruise line are pretty outrageously priced, though. In most places, debark and rent a car (share with another couple, if possible) and a map. It's pretty easy to see the top sights in a day except for Oahu.

On Hawaii, do Akaka Falls, including the fabulous botanical park, and there's still time to drive up to the Volcano National Park. If you skip the stuff right around Hilo, though, you have time to hike all the way across the volcano - an incredible experience. I will come back and post photos (as soon as I can get them scanned in). Similarly, on Kauai you can do the entire north coast in a day, but if you want to go to Waimea canyon, you need a few too many hours. On Maui, the Hana road (where my avatar picture was taken) takes almost a day to do, and you probably can't go up to Haleakala as well. I'd choose the dormant volcano over the bumpy road. Molokai and Lanai are lovely and can be toured in a day without missing anything spectacular. Kohoolawe and Niihau you won't be able to go to. Did I miss anything?

DebbieandJerry · October 2, 2009

I agree with you on the cruise. It is very expensive to stay on the islands, the hotels and food, etc...very expensive. The first time we went there in 1993 we flew in to Oahu and stayed for two nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and then we boarded the cruise ship, "Constitution" of American Hawaii Cruise Lines (they are no more) and we sailed for 7 days around the islands, and then flew back. We had one overnight stay at Maui which was nice since we had more time in port. Our stay on land was very expensive. Second time we sailed from San Diego. That was a great cruise, but not much time in the ports.
If we go again I thnk I will try NCL, and fly there and then cruise the islands again...you have two overnights, in Maui and Kuai on NCL, and then fly home again, although I don't like flying, I think this would be the cheaper way to go if airfares don't go crazy at that time.

My dream now is to do a Mediterranean cruise, so it will be a while for us to go back to Hawaii, too.

Shari, our first cruise to Hawaii was NCL out of Oahu. We did a cruise, land package with the cruise agency so it was a 10 day cruise and three extra days in Oahu. We very affordable that way. For the Oahu extra days, we did rent a car so we were able to see the entire island, do and see lots and not have to eat hotel food. No overnights.

The San Diego cruise that we just did had an overnight in Maui.

Except for the overnights, we spent the same amount of time (very limited) in ports on each one.

Never got to Kuai on the December 2005 or March 2009 cruises. I think that is an island that the ships are no longer stopping at.

RayColey · October 3, 2009

Correct. The local cruise ships stopped at all the islands (except the restricted two), but they went belly up. Now there are local charters on 40 - 60 footers, but nothing else comprehensive.

Last trip, cost of my family excursion to Volcano National Park was $35, including car rental and admission to the park. We spent more than a half day there, hiking across the caldera and going through the lava tubes. So this should give you a reasonable basis for comparison to cruise-sponsored excursions.

Shari2 · October 3, 2009

Debbie...how did you like NCL in Hawaii...was the food and entertainment and service good?

Ray...thanks for the advice...on my first cruise on the "Constitution" we stopped at Kauai, and I did see Waimea Canyon...it is beautiful! My hubby took a helicoptor ride over it, and other areas, and since I don't like to fly, I went on a tour of the Canyon on a ship's tour. We also saw, and loved, the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu...you do need a whole day there, and the show at night is not to be missed. We saw it back in 1993 and it was fantastic, had to be the best in all of the islands. Not to be missed. We also saw Volcano's National Park...awesome!

I've seen a couple of Falls...would have to look back at pictures to see if we named them.

We also toured the "Arizona" and Punchbowl, and Diamond Head; Marc and my SIL's husband climbed Diamond Head...my SIL and I sat at the Mai Tai Bar at the pink hotel (forget the name right now) and we looked over at Diamond Head and cheered them on. LOL Or maybe worried about them. LOL

I would so love to go back to Hawaii some day and spend some time there.

Hi Linda! Are you hoping to go to Hawaii some day...or have you been? You will love it!