Cruising to Hawaii. What's the best way to snorkle and get to Pearl Harbor without paying ship tour prices?

Question

We want to be able to see the Islands, but don't have the money for expensive tours. Is there any public transportation from the cruise terminals?

Answer 1

If you want to see the whole island of Oahu you will need a rental car for a day. In one day you can probably drive to Pearl Harbor, then up Highway 1 to the opposite side of the island and then on around and take the freeway back to the Waikiki area. But you may not have time for snorkeling.

BUT you can take the bus from the vicinity of the cruise port to Pearl Harbor. The port is at Piers 10-11, adjacent to Aloha Tower Marketplace ( http://www.alohatower.com/ ); that is a major shopping area and it has bus service. Here is a link to the bus system: http://www.thebus.org/

If you want to snorkel while on Oahu the best place is Hanauma Bay (web link: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm ) which is a sheltered beach with flat water and some coral life. Its on a main road just past Waikiki Beach and around the island past Diamond Head. You can probably get there by bus also, but if your time is short you may be better taking a taxi.

Admission to Pearl Harbor is free but there are generally long lines and it is a must to get there early. Its also an area where the Homeland Security people will control what you can bring onto the site. So it would probably not be a good idea to go there with all of your beach and snorkel equipment.

Answer 2

I haven't been top Hawaii in four years. What i recall is that there are ships that sail from island to island on a daily basis when you get to Hawaii ask the nearest tourist information centre for a schedule of these ships.
Also, if you want to see the whole island such as O'ahu, where Honolulu is located, there are buses which go around the whole island from Honolulu to Kaneohe to North Shore to Wainae for less than two dollars. You get to see the beautiful natural surroundings of one whole island for a fair price.
I didn't go snorkling as i can't swim but you should try North Shore and Kaneohe.
You can get to Pearl Harbor by a tram because there is a bridge that connects Ford Island (Pear Harbour) to Honolulu.
You must try hiking. Hike Diamond Head for two hours it's real fun. But if you do bring beverages as when you get to the top there are people who sell water and coke for $3+, which is nuts.
There is also this place near Paluae (forgive the spelling) where the mountains look like waterfalls it's amazing.

Answer 3

For more first-hand info, go to cruisecritic.com, click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then go to the Hawaii thread.