We are going to Hilo, Maui (2days), Kona, Kauai (2days) and honolulu. Can anyone tell me things to do and where to go if we explore it on our own. Or are there some things worth paying for??
2007-11-12 12:47:19 · 8 answers · asked by browneyegirl 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Honolulu
The excursions will definitely get you back to the ship on time and you wont have to worry about getting lost, finding transportation etc. I would say this time take the excursions unless you have been there before and know what to see and how to get there.
2007-11-12 12:55:54 · answer #1 · answered by Diane M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to answer your question is with another question: how adventuresome are you? I think it is much easier to get around the Hawaiian islands on your own than it would be in a foreign port. But unless you are a fairly confident person who is willing to put up with a bit of risk to strike out on his or her own, you will probably be better off with the excursions. They will give you value for your money. The guides are usualy knowledgeable & personable. But some folks prefer to strike out on their own & if that is you, you can make that work too.
On any of the islands there will be helicopter tours.
On the Hilo side of the Big Island: a tour of orchid farms or up to Volcano National Park. On the Kona side: snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.
Maui: Haleakala National (or is it state, I don't remember & it doesn't matter) Park, there is a winery in upcountry Maui & a lavendar farm, Io Valley, the trip to Hana would be too long most likely, a trip out to Molokini for snorkeling.
Kauai: Princeville/Hanalei on the north shore, Waimea Canyon, & the overlook of the Na Pali cliffs.
Oahu: Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial & the Mighty Mo, Iolani Palace, the North Shore (this will take some time), Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, & of course, Waikiki.
2007-11-13 04:50:35 · answer #2 · answered by boomer gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the first answer is best. Although the excursions can be pricey, it's best to be sure you will be back at the ship on time and go with a company that knows the island. If you rent a car you will waste a lot of time at the rental counter, buying gas, checking maps, etc. It's worth it to do that if you have a week on an island, but not if you only have a day or two.
2007-11-12 21:37:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We were just on the Hawaiian cruise in March. The excursions are really costly. It is usually is more cost efficient to do things on your own. It also depends on how many people are in your party. If there are four of you, its pretty cheap to rent a car and do things on your own. Aside from Honolulu the driving is pretty easy everywhere else. You can look up the prices of the excursions online, then go to hawaiian tourism website to see the prices of the same kind of tours. Good luck
2007-11-12 21:15:04 · answer #4 · answered by laura c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually secure a guide to show me areas of different port cities. I love to take in as much native live as possible. In Hawaii, rent a car but allow plenty of time to get mack to the ship. There is way to much to see than a day or two will allow.
Have fun and Happy cruising. Get the Travel Book ... Maui Revealed .
InTravelPro
2007-11-12 22:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by intravelpro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im going to tell you---I have done both, in the Dominican--and its definitely worth paying for the excursions.
They have the whole day planned, they are safer, and you will get a lot more out of travelling with locals than you would getting lost on your own, (or running out of gas, like I did).
They are definitely worth the money!
2007-11-12 22:23:27 · answer #6 · answered by Jennawae 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually tours are much better in foreign countries. However, Hawaii of course is not foreign, so you may be able to find some good onshore deals.
Are you going on the "Pride of America"?
We are going next week, and have setup a luau on one of the islands.
2007-11-13 16:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by clone1973 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2007-11-12 21:45:00 · answer #8 · answered by KATHERINE M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋