Cruising to Hawaii - Looking for Activity Suggestions at Ports of Call

We did a 15 night cruise out of LA to Hawaii, going to these ports, though the Kauai port was canceled, so we spent 2 days in Maui. On the big island, it is a must that you go to the Volcano Park. It's awesome! If you have never been to Pearl Harbor on Oahu, it's worth the visit. Hanama Bay is also fun to go to, as is the International Market. Don't miss Waikiki Beach though. In Maui, you can bike ride down Haleakla, snorkel Molokini Crater(awesome), go to the Maui Ocean Center, or just hang out in Lahaina. They also have the train excursion(the Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad) which is fun. On Kauai, my parents liked the grand canyon of the pacific, though I know several people that have taken the Zodiac boats to the Na Pali coast for snorkeling. That is what I was supposed to do there before that port got cancelled. That is supposed to be one of the best snorkel adventures in Hawaii, so book EARLY as it sells out quickly.
Aloha!
H.

My girfriend and I did this cruise last may on NCL's Pride of America.Cruising is the best way to see the islands! You and your family are going to LOVE Hawaii. In Honolulu, go to Waikiki Beach - the water clean, crisp, & clean. Kauai & Kona were my favorite places. Make sure that you and your family go to a Luau - a wonderful experience, however expensive, but than again Hawaii is expensive. We did the one in Kauai. All the stops offer some type of free transporation, whether it be shopping or going to local beaches. One place I do recommend is The TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN in Hilo, it is beautiful! All I can say, whatever you decide to do - you will enjoy it. The weather was perfect when we went on the last day of May.
Aloha!
Dottie
P.s Make sure you bring back some pineapples...yum yum!

On Oahu ~ taker a catamaran sail off the beach in front of the Sheraton Waikiki or Royal Hawaiian. You will see a few boats if you look down the beach. It is a lot of fun and the kids will love it. They go out about 3 times a day. Don't forget the sunscreen as u are surrounded by water. The int'l mkt place is a tourist trap. One booth after another of the same things. If you have some extra minutes..go upstairs in the royal hawaiian center and find Chip and cookie. It is "famous Amos" and besides cookies (to go?) they have all sorts of items for kids, books, etc. Chip and Cookie are stuffed toys. My son has been going to waikiki since he was 6 months and he loves (to this day and he is 18) the catamaran. There is actually one (maybe more) that has a net where the kids can lay down and get splashed and actually have their face in the water...If you want a typical meal...look for a "plate lunch" on any island. 2 scoops rice and usually 2 entree choices. Cheeseburgers in paradise is fun because all the waiters (men mostly) wear hula skirts. Just mostly burgers but fun. I would be honored to help with anything you might need...I keep a list of all we do.

Hi T.,

Fun, fun I love Hawaii! I've never been on a cruise through the islands but have done an island or two per trip. Kona is my favorite - the big island has so much to offer in my opinion.

I have a close friend who lives there that books excursions throughout all the islands. She's never steered us wrong. I'm not sure how long you'll be in each port but the things we did in Kona that were something my kids and I will have cherished memories of for our entire lives are swimming with the wild spinner dolphin out in the ocean, seeing the black sand beach, watching the lava flow into the ocean at night, dinner up at Parker Ranch. If you want to get in touch with my friend she works for Expedia, her email address is ____@____.com.

Wishing you fun and safe travels,
Deb

Well, in Honolulu there are quite a few things that are interesting, you've got Pearl Harbor, the Mighty Mo and the Russian submarine, also the Polynesian Cultural center is fantastic as long as you are not in Honolulu on a Sunday, because it is closed, also there is a place like a small Sea World and then there is the Dole Pineapple plantation. Fun things to do with kids for sure! There is also a really neat place on the other side of the island that is a coffee and macadamia farm. They have really great tours for really inexpensive. If you are interested I will ask my sister as she used to live there what the name of the place was. What cruiseline are you going on? I work for Princess Cruises and I can take a look for you if that is the cruiseline and see what I think would be best for you and your family. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hi T.,

On the Big Island - definitly do Volcano National Park. Walk through the Lava tubes if you can.

On Kauai - the Smith's Luau is awesome - but it's late in the day and you may not be able to go if the boat is leaving. It's worth it if you have time to go. They may have Luau's on other islands as well. Book ahead though - they fill up fast.

Have fun!