5 hours in Honolulu

[matt_t]

Well, first timer here realizing I could have planned better. Our plane lands 11:30a on Saturday 9/5, and PoA casts off at 8p. On the way back we dock at 7a and fly out at 2p. Allowing for transfers, check in time and cushion, on each day we have 4 or at most 5 hours free on Oahu. That's all our time on Oahu for the whole trip, our first visit to Hawaii. I'm told I should have booked an extension but it's getting late to get a decent fare.....and with the arrangements we've made for days off work, pet care and etc at home we might be locked in. Live and learn!

So, can you help me see that those 8-9 hours (total) don't go to waste? Where would you spend a couple of hours within a cab ride of the PoA dock - as a first timer on Oahu?

With rumored waiting times at USS Arizona I doubt it make sense to try to get in, I'd hate to spend those precious hours waiting in line. Where could we go to at least get some good views of Pearl Harbor or other Oahu landmarks?

Any local tour operators or local guides who could give us a taste of Oahu in ~3 hours?

Is there a WalMart or Target or other discount store conveniently located near the dock where we could buy some things like snorkel and beach gear that we might not want to carry on the plane, or rent? Nice way to spend our first couple of hours in paradise....heh.

How about a place to leave luggage in between airport and boat? Check in on PoA is 12 noon....is it realistic to check in early and leave luggage on board before heading out for a few hours, or are we likely to get tied up and wind up just spending the afternoon on the boat waiting to cast off?

Thanks a bunch for any advice. I'm still going to check about a one night extension and will surely plan better next time!

[cccole]

Here are just a couple of thoughts. I make use of every second I am in Hawaii. When you arrive, if you take a taxi to the dock, check-in, and then take a taxi to Waikiki for the day. You can have lunch at Duke's, enjoy the beach and ocean, walk across the street to the international marketplace or ABC store to buy necessities and snorkel equipment, have a mai-tai under the Banyan tree at the Moana, and taxi back to board the ship. Be sure and pack a bathing suit and towel in your carry-on.

When you arrive back in port you might enjoy going to the Iolani Palace. It is a 15 minute walk from the pier and a wonderful experience. And...if you have time you can enjoy a last mai-tai at Don Ho's at the pier before collecting luggage and heading for the airport. If you want to get take-out from somewhere (we have a favorite sushi restaurant) you can take it to the airport and sit in one of their beautiful gardens and enjoy lunch before boarding your flight.

With 4 hours, depending on your interests, you would have time to visit Pearl Harbor, hike Diamond Head, and a few other things. If you look at Oahu Gold online there may be coupons for a limo for 4 hours to take you where ever you want to go. I just don't think spending half of my 4 hours riding in a car would be fun.

Cherie

[kapoho2]

Just a little heads up...the POA does not leave from the pier at the Aloha Tower Marketplace. It leaves from a pier (can't remember the # right now) that does not have all the shops and restaurants adjacent to it .

[Host Michell]

If you really do want to see Pearl Harbor the day to do that would be when you dock back in Honolulu. To handle the luggage issue, and because you have a fairly early flight time, I think I'd book that either through the ship, or with Robert's (http://www.gorabbitgo.com/)

They will pick you up at the pier and drop you off at the airport, and you bags will remain on the bus (no bags of any kind are permitted into Pearl Harbor -- including purses, camera bags, etc.).

[matt_t]

Thanks for the helpful comments! I'll be doing some googling on those names and places and try to formulate a plan.