PoA Itinerary Sailing 9/5

[matt_t]

Everything's shaping up great. Went shopping for new bathing suit and sun shirts yesterday and found a deal on snorkel gear. Bought our own, since the the wife is touchy about germs and with size 13 feet I often have issues with rental gear. Now we've got gear that we know fits, with only our own germs to worry about, and the price was very right ($30 for decent set of mask, snorkel, and fins at Sport Chalet), so we'll be able to flop around at our own pace.

Thanks 1 more time for all the help....what a great crowd you all have here! Here's what I've got for an itinerary, as first time cruisers and first time to Hawaii. Additional suggestions welcome - I've trying to leave some gaps for flexibility and pure chillin' out, but would welcome the pointing out of any apparent problems or glaring omissions here:

Day 1: Land in Honolulu 1115am. Shuttle to PoA, check in, drop off bags. Catch taxi or bus into Waikiki. Late lunch at Duke's or a little local place I've been rec'd by a friend. Shop for an aloha shirt or 2. Walk around a bit. (Suggestions for things to do and nice places to walk around in Waikiki are welcome! I think the palace closes early on Saturday.) Back to ship for evening departure.

Day 2: Pick up convertible in Maui (Thrifty Blue Chip). Drive to a good beginner's snorkel beach or two, play with our new toys, chill out, lunch around Lahaina (any suggestions for a beachside lunch spot?) Get picnic food somewhere (?) and drive up to Haleakala for sunset. Back to ship for evening and maybe a late supper.

Day 3: A lot like Day 2 except, I expect, a later start and back earlier.

Day 4: Pick up convertible at Hilo (Thrifty BC again). Volcano sightseeing on our own, and if we have time the botanical garden.

Day 5: Our first NCL excursion, out of Kona, Catamaran/Snorkel/Dolphins. Rest of day probably spent within walking distance of dock in Kona. (Our walking range is pretty long.)

Day 6: Pick up convertible on Kauai. Waimea canyon and ?? Return car ~3:30pm and ride NCL shuttle to Luau Kalamaku and Plantation train ride.

Day 7: Walk to Kalapaki beach, then back for early sailing. Our port side balcony cabin should be perfect for the sail-by of the Napali coast.

Day 8: Dock in Honolulu, NCL shuttle to airport. Pick up Thrifty econocar for a few hours last-minute sightseeing/shopping on Oahu. Pearl Harbor, maybe the palace and/or Diamond Head. No time for north shore this visit - something to save for next time. Return car at airport for afternoon flight home.

Thanks especially for the recommendation of Thrifty Blue Chip - turns out that's going to save us on long term parking at our home airport, too.

We can't wait to leave now, and will be sure to post a review within a week or so of return!

[minimom5]

Hi!
Your plans sound great! We just got back from the 8/08 sailing of POA and I can tell you a couple of things that worked out well for us! We also were beginner snorklers and we had a great time snorkeling at Wailea Beach near the Grand Wailea Hotel. We were amazed by all of the beautiful fish we saw and even a sea turtle! Not to mention that Wailea Beach itself was gorgeous! Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach ( also a beautiful beach!) is another great snorkel spot and we also had a really nice lunch at The Hula Grill ( outside at their beachside tables) at Whaler's Village right next to Kaanapali Beach. We could see Black Rock from our table at Hula Grill. It's just a few minutes north of Lahaina. Hope this is helpful!

[JGaleCPA]

Given your walking range in Kona, I would definitely hunt out the flea market.

It came recommended by multiple people and was a lot of fun.

As you get off the tender, with the water at your back and the street in front of you, take a right and walk down the main drag for about 1/2 a mile.

Lots of cool stuff and my wife got some nice jewelry

On your walk you will pass a lot of nice restaurants.

We highly recommend 'Fish Hoppers'

Enjoy!

Jim