ollychelle

We just got back on the 19th. From the airport to Waikiki, we used Hawaii23 transportation and had no issues. I believe they take only one party at a time so you don't have multiple stops and they're very affordable. From the port to the airport, we got a taxi for $25. A lot of the taxis seem to be mini vans. Even if you had to get 2 taxis with your group, that might be close to price of a shuttle service with no hassle because there was taxis everywhere? To get from Waikiki to the port, we used Roberts.

We are doing Pearl Harbor on our disembark day. Since we don't have a room and don't want to get sandy, etc. Plus our flight doesn't leave until 8:30 at night. Maybe do North Shore and Wakiki area on the other day while you have a room. Just a suggestion.

Thanks great info. Didn't know this was an option.

I have been finalizing our plans over Christmas break for our cruise in June around the Hawaiian Islands. I think I am mostly done. I am just struggling with disembarkment day. We are planning on doing Pearl Harbor and the Iolani Palace that day, because our flight doesn't leave til late that night. We had originally looked at tours, but none of the tours do what we want at the Iolani Palace plus with a party of 8 the tours are crazy expensive!! So we are not interested in tours. So what is our best option for renting two cars to get us from the pier (so we have a place to store luggage all day) and eventually to the airport later that night?

Option 1) I have heard conflicting reports that various car rental agencies will shuttle you from the pier to the airport for free if you have a reservation. Any confirmations of this and which companies do this?

Option 2) Taxi it from the pier to the airport and get a rental car at the airport. How much would taxi fare be for this option?

Option 3) Hawaii Discount Car Rental quoted me $240 for two cars, but that includes a $60 fee ($30 per car) as a rental vehicle surcharge.

Just trying to find the most cost effective way to do this without being too big of a headache/time waste. Is there another option I am missing.

Thanks in advance!!!

We will be there then as well! Good info!! I will have to look into the parade route!!

Thanks everyone!!

Also how long are lines to pick up $1.50 reserved tickets at pearl harbor. I understand we have to be there at least an hour early or lose them. But trying to plan according if we are going to have to wait in a huge line to pick them up. Thanks!

Another question quick. My mom wants to see the Iolani Palace (not necessarily go in, but at least see it). It looks like we will have to go by that general area when leaving Pearl Harbor to head to Wakiki Hotel. Does this sound right? Hopefully on Saturday the traffic won't be too bad...lol:)

Thanks everyone!!!

Both the NCL and Roberts tours will take your luggage on the vehicle when they pick you up at the ship. It stays on the bus untill you reach your hotel.

 

I know your plan for the rental on debark day was to have the driver shuttle to the airport to pick up the car, then drive back to pick up the rest of the family at the ship before proceeding to Pearl Harbor. I'll make this suggestion, and that is that the entire party should consider the trip to the rental site. My reasoning is that the drive back through Honolulu traffic is not an easy one. And Pearl Harbor is very near the airport, so you are practically there when you get the car. Would save frayed nerves for the driver and some time for the whole party. If anyone disagrees, I'm sure they will chime in:).

 

As mentioned, do be aware that tickets for P H must be purchased in advance. If you book a tour, they take care of your tickets. We did the drive to and from the airport rental area on our last cruise. Honestly, not sure I'd ever do it again.

My understanding is that they will only shuttle one or two people unless there is just room in the van?

I will call Robert's because if they will pick us up at the port, hold our luggage, and then take us to the hotel. That would be awesome!!! I wouldn't even worry about a rental then.

Thanks!!

Thanks for reply. I looked into $12-pp for smiths and was told $28 round trip pp. That is the only reason I would rent a car that day. I think I'm going to call directly. Good to know cab price, because that would be $120 for us which is cost of car rental. So that may work!!

Thanks for advice on insurance!!

Will look into tour through Roberts, but would have all our luggage. NCL was like $100 a head which is a lot for 8.

Thanks :)

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise.

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

I also have been considering this. We were going to add fern grotto boat ride then luau. I asked about $12 transport and was told the price is being raised to $14. Plus that is one way, so I was quoted a price of $28 total pp? For 8 of us that is steep. Good to know cab is $30 one way.

I believe another option would be to do it on debarkation day through NCL. I realize it is a little pricey, but a lot easier than messing with car rental pick ups and returns, taxis, lugguage, driving(maybe getting lost) when already short on time. Looked into this as well, but decided to stay a few nights on Oahu in a hotel since we don't get any time on the island. I believe NCL keeps your luggage for you during the excursion before taking you to the airport. I am sure someone will correct me if wrong.

NCL Website said Please Note: This tour is offered for guests with flights after 6:00 pm and drops-off at the airport only. Guests are responsible for ensuring their debarkation tours are compatible with their flight departure times. Guests have the option to book their flights through our Premium Air Department to ensure that flight departure times do not interfere with debark tours.

I voted for the cruise. As you can see from my signature, we have cruised around the islands many times. After quickly reading though the Trafalgar tour, I noticed a couple of things. You are spending two nights in Kona, with one day being a free day. From the description, you will be staying at the Sheraton Hotel which is oceanfront, but does not have a beach....only a pool.

Good to know.

Thinking that maybe the extra days at Oahu at a beachfront resort with booked tours (because my mom likes the ease of tours and really wants to do Pearl Harbor and the Palace)and then cruise might be the best bet? Still a few nights beachside with the ease of tours, but less packing/airport headache. Hmmm...decisions, but fun decisions!

Thanks everyone!!! Keep the great info coming!!

I figured since I added cruise locations that I should add trafalgar as well. If this helps

Day 1

ARRIVE HONOLULU, OAHU – WAIKIKI (2 NIGHTS)

Welcome to Hawaii. In the traditional Aloha spirit, you'll be greeted at the airport with a flower lei. Explore your hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like: dive into the warm gentle waves of the Pacific or relax with a tropical drink poolside. At 6 p.m., gather for a Hawaiian-style Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Meal(s)

Welcome Reception

Dinner

Day 2

PEARL HARBOR AND HONOLULU SIGHTSEEING

Today, begin your exploration of Oahu. During a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, you'll be moved by this memorial to the World War II military personnel still entombed in the ship's hull since the fatal attack in 1941. After driving through the National Memorial Cemetery in the Punchbowl Crater, make your way back to Honolulu to see the splendid Iolani Palace, former home to Hawaii's last monarchs, and the iconic King Kamehameha I statue at Aliiolani Hale. View the current state capitol building, built in a Hawaiian version of modernist Bauhaus architecture. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend relaxing on the beach, doing some shopping or just exploring.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Day 3

OAHU – KONA – KEAUHOU BAY (2 NIGHTS)

Your morning begins with a short, scenic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the lively seaside village of Kailua-Kona followed by time to explore the local shops in this quaint and bustling town. Kona is famous for its tasty coffee and you'll learn more about this fragrant bean and the process of growing them on a Kona coffee plantation with a Local Specialist. Later, check in to your oceanfront resort and perhaps get a glimpse of the most famous guests on the property: the manta rays. Speaking of rays, get an up close view of these majestic sea creatures with a dinner at Rays on the Bay.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4

KONA FREE TIME

Wake to the sound of the sea and explore one of the most beautiful areas in the world on your own today. Options abound: don a snorkel and mask to see some of Hawaii's colourful and varied marine life, experience a spectacular helicopter flightseeing excursion over Big Island or just relax and enjoy the pool and other facilities at your oceanfront resort. This evening, perhaps join an optional experience to visit a historic working cattle ranch in the highlands for dinner and entertainment. Learn all about one of the ocean's most unique animals, the manta ray, from a Local Specialist at the hotel's Manta Ray Learning Center.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Day 5

KEAUHOU BAY – HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - HILO - MAUI (3 NIGHTS)

Bid farewell to Kona as you make your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the world's largest volcano. On the way, see the immense stretches of black sand beaches the island is known for and enjoy a stop at the southernmost bakery in the United States. Once inside the park, learn about the fiery geology of the islands and walk through a real lava tube followed by a visit to an interpretive museum. Afterwards, enjoy a savoury lunch at The Rim restaurant, offering unparalleled views of the Kilauea caldera. Later, travel to Hilo where you board your flight to Maui, the Magic Isle. Formerly a royal retreat, magnificent Kaanapali Beach is often ranked as one of America's finest beaches. Check in to your beachfront resort and relax for the evening.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Lunch

Day 6

MAUI SIGHTSEEING

This morning, set off for another of Hawaii's most famous volcanoes: Haleakala, which means "house of the sun". The volcano itself is the world's largest dormant volcano and the National Park is home to the island's highest peak at 10,023 feet (3,055 metres) above sea level. Travel into the countryside next to visit a local farm and learn about the sustainable agriculture on the islands. Then toast your host with a glass of wine and indulge in a Be My Guest lunch serving up delicious Hawaiian specialities made with the freshest local ingredients. After lunch, visit the lush emerald peaks of Iao Valley State Park. Join your travelling companions this evening for a luau Regional Meal, featuring a sumptuous buffet, tropical cocktails and the songs and dances of old Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Regional Meal

Day 7

MAUI FREE TIME

Enjoy a full free day in paradise as you chart your own course through Maui's wonderlands. Spend some time on the long white-sand beaches. Explore the old whaling village of Lahaina with its trendy art galleries and welcoming cafés. Play 18 holes at a championship golf course overlooking the sea or maybe embark on a whale watching cruise. This evening, toast your travel adventures with your newfound friends at a festive Farewell Dinner.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day Cruise Ports Arrive Depart

Sat Honolulu, Oahu (EMBARK) 7:00 pm

Sun Kahului, Maui 8:00 am ---

Mon Kahului, Maui --- 6:00 pm

Tue Hilo, Hawaii 8:00 am 6:00 pm

Wed Kona, Hawaii 7:00 am 5:30 pm

Thu Nawiliwili, Kauai 8:00 am ---

Fri Nawiliwili, Kauai --- 2:00 pm

Sat Honolulu, Oahu (DISEMBARK) 7:00 am ---

Thanks for the advice so far. I do agree that we could DYI cheaper for two islands. I've thought about it, but my mom likes the idea of tours because of minimal waits and less planning on our end. This is her decision.

Are any of the docks close to beaches, short walk?

My mom wants to go to Hawaii. It will be a one time only trip for her and she would really like to see more than one island. I realize most people advise a week on each island. I realize that we can not see all that Hawaii has to offer on a 10 day or so trip, and we will be cramming a lot in. Because we are planning on going to multiple islands, I need your help!! We can not decide between a Trafalgar guided tour or a cruise. I realize this is a cruise board and we love cruising, but I want to make sure this trip is everything my mom wants. We would also have to cruise NCL because of time of year. (Either over Springbreak or Summer- still not decided). There will be 8-9 people total in our party. 13 and 15 year old kids, 5 or 6 middle aged adults, and my older mother) So help please!!

Trafalgar is about $1000 more per person, but includes many excursions already (Coffee plantation, Pearl Harbor, National Volcano Park, a luau, experiences at restaurants on different islands, etc.) We would go to Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui over 8 days. We get a free day at Maui and Kona. Plus we would extend the trip by 2 days because our time on Oahu is short.

All accommodations are beachfront and my mother loves the beach!!! She likes to take evening strolls, etc. Are beaches easily accessible from the cruise ship for this? Are there some ports that you can just exit the ship with tons to do without an excursion like a lot of Caribbean ports?

Downfall: We have to go through airports more often, change rooms (3 different rooms total over 10 days), pay for 1/2 of our meals, be with the same group of people with not as much flexibility

Cruise on NCL- $1000 cheaper. We get to pick our own excursions (though we are pretty happy with Trafalgar's selections over all). We get to go to 4 islands over 7 days (We would add time on in Oahu pre or post cruise with this option too) Meals are all included, but the ships may be far from where we are on the island so may not be accessible easily? We also do love cruising, but I am thinking we will barely be on the ship and it will more be for breakfast/sleeping. After paying for excursions, tips, etc. I am thinking the prices might be fairly close.

Please help us decide. Anyone with experience with both? I am sure there is something we haven't thought of too that those with experience with Hawaii, cruising, Trafalgar, can help us with!! TIA!!!!:)