mnchkn11

Maui- We only did part of the Road to Hana in Maui. It was nice, but not spectacular. It probably depends on your interests. We have been on other roads similar to this one, but did want to see what all of the fuss was about. We went to the Ke'anae Peninsula and made that our last stop. The painted eucalyptus trees and Ke'anae Peninsula were the highlights of the drive. We spent the rest of the day at Hookipa and HP Baldwin Beaches.

Kona- We did a ship tour (we were on POA) to the Place of Refuge national park, the Painted Church and a coffee plantation. We got back to Kona around noon and walked around town. It was a nice relaxing day. We really enjoyed the sights on the tour as well as exploring town. (It's a tender day, so it was nice to have the ship tour because they arranged the tender off the boat for us.)

Kauai- We did most of the island in 1 day. We headed to Wailua Falls, then went up to the north shore. We spent a good amount of time at the lighthouse and nature preserve. We went to Hanalei Bay for lunch and walked around. We drove all the way to the end of the road and stopped at another beach for a rest and a shave ice. Then we headed back towards the south shore, stopping for coffee and a view of Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua River. We ended at Poipu Beach and the blowhole (after driving through the Tree Tunnel), which we didn't end up spending much time at but were able to see. It was not a rushed day, and we were able to enjoy what we wanted to. We got an early start. We skipped Waimea Canyon because we've been to the Grand Canyon several times. We would not have been able to do both shores plus the canyon on the same day.

All of the islands are great. I would do a week on any of them. However, since you mentioned the cruise, I think Oahu would be the best in your scenario. That way you don't have to hop on a plane. There are plenty of great beaches to relax on and lots of sights if you want to explore. If you go during winter, the waves on the north shore are an attraction, as well as whales. I especially enjoyed Lanikai Beach and could have spent a week there!!

We really enjoyed the drive up to the north shore. The Lighthouse is worth a stop. The south shore was also beautiful- though more busy. The blowhole was worth a visit if you have time.

If you are docking in Kahului, there is plenty of free parking for cruise ship passengers. There is a parking lot right across from the port, but that is very small and fills up quickly. The guard will tell you about the other lot, just a few blocks away. I don't remember the street names, but it is right on the main street behind an old building- across from a shopping plaza. From there, there is a walkway to the port. Very easy, and free. When we were there, most of the cruise passengers used this lot.

We were on the NCL cruise in March 2013 and we saw whales everywhere. If you are looking, you will see whales. And not just on Maui- we saw whales on every island. We could see them from the ship and from land. Bring some good binoculars if you want to see them close-up!

I found a discount code on this message board before we went on our cruise in March 2013. It cut the prices in half. I think we paid $40/day for the cars on most of the islands. I don't remember what the code was, but if you search these message boards you should find it somewhere. I have seen it more than once.

We stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village and loved it. It's a bit pricey though. It is right on Waikiki Beach (actually on the best part), and so there is easy access to the Waikiki Beach boardwalk. Also close to lots of shopping and dining. Very relaxing, and everything is right there if you never want to leave the beach! We had to take a bus to downtown Honolulu.

I recommend Lanikai on Oahu. It is absolutely beautiful. I wish we'd spent more time there! Parking was not a problem at all when we were there. There are many side streets where you can park for free, and then find one of the public paths to the beach. Not too difficult. I'm not sure about public facilities, but there is a bigger beach down the road (not sure of the name) that has facilities.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island is a nice one. It was only about 30 mins past VNP, if even that. We thought it was going to be longer, but it really was do-able. We didn't spend much time there- maybe 20 mins- but we really just wanted to see it. The sand was HOT. There is a concession stand and bathrooms if you want to stay longer. We also had plenty of time at VNP on the way back.

Oahu- Rent a car and drive to the North Shore. Waikiki is nice for a while, but it is very busy and crowded. The traffic is insane! You could find an island loop that would take you past a lot of sights. We went to Lanikai Beach and Byodo-in-Temple, to name a few. Pearl Harbor is a must.

Maui- Rent a car. We went to Lahaina and drove Haleakala in the same day. It's a lot of driving, and we didn't spend much time in Lahaina. We didn't stay for sunset at Haleakala because it was cold and very windy. We were wearing our jeans, sneakers and winter coats and we still couldn't stick it out for sunset! Also consider driving at least a little of the Road to Hana or stopping at a beach for a while.

Hilo- Volcanoes National Park definitely. Start by driving to the end of the Chain of Craters Road and go backwards to make sure you have time. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a nice stop if you have time.

Kona- There is a lot to do in town, if you like shopping and/or history. There is a big farmer's market on some days. Kona is known for their coffee, so if you like coffee I recommend a tour that includes a stop at a coffee plantation.

Kauai- Rent a car. The whole island is beautiful. It is very small, so if you have a plan you can tour the north and south shore in one day (although it is exhausting!). Whatever you choose to do on Kauai, it won't be a disappointment!

Drive up to the North Shore. Stop at Wailua Falls- a double waterfall off the side of the road. Stop at Kilauea Lighthouse and Nature Refuge for some great views and bird watching. Hanalei has lots of options for lunch and shopping. Stop at Haena Beach Park for some shave ice and a relaxing view. Also a strange cave formation you can check out. Drive to the end of the road for hiking or views (we weren't able to stop here because there was no parking available!). Stop at Small Town Coffee in Kapaa (on your way to the north shore or back) for good coffee and a great atmosphere.

The National Park website is usually pretty accurate. http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm

In Hilo we plan to go to the Volcanoes National Park via a rental car. Any other suggestions for the day for VIEWS or fun? Any nice beaches or waterfalls to see? Where would you go besides the Volcanoes National Park??

 

THANKS!!

If you drive about half an hour past Volcanoes National Park, you will come to Punaluu Black Sand beach. http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/regions-neighborhoods/kau/punaluu-black-sand-beach I highly recommend it- it was beautiful and peaceful. We only spent about half an hour there before we headed back to VNP (which I also highly recommend- drive the Chain of Craters Road).

I vote January. You will see lots of whales (even from shore) and big waves. We went in March and had this experience. The weather was great.

Will the rental car companies pick you up at the pier on debarkation day (POA) and you can return the car to them at the airport that afternoon? Our flight is not until 8pm.

Call the rental agency to check. I don't remember seeing shuttles on disembarkation day, but then again I wasn't looking.

Oahu- Duke's (fresh fish, loved the salad bar); Keneke's plate lunch in Waimanalo 9sooo good); shave ice (anywhere, really).

Maui- Maui Swiss Café in Lahaina (really quirky little place hidden off the main road with really good sandwiches! they also have shave ice and fresh coconut); Flatbread Company in Paia (apparently this is a chain restaurant, but all of the ingredients were fresh and local; very tasty).

Kona- Splasher's Grill (across from the tender port, so it's busy- but very fresh food).

Kauai- Small Town Coffee in Kapaa (for a snack, good coffee and a cute little place- there was a market happening outside the front door when we were there).

Maui- We rented a car from Thrifty using the BlueChip program. We did part of the Road to Hana and found it over-rated. The things that made it worth it for us were the Painted Eucalyptus at mile marker 6 (something I have never seen before) and Keanae Peninsula which was beautiful but took a long time to get to. I don't know if I would call these WOW but definitely worth a ride if you have time. Haleakala was WOW but a very long, windy, tough drive. We almost got hit by a bus coming back down the mountain. It was very cold and windy at the top, so we didn't stay long (we had intended to stay for sunset) and only did one short walk. Iao Valley was ok- it is close to the ship so if you have time it is worth the trip. Depending on the time of year you go (November?) WHALES WHALES WHALES. We went in March and could see whales right from shore with the naked eye. Hookipa Beach was worth a quick stop, and we sat on HP Baldwin Beach for a while (which I recommend). Lahaina was probably not worth the drive.

Hilo- We rented a car from Hertz and drove to Punaluu Black Sand Beach (WOW). Then we drove to Volcanoes National Park and drove the Chain of Craters Road (WOW).

Kona- We took an excursion that went to the Painted Church, Place of Refuge and a coffee plantation. Nothing really WOW but we found it very interesting. Then we walked around Kona, which is a cute little town.

Kauai- This whole island really is WOW. We rented a car from Thrifty again. I don't think you could go wrong with anything you do on Kauai. We loved the North Shore and drove all the way to the end of the road, with a stop at the lighthouse and Hanalei. Then we went to the south shore, which is more crowded but just as beautiful.

Honolulu- Pearl Harbor if you have time (WOW). Or a drive to the North Shore with a stop at Lanikai Beach and the Byodo-in-Temple.