West Coast - Hawaii Roundtrip Cruisers Thread

[Big Al B.]

Really glad to see this thread here :). We've got a long time to plan (Zaandam 10/4/09). I noticed that with the exception of Honolulu we are in port from 8-5 with 2 tender ports (Nawiliwili, Kona). I'm wondering if we'd be better off looking for tours (either independent or ship's) than doing the car rental thing.

 

If we would rent a car, doesn't the driver kind of pay a price for not being able to enjoy the views?

[peggyann1216]

Really looking forward to our first trip to Hawaii....have been waiting a LONG time for this to happen. Celebrating Anniversary and Birthday, and we just LOVE those sea days, also.

 

Does anyone know how/where to purchase a celebratory "lei" in Honolulu?? Are there flower stands around or do you have to go to a florist???? Really looking for a beautiful one for me and my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.

 

We are taking the Al'i Kai Catamaran Sunset Cruise past Diamond Head in Honolulu, but haven' t set other tours up as yet.

 

Thanks for any info on the "leis".

[ArtsyChic]

Questions of the Day:

Lahaina, Maui

Maui Snorkel Cruise....it ends at 2pm..Does it end at the pier or another spot on island that you can stay and hang out there for the rest of the time off the ship? Anyone take this excursion? We would love to hang out on the beach or go shopping in the local area.

Hilo, Big Island

I feel like I am shooting in the dark...I have read things over and over and just cant seem to pick an excursion...

Really need suggestions from someone that took excursions with Princess at this Port or other cruiselines...highlights of hilo, best of hilo, botanical gardens, so many more choices to list.

Kauai

Has anyone ever done the Napali Expedition...what is the boat ride like? or other high impact tours like the 4x4

I remember reading the Fern Grotto was not that impressive on some excursions..so not thinking of that one. I did read good things about the Tropical Garden and Luau..

Waimea Canyon...difference between morning and afternoon tours?

Hollywood Movies and Waterfalls...is it a little too cheesy and more for the relaxed crowd...some reviews seems like it is too much time sitting on bus listening to tour guides??

Kaua'i Backroads adventure ..difference between morning afternoon tours? are they very rough on the passengers...what was your experiences

Honolulu, Oahu

Anyone done the Ali'i kai dinner cruise?

Little Island Circle tour?

back roads of oahu?

natural highlights of oahu?

Renting a car or public transportation seems a must here...

Ok, that is enough thinking for one night:o All suggestions and ideas will be so appreciated..I am so grateful to have such a captured audience..

Celeste

[Truck Cruiser]

We are leaving out of San Diego in 10 days-can't wait. DH thinks he'll go nuts on the way over or back, but I'm looking forward to it.

Been to Oahu before on business, did alot of sight seeing so we're renting a car for the day & taking the Maitai sunset cruise that night. Did that 3 different times too.

Kauai - we're trying tubing down some mountain/lunch/swimming etc sounds different

Hilo- doors off helicopter tour just a tad nervous

Kona - morning sail/snorkel to pawai bay

Maui - rent a car for the morning & then afternoon sail/snorkel to coral gardens on four winds II

 

Wow, I'm tired just writing about it! There were other items that I wanted to do, but getting into port cause us to miss alot of the events. We'll just have to go over to hawaii again!

 

I see some on this thread have gone out of San Diego and some from L.A. Has anyone cruised out of both ports and which one did you like better? We are looking at HAL or Princess or maybe even Celeberty, any thoughts?

 

Thanks

Tim

[karatemom2]

Really looking forward to our first trip to Hawaii....have been waiting a LONG time for this to happen. Celebrating Anniversary and Birthday, and we just LOVE those sea days, also.

 

Does anyone know how/where to purchase a celebratory "lei" in Honolulu?? Are there flower stands around or do you have to go to a florist???? Really looking for a beautiful one for me and my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.

 

We are taking the Al'i Kai Catamaran Sunset Cruise past Diamond Head in Honolulu, but haven' t set other tours up as yet.

 

Thanks for any info on the "leis".

 

The great news is that your first stop on this itinerary is Hilo and yes you can purchase beautiful leis and flower arrangements right at the port. When you exit the ship you walk through a large building with a number of vendors. At least one of them was selling really nice leis and gorgeous flower arrangements. We bought one of the medium sized arrangements for $15 dollars and it lasted for the remainder of our trip. In fact it still looked lovely the day we returned to Los Angeles. It really brightened up our cabin on the way home!

[1gail1]

Lahaina, Maui

Maui Snorkel Cruise....it ends at 2pm..Does it end at the pier or another spot on island that you can stay and hang out there for the rest of the time off the ship? Anyone take this excursion? We would love to hang out on the beach or go shopping in the local area.

 

Hi Artsychic we are doing this tour through the ship on the Nov. 12 cruise, can't tell you much about it yet since we have never been to Hawaii but I think I read that you are going sometime in Dec. I will try and let you know how thing go when we get back

[ArtsyChic]

Lahaina, Maui

Maui Snorkel Cruise....it ends at 2pm..Does it end at the pier or another spot on island that you can stay and hang out there for the rest of the time off the ship? Anyone take this excursion? We would love to hang out on the beach or go shopping in the local area.

 

 

Hi Artsychic we are doing this tour through the ship on the Nov. 12 cruise, can't tell you much about it yet since we have never been to Hawaii but I think I read that you are going sometime in Dec. I will try and let you know how thing go when we get back

 

Thanks a bunch..Maybe someone will fill us in before you head out on your trip....

 

Celeste

[karatemom2]

Questions of the Day:

 

Lahaina, Maui

Maui Snorkel Cruise....it ends at 2pm..Does it end at the pier or another spot on island that you can stay and hang out there for the rest of the time off the ship? Anyone take this excursion? We would love to hang out on the beach or go shopping in the local area.

 

Hilo, Big Island

I feel like I am shooting in the dark...I have read things over and over and just cant seem to pick an excursion...

 

 

Hi Celeste. It seemed when we were in Lahaina last year that most of the ship's excursions were leaving right from the harbor there. We saw a whale watching tour and one of the snorkeling tours pull out and leave as we were tendering into town. If that's the case for the Maui Snorkel Cruise and it ends at 2 p.m. you can still enjoy Lahaina for several hours since we are in port until 7 p.m. It's a great little town with lots to see and do.

 

In Hilo if you haven't been to Volcanoes National Park I would highly recommend that as an excursion. You can do it on your own by renting a car or through the ship's excursions.

[beachchick]

Hi Celeste. It seemed when we were in Lahaina last year that most of the ship's excursions were leaving right from the harbor there. We saw a whale watching tour and one of the snorkeling tours pull out and leave as we were tendering into town. If that's the case for the Maui Snorkel Cruise and it ends at 2 p.m. you can still enjoy Lahaina for several hours since we are in port until 7 p.m. It's a great little town with lots to see and do.

 

In Hilo if you haven't been to Volcanoes National Park I would highly recommend that as an excursion. You can do it on your own by renting a car or through the ship's excursions.

 

Lahaina Harbor may be small, but it's bustling. If the cruise line uses Pacific Whale Foundation, it's probably on one of the boats out of Lahaina. Otherwise, it's likely to be one of the boats out of Ma'alaea because that's where most Molokini excursions begin. As Ma'a'laea is only 20 to 25 minutes (depending on traffic) down the island from Lahaina, they'd still have plenty of time to explore Lahaina after the excursion.

 

I'm with you on Hilo: No matter how you get to VNP (excursion, tour, or rental car), just make sure you get there.

 

beachchick

[karatemom2]

Lahaina Harbor may be small, but it's bustling. If the cruise line uses Pacific Whale Foundation, it's probably on one of the boats out of Lahaina. Otherwise, it's likely to be one of the boats out of Ma'alaea because that's where most Molokini excursions begin. As Ma'a'laea is only 20 to 25 minutes (depending on traffic) down the island from Lahaina, they'd still have plenty of time to explore Lahaina after the excursion.

 

I'm with you on Hilo: No matter how you get to VNP (excursion, tour, or rental car), just make sure you get there.

 

beachchick

 

Thanks beachchick, I couldn't remember the company but you are right, it was Pacific Whale Foundation. I'm thinking of booking an excursion with Trilogy called the Ultimate Seafari? Do you have any experience with them? I've seen great reviews, but it is very expensive so I'd welcome comments.

[beachchick]

karatemom2: Unfortunately, we don't have any experience with Trilogy, but hear nothing but good reviews about them. We've seen the Lanai all-day snorkel excursions going out or coming back, and there are some mighty happy looking people on those boats. Granted, most of them look pretty pooped when they're coming back in, but that no doubt means they had a lot of fun. We'd love to take one of the Lanai trips with them, but that's too long a day for us (health wise). I'm pretty sure that Beach4me has experience with Trilogy (perhaps only with the whale watch, but I can't quite recall).

 

Just for fun, I just popped onto the Trilogy website. Boy, that Ultimate Seafari sounds fantastic!:D

 

beachchick

[sassyredhat]

Hi everyone~~~I didn't think I'd be back on this thread for awhile, since we have done 2 RT 's but here I am ! :D

 

We took HAL both times, (Statendam and Zaandam) RT from San Diego.

 

Yesterday, our TA/friend asked us to join them on the Golden Princess April 11, 2010. Soooo, we may be going back.

 

I'm still trying to fit in Alaska somewhere, but we do love Hawaii and Mike wants to golf.

 

Pat

[donscomp]

Hey all,

Nice to see this thread here. And since our 2nd cruise to Hawaii wont be here for a year yet. We'll be around off and on. For you cruising soon? Have a wonderful cruise. We just LOVE the sea days and Hawaii is (to us) a bonus. :)

Take care all

[karatemom2]

If we would rent a car, doesn't the driver kind of pay a price for not being able to enjoy the views?

 

My DH and I try to take turns driving so we each get a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. It helps to rent a convertible too. Then you can really take in more, even when you are driving. I think the other key is to allow time for frequent stops to get out of the car and really absorb the beauty around you.

[karatemom2]

Hey all,

Nice to see this thread here. And since our 2nd cruise to Hawaii wont be here for a year yet. We'll be around off and on. For you cruising soon? Have a wonderful cruise. We just LOVE the sea days and Hawaii is (to us) a bonus. :)

Take care all

 

Hi Don! We are practically neighbors (we live in Oxnard). I just want to tell you how much we enjoyed your live posts and photos last year when you were on the Diamond. We were in the planning stages for our Christmas cruise on the Diamond and seeing your report really added so much to our anticipation.

[donscomp]

Hi Don! We are practically neighbors (we live in Oxnard). I just want to tell you how much we enjoyed your live posts and photos last year when you were on the Diamond. We were in the planning stages for our Christmas cruise on the Diamond and seeing your report really added so much to our anticipation.

 

Hi Mary,

Yes we are neighbors. Its funny. We have seen a few folks from Camarillo on here also. One taking the cruise tomorrow and one that opened up the thread in our cruise next year.

 

Thank you, we enjoied doing the post while we were out on the ship. I swear. I could take this cruise twice a year. Ok once a year. If only funds would permit. :(

But we gota look after the biz or we wouldnt even be able to do it next year. I'm sure we will talk before, but Deb & I wish you a WONDERFUL cruise. And to take a Christmas cruise? Ahhhhh man, that would be great.

[1gail1]

Hi Don Just wanted to put my yahoos in for southern CA. Grew up in san fernando valley worked in Somis, sister lived in Ventura, went to school in Simi. Now live in Northern CA, auburn area and love it all, going on our first hawaii curise nov. 12 I am so excited and just want to say thanks for all your posts I have read alot of your and they have helped out much.:)

[donscomp]

Hi Don Just wanted to put my yahoos in for southern CA. Grew up in san fernando valley worked in Somis, sister lived in Ventura, went to school in Simi. Now live in Northern CA, auburn area and love it all, going on our first hawaii curise nov. 12 I am so excited and just want to say thanks for all your posts I have read alot of your and they have helped out much.:)

 

Deb knows the Auburn area. Here grandparents lived up there.

We also lived in Somis for years. Up on La Cumbre.

I am glad some post helped. Enjoy this cruise. It is REALLY hard for Deb & I to be posting and still waiting a year to go again. Ahhhhhhh. . This was a great cruise. We love the sea days and as I have said before. Hawaii was a bonus. :)

[tothetrail]

Really looking forward to our first trip to Hawaii....have been waiting a LONG time for this to happen. Celebrating Anniversary and Birthday, and we just LOVE those sea days, also.

 

Does anyone know how/where to purchase a celebratory "lei" in Honolulu?? Are there flower stands around or do you have to go to a florist???? Really looking for a beautiful one for me and my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.

 

We are taking the Al'i Kai Catamaran Sunset Cruise past Diamond Head in Honolulu, but haven' t set other tours up as yet.

 

Thanks for any info on the "leis".

 

If you need more than one lei, it might be worthwhile to find a Costco, there are three on Oahu. They were really nice and considerably cheaper.

[karatemom2]

I've been compiling info on activities and tours that work with our port schedule and I thought I would share some of the links here.

 

Captain Andy Na Pali Raft Expedition - Kauai

 

http://www.napali.com/kauai_rafting/napali_day_expedition.php

 

Princeville Ranch Horseback Adventures - Kauai

 

http://www.princevilleranch.com/

 

Trilogy Ultimate Seafari - Maui

 

http://www.sailtrilogy.com/pages/ultimate.php

 

Kualoa Ranch - Oahu

 

http://www.kualoa.com/about.htm

[gypsyvanner]

We would love some advice on timing our shore excursions on Kauai. :)

 

We're on the Golden Princess, and it is only in Kauai from 8am until 5pm. We're taking Princess' shore excursion to Princeville's ziplines from 8:30am until 2pm.

Afterwards, we would like to take a helicopter tour before we have to get back on the ship. With the Lihue Airport being fairly close to Nawiliwili Bay, would it be practical to take a bus or cab over to the airport? Maybe we can get to the helicopter check-in by 3pm? The orientation takes about 30 minutes, and the tour itself is 55 minutes, so that puts us at around 4:30. Too close, huh?

 

Is anyone else trying to squeeze more than one thing in for Kauai?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!! :)

[karatemom2]

We would love some advice on timing our shore excursions on Kauai. :)

 

We're on the Golden Princess, and it is only in Kauai from 8am until 5pm. We're taking Princess' shore excursion to Princeville's ziplines from 8:30am until 2pm.

Afterwards, we would like to take a helicopter tour before we have to get back on the ship. With the Lihue Airport being fairly close to Nawiliwili Bay, would it be practical to take a bus or cab over to the airport? Maybe we can get to the helicopter check-in by 3pm? The orientation takes about 30 minutes, and the tour itself is 55 minutes, so that puts us at around 4:30. Too close, huh?

 

Is anyone else trying to squeeze more than one thing in for Kauai?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!! :)

 

We are also cruising to Hawaii on the Golden. It's a great ship, you'll love it! Having done this cruise last year I would say you are probably not going to have time to do both excursions. While based on the time schedule you outline you should be able to make it to Lihue airport by 3 p.m., if the tour lasts for nearly an hour and a half as you describe that would be cutting it way too close to make it back to the ship. You really should be back at the ship by 4:30 p.m. which will be the all aboard time for the 5 p.m. sail away. If you do the helicopter ride you would just be leaving the airport at 4:30 p.m. and it's at least a 15 minute ride back to the port. I'm all for trying to fit as much in as possible, but this sounds like a bit too much for the time you have. Maybe you could do a helicopter ride in Hilo instead. I've heard the helicopter rides that take you over the Volcano are really amazing.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Lahaina, Maui

Maui Snorkel Cruise....it ends at 2pm..Does it end at the pier or another spot on island that you can stay and hang out there for the rest of the time off the ship? Anyone take this excursion? We would love to hang out on the beach or go shopping in the local area.

 

 

Hi Artsychic we are doing this tour through the ship on the Nov. 12 cruise, can't tell you much about it yet since we have never been to Hawaii but I think I read that you are going sometime in Dec. I will try and let you know how thing go when we get back

 

We were on this cruise back in Dec. 2005 (:( such a long time ago) and we took the Princess snorkeling trip off Maui, so maybe it's the same one. We were taken off the tender and escorted to the Lahaina Princess boat. There was a continental breakfast, and a lunch onboard. Even saw whales -- the male ones trying to impress the female. We ended up back at the pier. And then were free to do whatever for the last couple of hours at that port. We walked around just up the street, did a little shopping, got an ice cream for our daughter, and saw the Banyon tree, and then got in line for the tender in an hour. We didn't want to wait til the last minute as we figured the tender line would get very long.

 

Hi Don Just wanted to put my yahoos in for southern CA. Grew up in san fernando valley worked in Somis, sister lived in Ventura, went to school in Simi. Now live in Northern CA, auburn area and love it all, going on our first hawaii curise nov. 12 I am so excited and just want to say thanks for all your posts I have read alot of your and they have helped out much.:)

 

Grew up in Encino and Woodland Hills (Taft grad).

[karatemom2]

Grew up in Encino and Woodland Hills (Taft grad).

 

Lots of us So Cal residents here! It's so great to be able to take a cruise to Hawaii like this, avoid LAX and the hassle of flying, and be able to drive to the port just a short way away. Now if they would just do an Alaska itinerary from LA!

[lakim]

Now if they would just do an Alaska itinerary from LA!

 

We did Alaska out of LA in May of 2007. It was a 14-day repo cruise on Celebrity Summit that ended in Vancounver. We stopped at San Francisco, Seattle and Victoria before continuing on to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, the Hubbard Glacier and Sitka. If you could find one of those you'd only have to fly one way...