resstation

This is a perfect example of why your own rental car is often a good idea. No expensive excursion necessary. You simply drive to Poipu and book your own surf lesson on the beach or pre reserve it if necessary, maybe with the same company the ship uses. There is very little in Hawaii that needs an excursion.

 

We drove to Waimea Canyon and went to Poipu as well on the same day for the cost of a one day rental. Someone on our cruise booked an excursion to Waimea Canyon and there was an accident on one of the two roads into the Canyon and the road was closed. Their excursion returned to the ship and they were disappointed they missed seeing this sight. When we reached the road in our rental car, the officer stationed at the road block advised us to backtrack a few miles and take the alternate road into the Canyon. We did not miss seeing the canyon.

 

Not saying this to be critical of the OP, but for the benefit of others planning their trips. I understand there are reasons why people feel excursions are the best option at times. I book them too, but no one should automatically assume that an excursion is the best option.

We are ALWAYS driving at home. When we are on vacation we rarely rent a car. Vacations are also when we choose to splurge. Backwards for some but we love it.

So this was a ship excursion? You might want to post this info in a review on the excursion. I'd let the excursion desk know you were plenty unhappy with the misinformation about the availability of pictures.

 

But even had you known you could leave personal items on the bus ( I've never done an excursion where this was not the case ), the items would be on the bus and not on the beach, so if you take them with you to the beach for photos, then you have the situation of what to do with them during the lesson, unless you take turns with the camera or run back and forth to the bus, right?

My husband would have definitely taken a photo of our son learning to surf, at the very least - and would have had his phone to text me when they were boarding the ship so I could meet up with them. I would have gone just to take pictures but that isn't permitted unless you purchase a full price excursion ticket (makes sense since it is taking up a spot on the bus).

Thanks...I searched online for a Kona HOHO bus but was unable to locate a website so if you have a link could you please post it.

It's VERY easy to get tickets at the pier or in the little shopping area across from the pier. If you want to purchase in advance, they are listed under Clarks Hawaii tours: http://www.clarkshawaiitours.com/

Two places we went to in Honolulu were great - You can look them both up online as I don't have the details handy...

Teddy's Bigger Burgers - about a block from the beach. If you like big, messy, drippy burgers from a place where you don't mind waiting (they are cooked to order) and you don't mind a fast food ordering/eating vibe, this is the place to go. Really good burgers (and chicken sandwiches) that are also very easy on the budget.

Leonard's Bakery - OMG the line goes fast but there is always a line! Warm, delicious pastries called malasadas - they look like a poofy donut without the center hole. The original was the best because their fillings are not that great (we couldn't tell the difference between the coconut filling and the pineapple filling). DELICIOUS. Really, this one you shouldn't miss if you love sweets.

I tweet about my meals and have included some of our Hawaii favorites. You can find me at meetmymeal.

Everything I read about the Poipu beach surfing lessons was wrong. Let me clear things up for you. Although the ticket you will receive says that they will have pictures available for you to purchase, they no longer do this. And although, even if you call, they will tell you there is nowhere to put your personal belongings when you are out surfing - You CAN bring your personal items as the shuttle van from the ship will be locked for you and the driver stays there. Your things will be safe. Unfortunately, I didn't know any of this and now we have no pictures of my husband and son's surfing lesson because they did not bring their cameras or phones. :(

Is that the same as the Kona Trolley with links in posts #4 & 5?

No. The trolley and the hop on hop off bus are two different things. We didn't have time to wait for the trolley so we opted for the bus that was sitting there when we got to the pier. The trolley is much cheaper and if you can take it, is the best way to get to that beach. (Forgot about it and didn't mention it in my last post).

I haven't heard of the hop on/hop off option at Kona. Please tell me more about it. Is it with a certain company?. Where do you hop on? What stop had the best snorkeling? Is there a schedule that I can view?

 

We are wanting to snorkel but trying to avoid a second car rental on the Big Island.

The hop on hop off bus is located right at the pier. They say the schedule is every 20-30 minutes. I thought it seemed faster than that when we were there a couple of weeks ago. There are very few stops. It only goes 8 miles out, to the snorkeling beach and returns with a few stops along the way. If you are in a bigger group and didn't want to stop anywhere else then a cab would be a better value. You want to get off at Kahaluu Beach Park, not Magic Sand Beach.

We are sailing on the Pride of America in September and are very excited. My wife and I are a bit manic about keeping up with our fitness programs while traveling. Is anyone familiar enough with the POA fitness center to know whether there is a pull-up bar?

 

If not, is anyone aware of any exposed piping or other "hack" that I might be able to use for pull-ups?

 

thanks!

Hello, we just returned from last week's POA cruise. The fitness center is ENORMOUS. You will have no trouble finding ANY equipment. It is the largest fitness center I have seen for a ship of that size.

Short are allowed everywhere except the largest MDR and Le Bistro. Even there, khakis or jeans and a collared shirt are fine. Dress up as much as you like, but it is Hawaii, and the majority are apt to be pretty casual.

Outstanding! I have Jefferson's Bistro written on my sheet. I'm assuming it is the "Le Bistro" you're talking about?

Planning our clothes for the cruise. We have the free specialty restaurant package so we have reservations in place for a different one each night. Which one is the "fanciest" as far as dress code? I understand that men can wear nice shorts/shirts for dinner in most?

If we have our laundry picked up first thing in the morning, when does it get returned? Do they do a good job or has anyone had any real problems with their service?

POA suites have Nespresso machines. We asked the butler for more supplies of coffee, creamers, sugar/sweeteners and additional larger coffee cups.

Excellent, thank you.

Yes..ask the cabin attendant for what you want/need. No problem. I have no idea what the "brand" is....and who cares? They will supply you with the appropriate stuff.

I would care what the brand is if I found out we could only request a certain amount per day. Stranger things have happened! If that were the case I would bring my own pods or capsules or ground or whatever.

What is the brand of coffee maker in the suites on Pride of America? Can we request as much coffee for the coffee maker as we want?

Don't know the answer to any of the questions, but you can get a waterproof case for your smartphone from AquaPac and use your iPhone/smartphone in the water, under water and it takes amazing pictures.

Thanks - we have waterproof cases but having a cell phone in your pocket while learning to surf doesn't seem like it would be very comfortable. It would probably take a good beating.

Thank you all for your excellent suggestions. This is exactly the information I was looking for. I love this forum!

As mentioned, do remember that koa is expensive. Martin and MacArthur has a good reputation in the islands and carries a fair amount of koa merchandise. You might want to check their website to see if they have anything you like.

Thanks!

Aloha,

 

I agree with the OP's who recommended koa wood and Ni'ihau shell necklaces. Both are highly valued here in Hawaii (and I am a collector of both). Watch out for fakes/substitutes of both items.

 

A good place to stop by is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Oahu) on the weekends. Hundreds of vendors and usually cheaper prices than in Waikiki. Taro chips and lilikoi items are very popular food items to try out. As as others have mentioned, Kona coffee. Koloa coffee is also pretty good as well. Have a great time in the islands! :)

 

 

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I just did some online checking and I LOVE the koa wood! Definitely will buy a piece or two made from koa. The only issue would be trying to decipher what is fake. Looks like the Australian wood looks almost identical. Do you have any retail stores that you trust for purchases of koa wood (we will only be in Honolulu one day and then at each port stop of the Pride of America). Thanks.

From what I've read, the surfing lessons are great fun but there are no pictures taken (even though the description of the tour says there will be photos available). I imagine it would be pretty difficult to carry a camera around or even in a pack while learning to surf. If you've done this excursion, how did you manage photos? Is there a place to lock up personal items while surfing? And are shirts still provided? Thanks in advance!

Is there anything that is a "must buy" when you're in Hawaii that is either not found on the mainland or is super cheap as opposed to buying on the mainland?

Thanks, everyone!

We have T-Mobile and had great service at all the ports and in some cases up to 30 minutes away from them, just make sure you turn off roaming!

From what I have read, T-Mobile does not charge for domestic roaming any longer. I'll have to call them to be sure. From what I can recall, they never charged us for international roaming last year either. Not 100% sure. I'll look into it.

Outstanding!

I guess I'll just find out about the 8th floor suites when we board next month.

Thank you. That's what I was thinking but you never know! :)