We are doing the POA cruise in February 2024. We will be staying in Waikiki for three days before the cruise so we are going to see the Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor on our own then. During the cruise we are doing all our excursions through NCL. We have several booked including a whale watch and sunset cruise, the directors cut, Volcano National Park and Haleakala Crater at Sunrise plus various trips to waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, etc. We are fully aware the ship excursions are more costly. My husband feels it is just easier as far as getting back to the ship on time plus he says part of his vacation is not having to drive. This is our 30th anniversary trip and will probably be our only time in Hawaii so we are doing what we feel will be easiest and best for us. If we were younger or possibly going to be going back to the islands, we might be more apt to DIY more excursions, but that is just us. Everyone should do what best suits them.