Regarding renting a car or buying short excursions on a boat

[Buddy1234]

We are doing a cruise to Kauia Maui and Hilo and the shark excursions are very expensive. Should be wise and Rent-A-Car for the days that we are there or just book a shore excursions.  Any opinions would be helpful

[Buddy1234]

I’m sorry I meant to shore excursions

[cruisethirsty]

We've done both and prefer to be on our own as long as it isn't too foreign or threatening. Hawaii meets the criteria for renting since you'll feel comfortable driving there and can see more at a lower cost. Just a few comments about renting in each of these ports. Maui doesn't have any rental cars by the port so you have to arrange for them to pick you up (driver only) and it can be rather inconvenient. On Kauai the airport is very close to the cruise ship dock and most of the companies will come and get you for the very short ride. In Hilo, it varies a lot from company to company as to distance and pick-up policies but shouldn't be a problem.

[Silver Sweethearts]

4 hours ago, cruisethirsty said:

We've done both and prefer to be on our own as long as it isn't too foreign or threatening. Hawaii meets the criteria for renting since you'll feel comfortable driving there and can see more at a lower cost...Maui doesn't have any rental cars by the port so you have to arrange for them to pick you up (driver only) and it can be rather inconvenient. 

- Or you can just put everyone in a taxi from the port over to the car rental area at the airport (only three miles) and go from there.