Hawaii on a cruise, days on our own

[bhcruiser]

We are an active family with teens. We were on the POH Christmas week 2006. We have cruised in the Caribbean several times before and prefer to spend our days on our own rather than on organized excursions.

 

Before we went, I researched places to go and things to do on each island. I made a list of the places we might want to go by day and then each day we did things according to what we felt like doing, and the weather. We planned ahead by taking large duffles/tote bags to take each day, a collapsible cooler, our own snorkels/masks, lightweight raincoats, ziplock bags, cameras, maps, the “Revealed” books, a large lightweight beach blanket. We made car reservations through Thrifty (joined Blue Chip) - easy car rentals on each island. We purchased an inexpensive boogie board and canned drinks/bottled water on the islands. One person was off the ship early to get the car and picked up the rest of us and our gear, including borrowed ship’s towels, swimsuits and change of clothes.

 

Hilo – Volcano National Park, drive, with small side hikes, scenic drive to Akaka Falls, small hike there

 

Maui – first day – Makena (Big Beach), back to ship, Lahaina (Old Lahaina Luau) Parked overnight at pier (free) Second day- beach hopped beaches in West Maui- Napili, and Kaanapali

 

Kona – Kahalu’u Beach Park, then Hapuna Beach, then Kona shopping

 

Kauai- first day -beach and small shops near ship in AM, rented car at 1 PM and went to Waimea Canyon, with a few stops, Second Day – Po’ipu Beach in AM , then afternoon on ship cruising by Kauai

 

Oahu– rented mini-van- Kailua Beach, then did circle drive, made several stops including La’ie Point, Sunset Beach, town of Hale’iwa, Waikiki Beach. Dinner in Waikiki area before heading to airport.

 

We spent at least a couple of hours almost every day at a beach – quite a variety of beaches throughout the week. We also saw many major highlights. Of course we couldn’t fit in all that we wanted to do, but we had a nicely paced trip with a wonderful variety of activities and sights. Great vacation! :)

[Retired not Expired]

Thanks for posting. We've been there a number of times including a cruise and will be back there in 15 days with another cruise. It's always good to hear what another thinks. So glad you had a good time.

[yogi]

Thanks for the review bhcruiser. We leave Sat for a week {Maui & Honolulu}Then a week on the POAm. Did you drive to the Old Lahaina luau? Was there parking nearby? Did you enjoy the luau? Thanks Yogi