Looking for a little help for our Hawaiian cruise coming up

[ctc917]

So I was wondering when the ship docks at any of the islands are you close enough to walk out a port gate and go shopping or do you need to find some form of transportation and if this is the case what did you use?
We are renting a car at the end of the cruise and staying at DVC Aulani Ocean view studio, any suggestion on room requests? I missed signing up for Aulani"s Luau and so I was wondering if anyone went to a different Luau here and could suggest that to us? Also any must see places to see near Honolulu/Aulani?
We do have excursions booked but since we are at Kauai for 2 days I was thinking on going out on our own the first day we arrive and was looking for suggestions?

Thanks
ctc917

 

[readyplayer]

Aloha. I live on the Big Island and I can answer some of your questions. One of the must sees on Oahu is Pearl Harbor. Its halfway between the port and Aulani. You need to go online for reservations to see the USS Arizona Memorial but most everything else is free. Plan on spending a lot of time there. Other places are Diamond Head, Iolani Palace, Waikiki, Hanauma Bay (reservations required). There is also a cute little narrow gauge Heritage railway train that runs from Kapolei to Aulani. You can only board at Kapolei and its round trip. Its called Hawaiian Railway Society. They have interesting narration along the way towards Aulani and its about a 2 hour trip with a stop for ice cream near Aulani. If you are staying on island through the weekend, it will be open Sat and Sun. I think you have to call for reservations.
As for port stops, at Kahului, Maui, you can walk out the port gate and there will be a shopping center across the street (Maui Mall Village). The same shopping center also has a Enterprise Rent a Car. If you rent a car then see Haleakala, Iao Needle, Maui Gold Pineapple tour, Hana.
In Hilo where I live, I see people walking out of the port and down the street. There isn't much within walking distance and the area is all businesses. I'm sure there are taxis waiting there at the port. You can take one to the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Across the street (Makaala St) there is a Walmart. If you rent a car, the biggest attraction is Volcano National Park. That will be a all day affair. It's about 30 miles from port. There is some activity right now, elevated number of earthquakes, roads splitting in the park, etc. so some parts of the park may be closed. If you are lucky it may erupt (its acting like it wants to soon).
Hope this helps.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Our favorite things to do on Kauai included "Tube the Ditch" https://kauaibackcountry.com/tubing/ It's in a canal that was used to irrigate a sugar cane plantation.

We also took a helicopter tour that showed us the sites of several movies, including South Pacific, Jurassic World, and many others.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular touristy place on Oahu but it's clear across the island from Aulani and traffic through Honolulu is a bear.

 

[ctc917]

Thanks for the info

 

[auntlynne]

Oahu - I love doing a circle drive. You can go clockwise if starting your day at Aulani. Head up to Haleiwa.

Dole Plantation. I think I did the maze. But mostly, I stop for Dole Whip. This used to be the only place they had it on the island. Now it’s more widely available; probably at Aulani. Parking is free. The maze has definitely been enlarged over the years; suggested time for that is 40 minutes. I wouldn’t consider it a must-do, but it’s an easy stop.



If you haven’t tried Shave Ice elsewhere, Matsumoto’s General Store is a popular place. YouTube vloggers - that I routinely follow and with whom I have similar experiences - recommend Ululani’s for shave ice.



Following around the North Shore, you pass many beautiful beaches with crashing waves. Parking is a challenge, depending on time of year.

Waimea Falls is on the interior side of the road. It has adventure activities. Probably a fee. I have yet to go there.

My destination on the North Shore is Ted’s Bakery. I get a plate lunch / one scoop two scoop (macaroni salad and rice, can often substitute green salad). This is a Hawaiian staple. You will see restaurants called Drive-In (Rainbow, L&L…) or BBQ. The menu is fairly similar at all these. … At Ted’s, I get garlic shrimp and then haupia pie for dessert (the real reason I go). That’s a chocolate custard and a coconut jelly/pudding in a macadamia nut crust.

A lot of people head further down the road for the shrimp trucks. There you may find more offerings (and possibly long lines).

My favorite part is yet to come: the Windward side as you are on the Southbound part of this drive. When you are at Aulani, you are in the leeward, dry side. Now you get green, lush views.

The Polynesian Cultural Center showcases many of the islands and cultures that contributed to the development of Hawaii. They do offer a luau. I have been to the Center, but not the luau. (I have only been to the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui - several times). This is near the Mormon Temple and Brigham Young University - Laie.

The Ko’olau Mountain Range on your right is seen in many shows set in Hawaii. Kualoa ranch has excursions to take in these sites.

My favorite beaches are in this side; Kailua State Beach Park with its pine trees on the shore and a view of Kaneohe peninsula (home to the USMC) and Lanikai with its twin islands. Other than the convenience of the ocean at Aulani, I would suggest one of these for getting in the water.

Lanikai:



Hanauma Bay is on this side, also. It is a protected bay, but very popular. The walk down and back is fairly steep. We encountered less favorable snorkeling conditions thanks to the sand being stirred up.

That gets you about 3/4 around the circle. Probably enough for one day.

 

[Hubie]

On the big Island, there's also a wonderful botanical garden just a few miles out of Hilo in the opposite direction of the Volcano National Park and a few miles further in the same direction a a bigger waterfall.

 

[auntlynne]

O’ahu, continued. You will see Diamondhead many times. You can choose to hike from the interior crater to the top. Lots of stairs. Limited parking.

I enjoy Waikiki. Not everyone does. Yes, it is built up and has high-end shopping. But there’s a beach right there - a famous beach - easy walking, views, a zoo….

I enjoyed visiting Iolani Palace. We had a wonderful guide. You get an interesting lesson in Hawaiian history.

And continuing back toward Aulani is Pearl Harbor. I make sure to have my tissues. The Arizona Memorial is beautiful to the eyes and heartbreaking to the soul. I have visited the Mighty Mo (USS Missouri, where Japanese surrender was signed) and the Aviation Museum. There is also the Bowfin, a submarine.

…And you have Aulani with its water features.

You are just getting a snack of what this one island offers.

I didn’t mention hiking to Manoa Falls or surf lessons or all the fun food available. I’ll just say Hula dog and Leonard’s malasadas and let you take it from there.

 

[auntlynne]

I have seen people renting cars from Turo. It may be linked with Uber now or in the future. But specifically, picking up a car (owned by a local individual) at a designated spot, convenient for the cruiser. I have not used this; I hadn’t heard of it last time I was in Hawaii (March 2020).

^ Kahului was definitely a place I saw them using Turo. This video describes in detail using Turo. And some of the places they visited.

This link shows how you leave the port in Kahului (start around 2:10 mark)

At that time, on Oahu, I used Zip cars for partial day rentals and also Enterprise? Or other National chain, dropping off the car at the end of the day to avoid the hefty parking fee at resorts.

Zip needed to be pre-approved ahead of time (maybe 24 hours; just at initial set-up). Cars are available in many locations. M

Parking at Aulani is $40 daily for self-park. DVC members who book through Member Services have complimentary parking. Sweet.

 

[auntlynne]

Visiting Volcanoes National Park or the lush green area closer to Hilo. Waterfalls and flora.

(edit: round trip) The drive time to Volcanoes, including the Chain of Craters Road to see the effect of lava on previously developed area, is 3 hours. That does not include going in a lava tube, viewing the crater, or walking around the steam vent area.

With a port day of 9 - 4:45, I imagine it’s pick one or the other. I’ve done both; Volcanoes 3 times. I also try to visit National Parks when I am near one. We visited the Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory, but we had many days on both sides of a Hawaii. Akaka Falls was lovely - that’s for the Hilo-focused day.

So that’s my suggestion for first timers with a day visit. There is so much more. Hawaii is bigger than all the other islands in the state combined.





If you are considering Volcanoes, check the conditions closer to your trip. Perhaps have a back-up plan if it reactivates while you are at Sea.

Here’s a link to the US Geological Survey for Kīlauea. They list NP and other links.

https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates#:~:text=Volcano Updates Archive&text=Activity Summary: Kīlauea is not,imminent eruption at this time.

Here’s how the page looked today:



There was major flooding around Hilo at the end of August. That would be another thing to check before you head out.

 

[auntlynne]

I quite enjoyed that reminiscing. Hope you have many wonderful memories of your time in the islands. Aloha!

 

[ctc917]

Thank you very much for the info auntlynne

 

[Kwami]

I enjoyed visiting Iolani Palace. We had a wonderful guide. You get an interesting lesson in Hawaiian history.

If you're into Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and history, also consider the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. It's fantastic.

https://www.bishopmuseum.org/

 

[semiswtkindalife]

Re luaus

Paradise Cove is in Ko Olina, walking distance from Aulani. It's just okay imo but convenient.

If you're in the downtown Honolulu area or Waikiki, consider Nutridge.
https://experiencenutridge.com/

If you're going to the North Shore, consider Toa.
https://www.toaluau.com/

 

[auntlynne]

If you're into Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and history, also consider the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. It's fantastic.

https://www.bishopmuseum.org/

So true!

It is hard paring down the list.

 

[ctc917]

thank you everyone for the help you gave us some great information

 

[auntlynne]

Re luaus

Paradise Cove is in Ko Olina, walking distance from Aulani. It's just okay imo but convenient.

If you're in the downtown Honolulu area or Waikiki, consider Nutridge.
https://experiencenutridge.com/

If you're going to the North Shore, consider Toa.
https://www.toaluau.com/

Nutridge featured by the same YouTubers I mentioned earlier. The luau starts after 16:00 mark. This is not your typical tourist event.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We do have excursions booked but since we are at Kauai for 2 days I was thinking on going out on our own the first day we arrive and was looking for suggestions?

Thanks
ctc917

In Kauai, the ship ports next to a resort hotel with restaurants and shopping right outside the port within walking distance. Unfortunately, nothing else is close enough to walk. You could rent a car to see some of the closer attractions.

We did a 2 day driving tour while we were in Kauai with a private tour guide, the driver can meet you at the port. We did Waimea Canyon and surrounding areas the first day and the Napoli coast and Hanalei Bay the next day. It was incredible.

 

[DisneyConvert]

We did HI => Vcvr this past Feb-Mar (it seems like 5yrs ago).
.
Don't have that much to add as most of our touring was very specific as we visited friends in Oahu, Hawaii and Kawaii and did our own drive-tour through the East Maui valley (goats, tortoises and pineapples). Yes, Pearl Harbor was incredible and worth visiting. The Punchbowl Memorial to fallen soldiers was majestic (our local friend drove us there). Walked into a "lava tube" near Hilo. It was a wonderful 3 days before (yupp, Royal Hawai'ian on Waikiki!) and during the first 3 days of the cruise.)

I typically favor Avis and I can't say this arrangement worked perfectly as the big rental car companies are located at the airports NOT at the cruise-ship ports. Moreover, the local taxi monopoly is strong in HI so getting in/out of the port other than by a taxi or cruise-sponsored excursion was a pain. PMsg me if you want all the details, but the contortions to rent from Avis when the international reservation system does NOT really work closely with the local franchisees makes me wonder if an alternative might have worked better.

Interestingly we DID visit the Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort (which is I think is co-branded as the Marriott Kaua'i Beach Club, and yes it's confusing) on our 2nd day in port. We had actually visited there during our honeymoon 27 years ago, and my recollection of the beauty and expansiveness of its pool was correct. I think it cost ~$100 per/person to be an "official day-guest" and we thought it was worth it.
The towel service, bar and restaurant was good, the people were nice, the pool area was gorgeous and relaxing, and the walk wasn't far.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Every port is within a short walk of shopping and dining. And at every port, complimentary shuttles will show up to take you to additional shopping and dining options.

 

[Sakura1017]

narrow down interests of what your group wants to do in each island. Then try to see if you can get a private tour. I did that last year and it was awesome. The only thing that didn't work out well was the road to Hana since we did it backwards and it was bumpy and can get you dizzy.

If your going to hilo and volcanoes are a must do in your group then try to get a private tour going to national park. dcl doesn't give you that well of a good tour to that area. They will take you to steam vents, and a view of the crater. But private tours get you to better areas and may have a chance to do lava tubes too. My tour also took me to black sand beach to search for turtles but they weren't out.

Honolulu first time definitely do the grand circle tour. That way if you go back you can go to the areas you want to spend more time if you are spending more days after the cruise. I did a private tour and they combined some of the local spots that you should eat at as well as the tourist spots.

P/m me if you want to know which tour operators I went with.