Thread: Is cruising a good way to see Hawaii?

Best source of info is to go to www.gohawaii.com
We found a lot of information on all Islands before we went. Hope this helps.
And I think we used Hertz. Not sure, it was 4 years ago.

As for a Luau. Check out www.oldlahainaluau.com We had a blast. And you have to try their drink called a Volcano. It is expensive but the food and company is GREAT.

On the big Island, we drove the national park. And did some hikes. We also did a plane ride over the active Volcano. And to see the only house left near it was great. Like the Lava flowed around it. Plus, to see the Lava sit the ocean was a site.

I could go on forever about Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. I won't bore you. We do have pictures. If you would like to see-email me.

Have a great trip. We did the land and not cruise. I feel that no matter which you choose, you won't have a worry.

We'll be able to give you a good answer in January. We love sea days so this will be a good test for us: 5 days going, 5 straight ports in Hawaii, 5 days coming back (with a short stop in Ensenada just to satisfy fed laws). I've been there twice for a land vacation (inc. my honeymoon) so I think most of what we do on the Islands will revolve around our child.

Thanks for the replies--I'll be checking back for more info, but this is a great start.

For a first time to Hawaii, a round trip cruise is great. But you absolutely have to plan on a few days pre and post cruise, no way should you fly all that way for just a 7 night cruise.

My ideal trip would be 3 days on Oahu, 7 day cruise, followed by at least 3 or 4 additional days on either Kauai or Maui. Probably Kauai, because we've been to Maui a couple of times. A round trip cruise would not interest me, I could do one way, but 8 days at sea may make even me a bit buggy!

I agree with Jim and MC. No, cruising Hawaii is not a good way to see the islands. But cruising Hawaii as MC said is a good way to get a taste for what you like or don't like so that you can decide where to go back to later and fully experience Hawaii.

The problem with a Hawaiian cruise, or in my opinion, any cruise in general, it only gives you a flavor or a taste of what is there. Since you're only in port for a 5-10 hours a day, thats not enough time to see all there is to see in a city or in this case on an entire island.

When you decide to go on a shore excursion, you're picking and choosing between different highlights of the island. There is no "all-inclusive" shore excursion that will show you everything.

So its a good way to go and see what islands you think you might like best, if you're a beach person, or a culture person, or a volcano person, etc. But you can't fully experience the people, the culture, the natural beauty, the food on just a Hawaii islands cruise.

I've done both and ebjoyed them both but you miss alot on a cruise and have to return for what you missed.

I think a land trip is best. When in a place as beautiful as Hawaii why spend half your time on a ship when you could be enjoying the land, flowers, people and food of Hawaii!!

We did Hawaii cruise in April 2005. I was satisfied with just the cruise. Got a taste of several places. We had a lot of sprinkles everywhere but Maui. Didn't stop us from doing things but I didn't care for it. I was happy with the cruise and doubt I will return. I know I didn't see everything there is to see but at least I got a taste.Too many other places I want to see and Hawaii is pretty expensive!
Carol

A cruise will only introduce you to the islands.

We have done both and much prefered the land tours. There are just so many different things to see on each island that you need to spend more than just a few hours in each port.