We are cruising from LA November 3rd to the Hawaian islands. We plan to rent a car at each port; we would welcome any suggestions on what to and what not to visit. Is renting a car a good idea for each of the ports of call or would ship excursions be a better alternative in some cases ?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences which will help making ours the best it can be.

I have only done Hawaii from a land based tour. How much time do you have in port? Are you looking for sightseeing or beach time? Renting a car is good if you want to get away from the crowd. So if your idea is find a secluded beach, drive to Haleakalaa or Hana then a car is a must. I am not sure how easy it is to get around on public transport (unless you are on Oahu).

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Chris Christensen
Amateur Traveler podcast
http://AmateurTraveler.com

We took the Pride of Hawaii last year. We rented a car in each port. It was much less expensive than the ship's tours, and we could go where we wanted to and at our own pace.

We rented a car in nearly every port. It is very inexpensive, compared to the ships excursions. On an excursion you might learn more or gather more facts, history then on your own. I know we went with friends who opted to do the ships rather than a rent a car as we did. They seemed to learn more. On the BI you can drive to the volcano. That is more interesting. In Kauai just drive around, and try do a helicopter tour if possible. We used airkauai and they were awesome!! We did Pearl harbor on a tour, that was it. We did not have a car that day. Enjoy. Hawaii is wonderful.

Hawaii is so easy to get around in and a rental car just excellent. Head to your library and see if Fodor's Hawaii is avaiable, or purchase a copy. Loaded with great information.

You don't say where you are going, but highlights to consider, in Maui, Road to Hana is a very scenic drive, Hilo, Volcano National Park, just excellent, Kauai Waimai Canyon a must do, Kona, Point of Refuge is good and some coffee tours perhaps?

I rented from Thrifty with the exception of Dollar in Kona. All $34/day with Kona $10 more. Definately a bargain touring option.

We liked National in Hilo but not in Kona. Next time I would check free shuttle times with any company.

My full report from July on the US board is called:
Hawaiian Islands Cruise ship from Vancouver trip report

I agree with Ann (BQ). Get a guide book, finds what interests you and rent a car. Ships tours tend to be over-priced. The only exception could be Oahu. As it is a large city a tour may be better unless you want to get to the north shore and just relax. Aloha!

I am not Ann.

Oops. Sorry. (red faced). I sort of had a funny feeling about that too. Please say you are Linda, correct?

Nope, not Linda either. Sorry.

jacketwatch

You better stop while you are behind!

jmvp

OMG!! OK I am very sorry. I am much better with faces than names. Larry

LOL that was pretty funny to read as I traveled down the thread!

OK so April's trip is here:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35031759

Do you disembark at Pier 2 or Pier 10/11 in Honolulu? Pier 10/11 is right up against Aloha Tower Marketplace, and here are some coupons you can download (although the hard copy is available at the Guest Services Kiosk):
www.alohatower.com/promotions.html

Is this your first time to Hawaii? When I travel, I like to do my own thing, but sometimes I get tired of planning & researching and want someone to do the work for me. If at some point you feel like that, Roberts Hawaii often offers tours that are cheaper than the cruise ships.
www.robertshawaii.com

Oh, thanks, MelissaHI.

TO ALL,

Thank you so much for your inputs, it will certainly help making this cruise/vacation one to remember. I posted another question where I only received one reply; how is the ocean in November LA to & from Hawaii, should we get prepared for the worse... or not? All of your comments are & will be so much appreciated....BTW, please excuse my grammar errors as my mother tong is French, so I may sometimes make enormous mistakes.

Claire from Montreal, Canada

My dear you grammar is better that many for whom English is a primary language. BTW its t o u n g u e and not t o n g. Adieu and merci. Larry

Opps. I'm making mistakes all over this thread. Its t o n g u e. Yikes!

Thanks Larry for the grammar, just reminded me when I started working as a student and took a phone message from a Mr. Doug ... and wrote DOG !

Claire

I got that beat hun. My wife is from India and during our first trip there I tried to show off my Hindi "proficieny" by addressing my SIL with a Hindi term of affection. Instead it seems I called her an old goat. Thankfully they understood. And laughed.

Aloha,
Thanks to all for the good feedback. Just one little problem if anyone can help, MelissaHI you might know the answer... Trying to rent a car downtown Honolulu on Sunday November 11th. The Diamond Princess is docked till late at night 10PM (not shure what Pier) and I have a hard time finding information on a company that would guarantee a shuttle service to take me back to the ship this late in the evening... All your comments will be much appreciated...

Thanks

Claire