My husband and are are thinking of going to Hawaii . We can't decide which would be best, staying on the island or cruising. We are in our late tweties, and would be going next winter, but not even sure which month is best weather wise. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you
Tina

i would strongly suggest staying on land for several reasons. First of all, the accomodations are much better on land. Further, the seas can get rough and, as such, the ports of call change without notice. Thus, you may be planning on going to Kona on the big island and end up having to port in Hilo. Plus, the cruise ships don't always come into dock so you have to be transported to land. In my opinion, there are so many great hotels to stay at on the various Hawaiian islands, that I would bypass the cruise.

Thanks for the reply. I have read a lot on the internet that the seas are rough at times. I haven't found out when they generally are or aren't, but would hate to miss ports. Land is probably safer, but I'm sure more costly to see all. Hope I get more tips.

THe cruise can be nice in that you get to visit several islands, but your time on each island is very limited. If you are most interested in the cruise part, then hawaii will be a nice place to travel in the winter. If you stay on land, you'll probably spend more on lodging, and spend more time in airports if you want to see several islands. you will have much more time to explore the different islands though, and can choose where you want to go. Also, the Norwegien Star cruise, because it is a foreign line,has to take a trip to Fanning island in Kribati. You end up spending 2 full days at sea getting there and back.

I think it would be a major waste of money and time to cruise the hawaiian islands. There is so much to see and do on each island and the cruises I have seen give such limited times on shore. Check out how much time the boats are actually in port, then check with a couple of the cruise sites for actual traveler accounts of how long it takes to get off the ship (sometimes upwards of 2+ hours). Although the islands are relatively small it still takes time to get from place to place because 99% of the roads are only one lane in each direction.

Most posters here and elsewhere suggest only one and at most two islands in a week (and I totally agree with them). On a cruise you are doing essentially an island a day (and a partial day at that).

Staying on land does not have to be more expensive. Many condo owners rent their places out at substantially lower prices than those published by the rental companies. I am going next week staying in an ocean view studio at the Whaler on Maui for $130 per night. We stayed in an ocean front studio at the Mahana also on maui in Jan for $125. Both of these were well maintained and decorated rooms. (Stayed in the same room at the Whaler last summer).

In one word.

LAND...

Tina;

Just reading posts lately and came across one titled ncl in hawaii. You might want to check it out. YIKES sounds like the vacation from hell instead of paradise.

I'm glad to hear your opinions. Thank you for being specific, I appreciate it. Look forward to hearing from more of you.