rent car or take cruise ship tours?
 

We are taking a cruise to hawaii, one long day in 5 ports: Hilo, Kona, Maui, Oahu and Kauai (Port Allen). We are inclined to rent a car in the first 4 ports, and do taxi in Kauai. the alternative is to take the cruise ship excursions. We have never been to Hawaii before. Your thoughts and suggestions, please?

ttt

Rent a car for all ports - especially Kauai

Jeanette-You may receive more info if you post on the cruise thread. Have fun in Hawaii!

Go the www.cruisecritic.com and ask the question. People who have taken your cruise will have suggestions.

We did a similar cruise last spring and rented a car on at all the stops but Kona. It worked out really well. In most places, the car rental companies will pick you up near the pier.It takes some research to find out which ones on which island. In Maui for instance, we got picked up but they would not take us back so we met up with another couple from our ship (if you have cruised before, you know that can usually recognize them) and shared a cab. It cost us $5.00 per couple. I would definitely rent a car again. It gives you so many more choices of what you can do. Enjoy your trip

I would do both. The Big Island is too huge to "drive around". I would take the circle island tour--it takes all day but is amazing. Maybe in Kauai you just want to drive from beach to beach. In Maui you might want to drive to Hana (or not), or up Haleakala. I find in a new place, taking a tour really helps--I then venture out on my own the next time (or next day). You do not have this luxury, so mix it up a little.