I need some help in finding a solution. I am cruising the Hawaiian islands with two friends ages 55 and 73. The 55 year old wants to go snorkling and for a boat ride. I don't want to leave the 73 year old out,she doesn't snorkle. Any ideas? Is there a glass bottom boat that you can snorkle from? We will be on the Pride of America. I am renting a car at every port, thanks to earlier suggestions.

If she is willing to be in the water, but just doesn't want to bother with the snorkel gear, you might consider a snorkel raft -- for example:

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...UCT_ID=Calypso

There are various sizes available, some quite small. It might be worth checking out if any snorkel suppliers rent them as well.

Otherwise, you might look for a boat tour that includes some time for snorkeling, rather than a tour specifically for snorkeling. If the former, it probably includes good scenery and less time dedicated to staying in one spot for snorkeling. A Na Pali boat tour on Kauai is a good example -- amazing, even if you don't spend time in the water.

Does she want to come along? Does SHE feel she's being left out?

I say this only because (while I'm not 73) I'm not a snorkeler but would be pleased as punch to be left behind to lounge around the pool for a day.

This thread has some great ideas for things to do in the various ports. Click on each of the blog entries:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...hu_Hawaii.html

lots of info including sites with free brochures for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

You can check these sites for activities:

www.hawaiifun.org

www.hawaiiactivities.com

www.activityworld.com

Don't know if you can snorkel from these:

Captain Bob's Sailing Adventure on Oahu is a glass bottom boat. Have not been on it so can't give you any more info.

Maui:

http://www.mauiglassbottomboat.com/

Google:

glass bottom boat Oahu

glass bottom boat Maui

glass bottom boat Kauai

glass bottom boat Big Island

You ought to spend a couple extra days on Oahu.

You might also think about snorkeling from shore instead of from a boat. Then the 73 year old will be right there.

The 73 yr old CAN go out with the group and not snorkel. My DH isn't much of a snorkeler due to his gotee that he won't shave off so he just swims a bit and then hangs out on the boat.

We've gone out on snorkel trips with people of varying interest and abilities. One boat trip had a choice of equipment, snorkel, or boogie board with a see through window, or just floats to hang on.