This was my wife and I first time in Hawaii. My 1st cruise, wife's 2nd. We are in our 50's. Flew from NC to Honolulu on SAturday and went right to the ship. (Tip: Robert's of Hawaii bus at airport to ship was $5 each on weekend, cheaper than cab.) Getting on ship was real easy & quick. Splurged for a balcony room which was DEFINITELY worth it. Made dinner reservations that day for specialty restaurants (East West Fusion, try the crab wontons; French restaurant & steakhouse were excellent, reservation for 8:30 PM, when it's 2 for 1 at both. Ate at Aloha each morning on back deck. Made croissant sandwiches & took fruit for lunches off the ship.Took small collapsible cooler with you & zip lock baggies for this. Check happy hours & drink specials in daily program. Entertainment was OK, Elton John impersonator, SHOUT, and comedians were pretty good.
Went on one NCL excursion, Maui Downhill Bike ride which was great. Actually drove above clouds to 9300 feet, then down hill thru clouds for 22 miles. Rented cars thru Budget & Dollar on web. Easy & surprisingly cheap, less than $30 per day. Rented convertible, on Kauai, worth it. Maui swam at Big Beach, really nice, on West side. Hilo, VNP was great, saw steam vents, walked Thurston Lava tube, cool. Go to Wal Mart or K Mart for post cards, souvenirs, Mac nuts, Kona coffee , shirts, etc. Save big. In Kona went snorkeling, $20 each for van ride & equipped. rental(Snorkel & Beach Express) near dock to Kahalu'u Beach-State Marine REserve. beautiful place, amazing fish, 4-5 ft. deep water, 3 ft. turtle comes up to shore, lockers $5 on beach, nice restaurant on beach under $10 for lunch.Kauai, was our favorite. Went to Blow Horn on south coast and swam & snorkeled at Ke'e Beach on North Coast, truly a beautiful beach!Last beach before Napoli Coast. Drove to Waimea Canyon early Fri. AM . Worth the drive, stopped for shave ice on way back to boat & cruised by the amazing Napoli Coast. Oahu, rented car and did Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona in AM (well worth it) them walked around Waikiki for a couple hours before flight left.
We enjoyed the cruise, food , very much. Hawaii is truly a paradise. Aloha!