We are a family group of 6 that have traveled/cruised together before. My husband and I have taken the re-positioning cruise from Hawaii in the past. For the others this was truly a "Trip of a Lifetime".
We flew to Honolulu in advance and stayed for 6 nights prior to embarkation. We took some down time at the pool & on the beach at the Ilikai, as well as visited the Kualoa Ranch, climbed Diamond Head & the guys went to Pearl Harbor. It was during the end of rainy season and we had some cloudy days as well as some spectacularly sunny days.
The Ship
Upgraded Ocean View to Guaranteed Balcony. Aft Cabin to sleep 4. Pride of America cabins are smaller. But we managed. Had an odor and bathroom vent/fan problem. Smoke detector went off one night. Felt some ship motion.
Only went on the short tour. Informative.
Just wandered around Kona. Lovely little port. Wait staff at local bar/restaurant was testy. Very hot and muggy that day. Beach next to pier was swimable and water was lovely.
2 members of our group went and they said they enjoyed it a lot. The show was very good.