Great experience! The food was fantastic, the crew went out of their way to make our trip great, and the entertainment was top notch.
We chose to do no shore excursions as we are very familiar with the islands. We instead rented a car in Maui, Hilo, and Kauai.
We did not pay for specialty dining as we felt the options in the Liberty Dining Room and Skyline Restaurant were very nice. We found late in the week that avoiding the buffet a t breakfast and going to the Skyline Dining room was a much nicer option. This allowed the people hurring to get off the ship a chance to clear aot as we ate a nice leisurely breakfast. The food was similar to the buffet, but it wasn't crazy busy like the buffet. We were then able to just walk off the ship and go about our planned day!
Nice! We liked the accomodations. A balcony is a must for this cruise as you see the islands as you move between ports.
We rented a car and went tot he Hilo zoo, the Macadamia nut factory, a small brewery, and the orchid farm.
We know Kauai well, which means we know the weather all too well. It was a typical Kauai day - windy and rainy. We chose to just drive to Wiamea and wonder off the beaten path. Wiamea is on the leeward side so good weather is the norm.
Rented a car and drove to Hana. Never again! Wasted day.