I would highly recommend this cruise!  This was our 5th cruise: Princess - Eastern/Southern Caribbean, Carnival - Eastern Caribbean, Carnival - Western Caribbean, Royal Odyssey - Greek Islands.  I'm glad we flew to Honolulu 2 days prior to the cruise.  It gave us a chance to see Oahu and be relaxed after the 9 hour flight from Chicago.  We flew United and paid extra for leg room.  It was worth it.  Paying extra for all baggage is ridiculous.

We took Star Taxi (flat rate $30) from HNL to Waikiki Marriott.  The hotel was lovely and in a good location.  We arrived mid-afternoon Thursday, June 11th, got settled in, and walked Waikiki Beach, enjoying the views and surfers.  We walked the beach to Duke's for an early dinner, shopped afterwards, across the street at the International Market and stores on the main street.  I bought hula skirts/coconut tops/leis for our daughters' Malteses for Halloween!  I also found good prices at ABC for 100% Kona coffee.

Early next morning, we rented from Hertz in the hotel...very convenient.  Our goal for the day:  Scenic drive around Oahu.  First stop: Snorkeling @ Hanauma Bay...great!  We rented our snorkel gear there ($9) and saw lots of beautiful fish.  Hint:  If you can rent snorkel gear for the day near your hotel, you have the gear with you when you go to other beaches for snorkeling.  Frommer's Hawaii 2009 recommends some local shops in Waikiki. Read more