We are a couple from Melbourne in our fifties. This was our second cruise though the first one was in the dark ages (30 yrs ago) on the good old Oriana.
Our flight to Honolulu was on Air Australia as it was the only airline offering direct flights from Melbourne. How lucky we were as the Airline went broke shortly after out return. Someone really should step in and offer direct flights from Melbourne as going through Sydney is a pain.
We stayed 2 nights pre-cruise in the Outrigger Reef which I can highly recommend provided your room is not overlooking the noisy street as ours was.
Our stateroom was partial ocean view. The lifeboat completely blocked the view unless we stood on a chair. No complaints though, it was what we expected, and we were grateful for the natural light. Nicely located, quiet.