Choose this cruise because it visits all three islands. Ship sails at night, giving you full days on the 3 islands from early in the am until late in the day. Food, staff and service was excellent! With no customs, embarkation and disembarkation are no effort. We had a balcony room and the views were incredible! The view of the lava fields at night and the north shore of Kaui were outstanding!
Access on and off the ship was very easy. It was very easy to make connections with the rental car agencies, tour excursions, or just wandering around on your own. On 2 days we just left the ship and found excellent beaches and shopping within 10 minute walks from the ship. At no point did we feel at all uncomfortable with port areas where the ship was docked. We were able to acquire rental cars in Maui (short walk to Enterprise beats airport shuttle and cheaper too!) and Kaui (shuttle to airport waiting at pier). In Hilo our tour guide was waiting at the pier for our arrival. In Kona and on the second day in Kaui we just wandered off the ship on our own and found great beaches within 10 minutes walking.
Ship itself is very clean and well maintained. Cabins are well appointed, and staff is incredibly helpful. Food was very good also and with the NCL Freestyle you were never required to eat at a specific time or place.
Pearl Harbour - need to get tickets in advance or arrive early in the day to get the 1300 free ones given out daily.
Rented car from Enterprise and drove around the island on our own. Very easy.
Arranged volcano tour with non ship guide service.
Walked to beach close to ship that had full facilities (bathrooms, water sports, etc) and then walked around the town.
Rented car and drove all over the island. Spent 2nd day at beach close to ship.