Rented a car for the first day only. Shopping in Lahaina, then quick lunch back on the ship, then drove up Haleakala to watch the sunset. There's a bit of a walk from the pier to the street and it was hot. Easy to park at the mall for a little while though, we didn't attempt overnight parking. A Lyft from the airport rental drop off back to the ship was fairly easy and drove us right up to the check in point so didn't have the long walk from the mall.

Taxis were waiting right outside the port terminal so was easy to get one. Did some shopping and stopped at Big Island Candies for some yummy treats and could watch them making the chocolates through the big windows. Called the same taxi company from the business card we were given for the ride back to the boat. Got lucky with sunshine in the morning but it started raining afternoon.

Tender process was easy. We didn't rush so waited for the open tender times which probably happened quickly with only 40% passenger capacity. Lots to do close to the pier. Somewhat steep roads so my short legs got winded walking to the Kona Brewing Company for a tour we booked on our own last minute. Tour guide was brand new but hilarious. Our teen boys also enjoyed even though they couldn't sample the beer.

Spent time lounging on the beach right next to the pier. Beach chair and umbrella available for about $30. Water is refreshingly cool and very clear so could see the fish even without snorkel gear. Great wifi free on the beach as well.

Did not rush out in the morning again. There were no taxis waiting when we got out and only once we started walking down the road did we see one approach and flagged it down. Less taxis available since the pandemic and apparently the port would not allow pre arranged taxis to come into the port area so I think we got lucky. We had previously booked a river tubing excursion with Kauai Back Country Adventures and it was a blast. Bit cold and rainy so glad I wore an athletic shirt instead of just a bathing suit. Scenery was beautiful and got a great history overview from the guide Mason, who also played the ukelele and sang us songs while we floated through the tunnels. Called the same taxi driver after to get us back to the ship. He was telling us that prices have almost doubled from before the pandemic but tourism seems to be bouncing back nicely.

Just amazing. Breath taking. We viewed from our large balcony and if I stepped inside to refill my drink I would be awe struck all over again when stepping out. Almost no words and pictures don't do it justice.

We got a hotel for one night before and different (better) hotel for one night after. We stayed at Polynesian Residences the first night and were not very impressed. It was adequate, clean, but the beds were small and hard and there was a terrible smell in the bathroom which they tried to cover with air fresheners everywhere and clipped to the a/c vent. Maybe they pay people to give good reviews online.

We canceled what we had and then booked at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki for the last night after the cruise. Much better. Nice resort with lots to do. We saw the Soaring Over Hawaii cinema show. I expected better after seeing Soaring Over California and Canada shows previously but it was still enjoyable and got us into the cool for a break from the sun. Then the boys wanted to play the VR Escape rooms which was very fun for all of us.

Nice beach and pools but they try to sell you chairs and cabanas for a crazy price. We ate at CJ's New York Deli the last day and it was good food, large portions and reasonably priced. Bought the obligatory Honolulu cookies, sun dresses and hawaiian shirts.

Lyft to the airport for 4 of us plus luggage was going to be $80-100 so we called Charley's taxis for the flat $29+tax and tip which was fantastic and dropped us right at the Delta check-in area. The traffic in Honolulu is pretty busy so we didn't attempt a rental car and just walked areas near our hotel.