Maui was our first port of call. We arrived on Sunday and stayed docked overnight until Monday night. On Sunday we rented a convertible from Enterprise and drove the Road to Hana. It was long, but very fun. We picked up an audio CD at the gas station before heading out, which guides you through the main points of interest. It was very helpful in the beginning, but got on our nerves after a while. The road was VERY twisty during the middle portion of thr trip, but we never felt unsafe, and there was very little traffic. We stopped along the waty to see beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, look out points, and local fruit stands. Our final stop was Waianapanapa State Park, where we got to see the Black Sand Beach, which was worth the amount of time it took to get there. On Monday, we took the Haleakala at Sunrise Excursion through the cruise ship. Pick up time was 3:45 a.m., which turned out to be an hour too early, since we were up at the crater at 5:15 a.m. and the visitor center did not even open until 6:00 a.m. Sunrise was at 6:53 a.m. Now let me vehemently state that it was VERY cold and windy 10,000 feet above sea level. You cannot bring enough warm clothes. The excursion ticket advises you to "bring a sweater", however, the sweater will only help if you also bring long johns and jeans, as well as multiple sweatshirts and jackets and gloves and hats. It was 42 degrees, but with the heavy wind, felt much, MUCH colder. As much as you may not want to pack winter clothes on your Hawaiian cruise, buck it up and do so, otherwise you risk getting frostbite. After we returned from the morning excursion, my group split up. Two of us did the Maui Beach Day to Wailea Beach excursion through the cruise ship. This ended up being a bummer, mainly because the weather took a drastic turn for the worse and ended up cold and windy, but also because the excursion provided NOTHING except a beach chair. NOTHING else was included. Everything included in the tour description, including umbrellas, the water trampoline and the kayaks were extra. There was nowhere it get anything to eat. It ended up being a miserable experience, unfortunately. Read Less

Hana Tour and downhill bike ride The best, must do, while there Read Less

This quaint town was a tender port, and there were whales swimming close to the ship and extremely close to the tenders. I was on a "Waterfall Hike" which visited a waterfall within a plantation, and the walking was about 50% roads and 50% wilderness hike. There were 14 of us on the tour divided into 2 groups of 7. Read Less

MAUI: We booked a whale watching excursion with Pacific Whale Foundation (we found prices from about $25 to $38 per person) at 11:30, so really didn’t have enough time to do a lot either before or after the tour because of tendering into Lahaina. We had no problem in getting on a tender (left the ship between 8:30 and 9:00 am) – just went into the dining room, got our ticket and went right to the tender boarding area. It was a windy day and the water was a bit rough, some people in the tenders got a “shower” but the crew quickly pulled the sliding doors down to keep water from splashing in again. Once at the dock, we walked over to find the PWF office where we were to check in at 10:45 for our tour, then walked to try to find the Cannery Mall to catch a bus to Ka’anapali Beach later in the day, but couldn’t find the mall. So we looked around Front Street, went and checked in and then sat in the square in front of the dock (with the huge banyan tree) until time to line up to board our whale watching boat. There were quite a few people on our boat, and I was second-guessing my choice (not liking large-group tours), but it turned out to be an excellent and very enjoyable and informative tour. We saw many, many whales, several popping up within the 100’ distance that boats are required to keep from the whales–it was just amazing! It was really fun! The ride back into the harbor was really choppy, as the wind had picked up considerably, but you could go below deck and stay dry if you wished. When we got back there was a huge line of people waiting to tender back to the GP – apparently the wind caused the captain to suspend tender service for several hours, and move the ship to shelter the tender boats from the wind. Anyhow, while waiting we decided to have lunch, and ate at Lahaina Fish Company, along the waterfront on Front Street. Very good food – I had fish & chips (mahi) and my husband had a mahi sandwich & seafood chowder. Later we had to stop at Luppert’s (sp?) for ice cream – coconut fudge macadamia nut was my choice –yum!! We decided that since the line was so long to tender back to the ship, we probably wouldn’t have time to take the bus to Ka’anapali Beach & back and still board the ship before it sailed. So we nixed the beach trip–I wish we had scheduled the whale watching trip earlier in the day, then we’d have had plenty of time to beach bum. Oh well. Read Less

Maui was our favorite next to Kauai. We again rented a convertible and took off from Lahaina to do the west loop of the island. We were surrounded by humpback whales. The loop circled us around the island in about 2-3 hours. We watched mammoth whales jump from the water and crash on their side causing a huge splash. We went from the coastal route and climbed so high above everything on a narrow one lane road carved in the side of the mountain. The beach became smaller and smaller and we felt we were on top of the world (literally) The terrain went from beach,to tropical rain forrest.to cowboy country to red rocked dry landscape. What diversity. Had shaved Ice, a must! and the best homemade banana bread, another must!.The views were breathtaking as well as the diversity of the fauna and flora. People are relaxed and kind. Ended up back in Lahaina, Charming town and lots of shopping and food options.This port must tender you in from the ship so keep that in consideration if you drive. This port is also very far (about 45mins) from the airport so a helicopter ride will need to be planned. Would like to have seen Hana but again too far and curvy. Our choice was better I think. Read Less

We did the Road to Hana with Valley Isle Excursions. Our guide, Barry, was excellent. We really enjoyed this, and took over a thousand pictures. We would not have enjoyed it nearly as much if we had driven ourselves. Read Less

The second day on Maui, we did the Molokini Crater snorkel through NCL. We really enjoyed this as well. Please note: they do recommend, rightly I think, renting wetsuits so you can stay in the water longer. The water here is not as warm as the Caribbean, so this is a good idea. We were charged $10 for each suit. Once snorkelling is done, there is lunch and a sightseeing component. At this time, they open the bar and all drinks are $1. Read Less

The only port where we had to use the tenders. It was about a 20 min. ride to Lahaina. Getting back onto the ship, the line was long, but not a big problem. Read Less

We did two excursions here. We took the tenders to Lahaina, then went on the Atlantis Submarine. That was fun - 45 minutes underwater looking at the fish and coral reef. We did get to see some Moray eels, so that was a bonus. That excursion was exactly what we expected. After Atlantis we ate at the Kool Kat Cafe, which served some heavenly hamburgers. So much better than what was served on the ship. After lunch we met up with Maui Nei and took their "Walking Tour Through Lahaina's Past." It was one of the most touching historical tours we've ever taken. Since my husband and I are both Native Americans from tribes decimated by history and Manifest Destiny, we were keen on learning Hawaiian culture and history, and how their story mirrored our own. We were not disappointed. We learned so much so we joined Friends of Maui Nei that day. It is a very long walking tour, and very sad, too, so be prepared emotionally if you decide to take it, as you'll learn about the tragic fates of so many Hawaiians under colonial and then American rule. Read Less

We tendered into Lahaina, so it was a short day. Just wandered Lahaina, did some shopping at Hilo Hatties, ate shaved ice, people watched, and went through some of the historic missionary houses, jail, and hotel. And the wonderful Banyon tree. Saw whales from our balcony. Doesn't get much better that his. Read Less

Stepping away from the excursions, the four of us rented a jeep to "cruise" the Hanna Highway. And, although it was steep, winding, and wet, it was also majestic, picturesque, and awe-inspiring. And, aside from the occasional locals that take "Haole" intrusion personal, the majority of residents were warm and welcoming. Read Less

Instead of Maui itself we chose the Lanai'i 4X4 trekking adventure. Lanai'i is an island off the coast of Lahaina and is about a 50 minute ferry boat ride across the channel. This tour is amazing. We toured the island and had a very knowledgeable guide who lives on the island. This tour does take some rough roads but isnt a 4X4 trekking adventure, more simply a charming tour of Lanai'i city and beautiful island landscapes. Lunch was provided by the local coffee shop and everything was waiting for us as we arrived. Read Less

We did the Snorkel Excursion with 2 stops. This was one of the best excursions we went on. We snorkelles at the Molokini crater, not lots of different fish but alot of fun. Had a nice lunch and then we snorkelled with the sea turtles. Best of all was seeing the whales.................... Read Less

The tour in this port was not too good due to the fog which we encountered on the mountain top after over an hour ride. I would suggest you just stay in Lanai and forget the tours. Read Less

We had a fantastic time in Maui, there is a ton to do there. The first day we took the Road to Hana tour from Valley Isle excursions. They use 12 passenger luxury vans, and they pick you up right at the pier so no worrying over how you are going to get there! They are also the only group that takes you all the way around the back side of Hana. I loved this tour, it was a lot cheaper than the NCL excursion, stopped at more places and the guide was terrific! He gave a great history of the island and area along the way and was funny and entertaining. Be ready for a very curvy road and a very bumpy ride along the back of Hana. It was amazing to see the different sides of the island, one side is so lush and the other so arid and dry, like Texas! There were plenty of photo ops along the way, and I can now say I've been on the famous road! And I'm so glad I wasn't driving! Seriously this is one that I wouldn't drive, there are portions of the road that ride right along the edge of a cliff...scary! And it's twists and turns. Whoever is driving will not get to see the amazing scenery along the way because you really have to focus on the road. There are numerous one lane bridges as well. It is essentially a long car ride so if you have small children, or even teens, they will be bored out of their minds. But if you are an adult you'll appreciate the scenery, and the hike to the 7 Pools, the dip in the cool water....I liked it! I booked directly with Valley Isle. It includes a great BBQ chicken lunch stop along the way, and beverages. They really take care of you! Read Less

Our second day in Maui we spent on a Molokini Snorkel excursion. We booked this one through AdventureMaui.com and were on the Pride of Maui. We took a cab to the harbor, which cost us $40 I think. If you have more than 2 people consider renting a car and be sure if you do to reserve it in advance. We watched a lot of frustrated people trying to rent without reservations and didn't envy them at all. For us, the trip was so early in the morning that we didn't want to mess with the rental that early. On the way back you can actually take a bus from the harbor shops right there. $1 a person, what a bargain! The bus takes you to the mall (I think it's called Queen Center). From the mall there is a FREE shuttle back to the boat! You catch it by the Starbucks (you have to walk through the mall to get to the Starbucks from where the city bus drops you). It sounds complex but it's not, it's very easy! The bus picks up every hour, at about 9 minutes after the hour. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes. So that made the cab ride worth it for us. But if you have more people renting a car would make sense too. What a fantastic trip! They had coffee and a continental breakfast of juice and muffins and fruit waiting for us. They supply all equipment you'll need. They also have underwater digital cameras to rent for $40 (or $30 if you have a disposable one on you. those are horrible and they'll give you $10 for them as a trade in toward the good rental). I rented their camera and was so happy I did! I got fantastic pictures, which they give you on a CD to take home with you. The camera they use is so much better than anything you probably brought with you unless you've bought a really good underwater camera. The first place they take you is Molokini. This time of year there aren't as many fish to see so be prepared for not a lot of fish. However, the water is so clear! And it was beautiful, even if I didn't see as many fish as I expected I still had a fantastic time. If you've never been snorkeling they'll teach you how, and they have all kinds of flotation devices if you feel more comfortable using those. I used the tubey noodle thing and it worked just great. I didn't have to worry about staying afloat while I took pictures. They serve hamburgers and hotdogs and grilled chicken while they take you to the second snorkeling location. The food was fantastic, probably because swimming made me hungry heh. The second place was Turtle Town (they call it that, there actually is no such place and I couldn't tell you exactly where we were). The turtles the day we went were shy or were somewhere else. We only saw one, and he went and hid very quickly lol. But it was amazing just being in the same ocean with him, and I did get one picture of him. I heard other people saying they saw more over toward the other side of the area from where we were so don't stay in one spot, branch out a bit. Just keep in mind you have to swim back to the boat! Overall this was a fantastic excursion. There was plenty of food, the staff were nice. They even had Vaseline for my husband since he has a moustache. We didn't know that facial hair will make the mask not seal correctly (it was only our second time snorkeling ever). The Vaseline made all the difference in the world for him so if you have facial hair be sure to ask them for it. As I mentioned before, we walked over to the harbor shops after the trip and caught the bus back to the mall, and the shuttle from there to the boat. We were back in plenty of time, probably 2 hours before we had to be. Read Less

Lahaina is a beautiful port town with all the touristy things within walking distance, the harbor, beaches, shopping and really good restaurants and pubs, and that beautiful huge banyon tree. So much to do...submarine tours, surfing lesson...everything close to the dock. Wonderful port! Read Less

Maui was our only Tendered port. Princess had ample tenders all day and the worst was the line for security to get back on the tender. The town is lovely and easy to walk around, and the park with the banyan tree is very close to the tender area. Easy to do on your own. While DH and sis went on the zip line excursion at Haleakala I went back to the ship and then back to town and shopped. They loved the zip line excursion and personnel. Read Less

Absolutely beautiful - my favorite Hawaiian island! We took a snorkel tour, booked privately, and it was a lot of fun. We saw spinner dolphins and sea turtles, coral, and all kinds of fish. Transportation on the island is good as well; we took a bus to get back and forth to the beach. Read Less

We anchored overnight in this port. We tendered in and rented from Hertz. We were in Lahaina. We drove about 45 minutes to see the Iao Valley. Very nice. Had to make a choice of what to do next and we decided to drive to the summit of Mount Haleakala (?) a dormant volcano. A vert tedious drive of switchback roads, usually 15 mph, reaching the summit at 10,000 feet. So glad we did it. It is like nothing I have ever seen before. On the way down, we stopped a Kula Lodge for a very over priced lunch with one of the most beautiful views ever. Following lunch we drove through Lahaina and up to Kaanapali (?) where we window shopped in Whalers Village. We had intended to keep the car for both days, but felt we had seen enough, so we turned it in about 6:30 and walked back to the pier (15 min). Great day. Day 2 - we rested strolled through town, had a little lunch, and did some shopping. Read Less

Rent a car if you want to see Maui. Read Less

We originally were scheduled to kayak and snorkel however the current was too strong in the tour company recommended that we postpone until another day. We were quite disappointed as we want it to kayak. Read Less

Rented a car and drove the road to Hana. Long, winding and scenic drive but not for the nervous driver. We enjoyed the drive and scenery. One hint - don't bother with downloading the SHAKA app for the drive, it basically was a waste of money as it typically advised not to stop but to wait for "better" things ahead. You'll know when to stop by the number of cars on the side of the road ...save your money. Read Less

The dock at Maui is in an typical industrial port with very little within walking distance. The Maui Ocean Adventure is well worth spending a couple hours at and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the port. Read Less

Again, we rented a car and was hoping to do the "Road to Hana". Unfortunately, we only went half way and needed to turn around as there was a "traffic jam" probably due to some mudslide, tree clearing or construction of some sort. Instead, we took our time on our way back and explore the area more in-depth. We also tried to go to the Haleakala National Park, but it was raining at the higher elevation. Ho'okipa Beach was beautiful. Read Less