Looking for a little help for our Hawaiian cruise coming up

[auntlynne]

I edited the drive time for visiting Volcanoes NP to be 3 hours round trip.

 

[DisneyConvert]

Every port is within a short walk of shopping and dining. And at every port, complimentary shuttles will show up to take you to additional shopping and dining options.

Respectfully disagree, although it may be influenced by my urgency to "get going" (andiamo, vamanos, twinde) asap after I disembark.

Kahului Maui pedestrian exit is approx. .5 miles (~12mins) via a serpentine security path to exit the port complex on Kaahumanu Ave opposite the Maui Mall Village.

It's a shorter, not-quite as inconvenient walk from Nawiliwili to Waapa Rd, which is close to the aforementioned resort, and a small strip shopping complex, but not much else.

Hilo wasn't bad but we had friends who lived <1 mile away and we walked out to the Kuhio / Kalanianaole St intersection (~600 ft) so they could pick us up.

No complimentary shuttles in Hawaii (remember the power of the taxi's), although I recall DCL arranged them at Juneau, and the one at Skagway was $negligent.

 

[Kwami]

No complimentary shuttles in Hawaii (remember the power of the taxi's), although I recall DCL arranged them at Juneau, and the one at Skagway was $negligent.

The shuttle in Skagway was free when I was there last summer.

 

[Carohs]

I wouldn't say any of the ports offer much in the way of shopping. Maui maybe, there's a small mall but there's not much there to see really in walking distance. When we went (different cruise line) we opted to get a rental car rather than book excursions. You just have to be careful with timings and getting back with plenty of time. For example, we did RtH in Maui. Shipped docked at 8am and we were aiming to be back by 5ish. We were stopped by a tree on the road but were fortunate that there was already a truck on the way. We made it back around 6:30.
In Kauai we drove to Waimea canyon, booked a catamaran to see Napali Coast, and booked a secret falls kayak and hike tour. The catamaran was super choppy and the kids got seasick. They never have been before so caution it can be very rough. The secret falls the kids still talk about how much they liked it but another word or warning, the kayaking is not for the out of shape. Indeed, I fell very behind the group but thankfully had a very understanding guide. I'm not out of shape per se but have no upper body strength and neither does DD. We just couldn't get enough momentum with each stroke. However once we got to the hike part, it was stunningly beautiful. The waterfall was crowded but it was so much fun to get to swim under one. Even if not this hike, I highly recommend finding at least one to do while you're on the islands. If we ever make it back to Kauai I would want to do the tubing and Smith's Luau there.

 

[auntlynne]

I wouldn't say any of the ports offer much in the way of shopping. Maui maybe, there's a small mall but there's not much there to see really in walking distance. When we went (different cruise line) we opted to get a rental car rather than book excursions. You just have to be careful with timings and getting back with plenty of time. For example, we did RtH in Maui. Shipped docked at 8am and we were aiming to be back by 5ish. We were stopped by a tree on the road but were fortunate that there was already a truck on the way. We made it back around 6:30.
In Kauai we drove to Waimea canyon, booked a catamaran to see Napali Coast, and booked a secret falls kayak and hike tour. The catamaran was super choppy and the kids got seasick. They never have been before so caution it can be very rough. The secret falls the kids still talk about how much they liked it but another word or warning, the kayaking is not for the out of shape. Indeed, I fell very behind the group but thankfully had a very understanding guide. I'm not out of shape per se but have no upper body strength and neither does DD. We just couldn't get enough momentum with each stroke. However once we got to the hike part, it was stunningly beautiful. The waterfall was crowded but it was so much fun to get to swim under one. Even if not this hike, I highly recommend finding at least one to do while you're on the islands. If we ever make it back to Kauai I would want to do the tubing and Smith's Luau there.

Smith’s Luau looks like a nice alternate to the high-priced Old Lahaina Luau I enjoyed in the past. In a lovely setting. Too bad it doesn’t fit in the schedule for those on this fall’s Hawaii cruise.

Good heads’ up to those who may visit in the future!

 

[LAS2AMS]

I wouldn't say any of the ports offer much in the way of shopping. Maui maybe, there's a small mall but there's not much there to see really in walking distance.

Every single port in Hawaii is within a reasonable walking distance (1 mile or less) of shopping and dining. The options vary — local shops at Lihue vs. mainly traditional big box stores at Kahului - but if you’re looking for something to do without the hassle of booking a tour or renting a car, they’re there.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Respectfully disagree, although it may be influenced by my urgency to "get going" (andiamo, vamanos, twinde) asap after I disembark.

Kahului Maui pedestrian exit is approx. .5 miles (~12mins) via a serpentine security path to exit the port complex on Kaahumanu Ave opposite the Maui Mall Village.

It's a shorter, not-quite as inconvenient walk from Nawiliwili to Waapa Rd, which is close to the aforementioned resort, and a small strip shopping complex, but not much else.

Hilo wasn't bad but we had friends who lived <1 mile away and we walked out to the Kuhio / Kalanianaole St intersection (~600 ft) so they could pick us up.

No complimentary shuttles in Hawaii (remember the power of the taxi's), although I recall DCL arranged them at Juneau, and the one at Skagway was $negligent.

I’d consider a mile to be a reasonable walking distance for most people . Obviously some people have more limited mobility, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with the OP.

I’ve been to Hawaii numerous times via cruise ships, albeit not Disney. Every single port has an array of complimentary busses. Walmart, Target, Hilo Hattie, etc. use your phone to see what’s nearby these places — e.g. the Hilo Hattie shuttle at Honolulu brings you to the Ala Mona Center, which makes the walk to Waikiki much faster.

Alternately Hawaii has a very good bus system if someone wants to learn it.

 

[ctc917]

Thank you very much for all the great information now to figure out what we will do while there

 

[optstud]

If you need a taxi on Kauai book before you arrive. They don’t have that many.