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Out and About on the Islands - Hawaii Highlights

As enjoyable as cruises can be – the food, the activities, the amenities, the nightlife – half the fun of the trip is the time in port. Many a cruising veteran will offer the same advice: ENJOY your cruise ship when you are on it… GET AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE FROM YOUR CRUISE SHIP when you aren’t on it.

While most cruise lines, including Norwegian, have itineraries designed to take you around the islands, you’re confined to their timelines, stops and activities and are usually packed into a bus full of sweaty strangers who reek of last night’s indulgence in booze and surf ‘n’ turf. With this in mind, might we suggest venturing off to explore Hawaii’s islands on your own? Below you’ll find information on things to do and sites to see while in port on each of the islands. They are merely suggestions and meant to guide you as you plan your expeditions. Come back often for updates and feel free to ask questions - one of us is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to Hawaii (that would be Kimiko).

For more information on things to see and do, visit gohawaii.com.

Maui – The Magic Isle

Maui’s diverse natural beauty and friendly people make it a favourite of visitors from around the world. It also happens to be where Kimiko and I will be tying the knot. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or to wonder at breathtaking scenery, this magic island has it all! Gohawaii.com/maui

For the adventurous tourist:



Overlooking the breathtaking Haleakela National Park

The famous downhill bike tour - either a sunrise tour or day journey. This tour includes pick-up at Kahului Harbor, transportation to the summit of Haleakala, all the biking equipment that you need, and the guide service down the mountain. It's a 23 mile downhill coast starting at the 6,700 foot level and coasting all the way to the ocean in Paia with amazing scenery along the way. This tour can be arranged for your second day in port. Maui Bicycle Tours

Pride of Maui Molokini Snorkel - Only morning tours reliably get to Molokini because of afternoon trade winds. This is a 10-15 minute cab ride from Kahului Harbor and can be done on your second day in port. Molokini Snorkel Tours

For the drivin’ tourist:

Upcountry Maui offers incredible Maui views. Rent a car and head there. Continue up the winding road to Haleakala National Park. Drink up the view from nearly 10,000 feet.

The winding road of Hana Highway

Hana – the highlight of the visit to this peaceful town (considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers), is the drive. Don’t let the relatively short distance from Kahului (52 miles) fool you – the trip can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete. The legendary Hana Highway (HI-360) has 600 bends and hairpin turns and 54 bridges, but offers incredible island views, taking you through rainforests, past waterfalls, pools and dramatic seascapes. Best to get an early start, as there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.

*DUE TO TIME LIMITATIONS, DRIVING THE HANA HIGHWAY IN ITS ENTIRETY IS NOT RECOMMENDED*

For the beachin’ tourist:

Head over to Kahana Beach Park and enjoy some R n’ R under the sun. Take advantage of the great swimming conditions, grab a snorkel and some fins and explore underwater, or try your hand at windsurfing (the beach offers world-famous conditions). 

For the casual, site-seeing tourist: 

1.    Lahaina – this former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom is home to dozens of art galleries, a variety of unique shops and fine restaurants serving Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Stroll down old Front Street and visit historic stops like the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Hale Paaho (Lahaina Prison), the Pioneer Inn and other sites on the Lahaina Historic Trail.

2.   If bus tours are your thang, Hana tours offers an alternative to the larger vehicles that cruise ships typically use. You can do a small group Hana tour in a 13 passenger vehicle with pick-up at the harbor. Hana Tours

Hilo – The Big Island’s scenic capital

Don’t let the frequent rainfall deter you from exploring Hilo and its beautiful surrounding area. Dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and vibrant foliage are the result of 278 days of measureable rain each year and well worth enduring the occasional light, refreshing shower to see. Gohawaii.com/big-island

For the adventurous tourist:



Kilauea Volcano



Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – located 45 minutes south of Hilo, this designated Heritage Site of Hawaii is one of the state’s most popular and sacred attractions. Its main event is the Kilauea Volcano, a highly active volcano that produces between 250,000 and 650, 000 cubic yards of lava each day. Explore the volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests, petroglyphs, walk-in lava tube and, of course, the volcanoes, that pepper the 333,000 acre park.

For the drivin’ tourist:

Don’t feel like hiking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Then drive it! Many of the site’s main attractions are accessible by car and the journey to get there is often half the fun.



Thurston Lava Tube



1. Crater Rim Drive – a 10.6 mile drive that circles Kilauea Caldera and takes you to, among other things, the Kilauea overlook, Jaggar Museum, Halemaumau Crater, Devastation Trail and the Thurston Lava Tube.
2. Chain of Craters Road – a 3,700-foot drive accessible from Crater Rim Drive that eventually ends at a lava road block.

For the strollin’ tourist:

1. Downtown Hilo – The Big Island’s scenic capital is a pedestrian-friendly town offering plenty of shops, galleries and restaurants located in centuries-old wooden storefronts. Explore Hilo and Hawaii’s history at one of the town’s many museums or enjoy paintings, woodwork, glasswork and jewelry by local artists at the numerous art galleries.

2.  Hilo Farmers Market – enjoy the many sights and smells of this vibrant and festive marketplace located in downtown Hilo which has earned a reputation as one of the best in the state. Its more than 200 vendors offer a wide variety of locally-grown exotic foods and flowers, hand-made crafts, clothing and jewelry.                                                                                                                                                     




Liliuokalani Gardens


3.  Enjoy Hilo’s natural beauty with a visit to Liliuokalani Gardens, where you’ll find Japanese-inspired arching red bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse. Views of Hilo Bay and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) enhance this peaceful setting.

For the casual, site-seeing tourist looking for convenience: 

Jack’s Tours, Inc. offers a variety of expertly-guided tours in and around Hilo. Jack’s Tours, Inc.

Kona – more than just coffee

It should come as no surprise that Captain James Cook first set foot on The Big Island here in 1778. With guaranteed sunshine, clear-blue waters and a beautiful, lava-lined coast line how could he not? From coffee plantations, to parks, to historic landmarks, Kona has much to do for everyone. Gohawaii.com/big-island

For the adventurous tourist:





The Kii of Puuhonua o Honaunau


1. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park – Another of Hawaii’s Heritage Sites, Puuhonua o Honaunau is a 180-acre park that offers an in-depth look into early Hawaiian culture. It was once home of the royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. Explore the beautifully restored grounds by foot including the Great Wall, the kii (wooden images of gods), the sacred temple Hale o Keawe Heiau and the Keoua Stone.
2. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park – head north of Kailua–Kona to this 1160-acre park and explore early heiau (temples), fishponds and petroglyphs. While you’re there, check out Honokohau Beach and marvel at the contrast between the white sands and black lava rock coastline.

For the sea-loving tourist:



Try your hand at Marlin fishing



Enjoy south Kona’s calm, clear waters by snorkeling, diving and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). If time permits, try the manta ray boat tour and experience swimming with these majestic sea creatures. If you’re looking for the thrill of a lifetime, you’re in the right place – Kona is a world-renowned for its deep-sea fishing.

For the coffee enthusiast:

Travel to the cooler upland slopes of towns like the artsy Holualoa, where you can satisfy your “java-ddiction” by sampling the many flavours of 100% Kona coffee at the hundreds of coffee farms that occupy the region. Many offer tours to the public, including Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation and Kona Joe Coffee.

For the strollin’ tourist:

Wander the bustling streets of historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), where you’ll find shops, restaurants and historic places like Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and the Ahuena Heiau.

Kaua’i – Hawaii’s Island of Discovery

Explore the lush, green rainforests, majestic cliffs, jagged peaks, emerald valleys and beautiful golden beaches of what many consider to be one of the world’s most spectacular islands. With watersports galore, world-class golf courses and miles of hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails, Hawaii’s oldest and most remote island truly is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Gohawaii.com/kauai

For the beachin’ tourist:



Kalipaki Beach



 Check out one of the many beaches around the port town of Nawiliwili, including Kalipaki Beach, where bodysurfing, windsurfing and swimming make it a popular destination. If you’re a links fan, rent some clubs and enjoy the beautiful, Jack Nicklaus-designed Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.



For the naturalist:

Wailua Falls

1. Wailua Falls – located north of the main Kauaian city of Lihue, this easily accessible waterfall is best visited in the morning, when you may be treated to a rainbow.


McBryde Garden

Find out why Kauai is known as the Garden Island. Visit one of the many gardens that make up the National Tropical Botanical Garden, including McBryde Garden (home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plants) and Allerton Garden (home to the towering Moreton Bay Fig trees from the film “Jurassic Park”).                                                         
                                                                                            


Waimea Canyon

Rent a car and head out to Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This Heritage Site of Hawaii stretches 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. Drive to the Waimea Canyon Lookout for incredible panoramic views or bring your hiking boots and enjoy the many trails.                                                           





Napali Coast


4. If time permits, take the 90-minute trip to the north shore of Kauai and marvel at the Napali Coast – a stretch of towering green cliffs, waterfalls and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail provides the only access to this land and a guide is recommended.

For the history buff:

The Lihue area provides history enthusiasts with an array of sites that offer a glimpse into Kauai’s past. Alekoko (Menehune Fishpond), a roughly 1000-year old aquaculture reservoir; Kilohana, a historic plantation estate; and both the historic Kauai Museum and Grove Farm Homestead Museum are all accessible and fascinating ways to deepen your knowledge of this beautiful island.

For the one who wants to see it all:

To fully appreciate the incredibly diverse landscapes of Kauai, you may want to consider taking a helicopter tour of the island. There are many companies in the Lihue area that offer quality rides and reasonable group rates, including: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Jack Harter Helicopters, Safari Helicopters and Island Helicopters Kauai Inc.

Honolulu – the epicenter of Hawaii

Beaches, surfing, world-class shopping and a vibrant arts and culture scene make the sprawling State Capitol a popular tourist attraction. Located on the Southeastern shore of Oahu, Honolulu is home to 80% of Hawaii’s population and will serve as both the launch and end points of our cruise. If you can spare a few hours, be sure to explore as much as you can. Gohawaii.com/oahu

For the beachin’ tourist:

Waikiki

Waikiki – one of the world’s most famous beaches is also where you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities. And what would a trip here be without a surfing lesson?

For the history buff:

1.   Pearl Harbor – the largest natural harbor in Hawaii is also the site of the historic attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. Visiting this Heritage Site is a must for anyone wanting to know more about the infamous event that drove the United States into World War II.



A sunken ship - remnants of the attack on Pearl Harbor



2.   Honolulu is home to some of Hawaii’s most historic places, including Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahao Church, the Mission Houses and the treasured artifacts of the Bishop Museum to iconic landmarks like the Aloha Tower, the King Kamehameha I Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Hawaii Theatre.

For the foodie:

Experience the diverse, ethnic flavors fused with international fare that make Hawaiian Regional Cuisine famous the world over. From the locally raised and grown ingredients found at Alan Wong’s Restaurant to the European-Asian fusion cuisine of Roy’s Waikiki, you’re guaranteed to find a place that suits your palate.