Shore Excursions - Hawaii

[cambie]

We're taking a 14-day cruise to Hawaii, starting from LA, doing island hopping.

I'd like to know how far away is the pier from some of the major tourist sites? is it absolutely necessary to join the excusions to do sight seeing or is it ok to go on your own?

Is it quite far from the city center?

Thanks,

Cambie

[zebra]

Cambie, it's like any other ports. If you just want to see the town, then don't do the excursions, because you can walk into town from all the piers, but Hawaii has so many stunning sights and things to do, I would highly recommend that you wait to receive your excursion booklet which they send to you about 2 months before you sail and see the variety of excursions offered. The prices vary according to the length and type of excursion.

[zebra]

Sorry I neglected to say that most of the excursions are out of town. An American town is the same whether in Hawaii or on the mainland....pretty much, just everything they sell has an "Hawaiian Flavor". But the volcanoes, waterfalls, ziplining and snorkeling willk require that you take an excursion. I highly recommend that you go to a Hawaiian Luau on Honolulu.... we had a ball!!! We also snorkeled and it was breathtaking - on the Big Island we HAD to go up to the volcano, it was awesome!! They will have tons of excursions for you to choose from, trust me.

[hazelson]

I know a lot of people rent cars in each port - if you are a group that would likely be the most sensible way to go.