The Aloha Cruise - On Dry Land

Continuing our grand Hawaii cruise adventure with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays. The 7-day cruise is over, but there's more in store...!

While we had planned for the full seven-day cruise aboard Pride of America, with that much-needed overnight stay at the Modern Honolulu Hotel the day before, we were asked by Virgin Holidays - who had helped with our flights from Florida - if we could stay on for an extra couple of days to see something of their resort choice on Oahu as well.

With their help - and a very generous offer from the Walt Disney company - we were able to extend our stay to three extra nights, starting with a night at the exclusive Kahala Resort on our return to Honolulu. And we were SO glad we had the additional time, both to truly see some of this island and also to relax a little (because, for all the fact it had been a wonderful cruise, we had packed a LOT into the 7 days).

Our first item of business was to pick up a hire car from the Airport (a 15-minute shuttle ride from the port - and just $7 per person with Roberts Hawaii), and then we were finally off under our steam.

With all our luggage in the car, we were advised it was extremely unwise to park in any of the tourist spots on the island as car theft (when obvious items are in view) is somewhat prevalent. Therefore, we headed straight to the Kahala so we could leave our baggage there, even though it meant driving to the far side of Waikiki and then returning to Pearl Harbor, our main target for the day.

We were actually glad we did as the Resort took a bit of finding in daylight, and we were able to navigate back later on with no trouble. It is also quite stunning, with a beautiful entrance reception area that we took to terming New World Chic for its airy, contemporary styling. It was also in the middle of one of its trademark Dolphin Shows at the big seaside lagoon that sits at the back of the resort (a more personal Dolphin Quest adventure is also available but we were happy just to watch the Christmas-themed show).

Once unloaded, we stopped off at the Diamond Head crater, the iconic volcanic outcrop at the end of Waikiki Beach. Here you can drive (or hike) in and then follow the winding path  and 175 steps to the crater summit for a wonderful overview of Waikiki. Due to the fact we didn't have two hours to spare (or any water on a pretty hot day), we opted for a look around inside the crater (including the history of the Crater as a WWII army base) and just a gentle wander along the path to get the general idea. We will be back to tackle the summit another time, though!

Next, we headed for the site of the infamous Japanese attack that brought America into WWII. Pearl Harbor is still a working military base, but there is also the main Visitor Center, with 5 distinct historic sites to peruse and learn about this tragic day for the US Navy, when some 3,500 lost their lives to the sneak attack.

The free-admission USS Arizona Memorial offers a film about the main attack on the island and the ship that took the biggest hits on that fateful day, with a boat ride over to the site of the ship itself, with a hugely poignant display and tribute to the 1,177 men who perished aboard. 

For an additional fee, we went over to the USS Missouri, or the Mighty Mo, one of the WWII battleships that 'bookended' the War by being the place where Japan officially surrendered on September 2, 1945. The Missouri also served in the Korean and Gulf Wars before being retired here in 1999. A full tour of the battleship would take several hours but we managed to do it in about 90 minutes, ending quite in awe of how much of the ship's interior you can actually see.

Other exhibits included the submarine USS Bowfin, which offered more interior touring and the story of the Pacific's under-sea war, and the Museum and Park, with its moving memorial to the 52 US submarines lost in the course of duty. We would have loved to include the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Oklahoma Memorial (the other big battleship lost during the raid, along with 429 crewmen), but it was already gone 4pm and things were closing, and we also had one other stop we wanted to make on our way back to the Kahala.

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located in the Punchbowl Crater overlooking Waikiki and is otherwise known as the Arlington of the West. Another volcanic crater - albeit not as big as Diamond Head, the Punchbowl is a dramatic and fitting tribute to the many US servicemen and women who have died in the various Pacific theatres of war. Superbly laid out, with dramatic views from the crater rim, this is a somber but impressive memorial to those who died in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, as well as being the resting place for servicefolk and their families in between.

 Our day was completed back at the Kahala Resort, luxuriating in a walk along the beach at dusk and then retiring to the Verandah Lounge for drinks and a light meal (in our case, a superb burger and some sushi) while we contemplated the enormity of our Hawaii journey so far. We were still waking up FAR too early in the morning but, all in all, it was worth it, as we were covering a lot of ground...

Next up - Kualoa Ranch and the North Shore 

 

  

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The Aloha Cruise - More Kauai

Continuing our journey around Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays, we have more time on the Garden Island...

Destination Hawaii - Kauai Pt 2

With Norwegian's wonderful Hawaii itinerary allowing for an overnight on Kauai (as we did on Maui), we were able to spend the night at my cousin's and enjoy the amazing peace and views of this part of the island in the morning.

OK, so the birds do make a bit of a racket at 5am, but it is a tropical racket and still quite fun!

After a nominal breakfast of fresh fruit straight from their garden (pure bliss), we were taken down into the town of Kapaa for another look round and a full (or second!) breakfast at Ono Family Restaurant, a typical Hawaiian/Asian choice that is one of the busiest hereabouts.

We're not usually ones to indulge in a big first meal of the day but, at Dave's recommendation, we waded into a Lindsey Special (fried rice topped with eggs, spam and Portuguese sausage), a Local Boy omelette (sausage, kim chee and cheese) and a truly gorgeous side order of the Tropical Stack pancakes (with macadamia nuts, bananas and other fruit). It would be enough to keep us going for most of the day but again served to underline why dining out here is such a pleasure.

After breakfast there was still time to go out to Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, where the stunning promontory location is topped off by an eye-catching lighthouse - and great colonies of Laysan Albatross, Nene Geese, Shearwaters, red-Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. Quite stunning to see them in such profusion (especially the nest-burrowing Shearwaters). There are often whale sightings here, too, but we weren't lucky enough to see any.

The Aleko Menehune Fishponds were our final stop of the day before we had to head back to the ship, the traditional Hawaiian royalty fish stocks, and one of the finest examples of this type of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture. We'd already heard the tradition of the little 'Menehune' people on the islands but this looked like a particularly amazing example of their 'work' at 900ft long!

The Pride of America was due to sail at 2pm, hence we had to be back aboard at 1.30, and we said a very reluctant goodbye to Dave and Bill. Although we had been given a genuinely amazing 'insider's' view of the island, we could tell there was still a lot more to see and do here and I think it will be top of our list to re-visit if we are able to get back out this way. *Sigh!*

Luckily, we had a special invitation to take up back on the ship, with suite guests being invited to a unique sailaway occasion on Deck 7, forward, effectively the bow of the vessel. With champagne and hosting by the Hotel Director, Cruise Director and their staffs, it was a memorable occasion as we said farewell top Kauai for our return to Oahu.

There was still more to enjoy, though, as Captain Kjell Nesheim set a course for the Na'Pali Coast and the chance to view this amazingly steep and ravine-linked section of shoreline. We were greeted by playful Spinner Dolphins playing in the bow-wave and, at 5pm, the sighting of humpback whales!  Several pods were clearly in view and one surfaced barely a stone's throw from the bow for a truly breathtaking moment at sea (too quick for the camera but an indeligible image in the memory).

Our final night we had chosen to spend in Little Italy, the specialist Italian bistro up on Deck 12, next to the Aloha Cafe. This proved to be a great, romantic, dinner-for-two venue, with fabulous food and a wonderful ambience.

The morning dawned suitably bright (and early!) and, back in Honolulu, we were due to disembark. Thankfully, due to the help of Virgin Holidays and two local resorts, we still had three nights to enjoy before our flight home. And we intended to make the most of them!

Next up - Oahu and Pearl Harbor.

   

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More Hawaii - On The Big Island

Continuing our grand Hawaiian journey with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays, aboard the only year-round ship to sail purely in Hawaii, Pride of America…

The Big Island - Pt 2

Having had a full day to explore the volcanic side of the Big Island from Hilo, our next visit brought us to the city of Kona, and the heart of Coffee Country on Hawaii's biggest island. The weather wasn't quite as bright today (it stayed heavily overcast with a mixture of cloud and 'vog,' the local term for the volcanic haze resulting from Kilauea), but it didn;t curtail any of our activities. 

With Kona coffee world-renowned for its quality, we had the chance to join another Roberts Hawaii excursion to see the historic side of this part of the island, starting with the Royal Kona Coffee company (overlooking superb Kealakekua Bay).

Here, in the heart of Kona's coffee-growing region (where Hawaii is the only US state to grow coffee), we were able to sample the many varieties coming straight from their own production process - and then buy some to take home!

In reality, we could probably have done with a bit longer here but Dean, our driver was once again a great source of info (and jokes!) as we headed to the historic royal site of Pu'uhonau o Honaunau National Park, where Hawaiian royalty lived and law-breakers who transgressed the all-powerful Kapu (the king's sacred laws) could try to save themselves at the pu'uhonau, or place of refuge.

It provided a fascinating look at the island's heritage and culture and showed yet another facet of this amazing region, as well as offering a chance to see the island's wonderful sea turtles, who crawl up on the beaches here - but most not be approached within 20ft.

That was followed by a trip to the Painted Church of St Benedict's, built in 1899 and still a minor marvel to this day, set as it is among some beautiful tropical plants and foliage.

Once again, the tour underlined the immense variety (and friendliness) of Hawaii and, having a full day in port (albeit with a tender ride into the harbour) again ensured we got full value for our visit here.

With NCL's unique role among the islands, it definitely felt like we were getting under the skin of the destination, which is a rarity with modern cruising.

And it was only going to get better...

Next up - Amazing Kauai

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The Grand Hawaii Cruise - Part 5

Continuing our grand Hawaiian journey with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays, aboard the only year-round ship to sail purely in Hawaii, Pride of America…

Pride Of The Fleet

So, we’ve been focusing primarily on the destination so far as we have sailed from Honolulu to Kahului (Maui), Hilo (the Big Island) and Kona (also on the Big Island), en route to Nawiliwili (Kauai) and then back to our starting point on the island of Oahu.

But what about our travelling vehicle for the week, I hear you ask? Well, the Pride of America is an eight-year-old member of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet but a very different proposition in many ways. She is the only American-flagged vessel, which means she carries primarily an American crew and therefore conforms to the Jones Act, which prevents foreign-flagged ships from sailing just in US waters.

All other vessels to Hawaii have to call at a Mexican or other foreign port to comply with the Jones Act, which prevents them from operating the kind of unique 7-day itineraries the Pride offers.

That, in turn, means she can feature overnight stays in Maui and Kauai and still cover all four main  islands in a week. Hence this is a singularly Hawaiian vessel, with the onboard style and ambience to match. None of the other 200-plus cruise ships in the world can do this.

With that advantage in mind, this modern 2,000-passenger floating hotel (it is, really, a resort in all but name, as virtually all of the sailing is done at night) is still an attraction in its own right, with a terrific range of restaurant choice, plenty of entertainment offerings and, of course, Norwegian’s distinctive Freestyle system, whereby guests can choose where and when they dine and avoid any of cruising’s traditional formality and rigidity.

This is not a dress-up cruise in any way, shape or form (although you are free to don jacket and tie or evening gown if you so wish), and the ultra-relaxed Hawaiian style is perfectly at home with the Freestyle ethos.

The Pride is also a stylish little (if 80,400 tons can still be called ‘little’ these days) cruiser, with some subtle, small-scale rooms and décor and an easy-on-the-eye overall design concept that puts a lot of her glitzy brethren to shame (witness the two-storey central atrium, which is a far cry from the huge, multi-storey offerings on many other ships of a similar size).

For dining choice there are the two main dining rooms, the Skyline (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the Liberty (dinner only), with the latter offering a slightly more intimate and upscale style. The extensive Aloha Café is the buffet alternative for all three meals, while the small-scale Cadillac Diner offers menus around the clock and 24/7, meaning the old Midnight Buffet is a thing of the past.

Another lunch alternative can be found at the on-deck Key West Bar & Grill and Ocean Drive (counter service), while those happy to pay a little bit extra for excellent sushi and Asian noodles can also enjoy the East Meets West restaurant (with a la carte pricing).

Finally, the dinner choice extends to a full 11 options, with the above four joined by East Meets West (Asian, at a $15 supplement), the Lazy J Steakhouse (which is also used for breakfast and lunch for Suite guests, plus an elegant dinner at $25/head), Little Italy (tasty Italian, at a $15 supplement), the Teppanyaki Room (Japanese ‘Teppan’-style dining at $25/head), more Asian at Shabu Shabu (a $15 supplement), the Sushi bar (a la carte) and the signature French restaurant of Jefferson’s Bistro (at $20/head).

Just in case anyone loses track of the alternatives, there is also 24-hour room service and a 24-hour Pizza delivery (at $5 extra). It is a fabulous array and, while the main (no-extra-fee) dining is certainly a fine choice, we especially like the excellent Chinese fare at East Meets West, the Italian splendour of Little Italy and the true gourmet style of Jefferson’s (see bottom picture).

As an additional note, a big April 2013 refit of the ship, which will completely remodel Deck 13 with its rather empty spaces and add more suites, will provide the additional choice of a Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant while the Lazy J will be transformed into Cagney’s, the truly superb steakhouse currently aboard Norwegian Epic.

Entertainment simply is everywhere on this ship, which is another Norwegian trademark. From the small-scale (art auctions and pub games around some of the nine bars) to the music-orientated (with the likes of singer/guitarist Tim Dion in the Napa Wine Bar, pianist David Pellegrene in Pink’s Champagne Bar and the Hawaiian Kama’aina Duo, plus pool deck band The Wave and a resident DJ), and on to the grand shows at the Hollywood Theater.

These latter have featured some big-stage productions and the resident singers (notably for the excellent Frankie Valli tribute show, above), plus visiting band Toby Beau and comedian Noodles (who have also appeared in the Mardi Gras second show-lounge). Pool parties, karaoke and a crew show complete an impressive line-up, ensuring there is always something for everyone.

Our favourites? Definitely the Frankie Valli/Four Seasons show, plus Tim Dion for an excellent range of music in the Wine Bar, with his distinctive voice proving a great reason to just sit and listen.

Elsewhere, Hotel Director Tony Winkler keeps everything humming along with smooth Austrian precision while Cruise Director Scottie belies his youthful looks with a polished approach to the entertainment quotient. Concierge manager Thomas is a real gem while other staff to catch our eye include bright young waitress Siraya at the Lazy J each morning and Stephanie in the Skyline dining room.

Our cabin steward, Francis, also deserves a name-check for seemingly always being ready with a cheery greeting when we leave our cabin, which always turns out to be spotlessly clean and tidy when we return, as if by some sleight of hand that puts him in at least two places at once.

Everyone is unfailingly polite and efficient, though, and the spirit of Aloha comes through in almost every aspect of the ship.

But, for all her charms, Pride of America does have to take second place for much of the time – to the magnificent islands of Hawaii.

Because, we must confess, we have spent just about every moment in each port of call off our maritime ‘home,’ with the opportunity to really get under the skin of these amazing isles, even in just seven days.

Being second-best to a destination like this is no real handicap, though. And, with the forthcoming refit due to spruce up the few areas of the ship that are showing her age (notably on some of the outer decks), it seems clear the Pride will continue to provide a great experience for some time to come.

Next up: Coffee Country on the Big Island.

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Hawaii - More Time In Maui

Continuing our grand journey around the Hawaiian isles with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays, aboard the Pride of America…

Destination Hawaii – Maui, Pt 2

It’s Day Three of our grand Hawaiian adventure and, as usual, we’re wide awake at Silly O’Clock. With the five-hour time difference from Florida, we’re finding it difficult to sleep much past 6am (with our bodies still insisting it is 11am), but at least we’re getting plenty of time to experience both the ship and the destination!

This morning, we’ve been invited to breakfast at the Lazy J Steakhouse, which is usually reserved for suite guests but Norwegian would like us to get the full onboard experience, hence we are temporarily VIPs for the duration.

This breakfast option (which is also open to suite guests at lunchtime) provides a full alternative to either the main dining room or the Aloha Café buffet and is a wonderful idea for those who like that little ‘extra’ touch. It features a slightly more imaginative menu – including the likes of Crab Cakes Benedict and Smoked Salmon Frittata – as well as a full regular choice of fresh fruit, cereals and pastries, and a more relaxed vibe, hence it adds a real deluxe feel to the regular experience.

Once fully re-stocked (it is impossible to ever go hungry on a cruise, of course!), we are ready for the next item on our Hawaii agenda, which is the second full day on Maui and another chance to explore on our own with our trusty Dodge Caliber rental car (which we were able to park overnight right next to the ship – incredibly handy).

Our first target is to drive up the mountain of Haleakala and view the (dormant) volcano but, thanks to talking to our good friend Stewart Chiron (The Cruise Guy and general Hawaii expert), we know this is not a light undertaking.

Stewart had advised us to make this a morning priority while also being careful to stay fully hydrated and take some energy food with us to counter the effects of the quick journey to 10,000ft (as the altitude can be a problem if you’re not careful). We were also told it can be distinctly chilly at the summit, hence we dressed for a colder day than the standard 82F down at sea level.

Thankfully, we were blessed with superb weather nearly all the way – and an absolutely stunning experience as a result.

Haleakala forms the main part of Maui, dominating the eastern ‘half’ but, from a distance, looking less challenging than the more rugged western mountain portion. The perspective is a deceptive one, though, as the road up is long and winding (a real switchback in several places) and, with our desire to stop at regular intervals to enjoy the view and try to acclimatise a little, it takes us a full two hours to complete the drive.

With the near-perfect weather, we drive up through the ever-present layer of cloud around the mountain’s ‘midriff’ and emerge into clear, blue sunshine of the brightest and most inviting kind. It is immensely invigorating and – thankfully – we show no signs of being worried or affected by the big altitude difference.

It is $10/vehicle to enter Haleakala National Park and there are two separate visitor centres to enjoy, with plenty of information to take in and park rangers to talk to. We learn about the amazing and unique ecosystem atop the mountain, with plants like the remarkable Silversword, which blooms only once, right at the end of its near 50-year life cycle, and the Nene goose, Hawaii’s national bird, which lives in this rather bleak environment. There are also massive amounts of info on Haleakala and volcanoes in general, especially the Shield type which is basically all of Hawaii.

The vertical rise of the mountain causes some startling vegetation and other scenery changes, from heavy forest and lush tropical plants to open fields and then a more scrubby plant-life that then gives way to the rocky, arid summit.

The last 1,000ft or so is pure alien planet territory, an extensive volcanic field of rock and scree, but even that doesn’t prepare us for the view inside the crater itself.

Haleakala last erupted at the end of the 18^th century and it is now possible to hike down into the crater from the main observation centre – a journey that takes you into the heart of a stunning vista of dormant cinder cones, red, iron-rich soil changes, huge boulders, craggy cliffs and vast stretches of volcanic scree and dust that disappear into the distance.

When JRR Tolkien was writing about the evil wastes of Mordor, he might very well have had the interior of Haleakala in mind. It is a view that amazes and boggles the mind, challenging the viewer to understand the immense forces of nature at work here, primal forces that have shaped the earth from the very beginning.

It is also a vista that shifts and alters from every angle (and there are numerous viewing points at the 10,023ft summit), including the ‘Science City’ of observatories and military tracking stations that live up here as well. We spend at least two hours observing, photographing and marvelling at this most astonishing of scenes, chatting to rangers and other visitors and just generally revelling in the experience.

We had thought we could fit in a trip to Lahaina on the other side of the island – the former Royal residence and whaling centre in the 19^th century – but with the fact it will take us at least an hour to make the drive down, then another hour to get there, we decide that will be trying to cram too much into the day, especially as we need to return the car to the airport rental depot then be back at the ship by 5.30pm.

But we are immensely rewarded for our time on the mountain. It is a truly remarkable experience and one we will be keen to repeat in future, if at all possible. The weather had begun to close in as we lingered at the top, bringing in a thick veil of cloud and dropping the temperature by a good 10 degrees, hence we opted against a short hike into the crater itself. But this will certainly be on our ‘To Do’ list next time…!

Next up – The Big Island.

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Cruising Hawaii - Maui

Continuing our grand journey around the Hawaiian isles with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays, aboard the Pride of America…

Destination Hawaii – Maui, Pt 1

It’s pretty obvious why you cruise with Norwegian in these parts – it’s the pure, undiluted Hawaiian experience. No-one else can provide the big-ship style around only Hawaii, and the true island effect kicks in straight away.

After leaving Honolulu at 8pm, we are in the port of Kahului, Maui, by 7am the next day. Even better, we have an overnight stop here, so there is plenty of time to soak up the island’s vibe.

Our plan here is twofold – take in a typical local excursion (as provided by the folks of Roberts Hawaii tours) and then hire a car to see as much as possible under our own steam.

Today’s order of business, heading out at 8.30, is the Iao Valley & Plantation Tour, taking us up into the western part of the island and seeing some of the local vegetation and scenery – including the Iao’s Needle outcrop in the steepest part of the valley – before heading further along the flanks of the volcanic outcrops hereabouts for the Maui Tropical Plantation visit, which includes a 40-minute narrated tram tour around the extensive property.

The 4-hour tour was excellently narrated and led by our young driver Mike and we got some wonderful insight into the vegetation and geology of the area.

After a quick lunch in the ship’s Cadillac Diner (an excellent free alternative to the main dining room and the Aloha Café buffet choice), which offers a tasty array of sandwiches, salads, soups and other diner fare, it was time to call up the (highly efficient) Dollar car rental shuttle and collect our pre-booked car at Kahului Airport (booking in advance is essential, as it can be VERY busy for car rentals on the island).

After a quick drive around Kahului (not the most picturesque of spots, it has to be said, as it is more functional town than resort), we headed south to Wailea and the swanky part of Maui, home to the likes of the Four Seasons, Fairmont, Marriott and other high-end hotels.

The beaches here are first class, and the Shops of Wailea make an upscale retail choice. The coastal drive is impressive and, further along, Kihei provides a more touristy (translation: more budget-priced) option for hotels, shopping and dining, with rather more interesting outlets than the big-name brands like Gucci, Prada and Swarovski back in Wailea. The sea-walk here is another pleasant amenity, while the Lava Java coffee shop serves a truly heavenly coffee smoothie!

Our other target for the day was dinner at Mulligan’s on the Blue, a smart Irish-themed restaurant adjacent to the big golf course here.

As well as some excellent food, the big attraction on Sundays is the live music of the Celtic Tigers, led by local singer-songwriter Murray Thorne (who just happens to be a cousin of mine from the Canadian branch of the family!).

Murray is an immensely talented guitarist and singer in his own right (check out his award-winning album, Tin Can Telephone online), but the Tigers are his Irish folk/rock group who have become an institution hereabouts.

Although I’d never seen them play live, it was immediately clear why they are so popular, as their mix of folk and rock comes across as energetic, crafty, melodic and immensely captivating, with the four-piece (guitar, drums, fiddle/mandolin and bass) providing a full evening’s entertainment in best Irish fashion, from traditional ballads to U2.

We stayed late into the evening listening and chatting with Murray and his band, and left only reluctantly, as we hoped to get to both the big Haleakala volcano and the former royal town of Lahaina next day…

Up Next - Close Encounter With A Volcano.

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Aloha, Hawaii!

Well, we're here in Honolulu, getting ready for our 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (with help from Virgin Holidays).

We don't board the Pride of America until late this afternoon, so we'll take the opportunity to see something of Waikiki Beach first before we head out to see three of the other islands (Maui, The Big Island and Kauai).

We're staying at the uber-chic Honululu Modern hotel, with a great view of one end of Waikiki Beach, and we've also taken a nice series of photos of sunrise (as we were wide awake at Silly O'Clock with the 5-hour time difference from Florida).

Hope you enjoy the view...!

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Follow Us To - Hawaii!

Yes, our latest cruise adventure is a big one - all the way to Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Holidays. We will be heading to the Aloha Isles this weekend and taking a full 7-day cruise on the Pride of America around the four main islands, Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

And, of course, we will be blogging 'live' (Internet connection permitting) as we go, providing some great insight into this exotic part of the world and the unique Cruise Norwegian style (home of Freestyle Cruising, of course).

We fly out to Honolulu and have a night at the deluxe Modern Honolulu Resort on Waikiki Beach before boarding the 2,000-passenger ship the next day, heading out for a full week's Hawaiian voyaging. We have an overnight call at Kahului on Maui, giving two days to explore this island, then have two different ports of call on the Big Island, Hilo and Kona.

Finally, we head for the Garden Island of Kauai, where we have another overnight stay in Nawiliwili, ensuring we get full value for our visit there (where the fabled Waimea Canyon is one of the main attractions).

We return to Honolulu on the final day but our adventure doesn't stop there - oh no! We have a day and a night to enjoy the highly-rated Kahala Resort (complete with its resident dolphins) and then two nights to check out the brand new Disney's Aulani Resort, thus ensuring we get plenty of time to explore Oahu AND kick back at two of the island's finest hotels.

It is sure to be a great trip, with lots of eye-catching photos - and even more reasons to book a cruise! So stay tuned and be sure to Follow us here at Time Spent at Sea (and on Twitter at @WorldofCruising), and make sure your subscription is fully up-to-date for our Winter edition - featuring Hawaii!

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