Rogerm

We have done the one-way cruise to Hawai'i twice before. Both cruises were 11 days, so only 2 formal nights. On both cruises, the first formal night was the first full sea day. The other one on the first cruise was at a port with a 6 PM departure. On the second cruise the other was on the last full sea day before reaching the islands. We are also on the Solstice cruise this year. My best guess would be on the first full sea day and on the last sea day before reaching the islands. I really don't see how there will be a third one even though it is a 12 day cruise. After we reach the islands, the departures from ports are at 8 PM which doesn't seem conducive to formal nights. The only early departure is 6 PM, but that is the last evening when packing has to be done for disembarkation.

My husband and I ate at house without a key at sunset 2 yrs ago and are planning to go again in March. I looked to see what time sunset was supposed to be and made my reservations around that. Very romantic!!

I'm confused. Everything I have been reading says House Without a Key does not take reservations.

I second Kailua for this time of year. VRBO has rental listings. Cherie

Yes. That's where we found the place in 2011. Staying at the same place this year.

We stayed in Kailua in Nov., 2011 and loved the area. Beautiful beach, 20 minutes from Honolulu, easy drive to the north shore. Planning to stay there again this year in Oct. There are no hotels, so you have to search to find rentals.

I have found the Hawai'i Revealed books to be the most helpful. Unfortunatley, there is a separate book for each island. They are available though as Apple or Android apps.

We did Blue Hawai'i in 2008 as an excursion through the ship. However, the Blue Hawai'i office was within walking distance of the ship. Great tour.

You say it is a very long ride out to the ranch, do you know how long?

Are you aware of any private tour companies that will take you to the Kualua ranch?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Kualoa Ranch is about 20 mi. or 40 minutes from the dock. The ranch does pickup at various locations.

Roger

Having an overnight in Maui is great. We rented a car and drove to Haleakala National Park for sunrise that was spectacular. The "Road to Hana" is a beautiful drive that will take most of the day. You will find many comments that the road is difficult to drive, but we didn't find any problem with it. You just have to go slow - which allows you to see more anyway.

In Kona, we rented a car and went to the "Painted Church" and also the Place of Refuge which was very interesting.

Kauai, we had a beautiful helicopter tour.

Honolulu. Pearl Harbor is a must. It is one of the most moving places I've ever been. There are many beautiful beaches and the hustle bustle of Waikiki if that is what you prefer.

Formal nights vary from cruise to cruise, usually working around port days. Your idea of finding someone who has done the same cruise is probably the best bet. Sharing is no problem in Select Dining. You will be asked each time if you want to share. If you reserve a time online before the cruise, you are also given the choice to share. Specialty restaurant will seat you at a table for 2. However, if you meet someone on the cruise, you could reserve a table with them.