Another 4/17 POA report

[Nidwaldner]

First about the ship-In a sentence, we will never trust our vacation to NCL again. The Pride of Aloha is a mediocre product. Simply put, NCLA is not trying hard enough to impress those who are sailing with NCL for the first time. Lack of staff and maintenance is obvious. Dirty windows and other noticeable maintenance issues, slow dining and bar service, unfriendly room steward (she kept changing our stateroom’s climate control to maximum freezing even we asked her not to (then she put it to maximum heat!), why?), nearly inedible buffet food at lunch and dinner (breakfast was fine). Food was plentiful though, beds were fine for us, yes room was small but we didn't spend much time there, coffee is much better than Princess.

 

We were a group of family members. We arrived the day before and stayed at the Ohana Maile Sky Court in Waikiki (winning $50 bid on Priceline). The next day we took the VIP Trans shuttle ($8) to the USS Arizona memorial for opening (got there by 7am and were the first boat out). Arrived at the Ship the around 11:00 and had to wait an hour or so as there were computer problems checking in.

 

Kauai-1st day-drivers took free shuttle to pick up rental car and came back to pick up the passengers. drove to Waimea Canyon (don’t miss the Kalalau Lookout at Kookee State Park further up the road) and Spouting Horn, picked up sandwiches and spent some time at Poipu Beach State Park, Wailua Falls, and drove all along the North Shore to Kee Beach with some views of the Na Pali coast from further down the beach.

2nd day-took taxi to Air Kauai office for helicopter ride, fantastic ride along the Na Pali coast and into some canyons. Saw some humpback whales during sail along Na Pali coast in the afteroon.

 

Big Island-Hilo-since the shuttle was not at the dock and the line was getting long we just took at taxi to the rental office to pick up the car to save significant time ($10). Drove to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Canyon Rim Drive, drove down Chain of Craters road to the end of the road and walked out to the lava that blocked the road (15 minute walk one-way), Thurston Lava Tube, stopped at Moa Loana Macadamia nut factory and Rainbow Falls on drive back. Dropped car off and took free shuttle back. Night sail along the Park produced views of glowing lava but nothing significant.

Kona-took taxi to the small boat harbor (about $7) for private 6-hr chartered boat ($495) from Kona Seasports and Captain Ray Jay http://www.konaseasports.com/Combo.htm to take us out to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling. On the way out to the bay and back we enjoyed some deep water fishing and caught a 6ft+ Wahoo. Also spent some time watching Pilot Whales and spinner dolphins. It was a great day and the snorkeling in Kealakekua was some of the best we did in Hawaii (clear, calm water, lots of coral and fish). Shared between 6 of us this was quite an affordable way of doing our own thing and we highly recommend it. We took a taxi back to town (It helps to have a cell phone and tel. Numbers in advance) and spent the remaining time walking beautiful Kona town. This is the best port for just walking as the tender pier is right in town. Watched some hula lessons and local outrigger canoe clubs practicing.

 

Maui-1st day-again took taxi to airport to pick up rental car to speed things up significantly (about $8). In Paia, Picked up lunch and road to Hana CD (mildly recommended only if you don’t have a guide book) Drove Road to Hana making stops and going as far as about 5 miles past Hana to waterfalls, got back to ship around 3:30pm to change for Old Lahaina Luau and drive to Lahaina. Had a great time at this authentic luau, appreciated the lack of cheesiness and lack of “audience participation” (I paid to see professional dancers thank you very much). The ship had at least 3 buses going to their luau! Back at ship around 10:00pm. Free overnight parking at pier.

2nd day-up early for drive to Makena landing on the southshore for kayaking and snorkeling with Makena Kayak Tours ($55pp) http://www.makenakayaks.com/ . We had a great time on this personalized 2.5 hr. tour. Only 2 other couples and the guide was really fantastic-safety conscience, patient, and friendly. I recommend this trip for anyone who’s always wanted to try kayaking. The water was a little choppy but the guide always stayed with you, getting back into the kayak from snorkeling was easier then I thought it would be. The snorkeling was only so-so but we did see lots of green sea turtles! After kayaking we stopped at a road side stand for fish tacos (wonderful) on way to spend time on Big Beach.

 

Oahu-since we had only one roller bag each we opted to walk off the ship ASAP to pick up rental car and get an early start. We drove to Hanumua Bay and had fun snorkeling at this beautiful preserve (highly recommend), left by 11:30 when it was just getting really busy, and then drove around the east coast to the north coast. Stopped at the Giovanni shrimp van and had a delicious lunch, with stops at scenic spots and beaches to watch surfers. This is a beautiful drive. We drove along Hwy 750 back to Waikiki for the scenic views of the pineapple fields. Stayed at the Waikiki Beachcomber (winning $70 Priceline bid) great location, hotel needs updating). Got up early the next day and were at Diamond Head by 6:30am and it was already warm (do get there early), drove back to hotel to shower and change, checked-out and made the 15-min drive up Hwy 61 to Nawani Pali lookout and then went to Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu for some last minute sun soaking and surf watching before our 1pm flight home.

 

We can’t wait to go back, though next time will be on land tours. We considered this just an overview of the islands and the ship is definitely not a “resort” but transportation. We found driving to be easy and by doing our own tours we not only saved a lot of money but we also feel we had a more personal experience.

[lonig]

Did you make prior arrangements for the VIP shuttle to the Arizona before you left for Hawaii? If so, do they have a website or phone number to call?

[Nidwaldner]

yes, we did have a reservation. website is https://secure.viptrans.com/services/pearl.htm we had a 6:30am pick-up from our hotel and it worked out beautifully.

[spleen93]

Great review! And certainly a very excursion-busy trip as well. Surprised you didn't go home more exhausted than when you arrived! :D How long was the plane ride from Switzerland?

 

Spleen

[Bucky3]

Thanks for the great review of all the ports. We're going in September and look forward to some of the activities you mentioned. Really enjoyed reading your review.