Critique my plans, car rentals and decisions!!

[ollychelle]

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

 

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

 

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise.

 

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

 

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

 

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

 

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

 

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

 

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

 

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

 

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

 

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

 

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

Edited July 23, 2015 by ollychelle

[chipmaster]

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

 

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

 

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise.

 

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

 

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

 

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

 

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

 

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

 

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

 

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

 

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

 

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

 

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

 

My two cents, travel insurance is that, read the fine lines/exclusions and coverage very very carefully. It's insurance and I guess with a larger group illness and accident probability goes up...

 

Road to Hana, hmm I've been to Maui too many times to count, tried more than 3 times to do the road. Somehow each time said enough is enough and turned around. It is a long and winding drive, enough people must love it. We found very rewarding places to stop and hike to falls well before Hana. I found Haleakala much more rewarding and have done that drive / visit twice, YMMV.

 

Snorkeling by catamaran is well worth it excursion off any Island, worth doing!

 

Helicopter on Kauai while pricey is well worth it. For drive, I'd say the Canyon is worth a drive for the second day, budget a full half day and if you do, go straight to the very top and then work your way back to manage time and sights better. I personally liked the Smith Luau, put it in the top 3 of them in hawaii.

 

As to Oahu, my comments are Pearl Harbor, Waimea bay, Diamond head are my must do. Have them them almost everytime, yes Peal Harbor three times :o

[ollychelle]

Thanks :)

[jaybee1965]

I am getting ready for my trip now and have booked a car for the day on Maui. Will report back but I believe there are frequent shuttles to/from pier and airport which is quite close. I am currently booked to return vehicle at 8pm as I am doing the Molokini Express crater tour the next day. We got a convertible via DHCR/Alamo for US$116 and it includes an additional driver. Plan to do RTH and seems the actual drive is between 2-2.5 hours and ideally would like to do round trip but not sure if Alamo allows you to go on back road. Will wait and see what weather is like and may go up Haleakala first as cloud cover is more likely in afternoon.

 

I looked into travel insurance as we are always warned we have to have top/unlimited medical cover for USA and ended up going with CoverMore via an insurance company that has a bricks and mortar office in Canberra. I hope I don't need to use it but if I am unfortunate enough to have a problem I feel better knowing there is an office I can sit in if they want to play hard to get on with. I was very tempted by this one http://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-insurance/cruise-travel-insurance.html because of the cruise specific coverage but in the end paid $231 AUD (about $50 more) for 2 adults age 47/50 from 6 Aug-21 Aug. Is it possible you can save money by getting individual or couple/family policies rather than one group? Look for reviews from people who have had to make a claim and you may be able to get a discount from your home/car/other insurance company.

[punkincc]

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

 

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

 

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise.

 

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

 

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

 

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

 

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

 

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

 

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

 

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

 

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

 

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

 

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

 

 

Yikes on the trip insurance! We have used Travel Guard a couple times and no issues. Have you looked into the insurance offered by NCL? Very inexpensive but compare coverages. I agree with another that individual policies may be the way to go, or coverage per family. I think kids are free on NCL's. Think about what it is that you want to insure against. Just loss of the cruise if you must cancel during the non cancel period or are you throwing in hotel costs, air fares etc. If so costs will go up. Medical coverage? This is expensive and since you are still in the US anyone's current medical will still cover. If you have a full service TA, I would talk to them about needs for some guidance.

 

$400 for airport transfers!? Are you kidding me? A couple taxis and for less than $80 you are set. Just walk up to the curb and you will be directed to a taxi. Quick and easy. Or, Roberts ( the tour company ) offers pick up for around $10 pp I believe. They will meet you at the luggage carousel, assist with luggage and escort you to your vehicle. Plenty of options without spending anywhere near $400.

 

Road to Hana. Depends on how early you get started. I would plan on more or less a full day depending on how many times you stop at beaches, waterfalls, etc. Are you using just one vehicle? Find out what time the shuttle stops running from the airport location. If you are past that, you will have to taxi back, but you are close to the port.

 

Maui day 2. We did our snorkeling from Kona on the Fair Winds to the bay by Captain Cook monument. Superior to Maui snorkeling IMO, but many do snorkel in Maui. If it were me, I'd be heading to Haleakala or Lahaina.

 

Kauai day 1. Go for the helicopter. One of the 2 top tours I have ever done. This is a definite bucket list worthy. Don't miss the opportunity. Kauai has such spectacular mountains, volcanos and canyons. Very little of it can even be seen by car. We used Blue Hawaiian for their Eco copters. Pick up and return at peir.

Not sure why you are even bothering with a car this day? Not sure how much time you would have between the heli and the Fern Grotto/Luau. Is this all one tour? Is there transportation included? Or can you set up shuttle pick up with Smiths? The car rental office is undoubtably going to be closed after the luau. You would have to talk to them about possibility of dropping the car that late. It just seems like a waste with your plans.

 

Oahu on debarkation day. Are you doing the full day tour of Pearl Harbor? You might look into what is offered by NCL that day. ( or Roberts ) I believe they offer a full day Pearl Harbor with drop off at your hotel after. I suggest this because again, a rental car seems wasted as you are basically renting just to get yourself to Pearl Harbor. Also, be aware most hotels have a $30 per day parking fee. If that works out, you can rent the car on day 2 Oahu. Some hotels have rental desks on site, or within walking distance. I have seen them mentioned but I don't recall which. We stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village and they have Rentals onsite.

Edited July 23, 2015 by punkincc

[punkincc]

I just noted on another thread that Smiths does offer a transfer from the ship, but it is $12 pp, so your rental car may be the cheaper way to go. But I would talk to the rental desk at the airport about the late drop off and any extra possible charges incurred.

[ollychelle]

Thanks for reply. I looked into $12-pp for smiths and was told $28 round trip pp. That is the only reason I would rent a car that day. I think I'm going to call directly. Good to know cab price, because that would be $120 for us which is cost of car rental. So that may work!!

 

Thanks for advice on insurance!!

 

Will look into tour through Roberts, but would have all our luggage. NCL was like $100 a head which is a lot for 8.

Edited July 23, 2015 by ollychelle

[Budget Queen]

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

 

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

 

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise.

 

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

 

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

 

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

 

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

 

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

 

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

 

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

 

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

 

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

 

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

 

You aren't flying in the day of the cruise are you? This is a special case with insurance- doesn't everybody already have health care insurance? This would be your primary coverage. There is little reason for any evacuations, as, the ports are so close together. Pts. have to be minimally stable to be med evacuated, which means they can wait the few hours, until they can just ambulance off the ship- in most cases.

 

Absolutely, book your own car rentals. Why involve any "middle men"?

 

I always enjoy the Road the Hana and have driven it several times. Get yourself a guide book with the road details.

 

I would keep the Maui car 2 days, then you have FAR more flexibility in who you snorkel with. It is of great benefit, to try to get a Molokini Crater snorkel trip, which leaves early morning. Easy to get there yourself with an early start. I like Boss Frog snorkel, which I've used at least 15 times. With the car, you then have the option for other sightseeing, drive to Lahaina , easy shore snorkeling etc. In my opinion, it is a big waste of some superb opportunities to stay on a cruise ship here. :)

 

What "Ricky's tour". IF Volcanos National Park- frankly- taking a tour here is a waste- you can get in free with the 70 year old, and go MUCH further on your own. All the time you want to enjoy the exhibits etc. Again- PLUS the option for additional drive up touring or shopping etc that may be worthwhile for you- Renting a car offers so much more.

 

There is superb snorkeling out of Kona- some of the best on Hawaii. Again a car rental can offer plenty more, if of interest.

 

 

All car rentals are based on a 24 hour clock, you may be given an hour grace- which- if it isn't in your contract- you don't have it. So your Kauai car "could" be a single day rental, with turning it in the next day- BUT you do have to pay for parking- was $20, so, alternatively could be worth using the second day. IF you are going to turn it in late- be aware of the shuttle bus hours, they do NOT run overnight and some stop earlier. You need to verify all this- call them direct.

 

If you have a rental car in Honolulu- consider having Gps. With the car rental, why would you want a "tour" for Pearl Harbor? All the tour operator does for you is transportation. You do HAVE to get your permits in advance, so do so when they open up which is 60 days online- or by calling at 7am the day before.

[punkincc]

Thanks for reply. I looked into $12-pp for smiths and was told $28 round trip pp. That is the only reason I would rent a car that day. I think I'm going to call directly. Good to know cab price, because that would be $120 for us which is cost of car rental. So that may work!!

 

Thanks for advice on insurance!!

 

Will look into tour through Roberts, but would have all our luggage. NCL was like $100 a head which is a lot for 8.

 

Both the NCL and Roberts tours will take your luggage on the vehicle when they pick you up at the ship. It stays on the bus untill you reach your hotel.

 

I know your plan for the rental on debark day was to have the driver shuttle to the airport to pick up the car, then drive back to pick up the rest of the family at the ship before proceeding to Pearl Harbor. I'll make this suggestion, and that is that the entire party should consider the trip to the rental site. My reasoning is that the drive back through Honolulu traffic is not an easy one. And Pearl Harbor is very near the airport, so you are practically there when you get the car. Would save frayed nerves for the driver and some time for the whole party. If anyone disagrees, I'm sure they will chime in:).

 

As mentioned, do be aware that tickets for P H must be purchased in advance. If you book a tour, they take care of your tickets. We did the drive to and from the airport rental area on our last cruise. Honestly, not sure I'd ever do it again.

[ollychelle]

Both the NCL and Roberts tours will take your luggage on the vehicle when they pick you up at the ship. It stays on the bus untill you reach your hotel.

 

I know your plan for the rental on debark day was to have the driver shuttle to the airport to pick up the car, then drive back to pick up the rest of the family at the ship before proceeding to Pearl Harbor. I'll make this suggestion, and that is that the entire party should consider the trip to the rental site. My reasoning is that the drive back through Honolulu traffic is not an easy one. And Pearl Harbor is very near the airport, so you are practically there when you get the car. Would save frayed nerves for the driver and some time for the whole party. If anyone disagrees, I'm sure they will chime in:).

 

As mentioned, do be aware that tickets for P H must be purchased in advance. If you book a tour, they take care of your tickets. We did the drive to and from the airport rental area on our last cruise. Honestly, not sure I'd ever do it again.

 

My understanding is that they will only shuttle one or two people unless there is just room in the van?

 

I will call Robert's because if they will pick us up at the port, hold our luggage, and then take us to the hotel. That would be awesome!!! I wouldn't even worry about a rental then.

 

Thanks!!

[azappraiser]

My last thread started was deciding between Tarfalgar tour and Cruise. Well we choose the cruise. We are a party of 8 with 2 teens, 5 middle aged people, and on grandma (early 70s). We are doing 7 day NCL cruise on POA in June and are extending our trip 2 to 3 days on Oahu after the cruise.

 

Anyone have experience with Travel Guard insurance. The trip insurance we are being quoted is crazy expensive ($2400) and Travel Guard is $1000-$1200 cheaper based off chosen package.

We've used Travel Guard before - Never had to file a claim, so I can't comment on their service.

 

Originally I was thinking of having our TA book our car rentals, but I am thinking of doing it myself because Discount Hawaii Care Rental seems to have good reviews and seems very easy. I do have a few questions...surprise. I arranged all of our rental through Discount Hawaii Car Rental - Hassle Free, Highly recommend. Once you have your reservations, join the "Loyalty Programs" for each company... most are free.

 

My TA is also offering $50 airport transfer which is $400 for 8 of us. I am thinking taxis are cheaper? Seems like a waste of $$ to me!

Check out this shuttle service - They have Airport to Pier and Pier to hotel services for a very reasonable fee. We used them from the hotel to the pier and had no hassles at all.

 

Maui Day 1- Renting a car to do the Road to Hana. Is it easy to find sites by ourselves? Also how long with this take? Can I return the car by 5 or 6 pm do you think? (Do not really want the car rental the next day)

No problems returning your rental car - just check with the office for their hours and times for the shuttle. Depending on the number of people waiting at the pier, they may only allow the driver to pick up the car in the morning; didn't happen to us, but it's best to be prepared just in case.

 

Maui Day 2- Half of our group is taking it easy on the ship and the other half is planning on doing a snorkel excursion through the ship. Recommendations on which is better?

No recommendation on which is better- personal preference and everyone has their own opinion.

 

Hilo Day 3- Doing Ricky's tour

We toured with Ricky - It's a FULL day, but he is very informative and really appears to enjoy what he does. Highly recommended!

 

Kona Day 4- Kona- Exploring the town, going to Kona brewing company and relaxing at beach

We did the same - although we also took the ships' excursion to the Seahorse Farm first. Very cool, also educational.

 

Kauai- Day 5- Thinking of splurging and doing helicopter tour. Recommendations?? Then the fern grotto boat ride followed by Smith Family Luau. We will rent a car this day, but probably can't return until later after Luau. Do we just return it the next morning? Will this cost more money?

One the 1st day, we explored with our rental car - Kilauea Lighthouse, then back through Lihue and on to Poipu to check out the blowhole. Wiamea Canyon was shrouded in clouds & rain, so we made a quick stop at the Hawaiian Trading Post, and then headed back to the ship for our anniversary dinner.

 

Kauai- Day 6- Going to the beach and explore on our. Lunch out and relaxing.

I booked an 11:00am flight with Wings Over Kauai - Much less than a helicopter and what a great flight!!! I'd go again in a heartbeat. They had me back to the ship in plenty of time for sail-away.

 

Oahu- Day 7- Thinking of renting a car first thing. My understanding is my husband can ride a shuttle from the port to the airport for free to pick up our car rental. Then he can come back and pick us up. Does this sound right? Do I book as cruise passenger or Honolulu airport? Then we doing Pearl Harbor. Can't decide between tour or independently?? Wakiki that evening. Also any Wakiki Beach Hotels recommendations are welcomed. Wanting to spend about $200 a night, so I realize this will be across the street.

I don't believe there are any rental car shuttles from the pier to the airport, but I could be wrong. As for Pearl Harbor, we booked a tour through Enoa Tours - reasonably priced and many packages to choose from.

 

Oahu- Day 8- Explore north shore and the island of Oahu

I'm a shutterbug, so I opted for a Sunrise Photo Tour, then drove up to the North Shore. Be sure to stop at Matsumoto's for a shave ice.

 

I love the planning part! Any advice you have, please give me your wisdom!!:p

 

See response in RED above ;)

[ollychelle]

Thanks everyone!!!

[ollychelle]

Another question quick. My mom wants to see the Iolani Palace (not necessarily go in, but at least see it). It looks like we will have to go by that general area when leaving Pearl Harbor to head to Wakiki Hotel. Does this sound right? Hopefully on Saturday the traffic won't be too bad...lol:)

[ollychelle]

Also how long are lines to pick up $1.50 reserved tickets at pearl harbor. I understand we have to be there at least an hour early or lose them. But trying to plan according if we are going to have to wait in a huge line to pick them up. Thanks!

[Budget Queen]

Also how long are lines to pick up $1.50 reserved tickets at pearl harbor. I understand we have to be there at least an hour early or lose them. But trying to plan according if we are going to have to wait in a huge line to pick them up. Thanks!

 

It's only a few minutes to pick up reserved tickets.

[pizzalady1]

Another question quick. My mom wants to see the Iolani Palace (not necessarily go in, but at least see it). It looks like we will have to go by that general area when leaving Pearl Harbor to head to Wakiki Hotel. Does this sound right? Hopefully on Saturday the traffic won't be too bad...lol:)

 

The docent tour of Iolani Palace is very interesting and worth the time spent.

[greatlakesgirl]

Kind of late to the game in answering this, but I was on vacation so that's my excuse. :D

 

Travel Guard: YES! My mom-in-law used them for our airfare/hotel package on Oahu and to insure the cruise. Total cost for all was around $900. Considering the cost of all of the above (around $22,000) an extra nine hundred bucks was worth it to her. And we were also a party of eight.:) Though we went over a year ago, my review is in my sig if you feel like looking through it. Also, she just called Travel Guard and they did the work for her. No trying to wade through a multitude of options on a website.

 

We didn't see the Fern Grotto, but I've read reviews by others that it's kind of "meh". You guys may love it, though. Everyone's different. The rest of your trip sounds great!

[punkincc]

Another question quick. My mom wants to see the Iolani Palace (not necessarily go in, but at least see it). It looks like we will have to go by that general area when leaving Pearl Harbor to head to Wakiki Hotel. Does this sound right? Hopefully on Saturday the traffic won't be too bad...lol:)

 

If you end up booking a tour of Pearl Harbor rather than doing it on your own with rental car, a City Tour may be included. Just look at the tour descriptions. Our Roberts tour included many sites and a drive through of the Punchbowl Cemetary. One stop was the Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue. Time for walking around and taking photos. Also of course the tour will have your tickets for PH, no need to pick them up.

 

Don't forget you can't go into PH with purses, backpacks, etc. Do not leave them visible in your car if you rent. We just made sure we had clothing with pockets to hold things like sunglasses, wallets etc. You can carry a camera, but not the case.

Edited July 25, 2015 by punkincc

[Level six]

Yikes on the trip insurance! We have used Travel Guard a couple times and no issues. Have you looked into the insurance offered by NCL? Very inexpensive but compare coverages. I agree with another that individual policies may be the way to go, or coverage per family. I think kids are free on NCL's. Think about what it is that you want to insure against. Just loss of the cruise if you must cancel during the non cancel period or are you throwing in hotel costs, air fares etc. If so costs will go up. Medical coverage? This is expensive and since you are still in the US anyone's current medical will still cover. If you have a full service TA, I would talk to them about needs for some guidance.

 

$400 for airport transfers!? Are you kidding me? A couple taxis and for less than $80 you are set. Just walk up to the curb and you will be directed to a taxi. Quick and easy. Or, Roberts ( the tour company ) offers pick up for around $10 pp I believe. They will meet you at the luggage carousel, assist with luggage and escort you to your vehicle. Plenty of options without spending anywhere near $400.

 

Road to Hana. Depends on how early you get started. I would plan on more or less a full day depending on how many times you stop at beaches, waterfalls, etc. Are you using just one vehicle? Find out what time the shuttle stops running from the airport location. If you are past that, you will have to taxi back, but you are close to the port.

 

Maui day 2. We did our snorkeling from Kona on the Fair Winds to the bay by Captain Cook monument. Superior to Maui snorkeling IMO, but many do snorkel in Maui. If it were me, I'd be heading to Haleakala or Lahaina.

 

Kauai day 1. Go for the helicopter. One of the 2 top tours I have ever done. This is a definite bucket list worthy. Don't miss the opportunity. Kauai has such spectacular mountains, volcanos and canyons. Very little of it can even be seen by car. We used Blue Hawaiian for their Eco copters. Pick up and return at peir.

Not sure why you are even bothering with a car this day? Not sure how much time you would have between the heli and the Fern Grotto/Luau. Is this all one tour? Is there transportation included? Or can you set up shuttle pick up with Smiths? The car rental office is undoubtably going to be closed after the luau. You would have to talk to them about possibility of dropping the car that late. It just seems like a waste with your plans.

 

Oahu on debarkation day. Are you doing the full day tour of Pearl Harbor? You might look into what is offered by NCL that day. ( or Roberts ) I believe they offer a full day Pearl Harbor with drop off at your hotel after. I suggest this because again, a rental car seems wasted as you are basically renting just to get yourself to Pearl Harbor. Also, be aware most hotels have a $30 per day parking fee. If that works out, you can rent the car on day 2 Oahu. Some hotels have rental desks on site, or within walking distance. I have seen them mentioned but I don't recall which. We stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village and they have Rentals onsite.

 

Just a heads up....NCL insurance only covers the cruise and airfare that is booked thru them. No other transportation, no hotel, nothing. Read the policy well before buying. I think that also applies for other cruise line insurance, but I am not sure. But, I do know for sure that unless NCL booked your flight, it is not covered. Have a good trip

[beeandkmon]

Sounds like a fun trip! I had a few pieces of advice:

 

-Airport Transfer: I think you could do better with a taxi, but to be honest this is not based on much- we went to a hotel before we left.

 

-Snorkeling in Maui: We have experience with two snorkeling tours in Maui. The first was one very much like the ships tour and the second was through Redline Rafting Company. While the first trip was fine, Redline Rafting was AMAZING. You have to drive there (about 20 minutes away, but an easy drive) so you would have to keep your car (you can park for free at the port) and it takes off very very early. However, this was one of the best things I have ever done on any vacation. You are in a small group and they take you to four snorkeling spots. You also get to them before any other group.

 

Kauai: We used Safari Helicopters for a tour of Hilo because they were the cheapest and we were on a budget. They also fly out of Kauai. We had a great experience with them. The flight was great as was the pilot. They also pick you up for free so you wouldn't need a rental car. If you have one over night you will have to pay another day and pay 20 dollars to park. If you do have to pay for the car an extra day anyway I would suggest using it to see other sights. There are so many things to see in Kauai.

 

Car rentals: We booked all of our cars through discount Hawaii. I don't remember exactly how we booked, but after I booked them I called to confirm and they were very helpful.

 

I hope this helps!

__________________

[boulders]

Kona - There are no beaches to speak of in Kailua-Kona. The best beaches are 30-45 minutes north.

[ollychelle]

Thanks everyone!!

[FunCruiser56]

Another question quick. My mom wants to see the Iolani Palace (not necessarily go in, but at least see it). It looks like we will have to go by that general area when leaving Pearl Harbor to head to Wakiki Hotel. Does this sound right? Hopefully on Saturday the traffic won't be too bad...lol:)

 

The palace is worth much more than a simple driveby, alot of very interesting Hawaiian history and beautiful inside. You get a self guided audio tour about 1.30 hour or so for about $8 .