Pride of America

Question

We are a couple in our late 70’s thinking of taking a cruise around Hawaii on the Pride of America. Could someone tell us do we need to organize a day excursion in each port or is there enough to see on foot?

Answer

The Pride of America cruise offers a fantastic way to explore Hawaii, and whether or not you need to organize excursions depends largely on your preferences and the ports of call you'll be visiting. Here's an overview to help you decide:

Hawaii's ports have a lot to offer, and some can definitely be explored on foot, but it depends on the specific island and port you’re visiting. Below is a general breakdown for each port of call:

Honolulu (Oahu): This is one of the most accessible ports. You can easily explore the area around Waikiki Beach, visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, or walk around the historical district. There are plenty of things to do within walking distance, including shopping, dining, and cultural sites. However, if you want to visit places further out (like Hanauma Bay or Diamond Head), you might prefer a guided tour.
Kona (Big Island): Kona has a relaxed, small-town feel, and it’s quite walkable. You can visit shops, cafes, and historic sites, but the island also has some must-see natural attractions (like volcanoes or beaches) that may require a short drive or excursion.
Hilo (Big Island): Hilo is very walkable, with lovely gardens and parks like the Liliuokalani Gardens or the Rainbow Falls nearby. If you want to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a tour would be beneficial as it's about an hour away from the port. There are also excursions to waterfalls and rainforest areas.
Kauai (Nawiliwili): Kauai is a great place to visit on foot for areas near the harbor, and you can explore local shops and the nearby beaches. For more remote spots, like Waimea Canyon or the Napali Coast, you'll likely want to take an excursion as they are quite a distance from the port and not easily accessible by foot.
Maui (Kahului): While the port area is quite accessible, if you want to explore Maui’s best attractions like the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, or the beaches of Wailea, an excursion or rental car will be needed to fully experience the island.

In general, there is enough to see and do in each port without needing an excursion if you're content with exploring the immediate areas on foot. However, if you're interested in seeing some of Hawaii's more famous or remote locations, booking an excursion might be the best option. This is especially true if you have specific sites in mind (such as volcanoes or scenic drives) that are further from the ports or require a local guide to fully enjoy.

For a more leisurely trip, you may also consider organizing excursions through the cruise line. These are convenient and often offer accessible options for those who prefer not to drive or walk long distances. Many tours also cater to different activity levels, so you can choose ones that match your preferences and energy levels.

Ultimately, it depends on how much of Hawaii you want to explore and how much you enjoy guided tours versus independent exploration. Either way, you’ll be in for a wonderful time in the Aloha State!

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