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excursions are a fantastic way to see the Hawaiian islands without having to worry about doing any planning : Simply book and go .
You ’ ll have a few different options depending on which island you ’ re docked at , but all of these excursions have one thing in common : You will be picked up and dropped off at the port , making it a simple way to explore during the cruise . After leaving Honolulu , your first stop will be Maui , where you can snorkel at Turtle Arches , head up to the volcanic Haleakala Crater or venture north to explore the rainforest along the Road to Hana . Another way to explore is with the Best of Maui excursion , which whisks guests to the Maui Tropical Plantation to see crops being grown on the island and the beautifully lush Iao Valley before ending at the Maui Ocean Center , where visitors can view an innovative 3D show that ’ s part of the “ Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere .”
On the Big Island , there are two ports of call : Hilo and Kona . Easily the most popular experience at Hilo is the Volcanoes National Park tour , though other adventures allow for viewing lava fields , waterfalls or memorable sights such as the Liliuokalani Gardens , the Panaewa Zoo and Gardens , Big Island Candies and the King Kamehameha statue . Utterly unique is the Volcano Wine Tasting trip , where the vineyards are placed atop volcanic terrain ; you ’ ll sip varietals such as pinot noir , cayuga and Maréchal Foch .
The other port , Kona , requires a tender boat to go ashore so leave some extra time for that before enjoying excursions on a submarine , glass-bottom boat , fishing vessel or high-speed Zodiac watercraft . Here , there are also a number of snorkeling and historic experiences as well as a wide range of culinary excursions to introduce you to local coffee , chocolate and more .
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When you reach Kauai , the Garden Isle , you ’ ll find the excursions center around being outdoors , from kayaking , zip lining and riding in a utility task vehicle , or UTV , to hiking and searching for waterfalls . On the Best of Kauai excursion , you ’ ll visit Opaekaa Falls before heading up Wailua River on a locally owned boat , enjoying music and stories along the way . Once you arrive , you ’ ll make the short journey to Fern Grotto , a stunning natural respite filled with tropical plants , flowers and caves , now known as a famed wedding location . This experience also includes a trip to Waimea Canyon , also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific , for stunning views of the green ravines .
Or , set out on Kauai — The Director ’ s Cut , which showcases the island ’ s best movie locations . Kauai is also the only destination where travelers can venture out at night for a luau excursion , where you ’ ll get your fill of Hawaiian foods , culture , music and dance . Plus , don ’ t miss views of the rugged Napali Coast from the boat before you make your way back to Honolulu .
Don ’ t skip over the activities offered on Oahu once you return ; after disembarking , guests can experience a more somber side of the island ’ s history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and neighboring USS Missouri battleship , or visit the North Shore to catch the perfect wave . The Grand Circle Island Tour is another option , as it takes you all around the full island with a stop at the Dole Plantation .
ON YOUR OWN The shore excursions arranged by Norwegian Cruise Line are a great way to ensure you see everything you ’ re hoping to with ease . But they aren ’ t your only option . Cruisers are free to come
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and go as long as they ’ re back by a set time , so don ’ t be afraid to try planning some exploits of your own as well .
While you can venture down to the southern part of Maui to snorkel with turtles on a guided tour , you ’ re also likely to find these majestic creatures at Hookipa Beach Park in Paia — not far from where the ship docks in Kahului . Viewable both on the sand and in the water , these gentle giants are usually out midday to sunset , but remember , they ’ re protected so be sure to keep a safe distance .
Staying overnight at the dock in Maui enables you to head off the ship for dinner . If you can find proper transportation ( Uber may not always be reliable on the island due to limited drivers ), venture over to Montage Kapalua Bay on the northwestern shore . Everything at this luxurious property — cuisine , cocktails and especially the sunsets — are unrivaled . Enjoy modern Hawaiian fare at the resort ’ s Cane & Canoe or stop by The Hideaway for a casual , intimate setting with delicious local dishes .
On the Big Island , wander the downtown Hilo area to find a number of shops and art galleries ; this is the perfect spot to buy gifts for loved ones back home or snacks for the rest of your journey . The Hilo Farmers Market offers everything from lychees , apple bananas ( small , sweet bananas grown on the islands ) and bouquets of fresh tropical flowers to jewelry , clothing and other crafts . On the other side of the island , you ’ ll find Kona is very walkable . Trendy shops galore offer fun gifts and souvenirs of your trip , but you ’ ll also find a few historic places right near the spot where your tender boat arrives . Hulihee Palace , formerly a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty , has been turned into a museum that can be toured . Down the
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