Decisions, Decisions ...and Aquariums

We have never been to Hawaii before, and cruising is our absolute favorite way to vacation.   This cruise to Hawaii is going to be so much fun as we will be traveling with many of our cruise buddies that we have met from other cruises.   Our wonderful friends (Jackie & John) we originally met on a Carnival Spirit cruise back in 2006 and they have become members of our extended family.   Altho we talk often, it will be wonderful to see them on the cruise to Hawaii.

Our biggest decision once we were booked on this cruise, is now to decide what we want to do in each port.   We are going to be on a bit of a limited budget, so want to do as much as possible that will be FREE and will be close by the cruise ship port so that we can walk or take a shuttle.

Hilo Hatties is a must see for me.  I remember my mom and even my grandmother bringing back dresses from Hilo Hatties in Hawaii.   They are on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and offer shuttle services from the port from what I have read.  In many cases the shuttle is free.

I'm relying a great deal on a book that I purchased called Hawaii by Cruise Ship written by Anne Vipond - Second Edition.  If you decide to purchase this book, be sure you get the most recent publication.  The Second Edition was published in Jan 2011.   She does a wonderful job on describing what is within walking distance of the port, what sights to see, and so much more.   Highly recommend this book.

Snorkeling in the islands is suppose to be magnificent.  I have enjoyed seeing so many of the underwater photos.   The beaches are amazing too.    HERE is an article on the 10 best snorkeling spots in the islands.

Aquariums are one of our favorite places to visit and it looks like there are some amazing ones in Hawaii:

Waikiki Aquarium:  
The Waikiki Aquarium is located at:
2777 Kalakaua Avenue, on the shoreline in Kapi'olani Park.
The Waikiki Aquarium is within walking distance of Waikiki Beach, across the stree from the Kapi-olani Park Tennis Courts in the shadow of Diamond Head State Monument.

Maui Ocean Center:

Maui Ocean Center is conveniently located at Ma'alaea Harbor, off Highway 30. The aquarium is located 10-20 minutes from Kihei and Wailea, 15-20 minutes from Lahaina and Ka'anapali, 25-30 minutes from Napili and Kapalua.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.