Hawaii

Island Weather Information
Cruise Hawaii is no longer a small star on the cruising map, particularly with the arrival of NCL America's Pride of America in Honolulu on July 23. Families, honeymooners, and other island hoppers still flock to the island, but many now wonder if they should opt for a cruise instead. If you're deciding between a cruise and a land vacation to the Aloha State, here are a few reasons why you might want to choose a cruise.

You want to see all the islands
Cruise ships can visit the four main Hawaiian islands—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii—in one seven- to 10-day trip. Try doing the same itinerary yourself, and you'll be out hundreds of dollars on inter-island flights, plus you'll be spending your precious vacation days re-packing your bags and waiting at the airport. With a cruise, you'll spend one or two days on each island, and have time to relax on the beach, explore volcanoes and tropical forests, and experience Hawaii's nightlife. But you'll only have to unpack and re-pack once.

You want an all-inclusive vacation
A cruise to any destination is a good value because of the all-inclusive nature of a sailing vacation. For one price, you get accommodations, transportation, meals, and entertainment. Plus, your cruise line can arrange airfare, pre- or post-cruise land packages, and shore excursions for you at an extra charge. You won't need to spend extra time searching for hotel deals, choosing restaurants, or otherwise planning your vacation.

The all-inclusive nature of cruises is an especially good value in Hawaii. There are no all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, and is an expensive destination, so if people like to get everything for one price, they should choose a cruise over a land vacation."

You want more bang for your buck
When you add up the cost of airfare, cruise fare, shore excursions, and incidental costs (alcohol and soft drinks, spa treatments, etc.), a cruise may end up being more expensive than a land vacation. You may spend more money but you'll get more bang for your buck. That's because a cruise makes it very easy to do and see many things in such a short time. A land vacation for a comparable price would most likely involve a stay on one, perhaps two islands, in lower-tier hotels. Plus, you'd never be able to accomplish the cruise line's itinerary on your own without spending many more dollars than your cruise fare is likely to cost.

You've got the right travel personality
Probably the most important factor to take into consideration is your travel personality. Cruises are best for families or people looking to fill their days with as many activities   as possible. "It's hard to please everybody on a vacation, but on a cruise there is   always something for everyone," Fisher says. Golfers will especially enjoy Hawaii cruises; the NCL Golf Hawaii program arranges for players to tee off on every island and even rents clubs.

However, if you're looking for the ultimate in relaxing vacations, We do recommend a land vacation with lots of beach time and no deadlines (such as getting back to your ship before it sails). Also, water sports enthusiasts may prefer to stick to the surfing, windsurfing, and kite-surfing Mecca's of Maui and Oahu, rather than visit all of the islands. And if you like to spend your evenings in the onboard casino, you should know that Hawaii does not allow gambling, either on- or offshore.

Resorts
Hawaii All-inclusive Resorts: do they exist?:

Vacationers used to the all-inclusive resorts of the Caribbean and Mexico are in for a surprise in the Aloha state: the typical "AI" that provides food, drinks, snacks, watersports, kids' programs, and more -- often for $100/night or less-- is not part of the landscape here.

One can see a certain sense in this: consider, for example, the cost of wages in Hawaii, and the cost of transporting in food and goods.

Below are several suggestions for those seeking Hawaii all-inclusive resorts:

A luxury property on the Big Island, where price includes meals, kids club and many activities. Kona Village- a close-to- all-inclusive Hawaii resort :
At Kona Village, on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, guests stay in hale (hah-lay) cottages spread over 82 acres, price includes meals, and most activities are complimentary, so the end result is a close-to-all-inclusive price.
a package including some meals at a good-value resort with free kids' programs and family activities
several resorts that provide complimentary kids' programs
Family Adventures that include meals, lodgings, activities
Packages at individual resorts:
Packages with meals included are hard to find, but one excellent possibility is the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, picked by FamilyFun Magazine as a top family resort. A sample package includes lodging, car rental, daily buffet breakfast, one dinner, and some sightseeing. The Ka'anapali -- known for good value-- has a creative (and free!) kids' program, and complimentary Hawaiian activities.

Complimentary kids' programs:
In the generally non all-inclusive Hawaiian environment, any service provided free is a bonus: as, for example, the free kids program at the Ka'anapali, above.

OAHU HOTELS
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Located oceanfront on famous Waikiki Beach, this
22-acre resort contains everything you need without
stepping off the property.

Pools-The Hilton boasts Waikiki’s largest pool,
a 10,000 sq.foot, two-tiered super pool surrounded
by lava rock and tropical plants. A sandy beach and a
protected lagoon ideal for small children are located
in front of the resort.

Children’s Program- The Rainbow Express Keiki Club accepts
children ages 5-12. The full day program runs 8:30-3:00 for $45. Half day is $25
and runs 8:30-12:00 or 12:30-3:00.

Special Touches-Every child is given a cool sports bag with water bottle at
check-in. Don’t miss the Friday night King’s Jubilee, a free weekly celebration
with Polynesian dancers, fire dancers, and fireworks show. The resort is also
home to sixty varieties of birds, including warm-weather South African
penguins. Be sure to attend their daily feeding at 3:00 p.m.

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII HOTELS
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This luxurious resort is located along a half-mile stretch of sandy beach on the
Kona-Kohala coast.

Pools-The Four Seasons features four pools; the lagoon shaped Sea Shell
Pool beside the beach, a nearby four-foot deep children’s pool with a sand
bottom, the ocean-front heated Beach Tree Pool and the adults only Palm Grove
Pool. A big hit with kids is the man-made King’s Pond. Stocked with over 3,500
fish, including spotted eagle rays, the pond is a safe place for children to
snorkel without waves or currents.

Children’s Program- The complimentary Kid’s For All Seasons program is
offered for children ages 5-12 from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. The teen center, Tsunami,
houses a big-screen television, video game stations and computers for Internet
access as well as ping-pong and pool tables.

Special Touches-Children will find milk and cookies in their room upon arrival
and bath sponges spelled in their name. The resort also offers a
complimentary video library, children’s menus in all restaurants, and beach toys.

HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE-KOHALA, HAWAII
Upon arrival at the 62-acre Waikoloa Village, guests are transported into a
Polynesian fantasy via mahogany water boat taxis along lush waterways or in
air-conditioned aerial trams.

Pools-The Kona Pool is almost an acre in size with a 175-foot water slide, a
swinging bridge, and jacuzzis hidden among lava rocks. The lazy river Kohala
Pool consists of three pools connected by waterslides and a moving current.
The ocean-fed saltwater lagoon complete with colorful fish and sea turtles is
ideal for young snorkelers.

Children’s Program-Camp Menehune offers day and evening camps for
children 5-12. The full day camp from 9:00-4:00 costs $65, including lunch.
Evening camp from 5:30-9:30 includes dinner for $50. Half day runs $50. The
camp also offers free drop-by activities for parents and children, such as shell
mosaics, floral leis and origami folding.

Special Touches-Make reservations early for the popular on-site Dolphin Quest
encounter program.

WESTIN MAUI
Located on 12 acres fronting the world famous Kaanapali Beach, the Westin
Maui features an 87,000 sq. foot aquatic playground.

Pools-The gigantic pool area is made up of five free-form interconnecting pools,
waterfalls, river-like grottos and a thrilling 128-foot-long water slide with a
dramatic 23-foot drop.

Children’s Program-The Keiki Kamp introduces children to Hawaiian culture
through fun activities. The day camp runs 9:00-3:00 for $45 first child, $30
sibling. Half-day is $25.50 with lunch. The night camp is 6:30-9:30 for $20 first
child, $10 siblings.

Special Touches-Children under twelve eat free.

MAUI SHERATON
Location is the key here. The Sheraton sits along a white, sandy cove on
Ka'anapali Beach next to Black Rock, an ideal spot for snorkeling. Another great
plus for families is Starwood’s “Stay at One, Play at All” program. Stay here and
enjoy all the amenities (and pools!) of the other two Maui Starwood resorts,
Westin Maui (see above) and Kapalua Bay & Village.

Pools-The Sheraton features a new free form pool meandering past lava rocks,
wooden bridges, a basketball goal, and a whirlpool.

Children’s Program-The Keiki Aloha for children 5-12 is offered year round from
9:00-3:00 pm. Cost is $45 first child, $30 for siblings. Night camp is available 6:
30-9:30 for $20 first child, $10 siblings.

Special Touches-Not to be missed is the famous torch-lit ceremony and cliff
divers at sunset atop Black Rock.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AT WAILEA-MAUI
This resort goes out of their way to welcome children. Child-size robes and in-
room video games are two of the extra touches you’ll find.

Water Sports-The large Fountain Pool has a whirlpool at each end and a central
fountain. The Upper Waterfall Pool is a free form lagoon pool featuring a
realistic waterfall, a small slide and a shallow end for children.

Children’s Program- Complimentary Kids For All Seasons program for kids 5-
12 every day 9:00-5:00. During peak times, the program offers night events for a
nominal fee. Past events include Pirate Night, Pajama Parties and Carnival
Night.

Special Touches-The complimentary scuba clinic for kids 12 and up is a great
bargain. The resort also offers complimentary use of water wings, smash ball,
Frisbees, flotation devices and even personal CD players.

KAUAI HOTELS
Hyatt Regency Kauai
The Hyatt is Kauai’s most luxurious hotel located near sunny Poipu Beach.

Water Sports-Pools are the big attraction here.
There are two freshwater,
outdoor swimming pools connected by river pools,
slides, waterfalls and a five-acre saltwater lagoon.
surf is too rough for most swimmers.

Children’s Program-Camp Hyatt is one of the rare programs that take children
under five. The minimum age is 3 ½ years old and child must be toilet-trained.
Open seven days a week for full day ($45) and half day ($25) sessions. Night
camp is available from 4-10 pm for $10 hour.

Special Touches-A safe location for snorkeling and young swimmers, Poipu
Beach, is located a short ½ mile away.