A call out to all who have cruised the Hawaiian islands...We are going on 12 day repositioning cruise Sept 16, 2009 from Vancouver to Hawaii.  

Would love to hear your experiences (pro's and con's) of taking Carnival excursions vs. going out on your own with rental care/public transportation.   We like adventuresome activities like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, etc...  NOT shopping or long bus tours!!!!!  Please tell us your favorite excursions, sites to not miss, etc.... 

I know there are others going on this same cruise who are wondering the same thing, so the more feedback the better!!!!!    Aloha

...so glad you asked that question,,we are also looking for some good ideas...

we are on the same cruise

Richard & Mark:

I just talked to someone at Carnival asking why excursions for our 9-16-09 cruise have not been posted on the website yet.  She said it is in the process and should be fully up and running by the end of June.  Not sure if that is true or she just said it to appease me. 

I also looked at rental cars in Maui since we are there for 2 days (Sept 23-24) and the Old Lahaina Luau is a 45 minute drive away from port.  This Luau is recommended by lots of sources as best in all the islands.  There are no shuttles and taxi would be about $75 one way (according to man at Luau that I contacted).  He recommended rental car due to distance and time.   From what I found, Thrifty car rental was most reasonable for the compact car size that I was searching.  I found it via a great site that guides you thru the ports and which rental car companies pick up at ship dock, etc...  It is www.hawaiicarrentals.net   A person on the cruise critic board for our cruise recommended it.  

Hope this helps you out!!!!

Hey Richard&Mark:

Hadn't seen any posting from you for a while on cruise critic so thought you'd "jumped ship" on us.   I did see your posting of excursions you are doing on the Carnival site  Did you decide to do the Tubing on  your own?   We've booked it and it looks like a blast!!!!   Went thru the company I forwarded to you over on the CC site.   We are sooooo ready to go!!!!!

.we are VERY ready to go,,,,,,,,havent been to C C in a few days,,,,,