Collect your car quickly at the port and set GPS to downtown Hilo to begin a clockwise loop: Hilo town → Volcano → back through Liliʻuokalani Gardens to the port. This maximizes daylight for Volcanoes NP and easy return by 5pm.
Classic local breakfast spot in Hilo; great for hearty pancakes or loco moco and fast service so you can get on the road. Typical opening around 6:00–7:00 AM but confirm current hours.
Short, easy stop to view the famous falls and lookout platform — great for photos and only a brief walk from the parking area; falls and park access are generally open daylight hours.
Drive ~45–60 minutes to the park and spend time at the Visitor Center (commonly open ~9:00–5:00) to see Kīlauea caldera viewpoints, steam vents, and a short trail like Sulphur Banks or Kīlauea Iki overlook. This is the island’s must-see for volcanic landscapes.
Sit-down lunch near the park; both offer Hawaiian-inspired plates and local produce, making it easy to refuel before returning toward Hilo. Check current hours — most serve lunch from about 11:00–15:00.
Stroll the Japanese gardens and waterfront park in downtown Hilo for a calmer, scenic contrast to the volcano — gardens are typically open dawn–dusk and are ideal for a relaxed walk and photos.
Quick stop for fresh tropical fruit, macadamia nut gifts, and local snacks; many stalls operate morning through mid-afternoon but hours vary — Saturday markets are lively and often open early until mid-afternoon.
If you disembark later or the ship permits a later return, Hilo Bay Cafe offers bayfront dinner; otherwise plan on enjoying the ship’s dinner service. Check the restaurant's evening hours before planning.
Grab the car early to hit Diamond Head before crowds and to make Hanauma Bay reservations/time windows; plan a clockwise drive along the southeast coast then return via central Honolulu/Waikiki.
Popular 0.8–1.5 hour out-and-back hike to panoramic Waikiki and Honolulu views; trail access and parking commonly available from early morning until about 4:30–5:00 PM (there’s a small entry/parking fee).
World-class snorkeling in a protected bay; open daylight hours (commonly ~6:30/7:00 AM to 4:00 PM) and typically requires advance reservations/education video — confirm and book ahead for your visit window.
Short drive from Hanauma: a paved lookout with sweeping ocean views and seasonal whale watching from the cliff — the lookout and adjacent trail are typically open daylight hours.
Scenic cultural site with manicured grounds and a large Buddha — great photo stop; the site usually opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 4:30–5:00 PM so plan accordingly.
Relax on Waikiki Beach, wander Ala Moana Center, or drop off any purchases before dinner — gives time for sunset stroll and easy access to many dinner options near the port.
The Pig and the Lady serves inventive Vietnamese-Hawaiian plates and is lively in the evening (open late). Roy’s offers Hawaiian-fusion fine dining with Waikiki convenience. Reserve in advance for 6:30–8:30 PM seating.
Relax on the beach or enjoy live music and cocktails at a classic oceanfront venue; then return to the cruise port and drop the car before 11:00 PM, when your ship is scheduled to depart.
Collect your car and start a clockwise loop: Lihue → Wailua Falls → Kapaa → Hanalei/Kīlauea → return via east shore to get back by 5pm. This flows north then back along the east coast.
Drive the scenic coastal highway to Hanalei for a stroll on the wide bay beach and photos at the historic pier; Hanalei town has boutiques and a relaxed surf-village vibe.
Coastal birdwatching and dramatic cliff views; trails and lookout typically open during daylight (visitor center/grounds often 10:00–4:00, so check current hours).
If time permits, stop at a north-shore beach for a short walk or photos; conditions vary by season and some beaches are better for viewing than swimming.
If you remain ashore after the ship allows or are disembarking, Duke's in Lihue or nearby Poʻipū restaurants offer good island cuisine — check evening hours and reserve if possible.
Early pickup lets you reach popular west Maui and Upcountry sights within the 7:00–18:00 window; plan a counter-clockwise loop Kahului → Iao Valley → Paʻia → Lahaina → Kaʻanapali → back to Kahului.
Local favorite for traditional island breakfast and famous noodles; quick and near the Iao Valley approach so you can be at the park early to avoid crowds.
Short walks and excellent valley views; park hours typically open early (often 7:00–6:00), making it a great morning stop to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Historic whaling town with shops, galleries and the giant banyan tree; perfect for a leisurely walk and photos, plus convenient dining options if you want an earlier dinner.
If you are staying ashore later, these are top Maui choices (book early). If returning to the ship for dinner, the on-board cuisine will also be excellent.