Hawaiian Islands

Anne, what's an 'affordable' price for you, and which of the islands will you be staying on? Are you thinking you're going to day-trip some of them from a base on another of them, or are planning to stay __ days on some or all 4 of them? More info would be helpful.

I have so many questions but I'll just say Robert's Hawaii would be a good place to start.

It’s not a tour company, per se, but I have enjoyed the Shaka Guides for driving the Road to Hana and to Haleakala on Maui, as well as down the eastern shore of Oahu.
On Maui, Kai Kanani does catamaran tours from the beach in Makena. If you choose the early morning trip, you’ll have Molokini to yourself while the water is still (likely) very calm.

Going to all 4 main islands? If so, I hope you are planning on spending at least 3 weeks.

You really cannot 'tour' an island in a day, especially coming from a different island. Well, it may be logistically possible, but wouldn't be anywhere near my idea of a well spent day in Hawaii.

Except for Oahu, a rental car is almost essential to get to the worthwhile sights, and to my way of thinking, much better than riding around on a bus.

Not knowing your financial situation, hard to say what tours you would find 'affordable'

In the last five years, I've been to Hawaii at least 11 times. Oahu many times, Maui once, Kauai, once, Big Island, twice.

Even on Oahu, a rental car is necessary if you are going to see many of the beautiful sights on Oahu that aren't Waikiki. Oahu is big, and the big island is really big. In fact we stayed in three different locations on the big island for our first trip (Hilo, Volcano and Kona). Honestly, if you are wanting to just touch on some of the highlights, I'd look at doing a cruise.

Nothing in Hawaii is really affordable.

I like the Hawaii Revealed guides.

Anne,
Jules is correct re automobiles. We needed, and used, one on Kauai and the big island. We spent 6 days on Kauai (2 different times), 5 days on Oahu, and 6 days on the big island.We also rented a car on Oahu for one day to visit the north shore and all the lovely places between Waikiki and there. Honolulu has a great bus system and you can buy a HOLO card for all day bus use (at least as a senior we could). We haven't ever used a tour company, so I can't help you there. Kauai (with a car) and Oahu are small enough to explore on your own, without changing hotels or really needing a tour guide. Hawaii, the big island, took us 4 days to circumnavigate, staying in Kona 2 days and Hilo 4 days and venturing out from those locations to explore.

As joe32f replied, you cannot tour an island in a day (except perhaps Molokai, which has some places you need permission to visit).
The cruise suggestion with their shore options would seem to fit as a day tour choice. Maybe you could see how they set their shore trips up. Flying between the islands is your only choice to visit the four you are considering. How long a trip are you envisioning? And how many days per island?

Hawaii is not cheap, but there are some good cost savers you can find with some research. We actually spent less on Oahu than others told us we would, but I did quite a bit of research and organizing before we went there in January of 2024. (And we got lots of great suggestions here on the forum!) On previous visits we managed to not have to mortgage the house to go, but I did spend a decent amount of time on planning (for Hawaii the big island and for Kauai). If you only plan on spending one day per island, you will spend a lot of money on flights between them. The islands are not as close to each other as you might think (not like Catalina and the channel islands vis a vis Long Beach California).
Let the forum know a little more about what you are planning, and what you are expecting. That may help in advising you.

My personal experience is that a week is just about perfect to explore any one of the islands. That's with a car, and one of the "blue books". I've only been to Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii, and it's been 3 years since the last time, but I've always spent at least one week at a time on any of them.

Flying between the islands can take longer than one would think. Seems to me, Hawaiian Air has somewhat frequent delays/cancellations, and lines to check bags can be long. I would budget at least a half day for travel between the islands.

It helps to have in mind what things you actually want to see on each island. Just visiting one beach would take up the whole day, as sites are far apart, and traffic can be a problem. We booked a tour on the Big Island with hawaii tours and were happy with the service.

Anne,
Still wondering what you mean by affordable, and answers to the questions about what you are looking for in "day tours". Can you please elucidate so posters may give you more informed suggestions?

hey hey Anne
helps to know what islands you're planning to visit, how many days per island, what you are hoping to see or do on each island, where are you flying into and flying out of without backtracking. when is this trip and how many people/kids?
always wonder what affordable/reliable means and what kinda of tours your interested in. depending on tour, not many are "cheap/budget" for people, prices have gone up everywhere.
as joe32F mentions, a car is essential for the islands, oahu so so but using the bus will take a lot of your time with many stops. use thebus.org serves oahu. research what you're looking for, cost, transfers, length, stops may not be as close to activities as you think so will need to walk. look at you hotel for parking and the cost per day which many complain/voice their opinion, hardly any off street parking and garages could be a walk further away that still cost money and may have certain hours open/close
hawaiian, southwest, and alaska airlines service the islands, take your pick (letting you know hawaiian has merged to alaska, any thing can happen with cancellation or flight changes.)
check-in to hotels is 2-4pm and check-out is 10-11am, unless approval of early check in. also so many posts about late night flights (red-eye) what to do all day waiting, either take an earlier flight or book extra night
do come back with more questions and more info of your plans for posters here to offer more advice.
aloha

Okay, for starters, I will post what Tauck Tours offers:

https://www.tauck.com/tours/best-of-hawaii-escorted-tour

You can tell us if the price "knocks your socks off," or if that is what you had in mind as "affordable." Visits 4 islands, and it is an efficient way to see the highlights with nice hotels, etc.

We did a Tauck Tour of Hawaii several years ago, and at that time the helicopter tours were optional (extra cost), we did both and to this day, my husband mentions how much he enjoyed them....the NaPali coast, and seeing the waterfalls, then flying over a volcano (not active) and seeing the red lava in the older "flow" and also in the crater itself (a side had fallen a day or two earlier)......then just seeing how the terrain changes so quickly (from an Iceland type land to suddenly green and lush).

Tauck also gave us the wonderful experience of walking thru a lava tube.

Another poster mentioned Roberts Hawaii. Interestingly, although Tauck provided its own guide, our bus transfers were via Roberts (at least on the main island...do not recall if on all 4).

But, if nothing else, the Tauck itinerary might give you some ideas for less-expensive "day tours" to find for things that might interest you. As another poster mentioned, I would definitely check with Roberts if I we were going back on our own, outside of an organized/inclusive, multi-day tour.

We LOVED Hawaii and could not believe it took us so long to decide to travel there :)

I would like to say thank you so much to all who have taken the time to respond to my initial post. I realize now I should have been more specific in my request - so please allow me to further explain.
I am traveling with my husband and three adult children and it will be a first time for each of us. We are taking the NCL Pride of America cruise next July. Our itinerary allows for a couple of days on each of the 4 main islands. I am hoping to have one really special excursion on each island and would like to consider some alternatives to the ship offered tours. I would also appreciate hotel recommendations for our pre cruise stay in Honolulu.

Anne, that does make a big difference. For simple supplemental tours like that, just reach out to Roberts Hawaii (after checking options on their web site). Also check helicopter options with them (if that interests your family) and other providers. Checking TripAdvisor reviews, too, to make sure more current reviews continue to be positive for any provider..

How wonderful you all will be going as a family!!! Safe travels and have great fun :)

You might want to post a new question explaining that you'll be on a cruise and asking for special activities/shore excursions from each port. I suggest night swimming with the Manta Rays on the Big Island.

Anne,
These are some of what I have enjoyed on these islands. Know that there are lots more things besides these.
On Kauai..... the helicopter tour over the Na Pali cliffs and a kayak trip on the Wailua river (can be followed by a drive to Hanalei).
On the Big Island.....(Hilo side, my favorite) Kilauea volcano/Volcanoes National Park and a drive in the area (Puna district). Also the Hamakua coast north of Hilo (lush, lush, lush!) for natural beauty. (This is like old traditional Hawaii. It has more rain than Kona but also has tons more character!)
On Oahu.....The Bishop Museum and Visiting the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
On Mauai.....Sorry, have never been
Enjoy!

Anne,
We spent 5 days on Oahu in January 2024. We stayed at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. It was at the end of Waikiki, across from the zoo, so not in the crazy tourist traffic and still a half block to the beach. (Less crowded here than closer to downtown.) It was very nice and we found a bargain on Booking.com No coffee makers in the room, but comfortable enough and clean. Prices are high in Hawaii. I had reserved here, but checked often and found the price dropped to about $1500.00 from $2100.00...same room for five nights. Not deluxe, but very nice. We used Lyft sometimes and took the bus other times (using the HOLO card-all day use of buses for one low pass price) and rented a car for one day to drive to the north shore along Kamehameha Hwy). We walked two blocks to another hotel for car rental pick/up and drop/off the same day (parking costs are quite high in Honolulu).
They hotel has a bar on the floor that the pool is on with some nice happy hour and/or daily specials. We also walked one evening just before sunset to the Barefoot Beach Cafe for a simple meal outside with fun musicians and a great view of the setting sun through the palm trees. Other places we ate...one birthday dinner at The House Without a Key (pricy but a special day). Duke's Thursday night all-you-can-eat prime rib dinner. Well worth it! Reservations a must.
You can also find lots of AirBandB type places, but a hotel room was best for the two of us as we only used it for sleeping and ate out or at the hotel each night.
Have fun!

The Venn diagrams for "Hawai'i" and "affordable" do not intersect.

On Oahu, I typically stay at SurfJack. It is a quick walk to Waikiki, rooms are clean, vibe is fun, employees helpful. No resort fees. Everyone I've recommended it to has liked it. There is a reasonably priced Thai restaurant right next door, walkable to a food truck park and other fantastic food options.

In Hilo, We've stayed at Dolphin Bay. Its an older, modest property. Wonderfully helpful staff, quite inexpensive. It wouldn't be for everyone, but for those out and about during the day, it can work well.

Our itinerary allows for a couple of days on each of the 4 main islands. I am hoping to have one really special excursion on each island and would like to consider some alternatives to the ship offered tours

For Maui I was going to suggest a Sunrise or Sunset tour of Haleakala but see they are $200+ per person. If that is something that might appeal to you it might be worth the bother, and a lot cheaper, to rent a car for a day. Also give you the freedom to set your own schedule. Long pants and a jacket are quite useful as you will be 9000+ ft elevation and there is usually a breeze

I have done both ( different trips) and am glad I did.

For the time you have I think the sunset visit is the better option. You don't have to get up at 2 AM for a sunrise, and sunset lasts longer

If you do choose to do this, you need to make a reservation with the Park Service for a timed entry. If you are on a tour bus, I presume they take care of that.

Thank you again everyone for your kind, thoughtful and informative comments. What a wonderful community of travelers!

Anne,
I forgot to mention going to a luau. Yes, they are expensive, but it is a lot of fun and worth the splurge for a one-time experience. We went over 20 years ago to one on Kauai, but they have them on all the islands. I don't know which ones to recommend. They cater to tourists, but the music and the dancers and the food are a memorable experience. Hawaii is the only place to have this experience in the states. Definitely go to one. As far as the Hawaiian CulturalCenter on Oahu, I don't know. I believe it is run by a religious group so can't speak to its ambience/direction, etc.
On Fridays at noon there is a one-hour concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band on the grounds of the Iolani Palace. It is free, with folding chairs available (everyone puts them back afterward), and most enjoyable! On the day we did this we took a Lyft afterward to the Punchbowl military cemetery. (The bus would take forever. It isn't a simple drive). It is beautiful also, with markers for all those from WWII whose remains were never found. It is quite moving yet peaceful. (You may choose not to take the time for this. Paying our respects at military cemeteries wherever we travel is just something my husband and I always try to do.)
As I mentioned in a previous reply, go to the Bishop Museum. It's wonderful! And the Arizona Memorial of course.
Have fun!

I agree with Judy’s recommendations, especially the Bishop. I’ve toured Iolani twice, it’s amazing. I typically visit Punchbowl, every time I visit. The gardens and views are lovely. In the structure in the middle of the grounds are mosaics/murals showing many of the wars and the military maneuvers. The military museum on Waikiki is excellent and free.

hey hey Anne
thanks for clarifying that you're on a cruise, makes a difference.
before offering things to do & see, curious about your statement "allows a couple of days on each island". looking at cruise i see that you have overnights in maui (kahalui) and kauai (nawiliwili), stop in kailua kona and stop in hilo (different sides of the BIG island).
i'm from the big island with family still there, pay attention to times ship leaves port to get back on time and what's the earliest you can get off ship in the morning.
hilo: many things to see and do but not all in time you have. rent a car near cruise port (hilorentalcars.com), not brand new but they do have a van for your gang. book early plus call
this is old hawaii and historic plantation town with no fancy resorts, lush and green, (rainier side of island), waterfalls, gardens, rocky cliffs, some beaches (not white sand) but can swim, hilo town & hilo bay
volcano: about 45 minutes drive from hilo, depending on traffic and what crowds will be like. this year has been busy with volcano erupting, parking lot being repaired so less parking, leave early. your gang has to decide
kailua kona: you can walk kailua kona town with many shops/ocean view restaurants. kamakahonubeach.com is right where ship arrives. you can rent snorkles, paddleboards or just swim
rent a car (i think there is one at courtyard marriott kailua kona) and drive up north to kona coffee land and kealakekua bay/captain cook. lovebigisland.com/ kona coffee tasting & tours (konahistorical.org walk through a historical farm and how they lived and worked). check out the other farms listed if interested
oahu: you can look at condos for the 2 days before cruise or 2 hotel rooms that gives you 2 bathrooms, check beds (no to sofa bed!! probably your legs will fall over edge) don't know your budget
parkshorewaikiki.com
waikikibeachcomber.com
queenkapiolani.com
twinfinwaikiki.com
princewaikiki.com
outriggerreef.com
royalgrovewaikiki.com (not on beach, minutes walk to waikiki, apts to see what is available)
onesrentacarhawaii.com
rent a car for the day for a ride around the island, you're your own boss/chauffeur, go where you want/stop when you want, not in a bus/van that's stops at touristy spots which gets kickbacks. look at returning car time, may be worth paying parking fee one night in hotel for convenience and not stressing since on street parking is nil to none. check out shakaguide.com, download with app that tells you what to see, look for things of interest as you cruise around the island.
if wanting to go to pearl harbor, get your tickets early (recreation.gov)
just a few options for you to do research along with your gang. enjoy & happy travels
aloha