05-16-2018, 06:20 AM
Let's be brutally honest, the only unique reason a cruise ship passenger would want to visit Hilo or Kona on their tight itinerary is to see the Volcano Park. And with the Volcano Park opening and closing on an erratic basis, why would the major cruise lines want to risk cancellations (as randomq suggested) or complaints of "wasted days" from passengers on their "trip of a lifetime?"
Before you all blast me with the other interesting touristy things to see and do on a one-day visit to Hilo or Kona (The Botanical Gardens, Zip Lining, coffee farm tours, snorkel/scuba, etc.), filter out anything that couldn't be done at other Hawaiian Island ports of call. Is what's left enough of a draw to keep thousands of tourists happy and justify stops on the Big Island?
Before you all blast me with the other interesting touristy things to see and do on a one-day visit to Hilo or Kona (The Botanical Gardens, Zip Lining, coffee farm tours, snorkel/scuba, etc.), filter out anything that couldn't be done at other Hawaiian Island ports of call. Is what's left enough of a draw to keep thousands of tourists happy and justify stops on the Big Island?