I was recently in Honolulu on a ship. Various ways were discussed over dinner and General consensus was SO varied that I can not recommend any specific method. Comments were all the way from Do this or that and back. There seems to be some confusion about tour times and what part of the experience is included. How easy/workable each is etc. Suggest you check online for dates and times for each part that you need or want to do. Once you have done that compare transportation and details to ships tour and if you are happy do that. If not Transportation is available right from your prospective pier. TAxis can be metered or not so make sure you know before you commit. We were a bit rushed and grouped with another couple on one occasion without much thought agreed to a price to a specific place and got hosed... found out when taking another cab on meter same distance and traffic. City buses are great but walking distance from piers/ heat/ plus age and and condition need too be taking into account. It's only several blocks...but .....??