Monday, April 1, 2024

Hawaii cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

hawaiian islands cruise

The ship departs from Honolulu every Saturday all year long, making it easy to tack on visits to Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Waikiki Beach. The ship spends the night in Maui and Kauai, and makes two stops on the island of Hawaii—also known as the Big Island—in Hilo and Kona. Aboard the Pride of America, you’ll find a Miami-inspired pool, a Gold Rush Saloon, and restaurants for every palate. Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Let our award-winning experts skilled in pairing travelers with the right ship at the best price create the perfect Hawaii boat cruise for you.

How do I Plan a Hawaii Island Cruise?

If you're looking for a longer itinerary, sailing round trip from the west coast of North America, or a small-ship adventure cruise, you'll have the biggest selection of cruises between October and April. A variety of cruise lines call on Hawaii -- Princess, Crystal, Holland America, Royal Caribbean -- but Norwegian Cruise Line has the only big ship based there, sailing from Honolulu. Expedition lines like UnCruise Adventures sail Hawaii's smaller islands.

hawaiian islands cruise

Sail to Paradise on Hawaii Cruises

Consider these Hawaii cruise ships as a floating basecamp to see the Islands as few do—accessing shorelines away from high rises and crowds. We’ve vetted the small boat options in Hawaii to offer everything from a small Hawaii yacht to an expedition ship offering luxury Hawaii cruises. These ships offer cruises around Hawaii with expert naturalist guides to interpret the destination’s unique environment and wildlife. Enjoy up-close exploration on guided shore excursions, swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking—just to name a few activities included aboard. If a Hawaii cruise sounds like the perfect getaway to you, you'll want to read up on which lines offer which types of itineraries, as well as which islands and ports you must visit.

Cruise Ports

While modern cruise ships are designed to minimize motion, some passengers may still experience seasickness. It’s a good idea to bring anti-nausea medication or wristbands if you’re prone to it. Most Hawaiian cruises range from 7 to 15 days, but the duration can vary depending on the itinerary and starting port. Located in central Maui, Kahului is a wonderful port on any of the island hopping Hawaii cruises.

Hawaii Cruise Itineraries

In Hilo, guests can explore waterfalls, volcanoes, wineries, and gardens on the lush coast of the Big Island. The ship cruises to Kona on the other side of the island for another two days of snorkeling or other onshore activities. The next two days are spent in Lahaina, Maui, home base for a cruise among dolphins and whales, a plantation tour, or a traditional luau. The ship cruises to the final stop in Honolulu, where guests are free to enjoy Oahu at their leisure before heading back to the mainland.

Featured Shore Excursions

And in between, fill your days with endless onboard thrills like RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator, delicious dining options and top-notch entertainment. Go for bigger, bolder Polynesian adventures filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean® returns to Hawaii with two revolutionary Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas® and Quantum of the Seas®. Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it's more than just a pretty face. Your Hawaii cruise will let you counterbalance naps on Waikiki with a tour of the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor or a visit to Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii's royal family.

Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui. Kayak out to sea or along Kauai's Wailua River, or try your hand at kite-surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. For a more chill afternoon out on the waves, consider a whale-watching cruise, sunset sail or scenic boat ride along the Napali Coast.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. On Oahu, visit Honolulu's Waikiki Beach and pay your respects at Pearl Harbor. View active volcanos on Hawaii, the Big Island, seek out water sports in laidback Maui and escape from it all in Kauai. Experience all this and more when you plan your next cruise to Hawaii.

Holland America Is Offering 25% Off Cruises — Including This Epic Solar Eclipse Voyage - Travel + Leisure

Holland America Is Offering 25% Off Cruises — Including This Epic Solar Eclipse Voyage.

Posted: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

We add new itineraries every day so you'll find a variety of options when you find your next cruise to Hawaii with Cruise Critic. Our Hawaiian cruises offer an intoxicating mix of island adventure and carefree cruising. You'll venture to four dazzling islands — including a full day and late evening in Honolulu to see the sights and experience its famed nightlife. And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare!

The shorter, one-way sailings are a good compromise for travelers who don't want to take a full two weeks or can't imagine 10 days at sea on one vacation but do want some relaxing time on the ship. The longer one-off journeys are more for folks wanting to explore a wide swath of the Pacific, with Hawaii being a small part of that deep dive. Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises. Because most cruise ships are flagged in another country, they cannot offer interisland cruises.

Holland America ships have cabins that can accommodate up to five guests, big enough for the whole family. On the Holland America Koningsdam, which sails an 18-day itinerary around Hawaii, the kids club is at the top of the ship and includes three enclosed outdoor play areas. Sign up for family-friendly shore excursions or leave your kids onboard to paint, learn to cook, or play video games while you explore.

While some might allow sealed, pre-packaged snacks, most prohibit bringing alcohol. Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. However, it’s always a good idea to check the cruise line’s tipping policy in advance. If you’re a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port), you do not need a passport, though it’s recommended.

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