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

cruise ships hawaii

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples. Embark on an unforgettable vacation to a tropical paradise aboard one of our Hawaii cruise ships.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

(UnCruise Adventures is the exception, calling in a few smaller places that the big ships can't go.) All of them are top-notch, so it's hard to say which one is the best overall. Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

When Is A Good Time To Cruise To Hawaii

The ship arrives in Honolulu early, giving travelers all day to explore. Optional activities include a trip to Pearl Harbor, a whale-watching excursion, a road trip around Oahu, and a scenic drive along the Windward Coast. Guests can take a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto, a tour of a coffee plantation, or a trip to Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Maui is the next island on the itinerary, with a luau, a drive or helicopter flight to Haleakala Crater, a scenic drive along the East Maui coast, or an underwater cruise on the Atlantis submarine. After four days at sea, the Koningsdam stops in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. Our Hawaiian cruises offer an intoxicating mix of island adventure and carefree cruising.

Hilo, Hawaii

From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty. This cruise aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess departs San Francisco in the late afternoon. Swimming pools, hot tubs, miniature golf, Discovery at Sea programs, movies, dancing, and shows ensure plenty to do during the four days at sea on the way to Hawaii. Shipboard programs for youths, teens, and families provide something for everyone. On the Big Island, guests can zipline through the rainforest or ride to the top of Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain. Next is Oahu, where activities include a tour of Pearl Harbor, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and a tour of the only royal palace in the United States.

This itinerary includes a traditional evening feast in Molokai, something you won’t find on other Hawaiian cruise itineraries. This itinerary doesn’t require as many sea days as a roundtrip journey but includes plenty of time for lounging by the pool, catching shows, and trying all the on board restaurants. Spend a week exploring four of Hawaii's islands during this this cruise aboard the 2,186-passenger Pride of America, with onboard activities that include basketball, volleyball, video games, theater, hot tubs, spa, and shopping. Next is a day in Hilo on the Big Island where guests can see a volcano, rain forest, waterfalls, or a lush botanical garden.

THE 13 BEST Cruises from Los Angeles to Hawaii (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 13 BEST Cruises from Los Angeles to Hawaii (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:35:43 GMT [source]

Ancient Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with regional cooking demonstrations and tastings. Take in Hawaii’s serene landscapes from the deck of this perfectly sized Pinnacle-class ship. Koningsdam has numerous dining and entertainment options and a blend of nautical meets modern décor. Take a walk under the stars on Waikiki or dine at one of many amazing eateries on our luxurious overnights. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, considered one of Hawaii's most sacred sites, is a 40-minute drive south from Kailua Kona. The site was formerly royal grounds and a "place of refuge" for ancient lawbreakers.

Cobranded Cards

cruise ships hawaii

Kaanapali Beach, just north of Lahaina, has been called America's best beach. It has three miles of crystal-clear water and perfect white sand, and its shallow waters are good for snorkeling. The Hawaiian Islands get lots of sunshine — 270 days on average annually — but rainfall is also frequently in the forecast. This is especially true from December through March and most notably on the windward sides of each island, which ironically are the most scenic areas known for their lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls.

cruise ships hawaii

If your cruise embarks and/or disembarks in Honolulu, you won't actually have much time to enjoy Oahu's sights and attractions unless you arrive a day or two early or add a night or two post-cruise. The weather is ideal in May and the summer vacation rush has yet to start. November is also a month with fewer crowds and generally favorable weather. If you visit early enough in May or late enough in November (into early December), you may even catch sight of the humpback whales that winter here, especially in the waters around Maui.

The best Hawaii cruises for easy island hopping

The ship then sails on to Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can indulge in wine tastings, e-bike tours, and ATV adventures in the Guadalupe Valley. With over 50 years in the Hawaii tour business, YMT Vacations offers an expert inter-island cruise and tour itinerary of the Hawaiian Islands. The tour is 12 days, with 7 nights aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of American cruise ship and 4 nights on the island of Oahu. The cruise portion originates on Oahu and includes port stops on Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai. Visit Volcanoes National Park or go snorkeling in Kona on Hawaii Island. Upon return to Oahu, a Polynesian Tour Director escorts guests through a tour of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu.

Hawaii is ideal to visit 365 days per year, whether you're looking to laze on a beach, explore the rainforest explorer or scale a volcano. However, prices and crowds increase when kids are out of school and during Christmas and New Year's. Hawaii offers a tropical twist on the hip travel hobby called "forest bathing." It's all the rage among spiritually minded travelers these days and a great way to see nature close. Hike to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island, or through the lush Hana Rainforest on Maui.

Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

In 2024, Seabourn is offering a 145-day cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece. That itinerary includes port days in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before sailing around New Zealand and Australia en route to the Middle East and Greece. Spend one sea day cruising the Great Barrier Reef and the others treating yourself to spa days, meals with new friends, and drinks under the stars.

The Disney Wonder is scheduled to sail this itinerary, and it’s sure to quickly win over anyone who’s a Marvel fan or grew up on Disney movies. The ship’s Oceaneer Club gives kids the chance to step in Andy's Room from Toy Story or to connect with their inner superhero in a Marvel-themed room. And like all Disney experiences, there’s a good chance you may run into your favorite characters on board. Sailing between the Hawaiian Islands is generally relatively calm, though there are occasional reports of rough patches on cruises that cross the Pacific Ocean. And while every month is a good month to cruise to Hawaii, peak whale-watching season in the region is between January and March. But a little rain might just be worth it to avoid summer crowds in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

The main ports of call in Hawaii are Honolulu, from where our cruises start or finish, and Hilo and Kona, both on the Big Island. On some itineraries, you’ll also enjoy scenic cruising along the Napali Coast on Kauai, a sacred landscape of emerald cliffs, pristine beaches, and jagged mountain ridges. Some cruises also visit Astoria in Oregon before the Pacific crossing to Hawaii. Whether you’re exploring the islands or on board a Princess ship, there are countless ways to experience the best of Hawaii and relax and rejuvenate. They sail roundtrip to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Ships spend long days in port, and a variety of restaurants and events, like movies screened under the stars, are sure to keep you and yours entertained on board the ship.

The itinerary features two-day overnight visits to Maui and Kauai and stops in both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, as well as scenic cruising along Kauai's famed Napali Coast. It's easy to book pre- or post-cruise stays in Honolulu to explore places like Waikiki Beach, Diamondhead Crater and Pearl Harbor. You can sail to Hawaii year-round, but the itinerary options vary based on the month you choose.

With warm weather year-round, Hawaii is one of the U.S.'s sunniest states. The rainy season goes from November to March, but don't worry too much about the weather during these months; it isn't a constant monsoon — there's simply a greater chance of showers. On Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can tour six different recreations of traditional villages. Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations, and learn the old ways of fishing without a net. Hawaii is the United States' most volcanic state, but your experience doesn't have to be death-defying. Daredevils will want to get up close and personal with the active lava flow of Kilauea, but you could instead hike up Mauna Loa, which is extinct.

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