Hawaii is often termed a tropical paradise. The natural beauty, warm people, and unique serenity of this region captivate all island lovers. From vibrant islands and world-class surfing to active volcanoes, you can enjoy the true essence of the Aloha spirit. Every beautiful landscape leaves visitors wanting more.
Hawaiian cruises offer a blend of perfect shore excursions and comfortable onboard amenities. Passengers have the convenience of traveling from one island to another without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Additionally, the entertainment and dining options make the trip more enriching.
This blog explores the various options for cruises to Hawaii. It also helps you select the best Hawaiian cruise. This blog is a deep dive into the Polynesian culture and takes you to explore the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
30-Second Summary
Thousands of travelers plan an enriching Hawaiian cruise trip every year. With its picturesque scenery, gushing waterfalls, and active volcanoes, Hawaii holds a prominent place in every tourist’s bucket list.
This blog features a list of cruises that offer an unforgettable journey. It details onshore activities, Hawaiian culture, islands to explore, and tips to make your trip worthwhile. Keep on reading to find the best Hawaiian cruise and start planning your itinerary today.
Best Cruise Lines for Hawaiian Exploration
The islands of Hawaii are perfect for anyone who enjoys pleasant tropical weather and natural beauty. Cruising to Hawaii is ideal, particularly for visitors who want to experience the beauty as much as possible. The convenience of not planning the trip, searching for hotels, and traveling on public transport makes cruises excellent.
Below is a list of the best Hawaiian cruises that will inspire you to sail to Hawaii.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Pride of America is operated by Norwegian Cruise, which is known for its unique Hawaii itineraries. This vessel takes passengers to all four islands of Hawaii all year round. This cruise caters to 2186 passengers with a variety of onboard amenities. Volleyball, video games, basketball, hot tubs, spa, and shopping are some of these facilities. Additionally, the shore excursions are diverse, exploring every tourist attraction on these islands.
Princess Cruises
Crown Princess, the vessel launched by Princess Cruises, carries 3080 passengers. During four days at sea, passengers can enjoy swimming pools, miniature golf, hot tubs, movies, and dancing. The onboard programs of this vessel have something for every traveler. The four islands included in the itinerary are the Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Passengers also get an opportunity to explore Ensenada, Mexico, before the Crown Princess returns to San Francisco.
Holland America Line
Koningsdam was launched in 2016 and is one of the newer ships of Holland America Line. This vessel holds 2650 passengers. The trip to Hawaii spans 17 days and starts from San Diego. The ship reaches Honolulu early to provide a chance to explore the city. The travel itinerary includes Kauai, Maui, Hilo, and Kona. During this trip, passengers can participate in various excursions to see the famous tourist attractions.
Royal Caribbean
Quantum of Seas is a Quantum-class ship launched by Royal Caribbean International. The vessel departs from Vancouver and takes passengers to the renowned islands of Hawaii. The first stop is Lahaina, Maui. The next stop is the Big Island, and the trip ends in Oahu. During the entire journey, travelers get a chance to see the popular destinations and participate in water activities arranged by the cruise line.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Edge is an Edge-class ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. Carrying 2918 passengers, this vessel starts sailing from Vancouver to Hawaii. The 13-night itinerary covers different places in the islands of Hawaii. In Hilo, Big Island, guests can explore gardens, volcanoes, wineries, and waterfalls. The vessel sails to Kona after Hilo for two days of thrilling onshore activities. The following two days are spent in Maui, with Honolulu being the final stop.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line operates Disney Wonder, which is perfect for families and Disney enthusiasts. The cruise departs from Vancouver, where guests spend 6 days at sea. The onboard entertainment includes musicals with Disney characters and visits to a Marvel-themed superhero academy for children. This vessel stops at Hilo, Honolulu, and Oahu, while the last stop is Kahului, Maui.
UnCruise Adventures
Safari Explorer carries 36 guests to Hawaii on an eight-day trip. The journey begins in Kona on the Big Island. For the next two days, passengers partake in different excursions, including sightseeing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Other stops in the itinerary are Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. The travelers disembark on Kaunakakai, where they can either extend their stay or go to Molokai Airport.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Star offers a 17-day voyage to Hawaii. The vessel has a maximum capacity to carry 930 guests. With this ship, you explore the Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. The shore excursions include visiting waterfalls, kayaking, and snorkeling. The vessel also sails to Ensenada in Mexico, where travelers can indulge in various activities. The next day, Viking Star sails back to Los Angeles.
Top Islands to Explore in Hawaii
Every island in Hawaii has distinct characteristics and sites. Travelers find plenty of things to do and destinations to visit on each island. Let’s explore some famous places that provide an enriching Hawaii island hopping experience.
Oahu
Oahu is dubbed as The Gathering Place and is famous for its blend of cosmopolitan culture and splendid natural beauty. On the South Coast, you can experience the urban appeal of Honolulu, which is the state’s capital city. The North Shore has an easy-going vibe filled with serenity.
Both destinations host grand surfing competitions every year. Travelers also visit Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay in the South Shore. You can see the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to honor the history of the 900 sailors and marines buried there.
After you are done exploring the coast, you can travel inland. Visit the peaceful Byodo-In Temple, which is a replica of Uji Temple in Japan. Traveling on Oahu Cruises makes the trip more fun and appealing.
Maui
Maui has stunning wildlife, intriguing culture, and history. This place is situated between the Big Island and Molokai. Maui has five regions: South Maui, West Maui, Central Maui, Upcountry Maui, and East Maui.
Tourists traveling on Maui Cruises can enjoy various water activities while also visiting famous spots. In South Maui, you can see the famous Wailea Beach. The Kaanapali Beach is located in West Maui, offering marvelous scenery.
Other popular destinations include Hana with breathtaking coastlines, the world’s largest dormant volcano Haleakala, and tribal battlegrounds in Valley State Park. You can also reserve a spot on a helicopter ride to have an aerial view of Maui.
Kauai
Kauai is home to lush landscapes and is perfect for an adventurous getaway. It has an easygoing environment that appeals to no-muss, no-fuss travelers. Its rural beauty is truly bewitching. Splendid sunsets, clear blue skies, and pristine beaches promise an ideal vacation.
Make sure to visit the Nepali coast, a 17-mile expanse of gorgeous and steep cliffs. You can see it either on foot, by water on Kauai Cruises, or by air, as there are no roads along the coast. Another must-see place on your itinerary should be Waimea Canyon, which offers spectacular scenery.
You can also go for boarding, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beaches. The Poipu Beach Park has calm waters and golden sands. Tourists can bask in the warmth of the sun and soak in the fresh, salty air from the sea.
Big Island
Home to black and white sand beaches and active volcanoes, the Big Island is perfect for tourists looking for a packed itinerary. It boasts snow-covered peaks, lush rainforests, and lava deserts. The cool part is that this island continues to grow due to Kilauea volcano.
Travelers can experience an active volcano eruption at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Taking a walk in Akaka Falls State Park is excellent to see the waterfalls. For history buffs, visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which is a historical landmark.
If you like stargazing, Mauna Kea is the place to go. This dormant volcano offers a stunning view of stars and constellations, bewitching people. You can also go boogie riding on the family-friendly Hapuna Beach.
Importance of Polynesian Hawaiian Culture
Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures are deeply intertwined. Hawaiian people are descendants of Polynesian migrants. Polynesian culture manifests itself in Hawaiian culture in many ways. From staple foods to artistic expressions, Hawaii exhibits the traits of Polynesia.
History: The first wave of inhabitants came from the Marquesas Islands around 300 CE. The second wave was in the 9th or 10th century from Tahiti. This region achieved statehood on August 21, 1959. Since then, Hawaii’s economy has soared, with tourism being the dominant industry.
Food: Poke bowl and kalua pork are two Hawaiian dishes with deep Polynesian roots. When you travel to Hawaii, every traditional cuisine has a Polynesian taste.
Dance: Both Hula and Siva Afi carry the essence of authentic Hawaiian culture. Travelers can experience the real Polynesian dance during a luau in Hawaii. These celebrations are easily accessible to tourists, where they see hula and fire dancers thrive in their element.
Art: Hawaiian art is also deeply rooted in Polynesian culture. Some art practices include woodcarving, Taka’i (tattooing), feather work, Kapa (bark cloth), and weaving. All these artistic expressions are a conduit to show the spiritual and social aspects of Polynesian culture.
Shore Excursions You Shouldn’t Miss
The islands in Hawaii have a lot of activities to offer. Every traveler can find excursions to partake in when cruising to this tropical paradise. Some thrilling Hawaii shore excursions are:
Maui Excursions
Maui’s breathtaking beauty is captured in its lush valleys and golden beaches. This is a dream destination for people looking for relaxation and adventure. The vibrant energy of Kahului and Lahaina’s historic ambiance. You can surf in the crystal-clear waters, zipline through its forests, or snorkel to explore its marine life.
Kauai Excursions
Also known as Garden Isle, Kauai features lush rainforests, gushing waterfalls, and towering sea cliffs. Make sure to visit Waimea Canyon. Enjoy a traditional luau, go hiking in rainforests, or kayak in the blue waters. You can explore the beauty of this region through an ATV tour or snorkel in the South Shore.
Big Island Adventures
The Big Island offers many unforgettable experiences. In Hilo and Kona, you can visit the Rainbow Falls and the Volcanoes National Park. Travelers can visit astronomical observatories at Maunakea. Explore the stunning beauty of Hilo Bay on a kayak. Kohala Waterfall features excellent opportunities for humpback whale spotting and snorkeling with sea turtles in Pawai Bay.
Best Time to Take a Hawaiian Cruise
Hawaii mainly has two seasons: summer (May-October) and winter (November-April). Expect rain in December or February; however, these months also have a lot of sun and warm temperatures.
January and February: In January, the large crowds dissipate after the end of Christmas. However, there are still tourists who are coming to escape winter. In February, it is breezy most of the time. The spirit of surfing competition is at an all-time high.
March and April: March can be the wettest month apart from November. The temperature starts to rise. However, it is wise to bring rain jackets. The air significantly warms up in April. Travelers feel comfortable in short sleeves and light clothing.
May and June: The water is calm, and the temperature consistently rises in May. It is an incredible time to enjoy activities on and beside the ocean. June brings dry and hot weather. This month sees the lowest rainfall. This time is peaceful to visit before the summer crowd arrives.
July and August: July and August have the highest temperature. The visitors flock to the islands to enjoy the beaches. The surfing moves to the southern side while snorkelers and swimmers go to the northern shores.
September and October: The number of visitors decreases in September. People visiting during this month can enjoy marine life and the archipelago’s reefs due to incredible underwater visibility. October is perfect for people who want to see at lower prices. The sun is still warm, but there is always a possibility of an early storm.
November and December: November brings the heaviest rainfall. December is the season for humpback whale spotting. The beaches do not have crowds till Christmas time. The weather is dry and warm, and there is a feeling of festival in the islands.
The best time to visit: While Hawaii has sunshine all year-round, cruising to this region is ideal from April to October.
Tips for Planning Your Hawaiian Cruise
Book your Trip in Advance
Cruises to Hawaii sell out fast, especially during the peak tourism season. Make sure to book in advance to get better deals and cabin choices.
Select the Right Itinerary
Some cruises spend several days at sea, while others start and end their journey in Hawaii. Always choose Hawaii cruise itineraries that align with your travel preferences.
Know the Perfect Season
If you want to experience the warmth of the sun and calmer seas, travel between April and October. However, if you want to go whale watching, visit from December to April.
Pack Wisely
Packing smart is fundamental to enjoying a comfortable Hawaii vacation. Bring light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Do bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Respect Local Culture
Be mindful of Hawaiian traditions while visiting. Learn a few words and phrases in Hawaiian, be respectful at sacred sites, and support local Hawaiian businesses.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is a dream destination for a lot of people. Visiting pristine beaches and swimming in turquoise waters are on the bucket list of all travelers. Many tourists choose to cruise to this tropical island as it offers a convenient journey. Engaging in onboard and onshore activities is one of the many perks of traveling on a Hawaiian cruise.
This blog provided a list of excellent cruise lines that offer fantastic trips to Hawaii. You can select the best Hawaiian cruise that aligns with your travel goals. This guide also explored various breathtaking destinations and thrilling activities to participate in while on your Hawaiian journey. Start planning your trip to this tropical paradise today.
FAQs
What do you need to cruise to Hawaii?
Bring all your summer essentials before setting off on a cruise trip to Hawaii. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and swimsuits. A pair of good walking or hiking shoes is a must if you plan to take hiking excursions. Do not forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this region.
When is the Best Time to Take a Hawaiian Cruise?
Cruises offering trips to Hawaii are available throughout the year. The peak tourist season starts from mid-December and lasts till the end of March. If you want to travel during fewer crowds, set out from September to early December.
Which Hawaii Island Should I Visit?
Every island in Hawaii has its own charm that attracts visitors. Oahu is excellent for people looking for a blend of islands and city vibes. Maui has luxurious resorts and lush landscapes, making it perfect for romantic getaways and scenic explorers. For a peaceful escape, consider visiting Kauai. If you are a geology buff or an adventure seeker, the volcanoes and rainforests of the Big Island are ideal for you.