More About A Hawaiian Cruise
With eight major islands and countless natural sights and activities, a cruise to Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No matter if you start directly from the islands themselves or begin on the West Coast, a Hawaiian cruise touches on the four key islands: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Through history, Hawaii became a melting pot of cultures, past influences, and various heritages. Great weather throughout the year casts a perfect scene, one seldom spoiled by rain and always welcoming. From trying new foods to exploring the natural beauty to passing your time snorkeling or kayaking, a cruise to Hawaii stops in the following locations:
Hawaiian island cruises range anywhere from 7-night to 35-nights in length. Longer trips encompass other Pacific nations, such as French Polynesia, Kiribati, and the Cook Islands. Ensenada, Mexico, Honolulu, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego are some of the departure points for a Hawaii cruise.
For your trip, experience the sights, culture, and wonders of the Hawaiian island with a ship that offers just the accommodations you want. Find Hawaiian vacations with luxury characteristics or family-friendly features on board Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, or Holland America.
Hawaii Cruises That Departs From California
This is the most common way that people cruise to Hawaii and it is a fine option. Unfortuantely, because of the distance from the mainland, this adds several sea days to your voyage. For example, for cruises from San Diego this would add FOUR sea days to your trip. On a round trip Holland America Line Zuiderdam “Hawaii Circle Cruise” that turns a cruise with five days in Hawaii to a 17-day cruise that includes a stop in Ensenda, Mexico to satisfy regulations regarding the PVSA. Of course, if you want something special and have plenty of time, Zuiderdam also hosts a 45-day Tales Of The South Pacific scheduled for October next year that leaves and returns to San Diego but explores Hawaii and the South Pacific for a starting price of only $7,000 vs the 17-day Hawaii Circle Cruise for $1,899.
For folks with lots of time, this is a great option since it generally isn’t that much more expensive than booking an inside cabin on Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise ship. For example, both of them are about the same price for Hawaii cruises in the spring of 2022 at a starting price for an inside cabin coming in about $2,000 per person. Certainly that’s a lot of extra value for the Holland America Line option.
Hyatt Waikiki Standard View
Steps from the azure blue waters and soft sands of Waikk Beach, Hyatt Regency Waikk Beach Resort and Spa offers magnificent personalized services and luxurious amenities including world-class dining, award-winning spa, interactive cultural activities, 24-hour fitness centre, swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and more than 60 on-site boutiques. The resort provides the perfect place for those who want to make the most of their island experience and connect with the heart of Hawai`i. And for your convenience, Norwegian Cruise Line can assist you with island adventures, transfers and more.
Steps from the azure blue waters and soft sands of Waikk Beach, Hyatt Regency Waikk Beach Resort and Spa offers magnificent personalized services and luxurious amenities including world-class dining, award-winning spa, interactive cultural activities, 24-hour fitness centre, swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and more than 60 on-site boutiques. The resort provides the perfect place for those who want to make the most of their island experience and connect with the heart of Hawai`i. And for your convenience, Norwegian Cruise Line can assist you with island adventures, transfers and more.
Recommended Reading: What Ships Cruise Out Of New Orleans
Hawaii Island Hopping By Small Ship
With tens of millions visiting the Aloha state each year, take a Hawaii island hopping cruise for an entirely new, off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Maybe you have been to Hawaii before, but never like this. While day cruises are common, overnight Hawaiian Island cruises are few and far between. Staying aboard a small ship offers unique opportunities to travel in an efficient and effortless way while never missing a sunset. Leave airport travel and hotel bag-packing behind to island hop in style and ease.
Our Hawaii interisland cruise options reach ports and locations that are off-the-beaten path and away from the typical Hawaii destinations. These relaxed, intimate and active Hawaii small ship cruises may just offer the new spin on Aloha luxury youve been searching for. Your itinerary is flexible and not available to larger ships, making this small boat cruise Hawaii experience uncrowded, unrushed and full of active adventure exploring remote locales by foot, kayak, sailboat, paddleboard and motor launch.
Learn More
Royal Caribbean Runs Repositioning Cruises On Quantum
Known for its bigger-is-better, embrace-all-the-bells-and-whistles ethos, Royal Caribbean offers a select number of Hawaiian sailings each year, as part of its repositioning routes. Its trio of Quantum-class ships are among the biggest, boldest, and newest of the amenity-packed cruise lines 26-ship fleet. But two of those threeQuantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seashave been serving the Asian and Australian markets since their debut, with only the New Jerseybased Anthem of the Seas targeting U.S.-based travelers.
That changes this year when the 4,180-passeger Ovation of the Seas repositions from Sydney to Alaska for the summer 2019 season. En route, cruisers can sign up for an 11-night voyage from Honolulu to Vancouver embarking May 2, 2019, it includes an overnight stay in both Oahu and Maui, scenic cruising past the active Mount Kilauea volcano, and a call in Victoria, British Columbia. Several sea days afford ample time to explore the mega-ship, with its FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFly indoor skydiving experience, and SeaPlex entertainment center .
The Ovation runs a similar return route from Vancouver to Honolulu, embarking September 20, 2019, with repeat Hawaii-inclusive repositioning voyages scheduled in May and September of 2020, too. Rates from $840/person royalcaribbean.com
Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Ships Sail Out Of Galveston
Hawaii Island Hopping Tales From Our Experts & Travelers
AdventureSmith travelers as well as our expert staff have been aboard small boat cruises in Hawaii and can help guide your trip planning. Read on to get a feel for your ship and activity choices, as well as the region and the striking tropical landscape and culture that await you. We share fun and personal stories from our Hawaiian Island cruises to help you learn more about what its like to be on a unique Hawaii island hopping cruise. These reviews can inspire and inform, whether you are planning a Hawaii honeymoon, a getaway with friends or an active family trip. Let these tales can inspire your own Hawaii interisland cruise and know what to anticipate.
An AdventureSmith expert shares his experience on the 8-day Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer.
Whats the first question a newly-married couple gets? Where did you guys go on your Honeymoon? We are outdoorsy and adventurous. We enjoy hiking and getting out there, we want to experience things that others could only read about. We didn’t want to completely rough it on our honeymoon but we also didn’t want the resort or the 2,000 person cruise ship.
As I drift off to sleep I begin to dream of the amazing experiences that I couldn’t even have imagined only seven days ago. I dream of diving with manta rays, of Pele, the goddess of fire, of paddle boarding at Shark’s Fin Cove and swimming in the cool water under the cascading falls of Moâ’oula.
Holland America Cruises Round
Holland America has a handful of 16- to 18-night voyages in 2019/2020 that run round-trip from sunny San Diego, aboard the 1,964-passenger Oosterdam or 2,104-passenger Eurodam. Itineraries vary slightly but typically incorporate stops in Oahu , Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, along with scenic cruising past the Kilauea volcano and a dip into Ensenada, Mexico.
Excursion highlights include a farm-to-fork, Food & Wine magazinebranded culinary tour of the Big Island, or a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific at Kauais 2,857-foot-deep Waimea Canyon. Note that these lengthier voyages include up to 10 days at sea: Pass some of that time in the ships numerous music venues, including BB Kings Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage , and dueling-piano venue Billboard Onboard. Rates from $1,699/person hollandamerica.com
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va
Lahaina & Kahului Harbors Maui
Once the national capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom until 1845, Lahaina is still a thriving port town with a deep history. Tender to shore to explore its history museums, art galleries, scores of unique shops and restaurants on charming Front Street, and picture-perfect beaches such as Kaanapali Beach.Close to Kahului Airport, this deep-water port in Central Maui is a jumping off point for some of the Valley Isles most magnificent excursions, including the Iao Valley State Park and Haleakala National Park.
The Best Month To Cruise Hawaii
A Hawaii cruise is an increasingly popular way to take in Hawaii’s dramatic landscapes, great weather and varied activities, sights and lifestyles. Cruise travelers can choose from weeklong round trip Honolulu cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line longer cruises sailing round trip from the U.S. West Coast and less-common, one-way sailings on ships heading to or from the South Pacific, Australia or Asia.
There’s another important choice to make, and that’s when to go. The good news is that no time of year is bad to take a Hawaiian cruise. Nevertheless, there are differences in weather, cruise availability, price and other factors from season to season. Here’s what you need to know about which months are best to cruise Hawaii.
Don’t Miss: Norwegian Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Night Fly Stay & Cruise Holiday With $4000 Bonus Value Including Onboard Beverages Specialty Dining Shore Excursion Credit Wi
Deal Code: MC-87822
Your 12 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Holiday Includes
FlightsReturn economy flights to Honolulu including checked luggage, meals & entertainment
Your Honolulu City stayBonus 5 Nights accommodation in Waikiki at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Your 7 Night Norwegian Cruise 7 Night Hawaiian Islands cruise onboard Pride of America in an Interior cabinAll onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beveragesA wide range of onboard activities & entertainmentAll port taxes & charges includedBonus Prepaid Gratuities onboardBonus Choice of Cabin Location
Highlight: Enjoy overnight stays on board in Maui & Kauai
Bonus My Cruises Holiday SavingsBonus Low Deposit from $199 pp*
General Sail Date InformationSet sail on 19 November 2022
Alternative sail dates in 2022 & 2023 available. Please see below for applicable surcharges for 2022 or click HERE to view our 2023 dates.
Additional Sail Dates*
*Surcharges may apply Additional costs may apply to upgrade your stateroom
Day 1: Honolulu / Oahu, Hawaii
Welcome to Oahu, the most populated island of Hawaii, known as The Gathering Place. There is so much to do on Oahu, from the shops, restaurants and fantastic nightlife of Waikiki, to the historical sights of Pearl Harbour and the natural wonders of the North Shore. Jump on board the Pride of America today and get ready to set sail!
Day 2-3: Kahului / Maui, Hawaii
Day 4: Hilo, Big Island
Day 5: Kona, Big Island
Day 6-7: Nawiliwili, Kauai
Best Time For A Hawaii Cruise
Thanks to the warm weather all year round, there is never a bad time for a Hawaii cruise with its lush green vegetation, stunning tropical blossom, warm ‘aloha’ welcomes all set against an awe-inspiring backdrop. However, there are differences in cruise fare, cruise availability and weather as the seasons change that you should be aware of before choosing when to travel.
You May Like: Cruises From San Francisco To Alaska 2017
Princess Cruises Delays Restart For Two Ships In The Us
Princess Cruises delays the restarts for two ships that are based in the U.S. to enable further staggering of its return to service.
Princess Cruises informs guests and travel agents that two vessels will not be returning to service as scheduled. The restarts for Crown Princess and Island Princess in the U.S. will be delayed, with a total of 19 sailings cancelled.
Top Hawaii Cruise Destinations And Shore Excursions
Whether you want to ride on horseback through secret valleys, climb volcanoes in the National Park, learn to scuba dive or surf, simply stroll along the sun-drenched sands, indulge in a little retail therapy or take a relaxing swim in the tropical lagoons, a Hawaii cruise is the ideal holiday destination for you. Each of the stunning Islands has something different to offer you, so why not maximise your Pacific experience by taking superb shore excursions to discover their hidden gems?
Also Check: What Cruise Lines Go Out Of Mobile Al
Hawaii Cruises To Oahu
Honolulu is the gem of Oahu, in the Hawaiian archipelago, with a beautiful setting backed by cliffs and the extinct volcanoes of Punchbowl. While you’re here, popular excursions include getting up close and personal with the wildlife by swimming with dolphins or whale watching. If you’d rather stay on dry land, the Polynesian Cultural Centre provides an interesting insight into life in Hawaii, as well as the culture and history of the islands.
Hawaii Cruises From Honolulu Hawaii
Thought about a vacation of island-hopping without having to pay for individual lodging and dining expenses in each location? Because travelers are looking for a comprehensive yet affordable vacation of the Hawaiian islands, cruises departing directly from Honolulu have seen a surge over the past decade, starting with Norwegian Cruise Linesâ Pride of America.
While the Pride of America itself stays within the islands alone, offering round-trip itineraries, other cruise lines have taken advantage of this interest. The result is multiple contemporary and luxury companies starting their trips from the Hawaiian capital, traveling around the islands, and then heading off to North America, Asia, or Australia.
Also Check: What Cruise Lines Depart From Galveston
Which Other Countries Have Banned Cruises
Hawaii is not the only region that has banned cruises due to COVID-19.
South Asian country Sri Lanka will not allow cruise passengers in the country.
– READ MORE: MSC Cruises reveals two ships will now sail World Cruise 2023 –
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website states: “Cruise ship passengers will not be allowed to disembark in the country, including for temporary shore visits.â
This ban is from March 22, 2020, when the government said that passenger ships were no longer permitted in the country because of the virus.
Canada has also extended a ban on cruise ships until early 2022.
The cruise ban, which was extended until February 28, 2022, applies to all cruise vessels that carry more than 100 people.
The ban was set in March 2020 right at the beginning of the pandemic, and was meant to expire February 28, 2021, until the government renewed it.
– READ MORE: Europe & North America with Oceania Cruises –
The Canadian Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra explained the countryâs decision in a statement: “As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe.â
“Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.”
Ports Of Call: Cruise Around Hawaii
For individuals who want to spend at least some of their time cruising around the Hawaiian Islands, you have several ports of call to enjoy.
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Nawiliwili, Kauai
- Kahului, Maui
Each port city is quite unique. Hawaii may be known as a single destination, but each of the state’s 137 islands is individually special. You can expect to find a variety of things to do at each port. To find out which ports you will visit, check your cruise itinerary.
- Find out if there are any sports activities to enjoy such as water skiing, snorkeling, swimming and sailing.
- Learn about the historical areas to see at the port and beyond. Many of the Hawaiian Islands have storied histories worth learning.
- Find out if there is shopping, museums, recreational facilities, restaurants and other activities available at the port city.
Plan in advance for any of these trips into port. A cruise around Hawaii has to be one of the things you truly put your heart into, so be sure to do as much planning as possible for it!
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii From California
Exclusive Cruise Ship Benefits
- 7 nights aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America
- All meals included aboard the ship with Freestyle Dining
- Scenic cruising along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast
- Ports of Call:
- Nawiliwili, Kauai*Tender port
Additional fees applied by the cruise line are not included in your tour price. These fees include but are not limited to: daily service charge for cabin & wait staff, specialty restaurant cover charges and optional shore excursions.
Day 1 : Fly to Honolulu
We are welcomed to paradise with a traditional lei greeting before checking in to our hotel for two nights. Rooms feature private lanais and an ideal location close to the white sands of Waikiki Beach with views of Diamond Head.
Day 2 : Pearl Harbor
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at our hotel. Then, journey to the most moving site on Oahu, Pearl Harbor National Memorial. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the Navys Pacific Fleet, catapulting the U.S. into World War II. We stop by the visitor center to view the exhibits that recall that pivotal day. Then, embark on a Navy launch to the USS Arizona Memorial, which spans the sunken battleship. After a Holiday Vacations Welcome Lunch, we tour the Honolulu area, viewing the volcanic shaped Hawaiian State Capitol building and Iolani Palace, the only palace in the U.S. once inhabited by a reigning monarch. Well then visit the Punchbowl, an extinct volcano and home of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Day 3 : Pride of America
Day 4 : Maui