Table Of Content
Kayak or snorkel in Hilo Bay, or — for something different — visit the Volcano Winery to sample vintages made both with grapes and local fruits. These Hawaii cruises are best for retirees, who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip. For a completely different interisland cruise, UnCruise Adventures offers a more off-the-beaten-path, adventure-focused sailing on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. 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.
Interisland cruises
After four days at sea, passengers get a day to explore Ensenada, Mexico, on the Baja California peninsula, before the Crown Princess sails back to San Francisco. However, unlike in other cruise regions, travelers are limited in the itineraries and times of the year they can sail. Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is a great way to visit the islands in just a week, but fans of leisurely trips with lots of sea days should look at round-trip cruises from California. 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.
Dining & Onboard Activities
At the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, behold extraordinary lava landscapes and two of the world’s most active volcanoes. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. That's because the cruise lines offer comparatively few Hawaii sailings as compared to Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, for example. Attend a luau where you can feast on Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy music, dancing and fire play. Some take place on plantations where you can discover more about local agriculture. Or, stop by historic attractions, such as Honolulu's Iolani Palace or the Big Island's city of refuge, to learn about the ancient Polynesian culture or the Kingdom of Hawaii.
UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes
These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. Visitors to Hawaii, especially first-timers, will want to experience as much of the islands as possible, and a cruise is one way to accomplish that. You can embark from any of several ports on the West Coast (or within Hawaii itself), and the convenience of not worrying about hotel changes or local transportation is a plus.
quantum OF THE SEAS
Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming. Princess Cruises is definitely the leader in the two-week, round-trip Hawaii cruise department, offering more sailings out of more homeports than any other line. Carnival, Holland America and Viking also offer this type of sailing, but not as frequently.
BEST DEAL ON HAWAII CRUISES
Cruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. 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. Trade the winter chill for warm breezes and sun-kissed shores on our Hawaii cruises.
Oahu (Honolulu) Shore Excursions
On Molokai, guests can learn how taro is cultivated and turned into poi, or they can hike to a spectacular waterfall in Halawa Valley. At the Molokai Museum, a lesson on the island's history is followed by a pa'ina (feast), complete with traditional music. Passengers disembark the next morning at Kaunakakai, where they can either transfer to Molokai Airport or extend their stay.
The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam. Cruises are an ideal way to explore Hawaii, and there are plenty of options that fit a broad range of travel styles and tastes. A sanctuary at sea, Zuiderdam is known for its spectacular art collection. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with regional cooking demonstrations and tastings. You can also take advantage of Princess transportation, hotel, and sightseeing packages to discover these cosmopolitan cities.
HIT THE BEACH
UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary. These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap. It also visits Maui and the island of Hawaii, as well as the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. Expect lots of water sports and nature-based outings, and daily plans that can change due to the weather or a whale sighting.
Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down. A honeymoon is one of the greatest trips you and your spouse are ever likely to take—so it’s important to make it count. Hawaiian people feel a deep connection to nature and embrace the spirit of Aloha, which means living in harmony with nature and the people around you. Beliefs are expressed through beautiful chants, music, graceful hula, and art. Stories relayed from one generation to the next invoke the spirits and the historical events that have shaped the islands.
Meet local producers and try island-made coffee and chocolate, or explore the lush interior of the Big Island in a 4x4, stopping to cool off under tumbling waterfalls. You’re constantly aware of the power of nature in Hawaii, where the lush scenery is like something out of another world. Jagged cliffs, beaches of glittering black sand, ribbon-like waterfalls cascading from emerald escarpments, and smoldering volcanoes catch your eye at every turn. You’ll see pounding surf, limpid lagoons, and sometimes a snowy cap on the highest mountains. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island (Hilo and Kona) is a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforests, and even snow-capped peaks at the soaring Mauna Kea summit. Feel the spiritual "mana" on a shore excursion in Waipi'o Valley, once the meeting place for Hawaiian kings and fabled to contain an otherworldly gate.
These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world’s most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia, in one vacation. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea. Princess cruise excursions are pure magic, offering luaus, beautiful beaches and glimpses into Hawaii's unique culture. From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess.
The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025 - The Points Guy
The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025.
Posted: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023.
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. Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days. The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow.
Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Take in Hawaii’s serene landscapes from the deck of this perfectly sized Pinnacle-class ship.
