Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall. 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.
Hawaii Cruises From The West Coast
Seabourn, Silversea and Oceania offer upscale accommodations, fine dining and multiple fare inclusions for travelers looking to journey in style across the Pacific Ocean, stopping in Hawaii along the way. Seabourn and Silversea feature smaller ships, more fare inclusions and higher prices than Oceania. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only major cruise line to offer year-round, weeklong cruises.
Hilo, Hawaii
Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. You’ve probably already sampled the famous local export — the coffee — so now dive deep into Hawaiian history on a Carnival cruise to Kona. While sailing the sunny, leeward side of the Big Island of Hawaii, you can tour a Hawaiian royal palace, see the first Christian church in Hawaii, and explore an ancient Hawaiian sanctuary. The black-lava coast of Kona, Hawaii, is ideal for deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking—all fueled with strong Kona Coast coffee. The second port of call gives you a chance to check out this historic town and visit an active volcano. Most guests will take a full day sightseeing tour to visit Volcanoes National Park, a black sand beach, waterfalls and more sights around Hilo.
Interisland cruises
One of the very best experiences (on an island full of great places to see) is to take a helicopter ride around to see canyons, waterfalls, craters and the famed Na Pali Coast. The experiences and sightseeing tours from this location are short and rich in culture and history of the area. Unfortunately, the rides tend to be long and the stops short due to time constraints. At Alchemy Bar® we make drinks into art, while the laid-back RedFrog Pub™ has "Caribbean cool" down to a science. And up in SkyBox™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line.
Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu. When you choose a Carnival Cruise Lines Hawaii cruise for you next vacation, you can expect relaxing, gorgeous weather, diverse and inspiring scenery, and island fun from coast to coast. You’ll be delighted by the shining Hawaiian sun as you relax on a white, or even black sand beach. You’ll feel the ocean breeze lifting your spirits as you listen to the optimistic chords of the natives’ music. Plus, with various cruise excursion options like helicopter tours and snorkeling trips, you’ll never forget the family cruise to the Hawaiian Islands with Carnival Cruise Lines.
Day 15: Fun Day at Sea
Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more. However, unlike in other cruise regions, travelers are limited in the itineraries and times of the year they can sail.
Day 1: Seattle
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. What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. 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. That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii.
Honolulu shuttle bus crash: 1 dead, several hurt at cruise terminal - USA TODAY
Honolulu shuttle bus crash: 1 dead, several hurt at cruise terminal.
Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 19:16:45 GMT [source]
Take a riverboat along the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, or hop a tour bus to see where many of your favorite movies were filmed. It's also a good spot for a luau if your ship stays in port late enough. Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
If it’s night-time fun that you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Carnival Spirit has more than 6 bars and lounges to choose from featuring all kinds of games, shows and entertainment. Quite simply, you can pick and choose to create your own memorable holiday whilst onboard. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family.
Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days. Hawaiian cruises with Carnival Cruise Lines are just about as tropical as you can get, and you’ll only add to the allure with some exciting shore excursions. Enjoy a true Maui Luau filled with firey tricks and delicious fare. Visit the Waimea Canyon in Kauai for a view and a journey you won’t soon forget. There are countless options for you to choose from, so make sure you speak with a cruise consultant that can advise you on your best options.
Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed. Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way.
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. For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii.
Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon. Maui's road to Hana is a must-do if you like twisty roads and cascading waterfalls. Watch the sun rise or set, bike down the extinct Haleakala volcano, or visit a live one at Volcanoes National Park near Hilo on the island of Hawaii. Whether you're looking for utter relaxation or an adrenaline rush, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hawaii. The islands have much to offer families, couples and friends of all ages. Sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are good bets for those hybrid one-way cruises from the West Coast to Hawaii.
Kayak or snorkel in Hilo Bay, or — for something different — visit the Volcano Winery to sample vintages made both with grapes and local fruits. You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. 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. For a completely different interisland cruise, UnCruise Adventures offers a more off-the-beaten-path, adventure-focused sailing on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. 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.
Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports. Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.
Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.
