Wednesday, April 17, 2024

8 Best Hawaii Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

best hawaiian cruise

There aren't many places in the world that rival the natural beauty of Hawaii. Surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are simply in a class of their own. Hawaii cruises and vacations are on many bucket lists because nothing says “vacation” like the soft breezes and warm sun of Hawaii. Sail aboard the stunning Celebrity Edge® from Vancouver, British Columbia, or Honolulu, Hawaii and bask in the perfect combination of gorgeous Hawaiian Islands and relaxing days at sea.

Night Hawaii CruiseDetails

The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. 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.

What cruise lines depart from Honolulu?

After four days at sea, the Koningsdam stops in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. If boarding a ship with thousands of strangers isn’t your idea of a vacation, UnCruise Adventures may be the cruise line for you. UnCruise itineraries are all about connecting with nature and local culture.

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

best hawaiian cruise

Or, stop into any of the tiki-style bars and toast with companions, old and new. As the most popular destination in the Aloha State, Oahu is undoubtedly included among the best Hawaiian Islands to visit for those looking to disconnect from reality and reconnect with friends. Thanks to its abundant wildlife, culture and outdoor activities, Maui is known to be one of the best Hawaiian Islands for a family vacation. Famous for whale watching, this serene island invites you to sail into the waters for a chance to see beloved humpback whales. Kids can listen for them singing beneath the sea while parents stay camera-ready for their shy appearance above the surface.

Catch the aloha spirit the moment you come aboard a Hawaii cruise

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. 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.

Cruises

Small-ship line UnCruise Adventures offers weeklong itineraries in Hawaii, cruising round-trip from the island of Molokai. If you're on a weeklong sailing on casual NCL, you can skip the dressy clothes and prioritize casual outfits that work with whatever beachy or sporty excursions you've got planned in Hawaii. Sun hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly shoes are all must-pack items. Don't forget your camera (or waterproof case for your cellphone) and binoculars for whale watching. Maui also has two cruise ports, but they serve the same area and attractions. The difference is that Kahului is in an industrial area near the airport.

Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation to see the sights. The area is also home to numerous waterfalls you can visit, such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as well as black-sand beaches. Kayak or snorkel in Hilo Bay, or — for something different — visit the Volcano Winery to sample vintages made both with grapes and local fruits.

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji. 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. 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.

THE 22 BEST Princess Cruises to Hawaii (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 22 BEST Princess Cruises to Hawaii (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:34:28 GMT [source]

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. Cruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home.

For example, it's actually illegal to hike Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs. Quantum of the Seas® takes you on an epic adventure to the best of Hawaii. Then savor a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kailua Kona the next. And in between, fill your days with endless onboard thrills like RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator, delicious dining options and top-notch entertainment. Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it's more than just a pretty face.

You'll be able to stake a spot on the sand, generally to either side of a resort's beach chairs — so bring along beach towels and/or pareos as well as water and snacks. If you opt to explore the North Shore of Oahu, a tasty lunchtime indulgence is locally farmed garlic shrimp served up by assorted "shrimp trucks" parked along the Kamehameha Highway. With a little pre-travel research, you can pinpoint the nearest rental car location to the port. Some rental car companies used to provide shuttles from certain locations to the port, but that is no longer the case.

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.

Snorkel, hike, drive a 4x4, or even fly over the dramatic scenery in a helicopter. Back on board Celebrity Edge, toast those fiery Hawaiian sunsets over cocktails on the Magic Carpet. On Celebrity Solstice, head to the romantic Sunset Bar for ice-cold sundowners. In 2024, Seabourn is offering a 145-day cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece.

best hawaiian cruise

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. Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui.

Opting for the rental car route can also be quite cost-effective, since the daily rate can be much less than the cost of two excursions and offer major savings for a family of four. Mixing your sightseeing up with independent exploration can also alleviate "tour bus burnout." Historic Hilo is also famous as the gateway to magnificent falls and verdant rainforest. Admire the dramatic lava landscapes of the Volcanoes National Park shaped by the still-active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. In Honolulu, make time to visit Pearl Harbor, or stroll along the iconic Waikiki Beach.

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