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Hawaii Cruises

The true island splendor of Hawaii is breathtaking and what better way to see more than just one island than to take a Hawaii cruise? Hawaii cruises can provide a wonderful overall look at these gorgeous Pacific islands, with stops at several ports and plenty of time to explore each destination.

Several cruise lines offer Hawaii as a destination, including Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Celebrity. You'll find that Hawaiian cruises are often longer than perhaps one that travels to the Caribbean. Lengths range from about a week to slightly more than two weeks, giving passengers an opportunity to explore many of the Hawaiian Islands all in one trip.

Honolulu is probably the most popular port city for those traveling on Hawaii cruises. The capital of the state, cruise ships have been arriving here for more than eight decades. Most ships that stop in this city will offer an excursion to the site of Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri, and the USS Arizona Memorial. Of course, you may just opt for a trip to beautiful Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world and a haven for surfers. This is also the best island for shopping and many great stores are located near the harbor.

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is also another favorite port of call for cruise ship passengers. One of the wettest cities on earth, with about 130 inches of rain per year, Hilo is home to the Kilauea Volcano, definitely the most popular attraction on the island. Hike the extinct Thurston Lava tube or watch the lava as it flows into the sea. Passengers can also choose to horseback ride through the “Valley of the Kings” or explore the Tropical Botanical Garden.

If your cruise ship travels include a stop on Kauai, the Garden Island, you're in for a treat. This rugged island is a favorite with adventure travelers, providing amazing activities such as mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and jungle trekking. Some shore excursions combine several of these activities in a true multi-sport adventure. Many, however, will choose to visit Kauai's premiere attraction, the Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. This is a strenuous and breathtaking adventure, so bring both your sneakers and your camera!

If your cruise takes you to Maui, you may end up at either the port city of Lahaina or Maui's other port, Kahalui. Regardless of where you dock, Maui, the “Valley Isle”, offers lots of fun things to do. If you've always wanted to see what the scuba divers see but prefer to stay dry, hop a shore excursion to the fantastic Atlantis Submarine, where guests can travel 150 feet under the water in climate-controlled comfort. Maui is also dubbed a great place for beginner surfers to learn the sport and many ships offer excursions that include surfing lessons.

Hawaii cruises run just about all year long so regardless of your vacation plans, you should be able to find a cruise that accommodates your schedule.