CRUISE TRAVEL AGENT
Posted on June 03, 2026 by Geoffrey Lenart
Cruise to Hawaii: Experience Paradise on a Hawaiian Cruise
Embarking on a cruise to or around Hawaii, the Aloha State, can feel like slowly opening a door to paradise. Imagine being out on your private balcony, basking in the warm tropical sun with a hint of sweet hibiscus in the air. You're leaning against polished teak railings with an exquisite cocktail in hand and watching as a chain of emerald islands studded in an azure-hued Pacific start to poke over the horizon.
The most convenient part of the Hawaiian cruise vacation? There is no need to book flights or worry about packing and unpacking items multiple times as you travel between islands!
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Seven Seas Travel of St Clair Shores, Michigan (Detroit Metro Area) can help you plan your dream vacation, including flights, hotels, guided tours, cruises, rental cars, and more. Seven Seas Travel has been in business since 1964. Seven Seas Travel offers a 24/7/365 live answering service. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call us at (586) 775-7300, then press 1 or click the button below and ask for our cruise specialist, Ms. Lynette Richardson.
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Your Guide, Key Takeaways, to the Dream Hawaiian Cruise
In this Hawaiian cruise guide, we will cover the following 9 topics:
1. Hawaiian Cruise Statistics, Rainfall Concerns. Hawaiian Cruise Line Summary;
2. Experiencing Hawaii via the Hawaiian Cruise;
3. Basic Cruise Fares: What Is included, What Is Not, Packages;
4. Hawaiian Cruise ONBOARD Activities, Food and Entertainment;
5. The Allure of Hawaii's Unique Culture, Food and Entertainment;
6. Selecting Your Hawaiian Cruise: Which Cruise Line;
7. Ports of Call On Maui and O‘ahu to Visit on Your Hawaiian Cruise;
8. Ports of Call On The Garden Island of Kauai;
9. Ports of Call and The Many Attractions on The Big Island
Check out the premium luxury ship, Oceania Riviera that frequents French Polynesia islands and sailings such as Lautoka to Bali, Papeete to Lautoka, Papeete to Sydney, Papeete to Auckland, Papeete to Honolulu, and Bali to Sydney. Oceania includes gratuities in its base fare as well as beer, wine, and softdrinks with dinner. As of January 2026, Oceania Cruises is an ALL ADULTS cruise line
Hawaiian Cruise Statistics and Hawaiian Cruise Line Summary
Hawaiian Cruise Line Statistics
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and regional tourism authorities, a record 37.2 million people went on a cruise vacation globally in 2025. The North American market share was 22 million passengers (roughly 60% of the entire global volume). The Hawaii Tourism Authority census data indicates that 149,778 visitors cruised to or around Hawaii via out-of-state ships in 2025, supplemented by standard localized air-and-cruise turnarounds.
Rainfall Concerns
The Hawaiian Islands are in a tropical climate zone with extreme weather such as tropical storms and flash floods becoming an issue in some months. There are two microclimates which include:
1) Windward (North/East): Faces the trade winds; receives frequent rain; lush and green.
3) Leeward (South/West): Sheltered by mountains; hot, dry, and sunny; home to most resorts.
From the chart shown directly below, the best time to avoid heavy rainfalls are the months of April through July. The monthly rainfall levels can vary widely from the Windward side (Honolulu, Oʻahu) to the Leeward (Hilo, Big Island). Please keep this in mind when booking your Hawaiian cruise.
Check out the Monthly Rainfall Levels on the Leeward vs. Windward Sides of the Hawaiian Islands
Cruise Lines Serving The Hawaiian Islands According to CLIA
CLIA’s member Hawaiian cruise roster features several major corporate cruise brands and premium fleets that have scheduled Hawaiian itineraries spanning 2026 and 2027 that include:
1) Norwegian Cruise Line: Runs the only year-round, seven-day inter-island Hawaiian itinerary utilizing the U.S.-flagged Pride of America. They are also deploying the Norwegian Spirit for open-jaw multi-region Pacific sailings.
2) Princess Cruises: Routinely ranks as a top operator for roundtrip West Coast itineraries to Hawaii, scheduling multiple ships like the Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess.
3) Holland America Line: Deploys premium ships (including the Eurodam) for its extensive Circle Hawaii and South Pacific crossover tracks.
4) Royal Caribbean International: Utilizes seasonal transpacific repositioning cruises to bridge the gap between its standard Alaskan and Australian seasons with stops in Hawaii.
5) Celebrity Cruises: Features dedicated multi-night Hawaiian itineraries heavily integrated into their global deployment schedules.
6) Carnival Cruise Line: Starting in June 2026, Carnival is now offering its Season of Hawaii sailings- ten back to back 14-night cruises departing ROUNDTRIP from the U.S. West Coast, stopping at O'ahu, Kauai, Maui, The Big Island (Kona and Hilo). No flights to Honolulu. Just board on the West Coast, sail to Hawaii, and then return to the West Coast.
7) Luxury & Boutique Members: Elite brands like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, Regent, Oceania, and Silversea Cruises integrate boutique Honolulu and South Pacific ports into their premium rosters.
Experiencing Hawaii via the Hawaiian Cruise
Picture yourself on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, enveloped in the cool ocean breeze, as you sail towards Hawaii. You don't have to imagine it because taking a cruise to Hawaii is an experience unlike any other. With its beautiful landscapes and unique culture, Hawaii is one of the most sought-after vacation destinations worldwide. And what better way to tour Hawaii's many islands than on a cruise?
Embarking on a cruise to Hawaii offers an immersive experience that incorporates the best of both worlds. On-board entertainment and luxurious accommodation provide travellers with an opulent escape from reality, while stops at each port offer breathtaking views and opportunities for adventure at every turn. Once aboard, passengers can relax and enjoy all the amenities offered by their chosen cruise line while taking in splendid panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Check out the luxury ship, Regent Seven Seas Mariner that frequents the French Polynesia islands and the Hawaiian islands. Seven Seas Explorer sails to ports such as Honolulu, Hawaii; Nawiliwili, Hawaii; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Hilo, Hawaii; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Raiatea, French Polynesia; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; and Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia. Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes gratuities, WIFI, shore excursions, specialty dining, elected wines, spirits, beers and champagne, and laundry service.
Basic Cruise Fares: What Is included, What Is Not, Packages
Beware of flashy television and online cruise company advertisements which show only the (basic) "cruise price" as that is not the full price you are going to pay. Before you purchase your cruise, please be aware that the basic cruise fare only includes basic food and non alchohol related beverages plus shows plus your cabin.
Please be aware that the cruise companies depend its travel agency partners to sell its products. They are highly unlikely to undercut those travel agencies. If you purchase directly from the cruise company, you are paying for the product without the service that the travel agency will give you at the same price. In fact, the travel agency can often get you a better price as the cruise company often sends its best flash sales to only its travel agency partners.
To complete your basic cruise vacation booking , you will or may need to add:
1) Port fees and regular taxes
2) Gratuities
3) Airfare
4) Transfers from an airport to/from port to airport
5) Pay for alcohol related beverage or purchase a beverage package
6) Cruise insurance (strongly recommended to cover any medical issues while on cruise)
7) Specialty Dining (some restaurants on some cruise lines require additional payment)
8) Excursions
9) WI-FI (basic and/or premium)
To lower the traveler's costs, some cruise lines offer discounted airfares that are bundled with the cruise fare that can save you 10-35% on airfare that you would purchase from outside suppliers. Airfare in peak season can be quite expensive, so it is best to book as far ahead as possible, 11 months ahead.
Cruise insurance should be purchased as that will cover you if you miss a flight or your flight is late and you miss your cruise OR there is a medical emergency while on board. Please keep in mind that the cruise companies offer a stripped down version of medical coverages compared to third party insurance companies like TravelGuard, AIG, and Faye.
As an exception to these basic rules, luxury premium cruise lines like Oceania, Regent, Silversea, Viking Ocean, Crystal, and Seabourn will cover all and a large part of these extras as part of their basic cruise fare.
Last, some cruise lines such as Princess Cruises now offer packages that will cover WI-FI, excursions, specialty restaurants, gratuities, and drink packages for an additional price. Known as Princess Plus or Princess Premier fares or service, these fare classes offer the cruise customer a chance to save some money on some things that they are going to use during the cruise.
Princess Plus or Princess Premier is usually significantly less expensive than adding the individual pieces together. As of January 2026, Princess Plus costs $65/day per guest per day and Princess Premiere costs $105/day per guest. Please keep in mind that on many cruise lines, beverage packages that include alcohol-based beverages can often run $60-$140 per day per passenger.
Hawaiian Cruise ONBOARD Activities, Food and Entertainment
A cruise to Hawaii offers visitors an unforgettable experience both on and off the ship. While exploring the beautiful island chain is undoubtedly a highlight, the onboard activities available are just as impressive and worth exploring. From culinary adventures to spa treatments to thrilling entertainment options, there’s no shortage of unique activities to enjoy during your time at sea.
For foodies, onboard culinary classes and demonstrations offer a chance to learn from master chefs while enjoying delicious cuisine. Many cruises feature world-renowned chefs who host signature restaurants onboard, providing guests with exclusive dining experiences they won’t find anywhere else. Exemplying this, Oceania Cruises offers its Culinary Center Workstations while Holland America LIne offers its Destination Dining Experience.
Similarly, onboard spas provide a luxurious escape, allowing guests to unwind and relax while taking in stunning views of the ocean. Treatments range from traditional massages and facials to more unique offerings such as acupuncture and reflexology. The spa’s tranquility will soothe your mind, body, and soul as you indulge in relaxation.
The Allure of Hawaii's Unique Culture, Food and Entertainment
Aside from its natural beauty, Hawaii is also known for its distinct culture: one that has been passed down through generations. From lei-making traditions to hula dancing performances, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the Aloha spirit woven into every aspect of the Hawaiian lifestyle.
All around the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find eateries taking advantage of the islands' grass fed cattle ranches, chocolate-coffee farms, fresh seafood, unique fruits-vegetables grown in the islands' volcanic soil. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to a variety of Asian fusion cuisines, the choices are as vast as the landscape.
Check out our Seven Seas Travel Hawaiian Dining Guide which will show where to enjoy farm-to-table dining and authentic local spots where you’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with residents AND avoid expensive tourist traps. We cover over 120+ eateries.
Unique Hawaiian Foods
Some must-try local Hawaiian dishes include:
1) Poke (raw fish salad)
2) Kalua pig (smoked pork)
3) Lau Lau (pork, chicken, or fish wrapped in tender taro leaves)
4) Moco Loco (white rice topped with hamburger or steak, brown gravy, and fried egg)
5) Haupia (coconut pudding)
6) Shave ice (shaved ice and flavored syrup)
7) Saimin (noodle soup featuring wheat noodles w/toppings like char siu pork, and fish cake)
8) Lilikoi pancakes (passion fruit pancakes)
9) Kona coffee (coffee made with the Kona coffee bean)
For those interested in seeing how it's made or produced, the Hawaiian Islands offer many different Hawaiian coffee farm tours and Hawaiian coffee tours. The Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui, and The Big Island specialize in these tours.
Here are 5 of the Best Coffee & Chocolate Tours in Hawaii:
1) Maui Chocolate & Coffee Tours at Kupaʻa Farms (Maui)
Primary Focus: Joint Coffee & Chocolate
The Experience: An intimate, reservation-only private walk through an organic 16-acre permaculture food forest. A personal guide demonstrates the agricultural parallels between coffee cherries and cacao pods growing side-by-side.
The Highlight: Guests crush cocoa beans by hand to craft a traditional ceremonial cacao drink, sample rare single-origin chocolates, and sip smooth, farm-grown 100% Maui coffee while meeting resident farm animals.
Price Range: $65 – $100+
2) Maui Kuʻia Estate Chocolate Tour (Maui)
Primary Focus: Dedicated Premium Cacao
The Experience: A guided walk through a massive 20-acre cacao farm alongside the largest solar-powered chocolate factory in the state. Guides explain fruit harvesting, fermentation, and sun-drying techniques row by row.
The Highlight: The tour wraps up inside a custom, open-air rooftop pavilion (hale) with an exclusive 9-piece premium chocolate tasting offering panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and ocean.
Price Range: $35 – $131
3) Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tasting Tour (Kauai)
Primary Focus: Multi-Crop Cacao & Fruit
The Experience: An extensive 3-hour guided stroll along Kauai's Royal Coconut Coast. Visitors learn how high-quality cacao is grown, harvested, and transformed from a raw bean into an award-winning confection.
The Highlight: Features a massive, multi-course tasting path where you crack open wild cocoa pods, eat fresh estate macadamia nuts, sample seasonal tropical fruits, and finish with an extensive portfolio flight of craft chocolates.
Price Range: $145
4) Hale Cocoa Cacao & Coffee Orchard Stroll (Big Island)
Primary Focus: Joint Coffee & Cacao
The Experience: Hosted in South Kona by the Puna Chocolate Company, this tour seamlessly blends a working 14-acre orchard with upscale dining. The 90-minute walk features 2,000 coffee trees (including rare Gesha and Mokka varietals) and 1,000 cacao trees.
The Highlight: A premium upgrade option allows you to pair your orchard stroll with a 4-course, chocolate-infused meal prepared by a gourmet chef at their on-site restaurant, complete with 100% Hawaiian coffee pairings.
Price Range: $45 – $65+
5) Greenwell Farms (Big Island)
Primary Focus: Heritage Coffee & Cacao
The Experience: Situated in the heart of the Kona Coffee Belt, this historic estate has run continuous operations since 1850. They offer continuous, complimentary walking tours daily that take you from the nursery fields directly through the wet mill and drying flats.
The Highlight: While celebrated primarily for world-class Kona coffee, their terrain is uniquely intercropped. The walk takes you past flourishing rows of cacao trees and black pepper vines, concluding with unlimited tastings of various coffee roast profiles.
Price Range: Free – $40+
Unique Hawaiian Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, the ancient tradition of hula dancing is one of Hawaii's most iconic cultural exports. You can attend Hula performances on board your cruise or watch dancers perform at a local Luau.
For a true Polynesian Hawaiian cultural experience, be sure and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a family-centered cultural attraction and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of O‘ahu. Another cultural treasure is the Byodo-In Temple, located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in the town of Kahaluu, O'ahu.
Accorsing to local Hawaiians, the top three festivals showcasing indigenous Hawaiian culture are The Aloha Festival, the Merrie Monarch Festival, and the King Kamehameha Celebration. These events celebrate Hawaiian traditions through hula, music, and pageantry across the islands.
Hawaii's unique language is another aspect that sets this place apart. The Hawaiian language has only 13 letters but has evolved over time and is a testament to the history of its people. Many English words have even made appearances in colloquial Hawaiian conversations, creating a one-of-a-kind mixture.
Selecting Your Hawaiian Cruise: Which Cruise Line
Factors to Think About Selecting The Hawaiian Cruise
Choosing the perfect cruise to Hawaii can be a daunting task, given the number of options available.
Consider Your Budget
1) First consider your budget and how long you'd like to travel. Keep in mind that longer cruises usually stop at multiple Hawaiian destinations, while shorter cruises may only visit one or two islands.
Consider Departure Port and Itinerary
2) Another factor to consider is the departure port and itinerary. Some cruises to Hawaii depart from California ports, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, while others start from Seattle or Vancouver. Additionally, pay attention to the itinerary and which Hawaiian islands are included. For example, some cruises may focus more on Kauai and Maui, while others may spend more time around Honolulu.
Onboard Activities and Amenities
3) Please take into consideration onboard activities and amenities. Do you want a ship with a large variety of dining options or do you prefer a more intimate setting? Are you interested in adventurous shore excursions or relaxation on-board? Different cruise lines cater to various styles of travelers, so it's essential to do your research beforehand.
Consider Ship Size and Style
4) Ship size and style can play a significant role in the quality of your experience. With a smaller ship, you can get into shallow bays and coves that larger ships can't reach, providing unique experiences like whale watching or sea turtle encounters. On the other hand, larger ships offer amenities like multiple dining options, spacious accommodations, and varied entertainment options. It's all about finding the right balance for your personal preferences and budget.
Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines
One example of a great cruise line option for Hawaii is Carnival Cruise Line. They offer an affordable 15-day roundtrip cruise to Hawaii from Long Beach, CA, that visits four Hawaiian islands: Maui, Kona, Honolulu, and Kauai. This cruise also offers plenty of onboard activities and amenities for guests of all ages.
NCL Cruises
NCL Cruises offers a very popular 7 day Hawaii inter-island cruise departing from Honolulu, O‘ahu on the Pride of America, which stops in Honolulu, O‘ahu; Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Big Hawaii; Kona, Big Hawaii; Nāwiliwili, Kaua`i; and then back to Honolulu, O‘ahu. Norwegian offers 90 Shore Excursions to choose from during the weeklong cruise.
A big advantage of the NCL Cruises is that it offers “Hawai’i Ambassadors” who give accurate, in-depth lectures throughout the cruise. Among their topics: Local Hawaiian arts & crafts classes, lei making, Hula and Tahitian dance lessons, Hawai‘i’s mythology and legends, the migrating whales, whose path takes them past the islands (especially near Maui) and the Hawaiian language (which, unlike most languages, has far more vowels than consonants).
If you want to explore beyond the ports of call, we recommend the NCL Cruises' O'ahu Cruisetour. This Cruisetour provides an authentic Hawaiian experience you will never forget.
Princess Cruises
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are premium cruise lines like Princess Cruises that offer immersive experiences throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Their "Best of Hawaii" voyage features nine ports-of-call across four islands in sixteen days. In addition to the stunning natural sites seen on most Hawaiian cruises, this experience also includes onboard cultural activities like lei-making classes and hula dancing lessons.
Celebrity Cruises
We sailed on the Celebrity Eclipse that goes on an 11-night cruise that starts in Honolulu, Oahu and visits Lahaina, Maui; and Kona and Hilo, Hawaii. Then we sailed for 5 days to reach Victoria and Vancouver, Canada. The Eclipse overnights in Honolulu and Lahaina.
The ship is beautiful, clean, and well maintained. We are big fans of live music and really enjoyed the live music in the Grand Plaza nightly and the Production shows in the Theater. An entertainment highlight was the headline show featuring “The Drums of Polynesia”. Polynesia and Hawaiian dancers and songs were brought to life in this amazing performance. The 8-year old hula dancer stole the show!
On this cruise we chose to do a 6-night speciality dining package. We had dinner three nights in Tuscan Grill and the food and service were outstanding. We also had dinner three nights at Murano’s and, as always, the food and service were excellent. We had breakfast every day and lunch most days in the Oceanview Cafe and the food and service was good.
Some notable ports of call include Lahaina, where we chose to do the Best of Maui’s Hidden Treasures excursion. On this tour, we visited McGregor Point overlook, the historic Makawao Town (lunch included), Ho’okipa Beach Park (wind surfing and sea turtles), took a nature walk at Hoolawn Valley, and visited a Maui Tropical Plantation.
On Kona, the Big Island, we took the Gold Coast and Cloud Forest Tour (4 hours). This tour explored Kona’s natural treasures including hiking through the Cloud Forest Sanctuary, touring the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, and visiting Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.
On Hilo, the Big Island, we elected to go on the Volcanoes National Park and Tastes of Hawaii excursion. We visited beautiful Rainbow Falls. In the Park, the small group tour took us on a short hike in the rainforest including walking thru the Lava Tube (4 flights of stairs), a short hike to view the Halema’uma’u crater (Kilauea Caldera), and a stop at the Volcano Historic House.
Holland America Line Cruises
Holland America offers some epic 35- to 51-night cruises round trip from San Diego. These Hawaii cruises are best for those who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip. Holland America also offers a 17-Day Circle Hawaii cruise from Vancouver or San Diego.
The Holland America Koningsdam is a very pleasant experience. Many paintings and colorful attractions, from bars to music venues to dining areas. Dining choices are many and the Main Dining Room would suffice for most. Should you need something a little different, you can use the buffet on the Lido deck. If that doesn’t work, try the Drive-In, the Koningsdam burger joint beside the pool or for a free smaller meal, try the new York Pizza & Deli.
We tried the dining venues you have to pay extra for on the Holland America Koningsdam and found them to be all outstanding. The Pinnacle Grill, the standard Holland America steak venue is available on all ships in the fleet, and the Holland America Koningsdam version did not disappoint. The Pinnacle Grill is open every night and there are a couple of luncheons at half price.
Next is the Canaletto, the Italian dining option, which features shared plates, and lots of pasta dishes. Finally, the Holland America Koningsdam Tamarind is the Asian or Thai dining which again features dishes from that area. We think the Tamarind is the best of the lot.
Boutique Small Luxury Cruise Lines
There are three major boutique luxury lines which travel to and from French Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands. Those three major boutique lines include Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises (all-adult).
Hawaiian Cruise Prices by Duration
Cruise prices for Hawaii will depend on many factors, like the time of year of travel, duration of the trip, cabin category, and cruise line reputation. When it comes to duration, cruises to Hawaii range from seven to fifteen days. If your schedule is flexible enough, it's best to opt for a more extended stay in Hawaii as you will be able to visit more ports-of-call on different islands throughout the trip.
The departure port also plays a role in pricing, as it can vary between different cruise lines. Some cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver but could have higher fares than those that leave from California ports. Keep in mind that airfare costs could add up if you need to fly to a particular port for departure.
Prices
Hawaiian cruise prices vary greatly by duration and cabin category, with 1-week, intra-island voyages on Norwegian Cruise Line costing between $1,200 and $5,500+ per person, while longer 10 to 14-day repositioning routes run from $900 to $6,000+ per person.
Long transpacific trips lasting 15 to 28 days, frequently with opulent suites, can cost as much as $15,000 per person. Travelers should budget an extra 40% to 50% for port fees, gratuities, and onboard expenses on top of the base rate; high port taxes usually add $350 to $450 per person.
It's crucial to note that some Hawaiian cruises may not include many onboard activities beyond meals and basic entertainment. But if you're looking for additional activities like casinos, nightclubs, spas or expanded shore excursion options, you should expect an increased price tag.
However, some cruise lines provide an all-inclusive package where tips are included along with unlimited alcoholic drinks and other perks at no additional cost. Ultimately, choosing the right Hawaiian cruise comes down to finding the right balance between your preferences and budget when considering the price, duration, and departure port of your trip.
Click to Call
Just as Hawaii's four main islands are distinct from one another, each Hawaiian cruise experience is unique. Some may be perfect for a romantic getaway, while others may be ideal for families or groups of friends.
Ports of Call On Maui and O‘ahu to Visit on Your Hawaiian Cruise
The benefits of cruising through Hawaii on a cruise ship are many, but one of the greatest advantages is that passengers get to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip without any additional transportation costs. Docks take you right into the heart of each island, giving you ample time to explore historic landmarks, witness breathtaking scenery and engage in one-of-a-kind experiences.
Here are 4 Popular Hawaiian Ports on Maui and O‘ahu and The Attractions Around Them:
Dock at Honolulu, O‘ahu
1) Dock at Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu and visit Pearl Harbor or hike up Diamond Head Crater for a sweeping view of Waikiki Beach. While on the island of O‘ahu, you might venture out to the North Shore to visit the Waimea Botanical Garden and then have lunch at the various shrimp food-trucks, such as Fumi's or Giovanni's.
Check out the always popular Polynesian Cultural Center which offers the ALI’I LŪʻAU, featuring a traditional Hawaiian feast of kalua pork, lau lau, and other island specialties.
Sail Towards Maui and the Lahaina Coast
2) Then board your luxurious floating hotel again to continue sailing - perhaps heading towards Maui to see Lahaina town's history-filled streets or watching whales breach off the Lahaina coast. As many travelers know, Lahaina suffered a catastrophic fire back in 2023. However, rebuilding has been going on at a steady pace, many residential structures have been rebuilt, and parts of historic Lahaina have recently reopened to the public, marking a milestone in the island's recovery.
While on the island of Maui, you can take a sunset tour to Haleakala which takes you on an adventure to explore the majestic, striking views of Mount Haleakala as the sun sets when the weather is right and as the sky paints a colorful serene background.
Sail Towards Maui and Kahului
3) After your tour of Haleakala, you can visit the Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel tour located at Kahului on the same island of Maui. Molokini, a crescent moon-shaped islet located less than three miles off Maui's southern coast is all that remains above water of a volcanic crater that resulted from an eruption some 200,000 years ago. Weather permitting guests make a second stop to swim and snorkel at Turtle Arches. Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles!
Road to Hana on Maui
4) Perhaps a scenic coastal drive is to your liking? Try the Road to Hana (Kahului) on Maui. Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. With an expert driver at the wheel, you won’t miss any of the incredible scenery of lava cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, the rugged northern coastline, lush hillsides of feathery ferns and trees laden with tropical fruits.
Ports of Call On The Garden Island of Kauai
From postcard-worthy waterfalls and lush green valleys to sun-kissed beaches, the Garden Island of Hawaii, Kauai, offers a visual feast to its visitors. Visitors can hike through tropical rainforests or even take a helicopter ride for a bird's eye view of the island's spectacular scenery.
On the Garden Island of Kauai, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Hollywood stars by visiting secluded beaches on Poipu that have been frequently used as movie locations. Perhaps a boat tour of the Nā Pali Coast on Kauai and the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park might be of interest?
These are just some examples of why taking a cruise in Hawaii is such an incredible way to experience this breathtaking destination.
In addition to having their fill of natural beauty and adventure during shore excursions, guests also get spoiled on board. Be pampered with spa treatments right at sea while enjoying culinary delights from top chefs who use local ingredients to create unique dishes inspired by Hawaii's palate. As you'll see in the next section, these culinary delights are just one of many unique activities that cruise ships offer aboard a cruise ship heading towards paradise.
Ports of Call and The Many Attractions on The Big Island, KONA
Visitors to Kona, The Big Island, can explore natural wonders through responsible dolphin sightseeing cruises, active volcano-waterfall tours, manta ray night snorkels, zipline adventures, Electric Bike tours, seasonal whale watching tours.
Whale Watching Tours
The two most popular, highest-rated whale watching tours on the Big Island are:
1) Kona Snorkel Trips (best for an intimate, small-group experience). This 18 passenger fast vessel cuts down on travel time, allowing you to reach active whale pods quickly. They feature lifeguard-certified guides and propeller guards to fully protect the marine life.
2) Body Glove Hawaii (best for comfort, families, and larger groups). They feature restrooms, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and an underwater hydrophone to listen to live whale songs. They also provide a whale sighting guarantee—if you don't see whales during peak season, you ride again for free.
Because vessel size drastically changes your time on the water, choosing between these two top-rated operators comes down to your personal preferences for stability versus group size.
Manta Ray Tours
Top rated Manta Ray tour operators on the Big Island include:
1) Kona Honu Divers which is known for its highly rated Manta Ray Dive Kona program. They cater to both divers and snorkelers, using a spacious vessel that includes hot showers and a light meal.
2) Anela Kai Adventure which offers a unique, eco-friendly approach by using non-motorized Hawaiian canoes to paddle out to the manta viewing sites. This provides a quiet, intimate experience without the noise of a motor.
Swim With the Dolphins
A very popular excursion on the Big Island, "Swim with the Dolphins". Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
ZIpLines and Electric Bike Tours
You can swim under waterfalls and explore lush rainforests on a zipline adventure or by hiking through the dense jungle.
Another popular Hawaiian Islands excursion is Electric Bike Tours around the different Hawaiian Islands. You’ll explore waterfalls, black sand beaches, exhilarating descents, and Hawaiian historic sites with positive, professional guides.
Volcano and Waterfall Watching
Kilauea, situated in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 100 miles from Kona, provides opportunities for geological exploration—stunningly beautiful hikes. One can grab a glance of the planet’s most significant astronomical observatory at Mauna Kea. Akaka Falls, located around 90 miles from Kona, offers a splendid display of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Waimea Canyon allows you to take in stunning vistas from its lookout points
Other Cruise Articles of Interest
For other cruise articles of interest, please check out these other articles:
Alaska Cruises
Antarctica Cruises
Caribbean Cruises
Cruise Travel Agent
Disney Cruises
Galapagos Cruises
Mediterranean Cruises
River Cruises
