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Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler. The thing about Hawaii cruises is that there’s no bad time of year to take one. Thanks to its year-round sunshine and warm weather, Hawaii will be there for you whenever you’re ready to set sail. A cruise can be an ideal way to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip and save on costs such as dinner and car rentals. The small but mighty Kauai is one of the best Hawaii ports for outdoor, nature-based adventure.
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The Pride of America, a United States-themed ship, makes stops in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before returning to Honolulu, a perfect home base for visiting Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Because most cruise ships are flagged in another country, they cannot offer interisland cruises. The rest must sail long cruises at least one-way, if not round trip, from the west coast of North America.
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The combination of coconut palms, ice-cold cocktails, gorgeous beaches, and the beauty of the underwater world offers the perfect escape for couples. With plunging waterfalls, lush foliage, and unspoiled beaches, Hawaii is the quintessential tropical paradise. Hawaii boasts a unique cuisine, with influences from Polynesia, Japan, and America. Taste fresh tuna poke bowls, sweet pineapple, and juicy strawberry papaya. Look out for spam, a local favorite, served in wontons or as Spam musubi with rice and nori.

Things to do in Honolulu, Oahu

The best Hawaii itinerary in my opinion is Norwegian Cruise Line's seven-night round-trip Honolulu sailings on Pride of America. The U.S.-flagged ship is the only big ship able to sail interisland itineraries without calling on a foreign port. You can experience all the beaches, water sports, lush scenic areas and Polynesian culture without having to settle for just one island — or deal with the hassle of flying between them.
Get your cameras out for the rocky landscapes of the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast. If you like hiking or kayaking, you've come to the right island, but you can also take it easy on any number of nearby beaches. 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. Here, we've gathered all the information you need to know to choose the perfect Aloha State sailing for your travel style, budget and allotted vacation time.
EXCURSIONS
Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations, and learn the old ways of fishing without a net. Visitors looking for an ocean cruise may be interested in a new package offered by Atlantis Cruises in Honolulu that ends with a luau. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, considered one of Hawaii's most sacred sites, is a 40-minute drive south from Kailua Kona. The site was formerly royal grounds and a "place of refuge" for ancient lawbreakers. Take a self-guided walking tour amidst the restored, centuries-old temple and fishponds alongside the ocean and soak up the history.
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. Holland America is a great choice for round-trip sailings that explore deep into the South Pacific. The final type of Hawaii cruise is the one-way repositioning sailing, typically offered when ships are heading to or leaving Alaska. I probably don't need to convince anyone why Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination.
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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. 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. 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. Most travelers stick to one, possibly two islands, during a Hawaii vacation.
Spend a month cruising Alaska, Hawaii on new Holland America itinerary - USA TODAY
Spend a month cruising Alaska, Hawaii on new Holland America itinerary.
Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Booking early will not only guarantee you get the cabin type you want on the sail date you prefer, but may also get you the lowest prices and promotional booking bonuses (i.e. free stuff). In addition, unless you live on the West Coast, a Hawaii cruise will require a long flight either to California or Honolulu, so you'll want plenty of time to find an airfare deal or available award seat. 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.
After dark, enjoy glittering entertainment before dancing under the stars. Elevate your experience at The Retreat® and stay in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. 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.
The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam. A sanctuary at sea, Zuiderdam is known for its spectacular art collection. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with regional cooking demonstrations and tastings. Take in Hawaii’s serene landscapes from the deck of this perfectly sized Pinnacle-class ship.