Hawaii Cruise Deals & Information

Come experience how the Pacific does paradise! Hawaii is home to some of the most breath-taking sights on the planet. Step beneath roaring waterfalls and climb the sides of stunning volcanoes. Walk the sands of pristine beaches — yes, all beaches are public in Hawaii, offering plenty of space to claim as your own — and then step through charming villages. Hawaii is waiting for you to discover its hidden splendor.

There's more to this exciting landscape than meets the eye. As America's 50^th state, Hawaii is spread across a chain of gorgeous islands — though two of those (the islands of Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe) restrict travelers from visiting. Cruisers can look forward to a diverse, exciting adventure across four islands: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Through its ports and into its interiors, you'll find sunshine, welcoming smiles, and a robust collection of excursions from beach to sparkling beach.

Here's the simple truth: Hawaii is so much more than flower leis and hula dancers (though yes, you'll find those here too, in abundance). The islands of Hawaii are alive with activities and laden with people who are genuinely glad you came to visit. Hit the water and surf, snorkel, and kayak. Take in the rich history at museums and art galleries. Settle into the sands of Papohaku Beach on Molokai, or spot dolphins in Hulopoe Bay on Lanai.

Heard enough? If you're ready to cast off to big adventure in Hawaii, you've got a lot of options! All the world's leading cruise lines provide Hawaii cruises, including:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruise Line

 

• Honolulu, Oahu: Home to the largest city in Hawaii, this gorgeous landscape is your entryway to the other islands you'll encounter.
• Kahului, Maui: Here you'll find some of Hawaii's best shopping, as well as a treasure trove of history and authentic Hawaiian culture.
• Lahaina, Maui: Stroll through the museums that dot the charming streets of Lahaina and take in their original creations, including works of fine art, sculpture, and more.
• Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: As the center of Big Island's activities, you'll find beautiful national parks and incredible eateries to tempt your taste buds.
• Hilo, Hawaii: Several of Hawaii's most dramatic natural attractions are located here (or nearby) including Rainbow Falls and Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano.

 

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Walk through history and enjoy stunning exhibits plus guest speakers, question and answer sessions, and a short video presentation that highlights the historical significance of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Take in the larger scope of the event, and how it prompted the United States to enter World War II.
• Polynesian Cultural Center: Enjoy spectacular shows in the evening, dance at an authentic Polynesian luau, and explore 42 acres of tropical landscape. A trip here is well worth your time! From fire juggling to sampling Polynesian cuisine, you'll love this authentic island experience.
• Kualoa Private Nature Reserve: See natural beauty come to life in incredible ways as you interact & explore! Take a guided ATV tour or go horse riding through gorgeous greenery. Spot sea turtles, snap photographs of World War II wreckage, or simply find the perfect spot to watch the sun set.
• Flight-Seeing over Diamond Head: Here it is: take-your-breath-away scenery, appreciated from high in the sky aboard a helicopter or seaplane! See volcanoes from the top town, view Pearl Harbor from the same perspective as US Airmen in that historical battle, and take in the coastal splendor of Hawaiian beaches.

 

• Haleakalā National Park: Home to the world's largest dormant volcano, this is one trip you don't want to pass up. You can take a bike (or a hike) to the top of the Haleakalā Crater, or, as it's known the locals, the “House of the Rising Sun”.
• The Road to Hana, or the Hāna Highway: Full of ancient Hawaiian legends and secret spots to call your own, a driving trip (or guided tour) through Hāna Highway should be done at your own pace. Take the time to stop and appreciate roaring waterfalls (there are many of them on this drive), as well as over 54 bridges!
• Golfing adventures: Here's everything you love about golf: nature, excitement, and the thrill of the sport. Play on immaculate greens, beside exotic volcanic sands, on courses like the Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay — it's home of the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions — as well as the Bay Course, the Wailea Golf Club's Gold Course, plus many more.
• Dolphin Watch: Meet & greet dolphins in their own element: on the pristine coastline of Lana'I island. These playful, wild creatures include bottlenose dolphins, acrobatic spinner dolphins, and friendly spotted dolphins. You might also see humpback whales & additional sealife, too!

 

• Attend a Luau: More than just a meal and a dance, the “Drums of the Pacific” or the “Old Lahaina” luau puts you in touch with the deep traditions that run deep throughout the island. It's a celebration of life in the form of cuisine, music, culture, and expert demonstrations. The food is outstanding, too.
• Guided Snorkel Cruise: Pristine, colorful, otherworldly: Maui's coral reefs are not to be missed. And what better way to see for yourself than on a guided snorkel cruise? Spot dolphins, starfish, schools of red-and-orange Pacific fish & more.
• Sport Fishing: If you love to fish, you've come to the right island! Take a charter board out of Lahaina Harbor, where you'll cast your poles to hook blue marlin, striped marlin, mahi-mahi, ahi, ono, and spearfish. The views, of course, are incredible.
• Rent a Catamaran: Do your own thing, on your own time, in paradise — why not? Private catamaran rentals will let you take your family a beautiful exploration of the coast of Lahaina. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply relax — it's all up to you!
• Explore Lahaina on a Segway: Roll around town, discover historical sites, and save your feet (and knees) in the process. If it's your first time on a Segway, don't worry! A fun instructional session teaches you everything you need to know to hop on and glide around the island at your own pace.

 

• Holoholo Hualalai Craters: There's a huge, craggy world there, and the terrain won't be stopping you — not today! Take a 4- or 6-wheel drive up the side of the Hualalai volcano. You'll pass by deep craters, rainforests teeming with exotic life, and then explore a stunning, naturally formed lava tube on foot.
• Kohala Waterfalls: This luscious tropical landscape is waiting for you to enjoy! Embark on an off-road adventure from aboard a 6-wheel-drive Pinzgauer (that's an Austrian military vehicle, in case you were curious). Afterwards, dive through waters pooling beneath one of seven towering waterfalls, and then round out your adventure with a gorgeous hike through nature.
• A-Bay Beach: This calm, crescent-shaped beach is perfect for families! Short for “Anaehoomalu Bay Beach, the A-Bay boasts coral reefs, unique “salt and pepper” sands, and gentle ocean breezes. You'll need to take a short boat ride to get there, but the journey is very much worth it.
• Glass-bottom Boat Ride: It's wide-screen entertainment right at your feet! Take a peek into the hidden sea-life beneath the waves of Kona — you'll find rainbow-colored fish, curious dolphins, coral reefs, and maybe even a whale or two (season permitting).
• Kona Coffee Tours: Coffee doesn't get any fresher than this! Kailua Kona is located in the middle of the Big Island's coffee country, and it's a sight (and smell) you need to experience for yourself. Sample some of this black gold for yourself, and then tour the fields from where they're grown — there are over 650 of them, in fact!

 

• Volcanoes National Park: If you're fascinated by the science of volcanoes, you owe it to yourself to check out this exciting park. The curators there take an education-forward approach to welcoming visitors and teaching them about the history and physics behind two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
• Waterfalls: Sometimes the best excursions are the ones that put you in charge. Take a walking tour of towering, beautiful waters spilling into pristine basins; the stunning Akaka Falls, Kahuna Falls, and the Rainbow Falls are splendid natural creations that you need to experience for yourself.
• Waipi'o Valley: Between the Hāmākua Coast and the towering Kohala Mountain lies Waipi'l Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Kings”. Here you'll discover ancient, three-thousand-foot cliffs with thundering waterfalls spilling far, far down to the valley below. Hike the Muliwai Trail and experience this magnificent landscape for yourself.
• Mauna Kea: If you're the adventurous sort, a hike to Mauna Kea is absolutely worth it. Why? The summit of this mountain is the highest peak in the Pacific Ocean. Walk through beautifully maintained trails and up to panoramic views of the whole island. On the way, learn about the geography, culture, and natural history from local experts.
• Kayak: Paddle your way through the greatest sights of Hilo! One quick rental and you can enjoy a guided (or independent) exploration of Hilo Bay. Or instead wind your way down the Wailuku River and beneath the Kaumana Caves. Investigate hidden waterfalls, meet honu — those are green sea turtles, famous in Hawaii for bringing good luck — and then finish off your journey with a trip to the adventure store.

Say “Aloha” to the most unique uniquely delicious cuisine in Pacific Ocean. Make sure to try some of these local specialties while on your Hawaii cruise!

• SPAM Musubi: YES, Spam! YES, sushi! It's true: this is a seemly strange pairing, but before you back out of a bite, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Served as bite-sized maki, this Hawaiian creation is made of a small, perfectly cooked slices of Spam nestled alongside seasoned rice and wrapped in nori (that's dry seaweed, to the uninitiated). Each bite packs a punch of flavor.
• Manapua: This is another must-try Hawaiian delight. Its name literally means, “delicious pork thing,” and it's aptly named. Pillowy dough surrounds a delicious center of seasoned (you guess it), pork, or perhaps instead chicken, beans, or other goodies. Served either steamed or baked.
• Loco Moco: Touted by the locals as a great hangover cure, Loco Moco is as unique as it is delicious. The dish starts with rice, is topped with a hamburger patty, and finishing with fried egg and brown gravy. Yum!
• Shaved Ice: What isn't there to love about shaved ice? This popular dessert can be flavored with lilikoi, coconut, or li hing mui (salty dried plum), and then further perfected with Hawaiian specials like ice cream, mochi balls, azuki beans, and/or condensed milk.
• Poke: Pronounced “poh-keh,” this super fresh, raw seafood is marinated in a delectable sauce of your choosing. Though traditionally it's made from yellowfin tuna, there are other proteins you can try instead, including tako (raw octopus)!

When you're ready to cast off on your Hawaii cruise, you've got options! Take a look at the departure ports below:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Vancouver, B.C.

Before any joining any beachside, fire-dance festivals, you're going to want to arm yourself with some basic knowledge of Hawaii. It's a good thing you're here!

• Remember this: Hawaii is welcoming and relaxed. The concept of “Island Time” is very real. Life on Hawaii proceeds at its own pace — that is to say, there's no rushing or sense of urgency in day-to-day life. While this can be a welcome change for us busy-bodies this side of the Pacific, remember to keep this in mind when scheduling activities. Buses and taxis may proceed at their own pace, or even run behind schedule. Service in restaurants and bars will take longer than you may be accustomed to. Keep your patience, and embrace this slower pace of life. You'll also want to keep this detail in mind when you're booking transport back to your cruise ship. You don't want to get left behind!
• Hawaii is open for business all year round, though summer is the islands' busiest season with warm, dry days and glorious tropical weather. Winter is wetter and less crowded — making it, in turn, a good time to steal a cruise deal or find the perfect spot on an unpopulated beach.
• It's in your best interest to pack for all sorts of weather — rain or shine. Though you may have plenty of cloudless days and warm, temperate evenings, rain in Hawaii can come quickly (and depart just as rapidly). Also consider hiking gear if you're eager to strike out and climb some of Hawaii's rugged terrain.