Sunday, March 31, 2024

8 Best Hawaii Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

cruise around hawaii islands

You can also see cruise ports that you never planned on, whether on your way to the United States or heading over to Asia. You may also get to visit more underrated and out-of-the-way cruise ports on your port-intensive cruise adventure– a perfect opportunity to try any water sports and seek out Hawaii’s natural wildlife. If you do not have a passport and are a US resident, this is a great tropical escape that you can actually take part in. First, you will want to get an idea of what your must-see attractions are. Most island hopping Hawaii cruises follow the popular itineraries of either departing from a California port, Hawaii-only, South Pacific Islands, and Repositioning cruises.

RELATED PORTS

Despite being the smallest of the four main islands, Kauai is home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon,the lush Fern Grotto framed by Wailua River, and so much more. The stunning Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, such as Jurassic Park and King Kong. With endless emerald landscapes, Kauai truly lives up to its nickname of "The Garden Island". 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.

Best Hawaiian Cruise Destinations

Not all Hawaiian cruise lines offer the same Hawaii vacation packages. Hawaii is a beautiful state, and I hope you get to go on a Hawaii cruise. Just take the time to make sure you enjoy how you are getting there and how you see the islands so your bucket-list trip is only full of great travel memories on cruise ships and the islands. If the answer is yes, then leaving the West Coast for a cruise to Hawaii might be the perfect vacation for you. These consecutive sea days give you plenty of time to participate in all the fun ship activities, visit the spa, relax, visit the art gallery, play some bingo, shop the ship’s stores, and read a good book. If you suffer from sea sickness, five or six days at sea to Hawaii will more or less ruin your vacation.

Best Beaches In Hawaii

Thankfully, cruise lines have curated fabulous itineraries leaving from the western coast of the United States, Canada, and Mexico visiting the islands of Hawaii frequently. Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia. What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. 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.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Be aware these are long flights and you would still need at least nine days away from your job to make the trip happen. I’ve also talked with dozens of people who have booked that bucket-list trip and been disappointed because they hadn’t considered what a cruise to Hawaii would entail. They only thought about hula dancers, beaches, tropical drinks, and all the fun they would have. Every cruise to Hawaii includes all of these, but there are many things that make cruising to the islands of Hawaii successful. Travelers on a longer Hawaii sailing on a line like Princess will want to bring nicer clothes for dinners on board, as well as plenty of activities for all those sea days.

Best Beaches in Hawaii

Located in central Maui, Kahului is a wonderful port on any of the island hopping Hawaii cruises. Active travelers may be looking for expedition-style voyages or cruises on a smaller ship to enjoy more time exploring Hawaii. The Hawaii roundtrip itinerary will also typically include one or two overnights on the more popular islands of Kauai and Maui. This means that you can discover more of what these islands have to offer, whether chilling by the beach, catching the high surf, or hiking through the scenic mountains. If you are departing from Vancouver, there is a high chance that you may also see some of the popular Alaska cruise ports. These include Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and the state’s capital Juneau.

The first stop is Hilo on the Big Island, where guests can visit volcanos, rain forests, and the famous astronomical observatories at Maunakea. The next day is spent in Honolulu, with options like a tour of the Dole Plantation or a hike to the top of Diamond Head for a spectacular view over Oahu. More breathtaking nature awaits on the island of Kauai, including pristine beaches, jungles, and waterfalls. The last day of the cruise is spent in Kahului, Maui, where guests can learn about Hawaiian arts and culture, go on a scenic bike ride along the Skyline Trail, or relax at Kanaha Beach Park. The next day, the Disney Wonder returns to Honolulu, where passengers can transfer to the airport or extend their stay.

These 8 Cruises Make It Easy to Explore Hawaii on Your Next Vacation

A honeymoon is one of the greatest trips you and your spouse are ever likely to take—so it’s important to make it count. 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.

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. 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. Additionally, lodging prices in Hawaii can be high due to its popularity as a vacation destination. Restaurants are also more expensive than on the mainland because many staples have to be shipped in from afar.

Holland America Is Offering 25% Off Cruises — Including This Epic Solar Eclipse Voyage - Travel + Leisure

Holland America Is Offering 25% Off Cruises — Including This Epic Solar Eclipse Voyage.

Posted: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Planning your Hawaii cruise between the months of April and May is a great time for surfers and those looking to get into the water. This is because the weather is excellent, wave heights are manageable, and water temperatures begin to rise. The best time of the year for humpback whale-watching in Hawaii is from November to mid-May, but this can also be the rainiest and more expensive months for flights. The best time to find Hawaii cruise deals is between Thanksgiving and mid-December.

cruise around hawaii islands

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. However, in the evenings, some cruise ships have formal nights where passengers are expected to dress up. Most cruise ships cater to international travelers, so they might have a mix of U.S. standard (Type A & B) and European (Type C) outlets. Typically, your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals in main dining areas, entertainment, and most onboard activities.

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. Or, travel along Hana Road in a limo-van where you can stop for a waterfall swim and enjoy a beachside picnic. With adventures for family members of any age, it’s no wonder that Maui is one of the best Hawaiian Islands to visit with your loved ones. Rather than choosing the best Hawaiian island to visit, unpack once and explore four of the top Hawaiian islands when you cruise to the Aloha State with Princess®. Travel on the Road to Hana in Maui, visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu, hike to cascading waterfalls on Kauai and walk along the black-sand beaches of the Big Island.

You will also see an increase in the amount of rainfall on the islands during any of the island hopping Hawaii cruises during this time. The sea conditions between mid-December and March include large waves along the north shores of all the Hawaiian islands, especially in the months of December and January. Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

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. But a little rain might just be worth it to avoid summer crowds in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

In 2024, Seabourn is offering a 145-day cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece. That itinerary includes port days in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before sailing around New Zealand and Australia en route to the Middle East and Greece. Spend one sea day cruising the Great Barrier Reef and the others treating yourself to spa days, meals with new friends, and drinks under the stars. The luxury cruise line Azamara plans to sail from San Diego to Hawaii, Bora Bora, and Tahiti in January 2025.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Table Of Content What causes scalp folliculitis? Charitable Care & Financial Assistance What are the symptoms of keratin plugs? Symptoms...