Aloha Hawaii! This glorious island state has become synonymous with paradise, thanks to its famous beaches, lush rainforest, waving palm trees, technicolour reefs and bubbling volcanoes. Sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the United States, Hawaii is made up of eight islands and cruise ships regularly call at four of them – Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island) and Kaua’i. This is the place for outdoor adventures, from snorkelling with turtles to kayaking along winding rivers, hiking to ancient peaks or surfing on some of the world’s most famous breaks. Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see active lava flows or climb to the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that’s the highest point in the state. In the winter months, go whale watching to spot thousands of humpbacks migrating through the waters. The warm and welcoming Hawaiian culture is a highlight of any visit. Learn how its Polynesian traditions that have blended with modern influences from Japan and America to create a unique and fascinating story.
Discover its interesting military history when you visit the Pearl Harbour Memorial. Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship Pride of America is based in Hawaii all year round and sails between the islands every week. Other lines offer round trip sailings from California or grand Transpacific voyages between Australia and the US.
- Which islands are typically covered in a Hawaii cruise package?
There are six cruise ports in Hawaii spread across the four main islands. Depending on the length of your cruise, you will visit one island or all of them!
Almost every Hawaiian cruise will visit Honolulu, the capital city, on the island of Oahu. It’s most famous for Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbour National Memorial and it’s incredible surf beaches.
There are two ports on the island of Maui – Kahului Harbor and Lahaina. This island is known for its gorgeous beaches, excellent snorkelling, rugged hiking trails, the Haleakala Crater volcano and the Road to Hana drive.
Port of Hilo and Kailua Kona are the ports on the island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island. Shore excursions here will take you to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, coffee plantations and yet more lovely beaches.
Sitting at the far north of Hawaii, Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island. Marvel at the grand canyons, tropical rainforest, white sand beaches, and iconic Napali Coastline.
- What's the best time of year to go on a Hawaii cruise?
Hawaii is a year-round destination and whenever you visit you’ll be charmed by its golden beaches, lush jungle and vibrant culture. The most popular time to visit is the winter season between October and April. You can still expect great weather and minimal rain. Most cruise lines will visit during this period and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship sailing here year-round.
- Are there short cruises available that only tour the Hawaiian islands?
Absolutely! There are cruises specifically designed for inter-island exploration in Hawaii. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America ship is based in Hawaii and sails through the islands year-round. The seven-day round-trip itinerary departs from Honolulu and visits four ports across Maui, the Big Island and Kaua’i. Expedition cruisers can also choose an eight-day itinerary visiting smaller and more remote ports.
- Do I need a U.S. visa to cruise to Hawaii?
Hawaii is part of the United States of America, so the same entry requirements apply here. Citizens of 38 different nations don’t need a visa, but will need to apply for a Visa Waiver through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they travel to Hawaii. Be sure to check with your relevant government authority before you travel what your requirements for entry are.
- What unique activities can I expect during port stops in Hawaii?
Expect to spend a lot of time outside on your port stops, swimming at pristine beaches, surfing world-famous waves, snorkelling on coral reefs and hiking through green jungle. On the Big Island, you can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, or hike to the summit of the dormant Mauna Kea. Hawaii’s whale watching season runs from November to April, peaking from January to March. You should be able to spot them from the deck of your ship, from the shore on the islands or on a whale watching tour. Learn about Hawaii’s military history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can walk on a platform above a sunken battleship. You will also get to experience the rich Hawaiian culture with traditional performances, hula dancing, arts and crafts, music and maybe even a luau feast.
- How does tipping work on cruises in Hawaii?
Tipping policies vary, but most lines will have a policy of automatically adding a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account. This is usually around USD$15-20 a day. You may also see an automatic service charge added to extras like drinks or spa treatments. There is no expectation for you to tip the crew on top of this. Be aware that when you’re ashore in Hawaii, you will be expected to tip at bars and restaurants – this is usually between 15-25% of the total bill.
- Are there adult-only cruises available to Hawaii?
The only major adults’ only cruise line that sails to Hawaii is Viking Cruises – you’ll never find any kids on board this line. Expedition vessel Safari Explorer only welcomes children aged over 12 (except during special family-friendly sailings). Many of the other lines that sail to Hawaii have dedicated adults’ only areas on board with special suites, pools, restaurants and bars just for the grown ups.
- What's the food like on a Hawaii cruise?
Large ships cruising to Hawaii will have multiple restaurants on board, offering a mix of international cuisines and Hawaiian specialties. Most ships will restock during their time in the islands, so will pick up local ingredients like fresh seafood and tropical fruits. As the Pride of America is permanently based in Hawaii, its menu features many Hawaiian dishes like pineapple beurre blanc with fresh seafood and papaya with Asian short ribs. Princess Cruises also tailors its special Aloha Spirit menu to the islands, serving slow roasted luau pork, Kona shrimp, macadamia-infused desserts and Hawaiian cocktails.
- Can I extend my stay in Hawaii post-cruise?
You sure can – and we think you should. Wherever your cruise finishes, you’re not far from some of Hawaii’s most popular holiday spots or spectacular natural wonders. If you finish in Honolulu, the glitzy resorts of Waikiki Beach are just a few minutes away. It’s also easy to fly between the islands if you want to explore further. Coordinate with your cruise line when you book or ask your Flight Centre travel expert for their recommendations.