Hawaii Cruises

What can I do on a Hawaii Cruise?

Hawaii's landscape is so dramatic that it is best viewed from the air. One of the most popular activities is to take a flightseeing trip over the vast canyons and volcano craters. You can even fly over active volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

Another must-do is to ascend the summit of Haleakala on the island of Maui to watch the sun rise. This daily ritual is an important part of Hawaiian legend and folklore, and not only a fabulous experience but also glimpse into the rich culture of the islands. The way back is on a bicycle, but don't worry, it's all downhill!

Hawaii is also paradise for golfers and not only are the courses challenging, but they are absolutely gorgeous as well. Hawaiian Cruise passengers have dozens of courses easily available to them during the time in port. If golf isn't your sport, try deep-sea fishing or whale watching. The water in Hawaii is teeming with life and a prime spot for sport fishing and wildlife viewing.

Cultural tours are also plentiful, and of course, a trip to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without attending a luau. Try some hula lessons or surfing lessons and go totally Hawaiian.

Where does a Hawaii Cruise go?

Seven-night Hawaii itineraries focus on the Hawaiian Islands and almost always offer one or two overnight ports of call. Some longer itineraries may also have time to add in a stop in a nearby island, but you can expect to visit all of the islands listed below:

• Oahu
• Maui
• Kauai
• Kona
• Hilo

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the ship will usually stop in both Hilo and Kona, which are on opposite sides of the island. Some ships even go south of Hawaii to Fanning Island.

When can I go on a Hawaii Cruise?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers seven-night and longer Hawaiian cruises year-round on ships designed just for this destination. Other cruise lines may sail among the Hawaiian Islands just during the winter months, or for about three weeks during the spring and fall as they reposition to and from Alaska.

How do I get to Hawaii for my cruise?

You can fly to Hawaii in just six hours from Los Angeles. Hawaii cruises depart from and return to Honolulu, making it possible to fit a cruise to paradise into one week's vacation.

Some cruise lines offer longer Hawaiian cruises that depart from the US mainland and end in Honolulu, or depart from the islands and return to the mainland. These itineraries often have four or five consecutive days at sea while sailing across the Pacific Ocean. It's also not uncommon to find the Hawaiian Islands included along with other South Pacific islands. These itineraries are usually offered in the spring when a ship is passing by on her way to a summer season in Alaska and again in the fall when Alaska cruises are over.

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