A cruise offers one of the most enchanting ways to experience the diverse beauty of the Hawaiian archipelago, trading the hassle of inter-island flights for seamless, scenic travel.
Understanding the differences between the main options—round-trip sailings from the U.S. West Coast versus inter-island cruises—is key to choosing your ideal Hawaiian vacation.
A popular option for those who enjoy the classic sea-going experience, these longer cruises typically last 15 to 18 days and depart from ports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. The major benefit is the convenience of not needing to fly to Hawaii to start your cruise. However, these itineraries involve multiple consecutive days at sea to cross the Pacific Ocean.
Known for its "Aloha Spirit" program, Princess Cruises offers 16-day round-trip sailings that visit Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, providing a great mix of sea days and island exploration.
Carnival offers its own "Hawaiian Journey" itineraries, which are known for a fun, lively atmosphere onboard, making the sea days just as exciting as the port days.
Holland America Line offers similar long-format cruises, some lasting 17 or 18 nights, that combine relaxing sea days with stops at the major Hawaiian ports, appealing to travelers who appreciate a more traditional cruising style.
If you want to spend as much time as possible exploring the islands and less time sailing the open ocean, an inter-island cruise is your best bet. This option requires you to fly to Honolulu to begin your journey.
The only large cruise ship that sails year-round entirely within the Hawaiian Islands is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. This 7-night itinerary is packed with port calls, giving you an immersive island experience. With overnight stays in both Maui and Kauai, you get nearly two full days to explore each, from driving the Road to Hana to hiking the majestic Waimea Canyon.
For a more intimate and high-end experience, several luxury lines offer Hawaiian itineraries, often as part of longer Pacific crossings. These cruises feature smaller ships, all-inclusive pricing, and exceptional service.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an all-inclusive luxury line with voyages that may include Hawaii as part of grander Pacific journeys, providing an ultra-luxurious way to see the islands.
Similarly, Silversea Cruises offers high-end, all-inclusive sailings that combine Hawaiian ports with other exotic destinations, making for a grand voyage for the discerning traveler.
If your focus is on adventure and getting off the beaten path, a small-ship cruise is an ideal choice. These cruises often carry fewer than 100 passengers, allowing them to visit secluded bays and smaller islands that large ships cannot access.
UnCruise Adventures specializes in activity-focused, expedition-style cruises. Their 7-night "Hawaiian Seascapes" itinerary sails between Molokai and the Big Island. Instead of typical shore excursions, your days are filled with included adventures like night snorkeling with Giant Pacific Manta Rays, kayaking along remote coastlines, and hiking in the Halawa Valley on Molokai.