Hawaii Cruises
Overview
## Hawaii Cruises Cruises: Your Complete Destination Guide
Hawaii Cruises represents turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and perfect weather that draws millions of cruisers annually. Whether you're a first-time cruiser testing the waters or a veteran seeking your next adventure, this destination delivers experiences that justify its popularity among cruise travelers.
Understanding what makes Hawaii Cruises special - and what to expect during your voyage - helps you plan a trip that exceeds expectations rather than falling victim to common pitfalls.
### Why Hawaii Cruises Draws Cruise Travelers
Hawaii cruises offer the unique opportunity to visit multiple islands in one trip. From the active volcanoes of the Big Island to the stunning Na Pali Coast of Kauai, each island offers distinct landscapes and experiences. Enjoy luaus, snorkeling with sea turtles, and the warm aloha spirit.
The cruise format works particularly well for Hawaii Cruises exploration. Ships handle logistics between destinations while you enjoy the journey. Each port offers distinct character without requiring hotel changes or transportation arrangements. The all-inclusive nature of cruising simplifies budgeting for what might otherwise become an expensive multi-destination trip.
### Best Time to Cruise Hawaii Cruises
Timing affects everything from weather to pricing to crowd levels. December through April offers the driest conditions, though summer and fall bring lower prices and fewer crowds despite occasional rain.
Peak season: Higher prices and more crowded ports, but optimal conditions for most activities
Shoulder season: Better value with acceptable weather, fewer tourists in port
Off-peak: Lowest prices and emptiest ports, with weather trade-offs depending on destination
Your flexibility with timing represents one of the most powerful tools for optimizing your Hawaii Cruises cruise experience.
### Major Ports of Call
Hawaii Cruises cruises typically visit ports including:
Cozumel: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Grand Cayman: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
St. Thomas: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
St. Maarten: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Nassau: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Jamaica: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Aruba: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Curacao: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Ship itineraries vary significantly - some focus on popular ports while others venture to lesser-known gems. Your priorities for port experiences should influence itinerary selection.
### Hawaii Cruises Cruise Highlights
The experiences drawing travelers to Hawaii Cruises include:
- Snorkeling vibrant coral reefs
- Relaxing on pristine beaches
- Exploring Mayan ruins
- Duty-free shopping
- Zip-lining through rainforests
These represent the iconic activities, but countless smaller moments create lasting memories - unexpected encounters with locals, perfect sunset views from deck, and serendipitous discoveries in port.
### Practical Tips for Hawaii Cruises Cruisers
Experienced travelers share this hard-won wisdom:
Book excursions independently for 30-40% savings
Carry cash for beach vendors and taxis
Wear reef-safe sunscreen as many ports require it
These insights come from real experiences rather than marketing materials. Following them improves your odds of a smooth, enjoyable voyage.
### Hawaii Cruises Cruise Pricing
Cruises to Hawaii Cruises start around $999 per person for inside cabins during value season on mainstream cruise lines. Actual pricing depends on:
Cruise line selection: Mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) offer the lowest entry points. Premium lines (Celebrity, Princess) cost more for elevated experiences. Luxury lines multiply costs but include more.
Itinerary specifics: Popular ports and longer sailings command higher pricing than repositioning cruises or less-trafficked routes.
Seasonal timing: Peak season dates cost 30-50% more than shoulder or off-peak sailings.
Cabin choice: Moving from inside to balcony adds significant cost but transforms the experience.
### Cruise Lines Serving Hawaii Cruises
Several major cruise lines operate extensive Hawaii Cruises itineraries:
Royal Caribbean: Known for mega-ships with innovative features, Royal Caribbean offers extensive Hawaii Cruises coverage with ships featuring rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line: The fun ship approach brings accessible pricing and lively atmospheres. Great for families and first-time cruisers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle cruising means no fixed dining times or dress codes. Solo travelers appreciate studio cabins, while families enjoy the flexibility.
Celebrity Cruises: Premium experiences with sophisticated dining appeal to couples and food enthusiasts. Modern ships with sleek design aesthetics.
Princess Cruises: Destination-focused programming with enrichment lectures and cultural experiences. Appeals to travelers wanting more than just sun and beaches.
### Hawaii Cruises Itinerary Length Options
Cruise lengths to Hawaii Cruises vary from quick getaways to extended voyages:
Short cruises (3-5 nights): Perfect for first-timers testing the waters or travelers with limited vacation time. Hit the highlights without major time commitment.
Week-long cruises (6-8 nights): The sweet spot for most travelers, balancing port variety with value. Enough time to settle into cruise rhythm without feeling rushed.
Extended voyages (9+ nights): Deep exploration with more ports and sea days. Better value per night with more immersive destination experiences.
### Booking Your Hawaii Cruises Cruise
Cruise Now Pay Later makes Hawaii Cruises accessible starting at $999. Secure your preferred sailing and cabin now while spreading payments over time. No need to wait until full savings accumulate.
Popular itineraries and desirable cabins disappear months before sailing. Lock in your Hawaii Cruises cruise today and pay on a schedule that works for your budget. Early booking secures better cabin selection and often lower prices.
Hawaii Cruises delivers the cruise experience travelers dream about. Whether this is your first voyage or one of many, this destination rewards exploration with memories that last far beyond the journey home.
### Trusted Resources and Further Reading
Planning a cruise vacation involves research, and we believe in pointing you toward the most reliable sources. The following organizations provide authoritative information that can help you make informed decisions about your upcoming voyage:
- [Hawaii Tourism Authority](https://www.gohawaii.com) - Official Hawaii tourism resource
- [National Park Service - Hawaii](https://www.nps.gov/state/hi/) - Hawaii national parks information
- [Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)](https://cruising.org) - The world's largest cruise industry trade association
- [Centers for Disease Control - Vessel Sanitation](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/) - CDC cruise ship health and sanitation ratings
These resources offer the latest travel advisories, health recommendations, and destination-specific information that every cruiser should review before departure.
Highlights
- Visit multiple islands in one trip
- See active volcanoes
- Stunning Na Pali Coast
- Traditional luaus
- Snorkeling with sea turtles
- No passport required for US citizens
- Whale watching (winter)
Itinerary Details
Hawaii cruises come in two main varieties - inter-island voyages and round-trip sailings from the mainland:
7-Night Inter-Island Hawaii (Pride of America)
The classic Hawaii cruise experience:
- Day 1 (Saturday): Embark Honolulu, Oahu (overnight in port)
- Day 2 (Sunday): Honolulu - Pearl Harbor, Waikiki
- Day 3 (Monday): Kahului, Maui (overnight in port)
- Day 4 (Tuesday): Maui - Road to Hana, Haleakala available
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Hilo, Big Island - Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6 (Thursday): Kona, Big Island - Coffee farms, snorkeling
- Day 7 (Friday): Nawiliwili, Kauai (overnight in port)
- Day 8 (Saturday): Kauai morning - Waimea Canyon, Na Pali
- Disembark Honolulu
Extended Hawaii from California (15-18 nights)
Combines ocean crossing with island exploration:
- Days 1-5: At sea from Los Angeles/San Diego (Pacific crossing)
- Days 6-11: Hawaiian island visits (similar to above)
- Days 12-15: At sea returning to California
- Day 15/16/17/18: Arrive home port
15-Night Hawaii from San Francisco
Popular seasonal alternative:
- Days 1-6: At sea (Northern Pacific route)
- Days 7-12: Hawaiian islands
- Days 13-15: At sea returning
- Day 15: Arrive San Francisco
Hawaii + Tahiti/South Pacific Combinations
Ultra-premium extended voyages:
- 18-28 night sailings combining Hawaii with French Polynesia
- Visit Bora Bora, Moorea, and Hawaiian islands in one voyage
- Typically on luxury lines like Oceania, Regent, or Princess
Key Shore Excursions by Island
Oahu (Honolulu):
- Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial (FREE but reservations essential)
- Diamond Head hike
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- North Shore and Dole Plantation
Maui:
- Road to Hana scenic drive (full day)
- Haleakala sunrise/sunset crater
- Molokini snorkeling
- Lahaina town and whale watching (winter)
Big Island:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Kona coffee plantation tours
- Manta ray night snorkel
- Mauna Kea stargazing
Kauai:
- Na Pali Coast helicopter or boat tour
- Waimea Canyon
- Wailua River kayaking
- Fern Grotto
Fleet Information
Hawaii cruising presents unique options depending on whether you prefer inter-island sailing or mainland departures:
Norwegian Cruise Line - Pride of America
The Pride of America holds a unique position in cruising - it's the only large cruise ship offering weekly inter-island Hawaii voyages year-round. As a U.S.-flagged vessel with American crew, it's legally permitted to sail exclusively between U.S. ports (Hawaiian islands). The ship features Freestyle Dining, specialty restaurants like Cagney's Steakhouse and Le Bistro, and comfortable accommodations including family suites. The overnight ports in Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai allow evening excursions and longer exploration time. Book 8-12 months ahead for prime dates.
Princess Cruises
Princess offers seasonal Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver, typically 15-18 nights round-trip. Ships like Grand Princess, Crown Princess, and Ruby Princess make these voyages during fall/winter positioning seasons. The longer format includes multiple sea days before and after island visits - perfect for relaxation lovers. Movies Under the Stars, Princess Medallion technology, and refined dining appeal to mature travelers.
Holland America Line
Holland America's Koningsdam and Zuiderdam sail extended Hawaii voyages from San Diego during repositioning seasons. Known for premium service, enrichment programming, and Lincoln Center Stage music venue. The longer Pacific crossings allow deep relaxation with their signature Live Music Walk, Culinary Arts Center cooking classes, and BBC Earth experiences. Appeals to sophisticated travelers seeking cultural enrichment.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice occasionally sail Hawaii voyages during repositioning. Modern luxury with the Rooftop Garden, Magic Carpet platform, and exceptional dining venues. Their Destination Gateway experiences offer curated shore excursions. Premium atmosphere appeals to foodies and design enthusiasts.
Royal Caribbean International
Occasionally positions ships like Ovation of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas through Hawaii during Pacific repositioning. These sailings offer signature features like RipCord by iFLY, North Star observation pod, and Broadway-quality entertainment on the way to or from Alaska/Australia. Limited availability makes these sailings highly sought-after.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers occasional Hawaii sailings from Los Angeles on ships like Carnival Panorama. Budget-friendly option with trademark fun atmosphere including WaterWorks, Seuss at Sea for families, and Guy's Burger Joint. Less frequent than other lines but offers good value when available.
Pricing Guide
Hawaii cruises command premium pricing due to limited options and high demand. Here's your complete pricing guide:
Inter-Island Hawaii Cruises (Pride of America)
Interior Cabin: $250-400/night ($1,750-2,800/week)
Ocean View: $300-500/night ($2,100-3,500/week)
Balcony: $350-600/night ($2,450-4,200/week)
Suite: $600-1,500/night ($4,200-10,500/week)
These prices reflect Hawaii's premium positioning - comparable to Alaska pricing due to limited supply. The Pride of America is the only option for inter-island cruising, keeping prices elevated.
Round-Trip from Mainland (15-18 nights)
Interior: $150-250/night ($2,250-4,500 total)
Ocean View: $200-350/night ($3,000-6,300 total)
Balcony: $300-500/night ($4,500-9,000 total)
Suite: $500-1,200/night ($7,500-21,600 total)
Better per-day value than inter-island, but requires 8-10 sea days in each direction.
Seasonal Pricing
Peak Season (December-March, Summer): 30-50% premium
Winter Holidays (Christmas/New Year): Book 12+ months ahead
Spring/Fall Shoulder Season: Best value periods
School Breaks: Premium pricing, limited availability
What's Included vs. Extra
Included: All meals, entertainment, port visits, accommodations
Extra: Shore excursions ($50-400+), specialty dining ($25-75), drinks ($12-15), gratuities ($16-20/day), spa services
Shore Excursion Costs
Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona: FREE (but $3 audio tour, book early)
Volcanoes National Park: $120-180
Na Pali Coast helicopter: $250-400
Haleakala sunrise: $150-200
Molokini snorkeling: $80-120
Luau experiences: $100-175
Coffee plantation tours: $60-90
Cruise Now Pay Later for Hawaii
Our payment plans make dream Hawaii vacations accessible:
- Reserve with $200 deposit
- Spread payments over 12-18 months
- Example: $3,500 Hawaii cruise = just $195/month for 18 months
- No impact on credit score
Money-Saving Tips
- Book during wave season (January-March) for best promotions
- Consider repositioning cruises for per-day savings
- Fly one-way and cruise one-way for flexible options
- Join cruise line loyalty programs for perks
- Book guarantee cabin for lowest rates
- Pre-book Pearl Harbor tickets (FREE but limited)
Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. citizens do NOT need a passport for Hawaii cruises that begin and end in the United States. A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID) is sufficient. However, if your cruise includes stops in foreign ports (like Mexico or Canada), or if you're flying to meet the ship, having a passport provides flexibility. For round-trip mainland cruises stopping only in Hawaii, no passport is required for U.S. citizens.
Hawaii is beautiful year-round with consistent temperatures (75-85F). However, December-April offers whale watching (humpback whales migrate to Hawaii), drier weather on most islands, and escape from mainland winter. Summer months bring warmer water for snorkeling but more afternoon showers. September-November offers lowest prices but occasional hurricanes. Overall, January-March combines whale watching, great weather, and reasonable post-holiday pricing.
The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) requires ships traveling between U.S. ports to be U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built, and U.S.-crewed. The Pride of America is the only large cruise ship meeting these requirements. Foreign-flagged ships (most cruise ships) must include a foreign port in their itinerary - which is why mainland-to-Hawaii cruises are possible but pure inter-island cruising on other lines is not.
For most travelers, yes. The convenience of visiting 4-5 islands without flights, hotel changes, or rental car logistics is significant. The overnight ports allow evening shore exploration impossible on other cruises. However, if you prefer newer ship amenities or are on a tight budget, consider flying to one island for a land-based vacation or taking a longer mainland departure cruise for better per-day value.
Balcony cabins are highly recommended for Hawaii. You'll want to watch the stunning Na Pali Coast, volcanic Big Island scenery, and island arrivals/departures from your private space. The ship often sails overnight between islands with beautiful views at sunrise/sunset. However, if budget is tight, ocean view cabins are good alternatives - the ship spends most daylight hours in port anyway.
Both approaches work well in Hawaii. Cruise line excursions guarantee the ship won't leave without you and offer easy booking. However, renting a car at each port offers flexibility and often better value - Hawaii has excellent roads and English signage throughout. Popular sites like Pearl Harbor should be booked independently well in advance. Consider a mix: book complex excursions (helicopter tours, remote hikes) through the line, and explore towns and beaches independently.
For Pride of America inter-island cruises, book 8-12 months ahead for peak dates (holidays, summer, February). Specific cabin categories (balconies with good locations) sell out quickly. For mainland departure cruises, 6-9 months ahead is usually sufficient. Last-minute Hawaii cruise deals are rare due to consistent high demand. Wave season (January-March) often brings the best promotional pricing.
Traveler Reviews
Taking three kids (ages 8, 12, 15) to Hawaii seemed daunting until we discovered the Pride of America cruise. Unpacking once and visiting four islands was genius for our family. The overnight in Maui let us do the Haleakala sunrise tour. Seeing the active lava at Volcanoes National Park was unforgettable. Yes, it's pricey, but comparing to flights, hotels, and inter-island travel for 5 people - the cruise was actually comparable and SO much easier. Already planning to return when the kids are older.
The morning we sailed along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai was worth the entire cruise price. I stood on my balcony watching those dramatic cliffs unfold for over an hour. The overnight ports were wonderful - we walked Lahaina at sunset and saw hula dancers in Kauai at night. At 68, I appreciated not dealing with airports and hotels. The Pride of America isn't the newest ship, but the crew was wonderful and the Hawaii-focused programming (ukulele lessons, lei making) enhanced the experience.
Our honeymoon Hawaii cruise was magical overall. One lesson learned: book Pearl Harbor and popular excursions MONTHS ahead. We missed Pearl Harbor because we waited until onboard to book. That said, we made our own adventures - rented a car in Maui and drove to Hana, did an amazing manta ray snorkel in Kona on our own. The ship was comfortable though showing some age. Food was good not great. Would do it again but with better planning!
My wife and I took the round-trip from San Francisco on Grand Princess. The 5 sea days each way were perfect for relaxation, reading, and making friends. The island portion felt rushed compared to Pride of America's overnight ports, but we still saw plenty. At about $200/day including all meals and entertainment, it was excellent value. We're already booked for their Tahiti/Hawaii combo cruise next year!
We'd talked about Hawaii for 20 years and finally did it for our 50th birthdays. The cruise format let us see four islands without stress. Highlights: sunrise at Haleakala (cold but worth it!), the black sand beach on the Big Island, and the gorgeous Waimea Canyon. We splurged on a helicopter tour of Na Pali Coast and it was INCREDIBLE. The monthly payment plan made this trip possible - we started paying a year out and barely noticed the cost. Life-changing trip!