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Roberts Hawaii Shore Excursions

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Our Most Popular Shore Excursions

• Map Marker Kauai

Journey to Waimea Canyon

Discover the natural beauty and experience one of the best views of the western coast of Kauai!

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Kona

Historic Kona Tour

On this cruise ship excursion, we share Kailua-Kona’s history to set the stage for your trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park — an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge.

• Map Marker Oahu

Oahu Pier Shared Transfer

As Hawaii’s largest tours and transportation company, we get you where you need to go on the island of Oahu reliably, quickly, and with Aloha.

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Hilo

Volcanoes National Park

See the ultimate sights and attractions around the Island of Hawaii on this exceptional tour, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Visitors Center, Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, and the Big Island Candies Factory.

Why Book Your Shore Excursions with Roberts Hawaii?

Roberts Hawaii is proud to be the largest tour and transportation provider in the State of Hawaii, with 75+ years of experience on the islands. We are committed to providing you with quality tours at a great value for a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience. We guarantee a return to your ship well before sailing time, and we will fully refund any tour purchased if your ship is detained from making port.

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Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

A Hawaii cruise offers a convenient way to island-hop as you experience Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii from both sea and land — but what exactly should you do while ashore? Choosing a cruise shore excursion in Hawaii can be tough since the 50th State offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling and whale watching, visits to historic landmarks and sacred Hawaiian sites, and scenic excursions to breathtaking canyons and volcanoes. Foodies, fans of Hollywood blockbusters and thrill-seekers can easily get their fix, too.

With an average of eight to 10 hours on each island — although some cruises do stay overnight in select ports — it's possible to enjoy experiences that not only explore Hawaii's best-known natural, cultural and historic sites but also satisfy your own personal interests.

While shore excursion offerings, itineraries and prices vary by cruise line, here are our overall picks for the best Hawaii cruise shore excursions and what you can expect to pay.

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Prices may vary among third-party sellers, and from cruise line to cruise line. To account for that, we are using the following price key to help you get an idea of the costs to expect for each tour.

• $ = under $70.
• $$ = $70-$140.
• $$$ = $140-$200.
• $$$$ = over $200.

Honolulu, Oahu

Pearl Harbor

Price: $$-$$$

Pearl Harbor, one of Oahu's best-known sights, can be tricky to visit on your own because the historic World War II memorials commemorating the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing by the Japanese are located on an active military base with stringent security protocols. (No bags of any size are allowed and phones and wallets must be carried in a clear plastic bag or in a pocket.) A guided tour will get you into Pearl Harbor in a hassle-free manner and make it easy to visit the multiple sites — the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, USS Bowfin submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — with the required reservations already arranged.

Some cruise lines offer multiple Pearl Harbor excursions with variations in the sites visited, so be sure to read tour descriptions carefully. If your cruise begins or ends in Honolulu, Pearl Harbor visits are often offered on embarkation or disembarkation day packaged with a hotel or airport transfer. Other Pearl Harbor shore excursions include a Honolulu city tour that visits Diamond Head Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Important to know: Most Pearl Harbor shore excursions last five to seven hours and are appropriate for all ages. There is quite a bit of walking involved and some stair climbing is required to visit the USS Missouri, where the formal surrender ceremony by the Japanese took place on Sept. 2, 1945, ending WWII. The somber USS Arizona Memorial, where 1,177 sailors and civilians died (many of them entombed in the sunken wreck) is reached by a short boat ride.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Diamond Head Crater hike

Diamond Head Crater, the photogenic volcanic landmark seen in many images of Waikiki Beach, isn't just amazing to look at — it's also incredible to climb. Active cruisers can take on the challenge during a guided Diamond Head adventure hike to its 763-foot summit. The payoff? Stunning 360-degree views of Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

This excursion requires you to ascend a series of moderate but sometimes uneven switchback trails followed by a walk through a narrow 200-foot tunnel. You'll then climb up two sets of steep stairs (76 steps and 99 steps, respectively). Those who choose the more difficult route to the summit will need to climb the 99 steps and an interior spiral staircase to reach the historic lookout bunkers. If you choose the easier route to the summit up the scenic Loop Trail, you'll then descend into the bunker and down the spiral staircase and 99 steps. You can also retrace your steps and descend on the Loop Trail.

Important to know: Book an early morning tour if it's offered, since temperatures escalate quickly by midmorning; wear sneakers and a hat and bring sunscreen and water. The hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip and takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on the group and the number of people on the trail; total tour time is three to three and a half hours.

Oahu's North Shore tour

If you've visited Honolulu before or simply prefer scenic locales to cities, a good option is a tour that whisks you away from the bustle of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki and through the Ko'oalu Mountains to the immersive beauty of Oahu's North Shore. This lush and dramatic coastline is known for the big waves that pound its beaches from October to March and for its waterfalls, sugarcane fields and historic fish ponds. The region is visually stunning and its small towns offer a chance to sample Hawaiian cuisine, especially garlic shrimp, and shop for locally grown products such as macadamia nuts and pineapples.

Highlights include big-wave surfers riding the famed Banzai Pipeline (during winter months); the Byodo Temple, a Buddhist shrine built amid towering green peaks in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii; the waterfalls of Waimea Valley; and historic Haleiwa Town.

Important to know: North Shore excursions are typically five to seven hours in length with at least half the time spent on the tour bus. On sailings that end in Honolulu, some cruise lines offer panoramic North Shore tours combined with an airport drop-off (available for those with flights departing after 5:00 p.m.).

Iolani Palace and Hawaiian Monarchs tour

If Hawaii's royal history intrigues you, some cruise lines offer excursions that visit Iolani Palace, the final residence of the islands' kings and queens, and other sites of royal significance. Constructed in 1882, Iolani is the only royal palace in the United States; it was home to King Kalakaua, who built it, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, who was imprisoned there after the U.S. annexed Hawaii. A circa-1883 statue of King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, and Kawaiahao Church, completed in 1842, are also nearby in downtown Honolulu.

Other royal sites that might be visited on a more extensive tour include the Pali Lookout, where Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu in 1795, and Mauna Ala, the royal mausoleum where six of the last eight Hawaiian monarchs are entombed.

Important to know: Most Iolani Palace and royal-focused shore excursions last about four hours and combine a bus tour with a self-guided audio tour of the palace.

Related: 10 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Kahului, Maui

Haleakala Crater

Price: $$$-$$$$

Experiencing Haleakala Crater is on many Maui visitors' must-do lists and there are several ways to visit the slumbering 10,023-foot-tall volcanic peak that dominates the island's landscape. (Don't worry – it last erupted in 1790.) A few shore excursion options require that your cruise ship overnights in Kahului, the main port, or Lahaina, or has a late sail-away time.

Haleakala means "House of the Sun" and perhaps the most surreal experiences are tours at sunrise or sunset (available on sailings that overnight in Maui). To experience sunrise high above the clouds you'll need to depart the ship before 3:00 a.m. and wind your way up Haleakala's curving roadway in total darkness before watching the sun brighten the horizon and illuminate the vast 3,000-feet-deep crater with its dramatic orange-hued cinder cones. In contrast, a sunset tour lets you survey the crater and then watch as the sun disappears below the clouds and the night sky fills with twinkling stars. If you just want to experience Haleakala's scenic slopes and crater in daylight, panoramic sightseeing tours are also available.

If you're more adventurous, there are also Haleakala downhill biking tours, which transport you by minibus to an elevation of 6,500 feet and let you ride 14 miles down the switchback road on Haleakala's slopes amid the farms of Upcountry. Most bike tours do not offer access to the summit and crater.

Important to know: Haleakala tours typically last four to seven hours. Because of Haleakala's high altitude and volcanic nature, they aren't recommended for anyone with respiratory or heart problems. Temperatures are much cooler (45 to 65 degrees) at the summit, so bring a sweater or jacket.

Road to Hana

Driving Maui's legendary Road to Hana, a narrow, twisting, 52-mile route with more than 600 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges, takes considerable concentration — but a Road to Hana tour on a professionally driven minibus frees everyone in your travel group to relax and enjoy the epic scenery along the way. Most cruise lines offer full-day excursions to Hana, a low-key hamlet located on the island's east coast amid jagged volcanic rocks and black-sand beaches.

Besides the thrill of this one-of-a-kind drive, which takes two to three hours to navigate, a Road to Hana excursion offers a chance to experience Maui's splendid bays and lush landscape of lava pinnacles, tropical fruit trees, giant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Highlights include the black-sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, Pua'a Ka'a State Park and the Seven Sacred Pools of Ohe'o Gulch with its multiple cascades and soothing natural pools.

Important to know: Road to Hana excursions typically take nine to 10 hours, include lunch and aren't recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness. Sites visited vary by cruise line and some tours allow time for swimming.

Molokini Crater snorkel

Maui is home to one of the premier snorkel spots in Hawaii: Molokini, a mostly submerged crescent-shaped volcanic islet located about 2.5 miles off Maui's southern coast. This protected marine conservation site is reached via a scenic catamaran sail, during which guides will outfit you with snorkel gear and provide instructions for exploring these crystal-clear reef waters teeming with colorful sea life. Some excursions also visit Turtle Arches, lava formations known for frequent sea turtle sightings, and during humpback season (December to April), it's also possible to spot whales in the area.

Important to know: Molokini Crater snorkel tours are generally four hours long and all equipment, as well as breakfast, lunch or snacks and beverages, are provided. Water conditions can vary, so if seasickness is a problem, take that into consideration before booking.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Whale watching

If you're cruising Hawaii between December and April and you're fascinated by whales, Maui offers a terrific opportunity to see pods of humpbacks in their winter playground. More than 10,000 of these charismatic giants migrate here annually to mate and give birth. Their activities — tail slaps, breaches and calves swimming alongside their mothers — are all on display as you venture out in a whale-watching boat, or perhaps a more adventurous Zodiac. Most tours are led by naturalist guides, and in some cases a portion of the cost is earmarked for conservation through the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Important to know: Expect to spend about three hours at sea as guides search for whales; sightings, while likely, aren't always guaranteed. Water conditions can also vary and seasickness is a possibility.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Waimea Canyon tour

Price: $-$$

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is a 10-mile-long gorge known for the dramatic red and green hues of craggy cliffs that extend up to 3,000 feet below its rim. Located within Waimea Canyon State Park, which now requires reservations for individual visits, this scenic treasure can be viewed from lookout points.

A shore excursion that allows for about 30 minutes of viewing and picture taking is certainly the easiest way to see the canyon from a cruise ship. These tours include lots of scenic touring during the 90-minute drive each way between the cruise terminal and the canyon; many stop at the Spouting Horn blowhole or small towns in Kauai's Koloa district.

But there are caveats, namely that rainy conditions on Kauai, which is Hawaii's wettest island, can fog in the gorge and make for a disappointing outing. Kauai's driest months are April to September.

Important to know: Most Waimea Canyon excursions take four to five hours; some longer Best of Kauai excursions combine a visit to the canyon with a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

Hollywood in Hawaii tour

Fans of "Jurassic Park" probably know that much of the 1993 Steven Spielberg movie was filmed on Kauai — but a number of other big-screen and TV classics were, too. Movie-set tours are popular excursions, especially for film buffs. These tours take place on minibuses or motor coaches outfitted with TV screens, so you can watch snippets of Hollywood movies where they were filmed and, in some places, get out and snap photos yourself.

Besides "Jurassic Park," other movies and TV shows filmed on the island include "Tropic Thunder," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Six Days and Seven Nights," "Blue Hawaii," "South Pacific," "Donovan's Reef," "Gilligan's Island," "Fantasy Island" and "The Amazing Race."

Important to know: Most movie-set excursions take about five to six hours and primarily involve scenic touring — so even if you haven't seen the movies, it's an entertaining and comfortable way to sightsee Kauai.

Wailua River cruise and Fern Grotto

Price: $$ - $$$

Kauai is home to Hawaii's only navigable river, the Wailua River, which offers access to one of its lushest hidden spots: the Fern Grotto. This excursion combines a relaxing cruise with insights into Hawaiian culture and entertainment in the form of Hawaiian song and dance. The tourist boats that navigate this peaceful river through Wailua River State Park are run by a local family with members providing commentary.

Access to the Fern Grotto, a natural lava-rock cave covered with lush tropical vines, requires a 10-minute walk along a mostly flat, paved and shaded path. Upon arrival at the Fern Grotto, photo ops and additional entertainment await. Wailua River cruise tours also generally stop for picture-taking at Opaeka'a Falls, a 151-foot cascade that plunges into a secluded pool.

Important to know: Most Wailua River and Fern Grotto excursions are three to four hours long. Tours that combine those sights with a tour of Waimea Canyon last about seven hours and include lunch.

 Hilo, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

While Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions, is accessible from both cruise ports on the island of Hawaii, it's a quicker trip (about 30 to 35 minutes' drive each way) from Hilo. Most cruise lines offer excursions, but almost all of them are just a basic introduction that only touches on what this 505-square-mile national park has to offer.

The main activity involves visiting several viewpoints and steam vents on the rim of Kilauea Crater with a guide who offers commentary on this active volcano's history, geology and current status. It's unlikely you'll see molten lava, and most tours do not drive out along the famous Chain of Craters Road. Some tours, however, do include a walk through the 500-year-old Thurston Lava Tube.

Other longer and more costly excursions of up to seven hours combine a visit to the national park with a helicopter flight-seeing tour and/or stops at various waterfalls or gardens near Hilo.

Important to know: Standard Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours are about four hours long, and many also make a stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center for tastings and shopping. The walk to the rim of the Kilauea crater is mostly on gravel or dirt pathways, but some areas overlooking the crater have potential trip hazards. Also, because the crater emits volcanic gases, these tours aren't advised for people with respiratory issues.

Hilo waterfalls and gardens

Hilo's location on the island of Hawaii's lush leeward side makes it a mecca for cascading waterfalls and verdant gardens. Cruise ship excursions that visit several falls or combine a visit to a single waterfall with a stop at a botanical garden, tropical zoo or orchid farm are popular.

The two major falls near Hilo are the 100-foot Rainbow Falls, which earned its name from the prismatic effect that takes place on sunny mornings, and the powerful Akaka Falls, which is reached via a walk through a tropical forest and tumbles a breathtaking 442 feet. Other tour stops could include Hilo's Liliuokalani Gardens (the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan), the Nani Mau Gardens or the Pana'ewa Rainforest Gardens and Zoo.

Important to know: Waterfalls and gardens shore excursions vary in length from four to seven hours, and participants should expect to be on their feet for a good portion of the tour. Rainbow Falls is easily accessible from the parking lot. To see Akaka Falls, you must navigate quite a few steps and walk a half-mile circular path.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Volcano Winery

The island of Hawaii is home to Volcano Winery, the southernmost winery in the U.S. If sipping vino is a favorite pastime — and you have a curious palate — an excursion here could be a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Volcano Winery, which is family-owned and located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, specializes in tropical blends by mixing distinctive local fruits such as yellow guava and even tea and honey with grape varietals that include Pinot Noir and Cayuga to produce uniquely flavored wines. It also produces some 100% grape wines.

Important to know: Excursions to Volcano Winery are generally three hours long and include a tour of the winery and a tasting.

Kona, Hawaii

Kona Coast snorkel

For passengers who didn't get a chance to snorkel in Maui, the waters just off Kona's rugged lava coast offer another excellent opportunity to spy on Mother Nature's underwater handiwork. Most cruise lines offer a snorkel excursion by catamaran that will allow even novices to don a mask and fins and behold the intricate coral and dazzling reef fish that call the area's tranquil bays and coves home. Dolphin spotting is also possible.

A more adventurous option is a snorkel tour by Zodiac, which combines the thrill of zipping around in a 24-foot motorized raft with enjoying up-close views of coastal caves and lava tubes — and some snorkel time, of course.

Important to know: Most catamaran snorkel excursions are appropriate for all ages, last about four hours and include either breakfast or lunch; all equipment, including flotation aids, is provided and some catamarans are equipped with a diving board and waterslide for added fun. Zodiac excursions are more physically demanding and are not recommended if you have back or neck problems; you also need to be able to climb back into the raft via a small four-rung ladder.

Atlantis Submarine

Price: $$-$$$$

If you've never been in a submarine, Kona offers a chance to see the area's abundant sea life as you venture 100 feet below the surface of the Kona coast's crystal-clear waters. The Atlantis Submarine (also operating on Maui and Oahu) is U.S. Coast Guard-certified, fully air-conditioned and offers individual viewing portholes.

Important to know: Atlantis Submarine excursions last about one and a half hours and are not recommended for anyone prone to claustrophobia or motion sickness; you must be at least 3 feet tall and able to climb a vertical 12-step ladder into and out of the submarine. Excursion costs vary widely from cruise line to cruise line.

Kona coffee tour

Kona is famous for the coffee that grows in its rich volcanic soil, so if you want to taste a cup of Joe right at the source, this port is the place to do it. Cruise lines offer a variety of coffee-themed excursions; some are geared to education about the farming and production process while others focus more on sampling the goods and buying souvenirs to take home.

Some foodie-focused tours combine coffee sipping with locally grown chocolate tastings and visits to Kona-based breweries, while other full-day excursions pair a visit to a coffee farm with a cloud forest tour or a tour of Kona's top historic sights and a snorkel in Kealakekua Bay.

Important info: Kona coffee excursions are mostly three to four hours long. However, costs vary widely depending on the type of excursion, from a simple tasting room visit to a farm-based roasting experience.

Place of Refuge and Painted Church

History buffs will find plenty to love on this guided bus excursion, which visits cultural and religious sites along the Kona Coast. Three key locations are on the itinerary, the first being Kealakekua Bay, where legendary Captain Cook met his demise at the hands of local Hawaiians in 1778 and is memorialized in a monument.

Nearby is the second stop: St. Benedict's Painted Church. While the outside of this small Catholic church built in 1899 looks traditional, the inside dazzles with the artwork of Father John Velghe, a Belgian priest who drew the murals in an effort to teach local Hawaiians how to read.

The third is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, which means "Place of Refuge at Honaunau." Built in 1650 and carefully restored, this cultural site is an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary where the bones of Hawaiian chiefs were once stored. It later became a place of refuge for defeated warriors.

Important to know: Place of Refuge and Painted Church excursions are typically three to four hours long and involve a minimal amount of walking.

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• Cruising Hawaii

The best Hawaiian island excursions on NCL Pride of America and other Hawaii cruises

• 9 minute read
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Cruises are a great way to see many Hawaiian islands in a short period of time. With so many options and such little time in each port, it’s a daunting process to choose what you will see and do.

When each Hawaiian island offers so much to see and do for a week-long land vacation , how do you best spend your limited hours at each port? The options can be overwhelming! We’ve gone on many land vacations in Hawaii and we’ve taken the NCL Pride of America cruise of Hawaii , so we know Hawaii very, very well. As such, we’d like to share some thoughts and suggestions on the top tours to do in each port.

With our suggestions, we’ve aimed our focus on the places considered to be must-see . Along with outstanding scenery, we’ve also included some recommendations for learning about the culture.

As the Pride of America cruise of Hawaii is quite popular, we’ll roughly follow their itinerary as we look at each port. Note that this cruise is the only one that continuously cruises within the Hawaiian islands. Every Saturday afternoon, it sets sail from Honolulu. Within a week, the Pride of America goes to Maui, Hawaii (Big) Island, Kauai, and then returns to Honolulu for disembarkation on Saturday morning. See the following image for that itinerary.

If you are not taking the Pride of America’s cruise of Hawaii and are visiting from another ship, please verify that our suggested tours and activities align with the time constraints of your cruise ship’s itinerary.

One more point regarding time and tours, don’t try to be overly ambitious with the tours you choose that are outside of what the cruise ship offers. If your tour runs late, you might risk missing the ship, and getting back to the ship will be at your own expense. A good way to eliminate this risk is to build in a time buffer and/or book your excursions through the cruise company.

Best tours and excursions to take from Kahului, Maui

Maui day one suggestions.

The road to Hana is one of Maui’s top attractions. This rainforest drive offers lush, tropical scenery, a black beach, waterfalls and beautiful coastal views. (One caution – if you are prone to carsickness, prepare with your preventative measures or skip this tour.)  Though we’ve taken the road to Hana many times before, when we cruised Hawaii on the Pride of America , we chose a guided tour.

Most excursions offered through the cruise ships only go to Hana and turn around, but there’s much to see beyond Hana. We opted for a tour with Valley Isle Excursions , which took us well beyond Hana in a long loop back to Kahului.

The reason we chose the road to Hana for day one of our two-day stop at Maui is that this tour takes all day. If, for some reason, your tour gets delayed, you won’t miss the boat if you have an overnight stay in port. Note that if your cruise only has one day for Maui, you might have to opt for the tours that go to Hana and back due to time constraints.

If you prefer to DIY, it is possible to rent a car and drive the road to Hana. You’ll want to do a lot of research first to make sure you use your time wisely. See our advice for the road to Hana . Note that we have a mini-guide to the road to Hana that allows you to see some awesome sights but doesn’t go to Hana and doesn’t take the entire day.

Alternatives for Day One on Maui

If the road to Hana doesn’t appeal to you, consider other tour options provided by the ship or rent a car and sightsee on your own. Look for an organized or DIY tour that might include the following options:

• Historic Lahaina is a neat town to walk around, check out the shops, see their large banyan tree, and have lunch.
• If it’s humpback whale season in Hawaii , which runs roughly from December-ish to April-ish, consider going on a whale-watching tour. Maui is one of the best islands for humpback whale watching.
• The Iao Valley is a fascinating place to see, so if you can, squeeze that in on either day one or two. It only takes about an average of 30 minutes to see this valley, so it can be combined with other sightseeing.
• Maui and Hawaii (Big) Island are our favorite islands for snorkeling. The crescent-shaped crater of Molokini is a top spot for snorkeling in Hawaii. Look for a tour that includes “turtle town” which may give you an opportunity to see honu (Hawaiian sea turtles.)
• We really like the  luau options on Maui , so if your ship has an overnight stay on Maui, the evening of day one would be a very good evening to enjoy a luau. 

Maui Day Two Suggestions

Seeing sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level on a dormant volcano is quite a unique experience. Haleakala sunrise is one of the top activities for Maui. If your ship stays overnight on Maui, day two would be your only option for seeing sunrise from Haleakala.

If you toured the road to Hana on day one, check out the other suggestions we listed above under “Alternatives for Day One on Maui”

Best tours and excursions to take from Hawaii (Big) Island – Hilo Side 

One of the most fascinating attractions in all of Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . It’s a park that is worthy of exploring for more than just a day, but as you’ll likely only have a day here, you’ll get to see some of the park’s highlights. Don’t miss it, especially if you have the opportunity to see volcanic activity.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about a 50-minute drive from Hilo. So, you’ll need a tour or rent a car. The ship will offer tours, but if you want to consider an independent operation, we had a great tour with Keikana Tours’ Hoppa On Hoppa Off .

Best tours and excursions to take from Hawaii (Big) Island – Kona Side 

From the Kona side, our number one pick would be seeing Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park . It’s often referred to as the Place of Refuge. This park offers an opportunity to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture with a stunning oceanside backdrop. At the moment, we’re not seeing a tour to this park being offered by NCL, so you’d have to rent a car or get a private tour guide to get here. It’s about a 40-minute drive from where the tenders drop off passengers. If you opt to see this place of refuge, you will also be able to make time to tour a coffee farm for which Kona is famous. We’ve enjoyed visits to Greenwell Farms . If you still have time available, visit Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park

Alternative ideas for Hawaii (Big) Island, Kona :

• If you did not snorkel on Maui or would like to do so again, Kealakekua Bay is a great place to snorkel. You’ll need a tour to get there.
• The Kohala waterfalls tour is an excellent waterfall tour. Plus, the drive to and from north Kohala offers you the chance to see more of the island.  I’m not certain, but I believe the Kohala waterfall tour offered by the cruise companies is this same one .
• Walk around Kona to check out the historic sites, shops and restaurants.

Best tours and excursions from Nawiliwili/Lihue, Kauai

Kauai day one suggestions.

Choosing what to do on Kauai seems to be a bigger challenge than the other islands. There’s so much to see and do! Here are our thoughts for day one:

– Our number one suggestion would be to rent a car. This would give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Years ago, we wrote this article — I only have one day on Kauai. What should I see? It’s still good advice as you’d get to see the Kalalau Valley Lookout , Waimea Canyon , Spouting Horn and two of Kauai’s most iconic waterfalls — Opaeka’a and Wailua Falls . Those are all must-see places in Kauai, in our opinion. If you are on the NCL Pride of America cruise, you should have plenty of time to see all of this on the first day of your stop at Kauai, which includes an overnight stay.

If you don’t want to rent a car, look for a guided tour that includes some of the sites just mentioned.

Alternative ideas for Kauai day one :

– Kauai is a spectacular island for a helicopter tour. See this link to review Kauai helicopter tour companies and read reviews .

– A Kauai movie sites tour takes you to some beautiful spots where movies have been filmed in Kauai.

– For some fun, we love the Mountain Tubing Adventure . See our review . (If you do this on day two, get the first morning tour in order to allow enough time to get back to the ship before departure.)

– Another one of our favorite tours is the Kauai Secret/Sacred Falls Kayak and Waterfall Hike .

Other notes about Day One on Kauai

If you are on the Pride of America , this is the port where the ship has arranged the option to go on a luau. They advertise it a lot. We have not been on to this luau, so we cannot speak from experience, but the feedback we heard from a handful of other passengers is that they were slightly disappointed. Our favorite luaus are on Maui and Oahu. See Maui luau options and Oahu luau options .

Kauai Day Two Suggestions

If you are on the Pride of America , this is a short day as you are only in port until 2pm. So taking tours could be tricky on this day. Here are some thoughts:

– Kalapaki Beach is a nice beach and just a short (approximately 0.5 miles) walk or shuttle ride from the cruise terminal.

– Consider a helicopter tour, as we mentioned above. Kauai is our favorite island for a helicopter tour. Most tours only take an hour and the airport is only about five minutes away from the cruise terminal.

– As we mentioned above, for some fun, we love the Mountain Tubing Adventure . See our review . You would need to get their first tour at 9am to make this feasible for day two of your stop in Kauai. Double-check the timing as that can be subject to change.

If you are on the Pride of America, the ship will make its way around Kauai to cruise by Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast. You will have some time, probably a couple of hours, from when you leave the dock to when you can see the Na Pali Coast. Check with guest relations for their estimated timing for that day. You will definitely want to take in those views.

Best tours and excursions from Honolulu, Oahu 

We hope you’ve allowed at least an extra day or two to explore Oahu either on the front end or the back end of the cruise. Here is our Oahu vacation itinerary that you can adjust to your available days.

The cruise companies have excursions to see Pearl Harbor and some Honolulu sites with an airport drop-off. That is worth doing if you can fit it in and if you didn’t allow extra days on Oahu.

What to bring with you on your Hawaii tours and excursions

Here’s a list of general items you’ll need or want for your excursions.

• Your identification and key card
• Tour vouchers
• Fully charged smart phone and/or camera
• A light jacket, preferably waterproof, in case of a rain shower. Additionally, some of the places like Waimea Canyon, Haleakala summit and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are in elevated, cooler climates.
• Water to stay hydrated
• A hat or visor
• Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty as you might be walking on some dusty or muddy trails.
• Some tours may necessitate beach towels.

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

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35 Tips For Your Cruise To Hawaii On NCL’s Pride Of America

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 28, 2020 · Updated March 16, 2022

Aloooooooha! Having just returned from my fourth visit to Hawaii, second cruise to Hawaii, and first cruise to Hawaii aboard the Pride of America (POA), I have compiled my 35 best tips to help you plan for your POA cruise, maximize your time onboard, and fully experience each Hawaiian port. Thirty-five because I just celebrated my 35th birthday (in the spirit of full disclosure, I stopped counting 7 years ago)!

Tips For Before Your Cruise On The Pride Of America

1. understand what makes the pride of america unique.

Sailing on the Pride of America will be an experience nearly as “unique” as sharing a table with Prof. Cruise (that’s me!) in the main dining room: wow, she’s weird (I am) and smells like she forgot deodorant (without fail).

So what makes the Pride of America so weird, I mean, “unique?” As the only American flagged ocean cruise ship, you’ll notice three major differences between the Pride of America and other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. First, the Passenger Vessel Services Act does not apply to American registered ships, so the Pride of America isn’t required to stop at a foreign port. All other cruises to/from Hawaii will call in a foreign port (usually Canada or Mexico), adding on many sea days and at least one non-Hawaiian stop to their itinerary (not a bad thing in my mind, but a significant difference). If you only have one week off work and want to cruise Hawaii or don’t like sea days, the Pride of America is your only option.

Second, because the Pride of America has to abide by all American labor laws, the majority of crew members will be Americans, unlike other cruise ships that employ mostly foreign workers.

And the third difference, directly related to the second, is cost. You’ll likely pay a much higher per night cruise fare on the Pride of America than other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. Pride of America crew members are paid more, enjoy labor protections foreign workers do not, and turnover is higher, leading to increased cruise fares. Our total 7-night fare on the Pride of America was nearly double what we paid for a 15-night sailing on the Grand Princess round-trip to Hawaii from San Fransisco. In fact, it was our most expensive vacation ever (factoring in the expense of getting to and from Honolulu by air).

2. Consider The Implications Of Such A Port Heavy Itinerary

Unlike most cruise itineraries that include a mix of port and sea days, every day on the Pride of America is a port day. The ship even remains docked at port in Maui and Kaua’i overnight and travel between ports mostly takes place after dark. You may have heard the Pride of America described as a “floating hotel” for that reason. Hawaii, not the ship or the sea, will be the main attraction for most.

As such, you won’t do much lounging around the ship in your robe with a cocktail in one hand and a soft serve cone in the other, turning the pages of your book with an elbow.

You also won’t have as much time to enjoy your stateroom, drink and dining packages, the spa, and other ship activities. Take that into consideration when deciding what to book – for example, we opted out of bidding to upgrade to a suite from our balcony cabin knowing we wouldn’t do much more than sleep in it. We elected to stick with a less expensive cabin and spend more on excursions.

3. Price Shop

My regular readers (hi mom and gigi!) may have been surprised to learn that we sprung for a balcony cabin on the Pride of America – we normally book the cheapest cabin category available, allowing us to cruise more often. However, the significant expense involved in getting to and from Honolulu makes booking the Pride of America unique.

At the time we booked, NCL offered free airfare (note that there are significant downsides to booking NCL EZ air, but that’s a topic for another time), gratuities, and transfers for those booked in a balcony category or higher. After pricing out an inside cabin and paying for flights, transportation, and gratuities on our own, it actually ended up being significantly cheaper to book the package, including the balcony cabin, through NCL. It may be for you too – price shop!

4. Book A Port Side Balcony

In the event that you end up booking a balcony cabin, be sure to choose one on the port (left) side of the ship. On the last day of your cruise, you’ll spend the early evening cruising along the spectacular Nāpali coast of Kaua’i. While the captain will turn the ship around so that those on the starboard side can see it too, that will happen well into dinner hours. To see it first and in full sunlight, book port side!

5. Avoid Deck 8 Balcony Cabins

While on many ships, lifeboats are tucked away under balcony cabins, on the Pride of America they jut out from the side of the ship on deck 7 and are visible below most balcony cabins and especially those located directly above them on deck 8. While this isn’t a huge deal and you’ll still be able to enjoy your balcony if you end up booked in one, you will be able to see them as you’re looking down at the water and they will appear in many of the photos taken from your balcony. Book a higher deck if you can or far forward or aft (double check deck plans before you book).

6. Read A Hawaii Travel Book

I checked this highly rated one out from my local library and found it very helpful:

You can also purchase it on Amazon here . It was written by locals and will help you understand the unique history, culture, and topography of Hawaii and maximize your time in each port with suggestions of “can’t miss” attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests.

7. Learn A Bit Of Hawaiian

While you certainly won’t need them to successfully navigate the islands – nearly everyone speaks English – learning a few words and phrases in Hawaiian will add to your experience and you’ll notice crew members and locals using many of these:

Aloha (pronounced a-lo-ha): hello, goodbye, and love

Mahalo (pronounced mah-hah-loh): thank you

‘A’ ole palikir (pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah): you’re welcome or no problem

A hui hou (pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu): until we meet again

Howzit? (pronounced how-zit): how are you?

Waina (pronounced wy-nah): wine. Don’t confuse this one with the English slang word “wino” which is used in jest to describe my mother-in-law who will be embarking on her own Hawaiian cruise soon. This one’s for you, Gigi!

‘Ono grinds (pronounced oh-no grinds): delicious eats.

8. Pack Wisely

Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America:

Binoculars: you’ll appreciate having a good pair of binoculars for your shore excursions and for your scenic cruise along the Nāpali coast. I have these and love them – they’re compact and inexpensive. I got them for Alaska, but they worked great in Hawaii too.

A quality camera: gorgeous photo opportunities are everywhere in Hawaii! Invest in a good camera to use in addition to your phone. Here’s a great starter camera for travelers (I have it and love it):

Reef safe sunscreen: be sure your sunscreen is reef safe – it’s the law in Hawaii! Here’s a list of reef safe sunscreens available on Amazon .

Bug repellant: I forgot my bug repellant wipes and returned to Seattle with dozens of itchy bumps to prove it! I prefer the wipes to spray because they’re easy to pack and apply.

Extra outlets: the number of outlets in Pride of America cabins is extremely limited. If you have multiple devises you want to charge at once, consider bringing a cruise approved power strip like this one :

Cheese: I mean, matching Hawaiian outfits ! I promise, no one is laughing behind your back. Yes they are. But who cares, you look adorable!

9. Fly To Honolulu The Day Before

Do as I say, not as I do. My teaching/travel assistant and son, “H,” would point to “don’t eat so much sugar” and “brush your hair” as examples of this for which I am admittedly guilty. “Fly to Honolulu the day before your cruise” would be another. Due to work obligations, we couldn’t fly to Honolulu until the day of sail away and our flights, booked by NCL’s EZ air, didn’t have us arriving into Honolulu until 2:30 in the afternoon.

While I normally love planning a cruise almost as much as the cruise itself, my regular pre-cruise excitement was tainted with worry that we’d miss the boat. If you do elect to fly in the day of, be sure to buy travel insurance that will cover the cost of any possible delays. I always use this site to compare plans and rates. I’d advise against booking insurance through the cruise lines – it will be costlier and may not cover everything you need.

10. Don’t Purchase A Lei At The Airport, You’ll Receive One At The Cruise Terminal

While you might see people wearing beautiful leis at the airport in Honolulu and be tempted to purchase one, hold your horses (or your luggage in this case). You will receive a free fresh flower lei for women (pictured above) or a shell lei for men as you enter the cruise terminal. You’ll also have the opportunity to make additional leis later in the cruise (I’ll get to that shortly).

Pride Of America Ship Tips

11. fish on hallway carpets swim toward the front of the ship.

Look closely at the above photo and spot the tiny red fish swimming in the wrong direction near where the carpet transitions to a different pattern. That would be me. Lost. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. They swim toward the front of the ship.

12. Relax On The Sun Decks

The photo above may cause introverts to run, hyperventilating, to the nearest paper bag (I’m breathing into one right now!). If you prefer a more private and serene place to relax, hit the sun decks above the Lido for comfortable and more secluded lounging options.

13. Pick Up A Beach Towel At The Beach Shop Or As You Exit The Ship

Beach towels will not be provided in your cabin or freely available on loungers like you may be used to on other lines and ships. Instead, they must be borrowed (by providing your state room number to ensure you return them – your account will be charged if you don’t) at either the Beach Shop (located midship on deck 11, right next to Dolce Gelato) or as you exit the ship on port days.

14. Walk Or Jog On The Promenade Deck

One of my very favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and stalking wildlife. And, if allowed, I’ll also jog out there early in the morning to justify the 45,000 calories I consume in an average cruise day. Like minded poʻe (people) will be thrilled with the expansive promenade deck wrapping all the way around deck 6 on the Pride of America. Just be sure to walk in the right direction. I didn’t notice the tiny arrows on the wall (I told you, I’m that red fish!) and got cussed out by an aggressive power walker for going the wrong way. E kala mai (sorry)!

15. Arrive 15 Minutes Early To Theater Shows To Score A Good Seat

This is important on nights at sea when the shows are more widely attended and prime seats fill up fast. When staying overnight at a port, shows and restaurants will be less crowded as many passengers will choose to eat and recreate off the ship.

16. Smoke At The Waikiki Bar

Or avoid the Waikiki bar on deck 13 aft if you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke or just think it smells worse than dog farts (I’m currently opening windows in my apartment thanks to Henry, my rescue mutt, and wishing I was at the Waikiki Bar even though I don’t smoke, but that’s just me). This is the only designated smoking area on the ship.

17. Don’t Look For The Casino

You’ll waste your whole vacation seeking something that doesn’t exist, like me on my never ending quest for a career that allows me to cruise for free. Because gambling is illegal in Hawaii, the Pride of America doesn’t have a casino. There’s always the claw machine in the arcade though or you can place bets among your friends on how many free hot dogs you can eat at the Key West Grill on deck 12. #loopholes

18. Attend Enrichment Programs Hosted By Your Hawaii Ambassador

A variety of enrichment lectures, activities, and crafts will be hosted by the ship’s Hawaii ambassador, a local resident of the islands. We particularly enjoyed the flower lei making class, offered for free, that included plentiful and beautiful fresh flowers. We each made one and used them to decorate our cabin for the remainder of our voyage. Their lovely smell almost masked the stench of my gym clothes. Almost.

19. Double Check Your Final Bill

We found a mistake on our final bill – we were charged for several drinks that should have been included in the Hawaii Beverage Package. No biggie, I called guest services and they refunded our credit card. But double check your own bill for errors. It actually pays to do this every few days (you can view it on the TV in your cabin) or even daily as lines and waits for guest services can be longer toward the end of the cruise.

Dining And Drinking Tips For The Pride Of America

20. consider the value of the hawaii beverage package.

As I mentioned earlier, due to the port heavy itinerary, it may not be worth paying the service charges to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as a perk and definitely wouldn’t be worth it for most people to purchase it outright. But depending on how much you plan on drinking, this is something to consider.

The Hawaii Beverage Package includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including boxed water which is nice to have for port days) up to $15 (and you’ll just pay the difference for any drinks over $15). Note that you will pay tax on the retail price of each drink while at port in Hawaii. Most of the items on the bill I have posted above are tax charges on our drinks.

You can take a look at the bar menus here to get an idea of the drink prices so you can weigh the package versus an à la carte approach. We did elect to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as one of our “free” perks and believe we got our money’s worth. But not everyone will with so little time spent on the ship.

21. Understand How To Get Free Espresso Drinks With The Hawaii Beverage Package

The Hawaii Beverage Package generally does NOT include espresso coffee drinks, such as those on the menu at the John Adams Coffee Bar:

However, there are a few exceptions to this. First, you CAN order a from a limited selection of espresso drinks (espressos, double espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos) while dining in the restaurants and they WILL be covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. For breakfast, I’d recommend a double shot of espresso paired with a shot of Bailey’s. Start the day off right!

You can also order an Irish coffee (I like to add a shot of Bailey’s to mine) or an espresso martini – both of these ARE covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. However, note that the espresso martini is currently priced at $18, so you will have to pay the $4 extra above the $15 covered by the package. Try at least one of these though, they’re amazing!

22. Try The Free Alternative Restaurants

In addition to the buffet and main dining rooms, there are three additional complimentary restaurants worth trying at least once: Key West Bar and Grill, Cadillac Diner, and East Meets West. Key West Bar and Grill is a small buffet style grill on deck 12 offering burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads. Both the Cadillac Diner (American classics) and East Meets West (Asian) are small, sit down restaurants and can get crowded at popular times. I recommend going at off times, like in the afternoon on a port day for the Cadillac Diner and early evening on the first night of the cruise for East Meets West. The menus for both can be found here .

23. Eat Breakfast In The Dining Room To Avoid Buffet Crowds

The Aloha Cafe (buffet) on the Pride of America was very crowded during breakfast hours as everyone was trying to grab a quick bite before heading out to port. For a more relaxing experience (and better food, in my opinion), eat breakfast in the Skyline dining room. There was never a wait to be seated and service was fast. You can preview the breakfast menu here .

24. Order The Pound Cake French Toast

I was happy to see three daily breakfast specials on the menu in the Skyline Dining Room on the Pride of America (this hasn’t been the case on some of the other smaller NCL ships I’ve sailed). And I was thrilled (and drooling) when I saw the pound cake french toast, my all-time favorite breakfast item on NCL, as a one of the specials. I’d dine at Skyline every day just so you don’t miss it. Trust me, it’s that good!

25. Book A Luau Instead Of A Specialty Restaurant

Because Hawaii is the main attraction on this cruise, I would encourage you to sample local Hawaiian ‘ono grinds (delicious food) by eating some of your meals in port, perhaps skipping the specialty restaurants on the ship if cost is a concern. And I especially recommend booking a luau. You can book the popular Luau Kalamaku through the ship, but I suggest you to shop around to get a better price. Here are some options available through Viator .

26. Reserve Specialty Restaurants Early

If you do decide to dine at a specialty restaurant, be sure to book your preferred time early as the popular times fill up fast. You can book certain restaurants before you sail by going to your reservation online or you can book via the reservations desk (right next to guest services on deck 5 midship), via the NCL app, or by placing a call to reservations from your stateroom after you board.

27. Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

While I’m the last person (or dog for that matter) you should come to for fashion advice (the average Fido strutting the streets of Seattle or riding in a designer purse is better dressed than I am), I’m the premier expert when it comes to dessert. And I consider the bread and rice puddings available in the buffet on the Pride of America some of the very best at sea. I particularly love the chocolate chip bread pudding (covered in caramel sauce and vanilla soft serve) and the honey rice pudding.

They’re easy to miss though, hidden on a counter behind the dessert station and next to one of the soft serve machines. You’re welcome – I was tempted to keep this one to myself.

28. Choose The Main Dining Room (MDR) For Dinner That Best Fits Your Style

The Pride of America has two main dining rooms open for dinner (both of these are included at no extra charge in your cruise fare): the Skyline restaurant (deck 5 aft) and the Liberty restaurant (deck 6 aft). While their menus are identical, the decor and dress code will be different. For cruise casual attire (where shorts and T-shirts are common and acceptable), dine at the Skyline Restaurant. If you prefer a more elegant dining experience, opt for the Liberty Restaurant which requires a collared shirt for men and does not allow shorts.

29. Make A Reservation For Dinner In Your Chosen Main Dining Room

While you can show up at either of the main dining rooms (Liberty or Skyline) for dinner at any time during operating hours without a reservation and wait in line to be seated, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation. The line for those without a reservation can be long and there’s a separate podium and hostess for those with a reservation. I always felt a little guilty bypassing the huge line as the reservations hostess walked us right in to be seated. But I overcompensated for my guilt by childishly taunting my fellow passengers: neener, neener, neener!

30. Order Multiple Items In The Main Dining Room

Portions in the main dining rooms can be small for Prof. Cruise, Mr. Cruise, and others with big appetites. Thankfully, you can order as many items as you want! On one night none of the entree selections appealed to Mr. Cruise, but he liked the sound of all the appetizers. So he ordered them all! Be sure to specify to wait staff if you want them brought out one at a time or all together. And consider offering them an extra tip for the effort it takes to bring out all those dishes!

I always bring along a pack of these cruise staff thank you cards and pass them out with cash inside to anyone who has made my vacation extra special (I gave out a lot of these in the Skyline Restaurant on the Pride of America – service was fast and excellent!).

31. Get A Nightly Crepe From The Buffet

Even if you’ve already eaten multiple desserts from the restaurant, there’s always room for a made-to-order crepe. Hit the buffet during dinner hours each night so you can try all the delicious combinations. Or just order the Nutella and fresh cream for seven consecutive days like I did.

Port And Excursion Tips For Your Hawaii Cruise On The Pride Of America

32. book private excursions.

Cruise line excursions are expensive and sometimes feel crowded and rushed. However, many cruise passengers are nervous about booking tours or exploring ports on their own for fear of missing the ship and becoming an unwilling youtube star as they desperately flail around on land, “wait, wait!,” before jumping into the sea as a last ditch attempt to rescue their vacation (the biggest incentive to book cruise line excursions is that they guarantee to either hold the ship for you or transport you on their dime to the next port in the event of a late return).

But if ever there were a time to skip the expensive ship excursions and book tours through private local companies or venture out and explore on your own, it’s this cruise! Why? Because you’ll be staying overnight at two ports – Maui and Kaua’i . So if you book tours or explore on your own via a rental car or public transportation, you don’t need to worry about what time you get back to the ship – the gangway will stay open all night and into the next day. Here are my top shore excursion picks for Maui and Kaua’i offered by Viator (owned by Trip Advisor).

33. Pick Up Tender Tickets For Kona Near Guest Services Beginning At 6:30am

Kona is a tender port, meaning the ship will anchor out in the open ocean and you’ll need to board a smaller boat to ferry you to shore. To avoid thousands of people lining up at once, you’ll need a tender ticket with an assigned time (unless your latitudes level is Gold or above in which case your ship card will serve as your tender ticket and you can line up whenever you want or if you’re booked on a ship excursion in which case your excursion ticket will serve as your tender ticket).

In order to get the time you want, you’ll want to pick up your tender ticket as soon as they start offering them at 6:30am at a table near the Guest Services desk. I’d even suggest arriving a bit before 6:30am as a line will begin to form between 6-6:15am.

34. Save Money In Kaua’i And Kona

If you have limited funds for port activities and are not comfortable renting a car, prioritize booking excursions and tours in Maui and Hilo as there is nothing to do near the cruise terminals at those ports. Go here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Maui and here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Hilo.

In both Kaua’i and Kona there are free or inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the ship (or near Kailua Pier where your tender boat will deliver you, in the case of Kona).

Go here for my recommendations for things to do near the terminal in Kaua’i.

For Kona I recommend snorkeling (or just relaxing) at Kamakahonu Beach and checking out the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (both located right next to Kailua Pier where your tender boat will drop you), shopping or dining along Ali’i Dr, and visiting historical sights such as Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. All of these suggestions are a very short walk from your tender boat. If you feel like venturing out a bit further, you can catch a $2 (cash only and the driver cannot make change) open-air trolley that will take you around town. View a printable schedule of stops here .

35. Look For Rainbows

I think I saw more rainbows on this trip than in all of my prior 35 (+7) years of life. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find the Pride of America at the end of one! Better than a pot of gold if you ask me – because I’d just use it to buy a cruise anyway!

And with that…

Mahalo for reading. A hui hou!

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN this post so you can refer back to it later!

Optional Homework: Check out my Hawaii port posts , preview all the r estaurant, bar, and room service menus on the Pride of America , see my review and ship tour of the Pride of America , and read my Guide to the Hawaii Beverage Package.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if using a computer or just keep scrolling down if you’re on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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Hey, I can’t get the links to pull up your tour recommendations for the islands. It just links to the generic Viator site. Would love to see what your recommendations were! Thank you!

A great read as we are thinking of booking Hawaii for 2022 as we have 3 cruise coming up before that. Your article has so much good useful info.

The date you published this post we were actually ON the Pride. It was the most expensive vacation ever, but worth every penny for the once in a lifetime trip. Sure enjoyed reliving our trip thru your blog!!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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The promise is indeed true: Passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America —the only ship offering seven-night cruises year-round in Hawaii—can enjoy nearly 100 hours in port on four different islands. The ship resumed sailing on April 9, 2022, after a two-year COVID-19-imposed hiatus, with guests embarking in Honolulu every Saturday to spend two days each on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (aka The Big Island), overnighting in port on the first two and getting 10 hours each in Hilo and Kona on the third. The schedule allows for plenty of time to explore, whether you're a first-timer or a returnee looking to revisit favorite places.

That said, there's definitely some strategy required to maximize your on-island experience. Having just returned in mid-May from my second Pride of America sailing (the first was in 2006 not long after the ship's debut), I'm happy to share advice that can help you enjoy your Hawaii experience.

Know what you’re getting

First, a bit about Pride of America . The ship, which carries 2,186 passengers at full occupancy but is sailing at 50 percent capacity through at least November 2022, is 17 years old and unique to the NCL fleet. It features a distinctly Americana theme—the main reception area resembles something straight out of Jeffersonian Washington, D.C.—with décor that's kitschy and colorful rather than contemporary and neutral. 

There are bubblegum hues in Pink's Champagne Bar, for instance, and a riot of vivid bead-inspired colors in the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. There are two pools, multiple hot tubs and lots of appealing outside deck space—including the Aloha Lanai Bar aft on deck 11—ideal for sail-away cocktails at sunset.

Entertainment onboard is more low-key than on other NCL ships, which are known for their Broadway musicals and high-gloss production shows. Aboard Pride of America , performances are limited to vocalists, comedians, movie screenings, and game-show-like contests.

Cabins are on the snug side, especially bathrooms, but NCL did an extensive soft goods renovation (carpets, upholstery, wall coverings) during the COVID-19 hiatus, so cabins, hallways, and some (but not all) public spaces feel refreshed.

Unlike all other Norwegian ships, which are staffed by an international crew, Pride of America is required to have a 100 percent American crew; staffing up since the relaunch has been problematic and NCL has opted to keep five of the seven specialty dining venues and several bars closed. As of early June, only Cagney's Steakhouse and Jefferson Bistro are open, along with complimentary dining venues Skyline Main Dining Room, Aloha Café, and Cadillac Diner.

NCL expects to add crew members and open additional restaurants and bars in the coming month but doesn't anticipate being at full capacity with all venues open until late November or December. Demand is high for this itinerary—most sailings are already sold out through late 2022—and cruise fares are loftier than on many other NCL sailings, starting at around $1,500 per person for an Inside Cabin and $2,799 for a Balcony Cabin. For the best value, book when NCL is offering a Free at Sea promo that includes a complimentary beverage package, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining as well as discounts on shore excursions since this can save you a bundle.

Plan activities with the itinerary in mind

Having done this cruise twice, I highly recommend having a pre-planned strategy. Doing so will help you see more at your own pace—and it can even save you money since shore excursions are pricy—especially if traveling with a family. My suggestions:

Day 2 (Sunday)—Kahului, Maui : Since you'll overnight here, this is the day to rent a car and explore independently. An Enterprise location is just a 10-minute walk from port (at 40 Hana Highway) and it's open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are also multiple rental car options (several open until 11:00 p.m). 

Visit the summit of Haleakala National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle) first thing in the morning; the 10,023-foot dormant volcano is clearest in the early hours and the views are astounding. Then make your way back down amid the lush volcanic slopes of Upcountry, stopping at Ali'I Kula Lavender Farm and the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao , home to artisan boutiques and the century-old T. Komodo Store, which has a bakery known for its cream puffs. 

Next head to historic beachside Paia. If you love seafood, reserve a table (at least three months in advance) at Mama's Fish House for some of the freshest catches imaginable—yes, it's pricy, but totally worth the splurge.

If you skip Paia and head toward the historic town of Lahaina and the Ka'anapali resort area, another terrific lunch option is Seascape at the Maui Ocean Center , where you can dine on unique island-inspired dishes such as Kalo Poke Nachos and Ulu' Ulua Pie (made with breadfruit, macadamia nuts, coconut, and honey). You don't have to pay admission to the Maui Ocean Center ($39.95 for adults/$26.95 for children) to dine, but if you love aquariums consider a visit; the new 3-D "Humpbacks of Hawaii" immersive experience in The Sphere is captivating. 

Further west, stop in historic Lahaina , which is home to a massive 149-year-old banyan tree along with galleries, shops, and restaurants. If you plan a late rental car return at the airport, which is open later than near the port, enjoy sunset on the western end of Kaanapali Beach by the Sheraton Maui Resort to witness the nightly cliff diving ceremony from Black Rock before returning to the ship in time for dinner.

Day 3 (Monday)—Kahului, Maui : You could keep your car for a second day (you'll need to scope out overnight parking options) and explore Maui's other resort area, Wailea, or the lush Io Valley. Or you can use the second day to book an excursion, either one offered by the ship or one booked independently, keeping in mind that all-aboard is 5:30 p.m. 

I did NCL's 9.5-hour Road to Hana excursion ($239 per person) on my 2006 cruise and it's super-scenic with access to black-lava coastline, waterfalls, the picturesque town of Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. Best of all: You don't have to drive the 620 twisting hairpin curves and 59 narrow bridges of the Road to Hana yourself—just make sure to medicate if prone to motion sickness.

If you'd rather dive into a snorkel adventure, two top catamaran excursions are the six-hour Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel ($249 per person) or the 8.5-hour Lanai Sail & Snorkel ($229). I did Molokini—an offshore crescent-shaped crater that's home to more than 250 species of tropical fish—on my first visit to Hawaii and enjoyed it. Some fellow passengers I spoke with on the recent cruise did Lanai and encountered lots of sea turtles and spinner dolphins.

Day 4 (Tuesday)—Hilo, Hawaii : One of the island's top attractions, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle), is an easy 40-minute drive from Hilo , so I recommend renting a car (Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz all operate here) and heading there first. Inside the park you can peer down into the smoldering caldera from various viewpoints (the one at Volcano House is panoramic and there's a misty ambience at the Steam Vents). You can even enjoy a short hike to see petroglyphs and/or the Thurston Lava Tube. 

But one of the most dramatic spots in the park is 18.8-mile Chain of Craters Road, where you can drive amid stark lava landscape created by thousands of years of Kilauea's eruptions. Note: NCL offers a Volcanoes National Park excursion ($129 per person), but it only visits several spots along the crater rim and not the lava tube or Chain of Craters Road, so to really experience the park, a car rental is the way to go. 

Return to Hilo and visit its other main attractions: the Japanese-style Liliuokalani Gardens along with 80-foot Rainbow Falls and/or 442-foot Akaka Falls before returning your car and re-boarding the ship before 5:30 p.m. 

Day 5 (Wednesday) — Kona, Hawaii : Kona, located on Hawaii's drier, lava-laden leeward side, can be a day to slow down. If you didn't snorkel in Maui, you can book the ship's Big Island Snorkel excursion ($199 per person) for a 4.5-hour morning sail along the coast to a reef near Red Hill, with breakfast and lunch included, and afterward stroll from the tender pier ( Pride of America anchors offshore and passengers need to be tendered to the pier in lifeboats) and hit Kailua-Kona's shops and bars. 

There's also a Hertz rental car nearby if you want to explore the scenic Kohala Coast and the cowboy town of Waimea —just remember that the last tender to the ship is at 5:00 p.m.

Day 6 (Thursday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : This might be my favorite port because this compact-yet-dramatic isle is easy to explore via rental car. Since Pride of America overnights here, I'd suggest renting a car (nearby Lihue airport has a half dozen options) and heading south to see the town of Koloa and the sunny beachside resort area of Poipu; stop by the Spouting Horn for picturesque black rocks and dramatic sea spray. 

Continue west to Waimea Canyon State Park (admission: $10 per vehicle and $5 per person), where a winding road leads to one of the island's most magnificent natural wonders: a 10-mile long, 3,000-foot-deep canyon awash in red and green and nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

From there, head back east and then north for stops at Wailua Falls and the charming town of Hanalei , where you can grab lunch and enjoy views of Hanalei Bay and the verdant green peaks of Kauai's legendary North Shore. There are several scenic beaches—including Secret Beach, Lumahai Beach, and Tunnels Beach—along the way, but parking is roadside, access can be tricky via steep trails and swimming isn't advised due to rough surf. The views, however, are incredible. 

Reservations are now required to drive to Ke'e Beach , where the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast starts, but no worries: Pride of America does a sunset sail along the spectacular cliffs on day 7.

Day 7 (Friday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : Today, the ship departs at 2 p.m. (all aboard is 1:30 p.m.), so if a bit of adventure is your thing, there are several morning hiking and kayaking excursions ($149 to $209 per person). Or you could book a relaxing massage in the onboard Mandara Spa. If you're heading directly to the airport from the ship on Saturday, you can also do some last-minute souvenir shopping by walking about 10 minutes from the port to some shops near Kalapaki Beach—or simply enjoy a dip in the bay's calm water.

As the ship sails from Nawiliwili Harbor, be sure to be on deck to enjoy amazing views of the lush Garden Isle—with the best still to come just before sunset as Pride of America cruises past the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast . Don't miss that!

Maximize your pre- and post-cruise time on Oahu

While this itinerary visits four islands, first-timers should plan for at least two nights on Oahu—home to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Fly in early, book a hotel in Waikiki and try your hand at surfing or outrigger canoe paddling. If you feel energetic, reserve a time (early morning is best) to hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views. Or visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum to experience the royal Hawaii of old. 

NCL offers a convenient way to explore must-see Pearl Harbor with a six-hour post-cruise Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour ($109 per person) that concludes at the airport (for passengers with flights departing after 4:00 pm). Other options: Grand Circle Island ($169) and Explore Oahu's Famous North Shore ($109) tours, which also include airport drop-offs. 

My top advice: Don't wing it, since tours sell out and rental car availability is limited. With some strategic pre-cruise planning, a Pride of America itinerary offers a convenient (unpack once) and enjoyable (plenty of time to sightsee) way to experience Hawaii.

Recommended

Hawaii Cruises on Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line offers Hawaii cruises year-round, departing from Honolulu. It's the only cruise line with voyages around the islands without the long trip across the Pacific. You'll visit 4 islands in 7 days. The full calendar of departures is below.

The Pride of America is Norwegian's ship in Hawaii and it was heavily renovated. Public spaces received new modern decor and every stateroom was updated. Amenities include 18 restaurants, 9 lounges, theater in the round, Mandara Spa, Gyrosphere, and a conservatory. Youth programs are available for kids age 3 to 17. Affordable Norwegian cruises are family-friendly .

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7 day Hawaii cruises have about 100 hours of time in port. Shore excursion possibilities include a traditional luau at Kilohana Plantation, Volcanoes National Park, orchid nurseries, rainforest hike, and Kauai Plantation Railroad.

This video provides a good introduction to a Hawaiian cruise on Norwegian, and to the features of the ship. It is less than 4 minutes long.

Read a Pride of America cruise review . And look through a large gallery of cruise photos .

7-day Hawaiian Islands cruises on the Pride of America. Round-trip from Honolulu (island of Oahu) to Kahului (island of Maui), Hilo (island of Hawaii), Kona (island of Hawaii) and Nawiliwili (island of Kauai). Overnight stays at Maui and Kauai. • 2024 departures: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24, August 31, September 7, September 14, September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21, December 28.

12-day cruise from Tahiti to Hawaii on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Papeete (Tahiti) to Honolulu (Hawaii). Visit Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Hilo (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii) and Hilo (Hawaii). • 2024 departure: April 10.

16-day cruise from Hawaii to Canada on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Honolulu (Hawaii) to Vancouver (British Columbia). Visit Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Juneau (Alaska), Skagway (Alaska) and Ketchikan (Alaska). • 2024 departure: April 22.

16-day cruise from Canada to Hawaii on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Vancouver (Canada) to Honolulu (Hawaii). Visit Ketchikan (Alaska), Juneau (Alaska), Skagway (Alaska), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Hilo (Hawaii). • 2024 departure: May 8.

12-day cruise from Honolulu to Tahiti on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Honolulu (Hawaii) to Papeete (Tahiti). Visit Kauai (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii), Raiatea and Moorea. • 2024 departure: May 24.

12-day cruise from Tahiti to Hawaii on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Papeete (Tahiti) to Honolulu (Hawaii). Visit Moorea, Raiatea, Hilo (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Kauai (Hawaii). • 2023 departure: June 5.

16-day cruise from Hawaii to Canada on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Honolulu (Hawaii) to Vancouver (British Columbia). Visit Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Juneau (Alaska), Skagway (Alaska) and Ketchikan (Alaska). • 2024 departure: June 17.

16-day cruise from Canada to Hawaii on the Norwegian Spirit. One-way from Vancouver (Canada) to Honolulu (Hawaii). Visit Ketchikan (Alaska), Juneau (Alaska), Skagway (Alaska), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Hilo (Hawaii). • 2024 departure: September 25.

7-day Hawaiian Islands cruises on the Pride of America. Round-trip from Honolulu (island of Oahu) to Kahului (island of Maui), Hilo (island of Hawaii), Kona (island of Hawaii) and Nawiliwili (island of Kauai). Overnight stays at Maui and Kauai. • 2025 departures: January 4, January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20, September 27, October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25, November 1, November 8, November 15, November 22, November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20, December 27.

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10 Best Cruises to Hawaii — From Luxury Sailings to Expedition Ships

A cruise around the 50th state is an excellent way to see as much of the islands as possible in a limited amount of time.

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

The islands of Hawaii are popular with families, couples, retirees, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys warm weather, tropical scenery, and the 50th state's "Aloha" spirit. Each island offers a different climate, landscape, and style, and even on the same island, there are significant variations depending on location. On Oahu, for example, there's bustling Honolulu on the south shore and the more secluded surfing paradise of the North Shore . On the Big Island, the Hilo and Puna regions on the east coast are wet and heavily forested, whereas the Kailua-Kona region on the west coast tends to be much drier.

Visitors to Hawaii, especially first-timers, want to experience as much of the islands as possible, and a cruise is a great way to accomplish that, according to Pam Jacobs , travel advisor at Travel Store in Palos Verdes Estates, California. “People love the inter-island cruises because all meals are included, so it’s an economical as well as convenient way to see the islands. You unpack once and avoid getting in and out of airports and checking in and out of hotels. It’s the best way to island hop.”

Families and travelers with limited time enjoy the seven-day Norwegian Cruise Lines Honolulu to Honolulu round trip cruises, while retirees may opt for a longer cruise from the West Coast with more days at sea. You can embark from several ports on the West Coast, including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle. “Many Hawaiʻi cruises are part of longer voyages to the South Pacific, Australia, or around the world,” says Jacobs, a cruise and train travel specialist.

“The shore excursions on the cruises are the same things a tourist would do on land — go to a luau, play golf, visit an attraction like the Arizona Memorial, or just relax on the beach — and it’s all arranged for you,” according to Jacobs. One more bit of advice from our cruise expert: “Always arrive a day before your cruise to be sure you’re there and ready. You’ll have time to explore and relax before boarding.”

Below are some of the best cruises to see Hawaiʻi . Dates, prices, amenities, and itineraries vary, so choosing a cruise requires some planning and research. That's always part of the fun, so hopefully this list will inspire you to get started.

Holland America: 17-day Circle Hawaii - Round Trip from San Diego

Courtesy of Holland America

This cruise on the 1,432-passenger Zaandam departs from San Diego and spends five days at sea before arriving in Honolulu at 8 a.m. Optional activities include a trip to Pearl Harbor, a hike on Diamond Head, a road trip around Oahu, an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and a day on Waikiki Beach. After an overnight sail to Kauai, the ship docks at Nawiliwili Harbor. Guests can take a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto , a tour of a coffee plantation, or a trip to Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Maui is the next island on the itinerary, and guests can choose a drive to Haleakala Crater , a snorkel adventure aboard the new Reef Explorer, or a drive to Maui’s Upcountry or rainforest. The final two stops, Hilo and Kona, are on the Big Island. In Kona, there’s an optional Atlantis submarine trip to explore coral gardens or a catamaran cruise. Options include visits to Volcanoes National Park and in Hilo, guests can tour Rainbow Falls or go for a zipline adventure. After four days at sea, you'll stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego.

Royal Caribbean: 9-night Hawaii Cruise - Vancouver to Oahu

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruises

This trip aboard the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas offers guests much to do during days at sea, with a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and Northstar, a 360-degree observation capsule 300 feet above sea level. “For travelers who have the time for these days at sea, the activities on the ship are a big part of the fun,” according to Jacobs. After departing Vancouver , British Columbia, the ship spends four days at sea before it arrives in Honolulu for a day of exploring Oʻahu with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center or Waikiki Beach. The ship crosses the International Date Line with a day at sea and then passes the beautiful Napali Coast of Kauai, famous for its dramatic cliffs rising from the ocean. The final stop is Oahu, and passengers spend as much time as they want exploring Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, or the rest of the island before heading home.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 7-Day Hawaii Inter-Island Cruise from Honolulu

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

Spend a week exploring four of Hawaii's islands on this cruise aboard the 2,186-passenger Pride of America , the only ship sailing to four Hawaiian islands in seven days year-round. “These Norwegian Cruise Line trips are a dependable way to see the islands with their convenient weekly departures,” Jacobs says. “You can see the other islands and spend some time in Oahu before or after your cruise.” Onboard activities include basketball, volleyball, video games, theater, hot tubs, spa, and shopping. Departing Honolulu on Saturday evening, the ship heads to Kahului, Maui for two days with options like a drive on the Road to Hana, a catamaran cruise to Molokini for snorkeling with sea turtles, a tour to Haleakala Crater, and more. Next is a day in Hilo on the Big Island, where guests can see a volcano, rain forest, waterfalls, or a lush botanical garden. On the other side of the island in Kona, snorkeling, fishing, cruising in a catamaran, and a reef tour are among optional activities. On Kauai , passengers can enjoy a traditional luau, hike through a rainforest, go kayaking, or take in Waimea Canyon . The cruise ends the following Saturday back in Honolulu, where passengers can explore the city, nearby Pearl Harbor , or Oahu's North Shore.

UnCruise Adventures: Hawaiian Seascapes

Courtesy of UnCruise

“The UnCruise expedition-style cruises focus on the destinations rather than the ship,” according to Pam Jacobs. “The experience is immersive, eco-friendly, and there’s always great camaraderie with the small groups.” This seven-night cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer begins in Kona, on the Big Island, with a champagne welcome from the captain. The following two days feature a hike up the slopes of Hualalai with a naturalist guide, night snorkeling among Giant Pacific Manta rays, and plenty of opportunities for swimming or kayaking. On day four in Maui, guests can stroll through historic Lahaina, snorkel among coral and sea turtles, or kayak in a marine sanctuary. Lanai is the next island, where guests can paddleboard or kayak past 1,000-foot-high sea cliffs, go snorkeling, take a bike excursion, or visit the quaint Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. On Molokai, guests can learn how taro is cultivated and turned into poi , or they can hike to a spectacular waterfall in Halawa Valley . At the Molokai Museum, a lesson on the island's history is followed by a pa'ina (feast), complete with traditional music. Passengers disembark the following day at Kaunakakai , where they can either transfer to Molokai Airport or extend their stay.

Princess Cruises: 16-day Hawaiian Islands - Round Trip from San Francisco

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

This cruise aboard the 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess departs San Francisco in the late afternoon. Swimming pools, hot tubs, miniature golf, Discovery at Sea programs, movies, dancing, and shows ensure plenty to do during the four days at sea on the way to Hawaii. Shipboard programs for youths, teens, and families provide something for everyone. On the Big Island, guests can zipline through the rainforest or visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . Next is Oahu, where activities include a tour of Pearl Harbor, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and a tour of the only royal palace in the United States . On Kauai, there are hiking , snorkeling, and kayaking adventures. On Maui, guests can sail on a catamaran, Zodiac, or submarine. After four days at sea, passengers have a day to explore Ensenada, Mexico , on the Baja California peninsula, before the Ruby Princess sails back to San Francisco.

Celebrity Cruises: 13-night Hawaii Cruise - Vancouver to Oahu

Steve Dunlop/Celebrity Cruises

This cruise on the luxurious, 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge departs Vancouver and stops for the day in historic Astoria, Oregon, before continuing onto Hawaii. During the six days at sea, passengers can play blackjack in the casino, take a yoga class in the fitness center, or enjoy cocktails while hovering over the ocean on the Magic Carpet . In Hilo, on day eight, guests can explore waterfalls, volcanoes, wineries, and gardens on the lush coast of the Big Island. The ship cruises to Kona on the other side of the island for another two days of snorkeling or other onshore activities and then spends a day passing the Napali Coast of Kauai, where steep cliffs rise from the ocean and sea caves and waterfalls can be seen from the ship. After another day of cruising, the final stop is Honolulu, where guests are free to enjoy Oahu at their leisure before heading back to the mainland.

Disney Cruise Line: 10-night Hawaiian Cruise from Vancouver Ending in Honolulu

David Murphey/Disney Cruises

With an itinerary that includes both Maui and Mickey, this cruise aboard the 875-stateroom Disney Wonder is perfect for families and Disney lovers alike. Departing from Vancouver, you’ll spend the next six nights at sea, with entertainment ranging from Broadway-style musicals with Disney characters to a Marvel-themed superhero academy in the Oceaneer Club for kids. The first stop is Nawiliwili on the island of Kauaʻi, where guests can visit Waimea Canyon State Park, called “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” or explore a restored sugar plantation in Old Koloa Town. The next stop is Kahului, Maui, where you can spend a day at the beach, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, or Botanical Gardens. In Hilo on the “Big Island” of Hawaiʻi,” guests can tour Mauna Kea Observatory or see active volcanoes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park . The ship arrives in Honolulu for disembarkation, and passengers can transfer to the airport or extend their stay.

Viking Cruises: Hawaiian Islands Sojourn - Round Trip from Los Angeles

This 17-day voyage from Los Angeles takes place aboard the Viking Neptune , an all-veranda small ship that carries a maximum of 928 guests. After five days at sea, the first stop is the Big Island, where guests can view Kilauea by helicopter, visit waterfalls, or explore Hilo Bay by kayak. The next port is Oahu, where guests can tour by helicopter, hike Diamond Head, attend a luau, or more. On Kauai, excursions range from an ATV tour of the island to snorkeling along the South Shore. On day 10 in Maui, highlights include Haleakala National Park, snorkeling, and a visit to Maui Ocean Center. The ship then sails to Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can indulge in wine tastings, e-bike tours, and ATV adventures in the Guadalupe Valley. The Viking Neptune returns to Los Angeles the next day.

Carnival Journeys: 15-day Hawaii Journey from Seattle

This cruise aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit spends five days at sea after departing from Seattle. Pickleball, casino games, parties, comedy club, and the WaterWorks, the ship’s onboard waterpark, provide plenty to do. In Honolulu, on day seven, guests can spend the day on Waikiki Beach, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and the USS Arizona Memorial, or attend a traditional luau. The next day in Maui offers a chance to snorkel or head to the top of Mt. Haleakala. In Kauai, an optional helicopter tour takes guests over Waimea Canyon or the Napali Coast, and the next port is Hilo, on the slopes of volcanic Mauna Loa. After two days at sea, the ship visits Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.

Related Articles

Review of our 7 day Hawaii Cruise and Shore Excursions on NCL Pride of America

By kdkoch , January 3, 2011 in Hawaii

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First, I want to say that this site was very helpful to me when preparing for my cruise. Special kudos to kwbound :), who created a lovely exhaustive description of this cruise which was helpful to me.

Some background: My husband and I, our two children (a tween and teen), and my 69 yo mother took this cruise. We moved to Oahu this summer, and thought this would be a great way to preview the other islands while we are here. We left Dec. 25, 2010 and came back Jan. 1, 2011.

I must say I was frightened to book this cruise because of all the negative things written about Pride of America -- however, when I spoke to people here (in Oahu) who had been on the cruise, they all thought it was wonderful. I think this must depend on how you approach cruising. My DH and I are not cruisers -- the last cruise we went on was a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean for our honeymoon 18 years ago. It was cheap and we were poor. So, if you cruise all the time, and are used to more upscale things (for instance, the Westin Resort instead of an Holiday Inn -- or Ruth’s Chris steakhouse as opposed to Applebees), then you may be disappointed. However, if you (like us) are your average middle-income family traveling with people of all ages, and don’t do this as a regular activity, you will like it just fine.

I read many negative things about the cleanliness, the lack of response or helpfulness of the crew, and the food, so I’ll address that first.

The Room: Our room was always clean, our steward was often available for help, and towels and such were always replaced, and our ice bucket was always filled. Actually, my mother uses more ice than the regular person, and our steward was nice enough to provide her with her own large ice chest full of ice so she wouldn’t have to find him to ask (even though, as I stated, he was always around and easy to locate to fill her ice bucket). We had two balcony rooms (9546 & 9548). NCL touts these as ‘sleeps 4’ -- however, it would only sleep four if you have two adults and two VERY small children. We have an 11 & 13 yo, so one slept in our room, and one slept with my mom in hers. Three regular sized people in the room is do-able, but crowded. If there are only two of you, you’ll have lots of room to spare. TIP: Do not pack your own blow dryer. A regular blow dryer will blow the circuit in your room every time. NCL provides a hard-wired blow dryer for your use....it wasn’t the best, but it beat blowing the circuit every time. Save yourself the room in your bag, and just use theirs.

The Crew: There is much written about the bad service on board the POA. We never experienced any (that doesn’t mean others didn’t). Our steward was accommodating and helpful, as was the reception desk, bartenders, generally most of the dining room staff, and security. Most were not only smiling and helpful, but really went the extra mile to make sure you were taken care of, and tried to help even if it wasn’t their domain (ie: I once asked a bartender - I didn’t know he was a bartender - for additional cream cheese, and he went to try to find it for me). During our whole trip of 7 days (which means 21 meals) I only encountered two unsmiling faces (a busboy, and food server). Anyone can have a bad day. The only other thing I found mildly annoying was that everyone was trying to sell you something. Just know that if you sign up for a ‘free’ talk, or a class, or anything else, the crew will plug the items that cost money on the cruise. By the end of the week you went into it with a sigh and an eye-roll.

The Food: Was it the best food I ever ate? No. Was it bad? Absolutely not -- it was just fine. Now, keep in mind, because we had kids, we spent most of our time at the Aloha Cafe -- perfect for families because of the selection -- there is something for everyone. If you can’t find something to eat here, you aren’t hungry. I was worried about crowds, but really, the only two days we encountered crowds was the morning of Hilo, and disembarkation day. And even then, it was fine. We also frequented Cadillac Diner, Key West Grill, and the Liberty Main Restaurant (Skyline and Liberty are the free sit-down restaurants vs. Aloha Cafe which is buffet style, Key West is outside by the pool - a buffet with hot dogs and hamburgers, and Cadillac Diner is, well, a sit-down diner). There is much written about the Liberty and Skyline, with service and food being poor. Our food was very good (a step up from Aloha), and our service was excellent right up until it got really busy. So, a tip would be -- eat early. If you dine before 8pm, you’ll enjoy it. When it’s crunch time, you won’t see your waiter for a while, and it might take some time to get your food (as other reviewers have noted). We went early, and had a great meal. The decor was awesome and you really felt like you were in a upscale place. TIP: If you have children, Aloha offers a special kids buffet with all those things kids like to eat (pizza, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, hamburgers, spaghetti). Also, chocolate milk is available at every meal.

Shore Excursions: Okay, so, we really didn’t go on this cruise for the ship, we went for the islands -- and if you do that, you will not be disappointed. Hawaii is beautiful. I didn’t book any trips through NCL, although I was tempted. Since they take care of you from the minute you leave to the minute you return, it would be easy to do that. However, you can book many of the same excursions for 1/2 the price if you do it on your own. So, if you want to save a little money, and don’t mind finding your own taxi for transport, book your excursions yourself. TIP: Since we already paid to eat on board, I brought a cooler and my own ziploc bags. In the evenings, before I went to bed, I ordered sandwiches from room service, and packed them up in the cooler for the next day (thanks to other Cruise Critic bloggers for the tip!) -- much less expensive and time consuming than eating out while trying to tour. TIP 2: If you plan on renting a car, rent one as soon as you book your cruise...they will sell out. TIP 3: If you are at all prone to seasickness, make sure you bring medicine, and take it, especially when you take snorkeling trips and even on the drives up to Haleakala Crater and Waimea Canyon (lots of switchbacks). That being said, I am prone to seasickness, and had a great time all week, no problem at all with Dramamine on board. TIP 4: If you have your own GPS and it includes Hawaii as well as the lower 48 (most do, but you have to select it on your GPS), bring it -- most of the national parks and waterfalls are found on them. Tip 5: If you own lanyards of any kind -- the kind that hold theme park tickets or identification badges for work, bring them. You need a key to do just about everything, including leaving and reboarding the ship. With children, it would have been better for them to wear the key around their neck, and I would have rather left my purse in the room, or not stuffed my pockets. TIP 6: Bring binoculars. Bring them on snorkeling trips and all touring trips, and they come in handy when sailing by the lava flows and Na’Pali coast.

Here is what we did:

Day 1: Embark from Honolulu. Since we live here, we didn’t tour Oahu. But, since I live here, I will tell you this: Arizona Memorial and Polynesian Cultural Center are worth seeing. Waikiki is where everyone wants to go, but North Shore or Kaneohe Bay are more beautiful. If you want to see turtles, go to Turtle Beach (not to be confused with Turtle Bay) near Haleiwa on the North Shore. In the summer, when the surf is gentle, you can swim with them. Things are a little dicier in the winter when the surf gets angry. If you want to snorkel, try Turtle Beach or Sunset Beach on the North shore (when the waves are small), or Ko’Olina Lagoons (if you want a little more protection) on the west side -- if you have your own gear. For scuba, we like Island Divers located in Hawaii Kai -- nice, friendly staff.

Day 2: Maui: We booked a Haleakala Crater at Sunset tour with Roberts Hawaii. This is a hit-or-miss thing, because of the weather. Clouds or rain can ruin your sunrise or sunset experience. However, our day cleared up nicely, and we had a beautiful sunset experience. Now, it is COLD, and when I say cold, I mean about 35 degrees or so. And we had a relatively non-windy day. We had jeans, two sweatshirts each with hoods, and gloves, and we could only stay out a few minutes. But it was worth it, and fantastic. Our driver was friendly, knowledgable, and kind. Roberts uses a 1/2 bus, and there were only 11 of us altogether, which made photo-op stops easy as we drove the 10,023 feet to the summit. Unlike the NCL Polynesian tours busses, which were packed to the gills, and couldn’t do photo-op stops, and had to park just short of the summit (we got to go all the way to the top).

Day 3: Maui: Snorkeling at Molokini Crater. Now, here’s where booking through NCL might have been better. On advice from a guide book, we booked with Pacific Whale Foundation Molokini and Turtle Arches morning snorkel -- NCL uses the same company, but of course, it is cheaper to book it yourself. Pacific Whale canceled our cruise. However, I did notice that other Pacific Whale Foundation boats made cruises out to the crater that morning, so I am thinking they were over booked, and they took care of the NCL passengers first, so we were out of luck, since we booked on our own. The staff at Pacific Whale Foundation was very rude to us and unsympathetic at our plight of showing up at their offices at 6am and having our cruise canceled. Needless to say, I will not recommend Pacific Whale to anyone due to their poor treatment of us. However, we found some room on the Trilogy, and their staff was friendly and accommodating. I would recommend them to everyone, even though they are a bit pricey -- book online and get a discount. They even let my 13 yo steer the boat. Most tours go to two sites, one of them is always Molokini Crater, which can’t be beat for water clarity, it is certainly worth the trip to see it. You have to leave early to get there for check in (around 5:45 am) so make arrangements with a taxi the night before. I recommend Jasmine at Holo Holo Taxi ( http://www.holoholotaxitour.com. )

Day 4: Hilo (Big Island). Hilo is known for volcanoes, and specifically Volcanoes National Park. You can take an NCL cruise tour for this, but they go several other places as well, and we opted to rent a car and spend our whole day at the Park. While not pretty, it is awe-inspiring and amazing, and cannot be missed. The rental car agencies send free shuttles to and from the airport to the port so you can get your car -- very simple, and much less expensive and less rushed than a tour. The ship sailed by the lava flow that night, but when we went, there was no lava flowing. Other blogs have reported that the Captain sometimes sails by on both sides of the ship, but this time, he only went on the Starboard (right) side. Probably because there was no lava. You can call reception to confirm if they will sail by both sides or just the starboard side.

Day 5: Kona (Big Island). Kona is beautiful -- one of our favorite spots. Again, you can book an NCL tour for snorkeling through Body Glove (which is, by all accounts, wonderful). However, they do not go to Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook’s Monument), and that is where I wanted to go. So we booked our own through Fair Wind II and we were not disappointed. Snorkeling was fantastic, as was the crew, the food, and the boat. In addition to snorkeling, the boat had two slides and a hi-dive platform (thumbs up from the kids). NOTE: pretty much every port had lines of taxis waiting to take you anywhere you wished to go -- EXCEPT Kona. Call in advance and reserve a taxi -- we liked D&E Taxi -- call Evelyn 808-936-8108. Also, Kona is the only port where you have to take a tender boat from the POA to the dock. Tickets are given out at Pink’s starting at 7am -- if you arrive there around 7am, you’ll get the first boat out, and have plenty of time to make your morning snorkel trip. If you book your tour through NCL’s snorkel trip, you don’t need tickets, they’ll tell you where to meet the morning of your snorkel. If you want something free to do, take the tender boat ashore, and there is a little beach right there. Not the prettiest, but we saw people swimming and snorkeling with their own gear.

Day 6: Kauai: Beautiful Kauai! We wanted to see Waimea Canyon and waterfalls. NCL has tours for Waimea Canyon, but again, they go several other places as well, so we opted to rent a car again. Rental agencies send free shuttles for you, and the process was easy. Waimea Canyon is spectacular and should not be missed. Our guide book told us to take Waimea Canyon road, instead of the suggested Koke’e Road (which is where the signs on the road will direct you) and the views are spectacular (plus, it’s a little shorter). Be sure to stop at mile 10 the Waimea Canyon Lookout, and mile marker 18 for the Pu’u o Kia Lookout -- from here you are looking down to the famed Na’Pali coastline, and the views are spectacular. If it is socked in with clouds when you arrive, just wait a few minutes...it was so cloudy when we got there, that we couldn’t see the rock face in front of us, but within minutes, the winds pushed the clouds away, and we could see 5000 feet to the shore, with a rainbow to boot. POA will sail by the coastline on their way home with a narrated tour (they turn the boat, so both sides see), so you’ll have a huge appreciation, having seen it first from this angle. We also went to Kipu Falls (a locals place...very dangerous the day we went, and not for the faint of heart -- if it’s been rainy, you’ll want a change of clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy...this is the only falls we went to that you could swim by), and Wailua Falls (spectacular) and Opaeka’a Falls (which was slightly disappointing after the spectacular Wailua falls, but still pretty).

Day 7: Kauai: Since the ship left at 2pm this day, we didn’t do much. We took the free shuttle to the shopping center and walked around. If you want a free activity on either day in Kauai, take the free Anchor Cove shuttle, and it is a short walk to a very nice beach in front of the Marriott Resort.

Day 8: Disembarking. Boy, NCL wants you out in a hurry. Of course, they tell you you are welcome to stay and enjoy the ship...but everything from pools to restaurants close at 9am. It is a madhouse getting out of there. I recommend using a porter for your bags and tipping him well to get you a taxi (rather than carrying you own bags and trying to hail a taxi on you own). It is well worth $20 to skip the lines.

Our entire family had a wonderful time on this cruise, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see all the islands. I hope that this review is helpful.

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Sunny AZ Girl

Thank you for the wonderful, well written review! It sounds as if you had a wonderful time. I am really getting excited now.:D

In Maui, did you do anything else besides the crater on Day 1?

Thank you for your great review kdkoch! I too am getting excited for my Hawaiian vacation.

Do you remember how long it took to get to the Fair Wind II's offices in Kona? We have a trip book on the Hula Kai with them. Thanks again!

Queen of the Queen

Thank you for a wonderful review. Sounds like you went with the right attitude and that always makes for a pleasant vacation. We will be visiting the Hawaiin Islands in February from another ship.

We are planning to rent a car in Kauai to see the Canyon. Can you tell me how long the drive is from the port to the Canyon?

In Honolulu we are departing at Midnight and are looking for some entertainment for the evening.

Which of the three following would you (or anyone else) recommend?

Oahu Pacific Star Sunset Buffet

Princess Kaulani Dinner Show

Magic of Polynesia at the Waikiki Beachcomer Hotel

I know these are all "touristy" but we would like to do something for the evening.

If you like you can email me at [email protected] , subject: Hawaii Cruise

I'm so glad that my review was helpful to you. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Too bad about PWF...and rude to you on top of it! Thanks for posting your review....and Happy New Year!

T Oahu Pacific Star Sunset Buffet Princess Kaulani Dinner Show Magic of Polynesia at the Waikiki Beachcomer Hotel   I know these are all "touristy" but we would like to do something for the evening.   If you like you can email me at [email protected] , subject: Hawaii Cruise Lorraine:)

When we went to Hawaii, some of our group went to the Princess Kaulani dinner show, " Creation -a Polynesian Journey". They said this a fantastic show and was definitely the best show they saw (the others were the PCC show and Smith's Luau). I have heard the food is so so. The other show that is supposed to be really good it the Society of Seven at the Outrigger Hotel.

want-to-cruise

Can you tell me what the sleeping accomadations are for the 3rd and 4th person please?

Lorraine, When we went to Hawaii, some of our group went to the Princess Kaulani dinner show, " Creation -a Polynesian Journey". They said this a fantastic show and was definitely the best show they saw (the others were the PCC show and Smith's Luau). I have heard the food is so so. The other show that is supposed to be really good it the Society of Seven at the Outrigger Hotel. Mary

Thanks for the input. Since the Princess Kaulani dinneer show was one of our choices, I think we'll go there.

AZ Karaoke Girl

Thanks for the review. I am also planning to go to K-Bay in Kona and I've heard it can be tricky to get there on time for the Fairwinds so I'm keeping Evelyn's number handy and will reserve a taxi with her before we go.

Last time I was in Kauai, I had a rental car and went to the north shore all the way to the edge of the NaPali coast at Ke'e beach and was told we wouldn't have time to go to Waimea canyon so this trip I'm planning on going to Waimea canyon and wondered if we would have time to see some waterfalls too so I'm glad to see that you were able to do it all.

FloatYourBoatSince2003

Very helpful thank you! We're travelling with teens of various ages - can you tell me what day/activity your kids enjoyed the most? Did they use the rope-swing at Kipu falls?

Thank you for the wonderful, well written review! It sounds as if you had a wonderful time. I am really getting excited now.:D   In Maui, did you do anything else besides the crater on Day 1?

Ginny: We didn't because the kids had never been on a cruise ship before, so they wanted the morning to explore, etc. It was nice to sleep in that day and relax, since pretty much all our other days were jam packed.

Thank you for your great review kdkoch! I too am getting excited for my Hawaiian vacation.   Do you remember how long it took to get to the Fair Wind II's offices in Kona? We have a trip book on the Hula Kai with them. Thanks again!

I think it took about 30 minutes or so -- but we didn't pre-arrange a taxi, so it could have been a little less, as it took us some time to flag down a taxi -- I highly recommend calling in advance. Also, if you rent a car instead, go into it knowing the parking is very limited down by Fair Winds II. Have fun!

Thank you for a wonderful review. Sounds like you went with the right attitude and that always makes for a pleasant vacation. We will be visiting the Hawaiin Islands in February from another ship.   We are planning to rent a car in Kauai to see the Canyon. Can you tell me how long the drive is from the port to the Canyon?   In Honolulu we are departing at Midnight and are looking for some entertainment for the evening. Which of the three following would you (or anyone else) recommend?   Oahu Pacific Star Sunset Buffet Princess Kaulani Dinner Show Magic of Polynesia at the Waikiki Beachcomer Hotel   I know these are all "touristy" but we would like to do something for the evening.   If you like you can email me at [email protected] , subject: Hawaii Cruise Lorraine:)

The drive to the canyon was about an hour. I'm sorry I don't know enough about the dinner shows in Oahu to recommend one :). Have fun on your cruise.

Yes, they did go on the rope swing at Kipu -- remind your teens to let go of the rope (mine had so much fun swinging, they came back and hit the rock they jumped off of, lol!) -- also, if there has been much rain (and right now, there has), I'm serious about all the mud -- just be prepared. Their favorite was the Fair Winds II snorkel in Kona, and the Volcanoes National Park (mainly because it included some walking) TIP For the Thurston Lava Tube, the parking lot is a madhouse, park instead at the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and walk the .5 easy trail to the Thurston Lava Tube. Then, if you don't want to walk back, send the hiker in the party for the car. Much easier, and a great little trail. My teen also loved Volcanoes National Park because at the end of Chain of Craters road, we parked and he walked and climbed all over the lava fields. Very cool! Also, he really enjoyed the Teen Center on the ship and all their various activities -- he made friends there. Have fun!

Can you tell me what the sleeping accomadations are for the 3rd and 4th person please? Thank you.

The balcony room we were in had a queen sized bed, and a small full sized pull-out sofa. I say small full, because it was a little bigger than a twin. Two regular sized people, or my two children (11 & 13) could not have shared that bed at all. Maybe if they were 4 years old or something. Hope that helps :)

Thanks for the review. I am also planning to go to K-Bay in Kona and I've heard it can be tricky to get there on time for the Fairwinds so I'm keeping Evelyn's number handy and will reserve a taxi with her before we go.   Last time I was in Kauai, I had a rental car and went to the north shore all the way to the edge of the NaPali coast at Ke'e beach and was told we wouldn't have time to go to Waimea canyon so this trip I'm planning on going to Waimea canyon and wondered if we would have time to see some waterfalls too so I'm glad to see that you were able to do it all.

Lisa: You definitely can do the canyon and some waterfalls, too. I think the rental car place closed at 10pm, and the last shuttle from the rental agency to the ship was at 7pm. We left at about 9:15am for the rental car agency (just to give you an idea). I heard it was tricky as well to get to Fair Wind (actually, I think it's on their own website, lol), but it was absolutely no problem -- we were not even the last people to check in. As long as you get the 1st tender boat (easy to do), and pre-arrange a taxi, you'll even be early. Have fun!

I'm so glad that my review was helpful to you. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Too bad about PWF...and rude to you on top of it! Thanks for posting your review....and Happy New Year!   Donna

Thank YOU Donna! Loved your post -- inspired me to do my own.

• 4 weeks later...

Thanks for your great review--very helpful! We're on POA in April w/our 8-YO son; a bit younger than yours but I think we'll do similar activities.

cruiseman40

kdkoch: Well said and thanks for the review!

Thanks for the great tips and the positive review. Is Haleakala still cold (30-35 degrees) later in the morning about 10-11:30?

Is Haleakala still cold (30-35 degrees) later in the morning about 10-11:30?

I don't know what time of year you are going, but I was there last year in August, and it was quite pleasant later in the morning. It was sunny and (I'm guessing) about 60-65 degrees. It wasn't windy either.

collanshelash

Thanks for your informative, interesting and well-written review of the POA. As this will be our 6th cruise (3rd on NCL), we were somewhat depressed about all the negative comments regarding the food and service onboard; however, after reading your great review, I agree -- it IS what you make it, and a positive attitude is always best!

As you recommended in your review, we are arriving early on Oahu and will spend 5 fun-filled days exploring your island first before boarding the POA on 3/5. We are hoping (and praying) that the jellyfish we've heard about are gone so that we can enjoy some of your gorgeous beaches while on Oahu, but even if they aren't, we already have lots planned to see / do that won't include being "in the water", e.g., catamaran dinner cruise, touring several state parks and water fall areas, Diamond Head hike, Paradise Cove luau, and of course, Pearl Harbor.

By Saturday, I'm sure we'll be pleasantly exhausted and ready for some "downtime" once we get onboard. Thanks again!

Is Haleakala still cold (30-35 degrees) later in the morning about 10-11:30? I don't know what time of year you are going, but I was there last year in August, and it was quite pleasant later in the morning. It was sunny and (I'm guessing) about 60-65 degrees. It wasn't windy either.

I'll be there in 2 weeks. Thanks for the input. I hope that we have the same pleasant weather in February that you did in August.:)

bigtoeswim'n

Great review KDKoch: Thx for taking the effort to post.

My question is about the car rental. Did you buy car insurance? No one mentions this when they say they have rented a car, so I assume they did not as I have read it is quite expensive.

How about the others who rented cars? In a perfect world, insurance wouldn't be necessary, but we all know about the distratct driver on the cell phone and stuff like that, creating havoc. Yes, I do know about credit cards have insurance coverage and most people's car insurance might cover this too. but I just want to know what other ACTUALLY did while renting a car in Hawaii.

thx everyone.

Great review KDKoch: Thx for taking the effort to post.   My question is about the car rental. Did you buy car insurance? No one mentions this when they say they have rented a car' date=' so I assume they did not as I have read it is quite expensive.   How about the others who rented cars? In a perfect world, insurance wouldn't be necessary, but we all know about the distratct driver on the cell phone and stuff like that, creating havoc. Yes, I do know about credit cards have insurance coverage and most people's car insurance might cover this too. but I just want to know what other ACTUALLY did while renting a car in Hawaii.   thx everyone.[/quote']   At this satge, we will be buying insurance when we rent. Our car insurance in Australia does not cover us for rental cars. Our travel insurance only covers us for a limited amount. I fell safer to have the rental company insurance as well.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Cruises

Say goodbye to stress, everyday troubles and the norm – and Aloha to fun, sun, luaus, and much more when you choose a cruise to Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line. Live ‘Ke ola Maika’I’ (The Good Life) as you gaze upon some of the most picturesque islands, natural formations, and wildlife in the world. Engage in an incredible day of golf on the edge of a volcanic crater. Explore and inspire yourself with a trek through the Maui caves. Sugar plantations, historical memorials—Hawaii is a destination that has it all. Choose a Hawaii cruise with Norwegian and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

Things to Do on a Hawaii Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Get in the Aloha spirit with an exciting trip to Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line. While you are in the islands, be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, attend a Luau and visit the Molokini Crater.

• Luau Kalamaku (Kauai) Some would say that if there’s one thing you can’t miss out on while cruising to Hawaii, it’s a true luau experience. The beautiful hula dancers, the fire performers, the knives, the pig and, of course, the smiles—make sure you book a luau for your Norwegian Hawaiian cruise.  

• Pearl Harbor & Honolulu city (Honolulu) Enjoy a day of contrast with this excursion. You’ll start with a serious and yet inspiring trip to Pearl Harbor, where you can pay your respects and learn a bit of history. Then you can view the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in an dormant volcano crater, before spending some time in the incredible city and heading back to the airport.  

• Volcano & Rainbow Falls (Hilo) For a scenic excursion filled with tropical beauty, this is a perfect excursion. It includes time at the Wailuku River State Park and Rainbow falls, the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and Volcanoes National Park, where the great history of volcanoes in this region is on display. You’ll even walk through a lava tube in this amazing excursion.  

• Historic Kona (Kona) Experience the full Gold Coast experience with this excursion. You’ll see the grandeur of ancient temples, the pungent delight of coffee fields and of course, try a macadamia nut or two. Stop at the Kona coffee house, enjoy Kealakekua Bay sea views, and visit St. Benedict’s magnificent painted church. All this, and more with this Kona vista.  

• Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel (Maui) Spend some time in the Molokini islet, which is known as one of the top ten snorkel sites in the entire world. The creatures will astound you, and soon after you’ll have the chance to visit the Turtle Arches where you may come face to face with the famed Hawaiian green sea turtle.  

• Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure (Kona) This adventurous excursion is sure to get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face. Jump aboard a 24-foot raft and ride down the coast. You’ll be able to see incredible marine life, snorkel in the blue waters and explore sea caves on the return ride.  

Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Cruises

• Pride of America 7 Night Hawaii HNL Inter Island (HNL/HNL) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jun 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Pride of America 11-day O'ahu Explorer Hyatt Waikiki Standard View Cruisetour Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jul 2024 - Dec 2025)
• Pride of America 7 NIGHT Hawaii CRUISE Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jul 2024 - Dec 2025)
• Pride of America 11-day O'ahu Explorer Hyatt Waikiki Ocean View Cruisetour Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jul 2024 - Dec 2025)
• Norwegian Sun 14 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/PPT) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Oct 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 14 Night Hawaii - Other (PPT/HNL) Departing From Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Nov 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 13 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/PPT) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Nov 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 16 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/VAN) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jun 2025 - Oct 2025)
• Norwegian Sun 15 Night Hawaii - Other (HNL/VAN) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Jun 2025)
• Norwegian Sun 19 Night Hawaii - Other (VAN/HNL) Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jun 2025)

Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Departure Ports

Learn more about the different departure ports for a Hawaii cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Your Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Hawaii cruising photos from Norwegian Cruise Line. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii cruise vacation.

Couple under Hawaiian Waterfall

Hawaii Luau in Kalamaku

Oahu Hanauma Bay

Windsurfing in Oahu Kailua Bay

Coral reef in Molokini Crater, Hawaii

Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaiian Luau Fire Dancers

Hilo Rainbow Falls

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Spinner Dolphins

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The Ultimate Guide To Norwegian’s Pride of America – 7-Day Hawaii round-trip cruise

The ultimate guide to norwegian's pride of america 7-day hawaii roundtrip cruise.

Norwegian's Pride of America, a cruise ship sailing to all major Hawaiian Islands, is one of the best ways to explore Hawaii!

Norwegian’s Pride of America, the only cruise ship sailing the Pacific Ocean taking passengers to all major Hawaiian Islands, including – Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai!

Norwegian’s Pride of America is the only cruise ship in the US that sails the Pacific Ocean seven days a week, offering an opportunity to visit Hawaii’s four major islands without having to worry about inter-island transfers, hotels, and food. Norwegian’s Pride of America departs from Honolulu,  Oahu , then sails to the islands of  Maui ,  The Big Island of Hawaii , and  Kauai , and then finally heads back to Honolulu in the island of Oahu. I highly recommend Norwegian’s Seven Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise to everyone visiting Hawaii, especially first-time visitors!

One of the most challenging tasks when planning a trip to Hawaii is to decide on which Hawaiian island to visit! Every island in Hawaii is unique and equally charming, but most people visit the four islands – Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Though these islands are not very far, you would still need to take inter-island flights to each island and make your hotel arrangements in advance. This is where Norwegian’s Pride of America Seven Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise shines the most, as once you’re onboard the ship, you don’t need to worry about inter-island transfers, hotels, food, and onboard entertainment!

Norwegian’s Pride of America offers a fantastic well-paced itinerary, including overnight stays and, weather permitting, a tour of the Na Pali Coast!  

Norwegian’s Pride of America Seven Day Cruise makes it possible to visit all four major islands of Hawaii with ample amount of time for sightseeing on each island. The cruise itinerary is very well planned and designed, as you mostly sail at night and wake up on a different island in the morning! In the morning, you just have your breakfast, hop onto a rental car shuttle, rent a car, and go exploring the island. Once done, come back onboard to delicious food and entertainment. This is by far my favorite and most comfortable way to explore the islands of Hawaii while enjoying all the fun of a cruise ship! 

Here is my ultimate guide to Norwegian's Pride of America 7-Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise, featuring essential trip-planning information, major stops & attractions, and onboard dining & entertainment options!

Norwegian's Pride of America Highlights

Well-paced itinerary with excellent onboard amenities, including freestyle dining, shopping, live performances, and help desks to plan your island excursions! 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Itinerary : Norwegian’s Pride of America departs from Honolulu, Oahu, every Saturday, around 7 PM, then sails to Maui, giving you two days to explore the island of Maui – Sunday & Monday, Monday night it sails for Hilo, on the East side of the Big Island of Hawaii, after spending the entire Tuesday at Hilo, at night the cruise ship sails to Kona, the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii giving you the whole Wednesday in Kona. Wednesday night, it departs for Kauai and stays in Kauai and gives you two days at Kauai – Thursday & Friday, and then finally leaves Kauai on Friday night, reaching its final stop at Honolulu, Oahu on Saturday morning. 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Staterooms : Norwegian’s Pride of America offers several stateroom options, including Studio, small, well-designed rooms with all amenities perfect for solo travelers, Inside Rooms – standard rooms for two with comfortable bedding and amenities, just that there’s no window for an ocean view, Ocean View – the rooms are pretty similar to Inside Rooms just that you have a window overlooking the ocean, Balcony – absolutely my favorite, you get a private balcony, and Suite – luxurious apartment-style rooms with all modern amenities and a balcony. With rooms being cleaned and bed made twice a day and with dedicated friendly attendants, service on Norwegian’s Pride of America is exemplary! 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Dining Options : Norwegian’s Pride of America has several excellent dining options onboard and offers freestyle dining, which means you can eat whenever you want to eat in any of these complementary restaurants:

• Aloha Cafe (International Buffet)
• Cadillac Diner (American)
• East Meets West (Asian)
• Skyline and Liberty Restaurants (Main Dining)

However, reservations are needed for the specialty restaurants, and there is a cover charge or a la carte pricing in the following restaurants:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse (Steak & Seafood)
• Le Bistro (French)
• La Cucina (Italian)
• Modern Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese)

Norwegian’s Pride of America Onboard Entertainment : With so much to see on every island of Hawaii, you might not get any time to spend on the ship, but if you decide to stay back on the ship, you will have several things to do onboard – a very spacious and well-equipped gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, tennis, basketball, sundeck, shopping, library, and several activities, including origami, daily poolside games, karaoke, and a lot more.

Norwegian’s Pride of America Nightly Performances : To take onboard entertainment to the next level, Norwegian’s Pride of America features live performances every night in its Hollywood theater, including Vegas! The Show, Wonder! A Magical Experience, and several musicals & comedy shows.

Norwegian’s Pride of America Shore Excursions : Everything on the cruise is very well coordinated! Every night you will find a brochure in your stateroom with an itinerary for the next day. The booklet contains details about the upcoming island stop, things to do, and various shore excursion options, which you can book directly via the cruise line. There’s also a staffed help desk near the main reception area, where you will find all the information and help you need to plan your sightseeing tours and activities on the upcoming Hawaiian island. 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Wifi & Other Technologies : There is a cost, but you will still find wifi in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Depending on your need, you can select the wifi internet packages ranging from basic browsing to high-speed video streaming. Norwegian Pride of America also uses state-of-the-art technologies to make life simple onboard, including restaurant reservations using your television and the handy NCL mobile app.

Norwegian's Pride of America Cruise Itinerary

Norwegian’s Pride of America cruises the Pacific Ocean seven days a week, starting Saturday evening from Honolulu, Oahu, and then traveling to Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, and finally making its way back to Oahu on Saturday morning. Per the itinerary, you get about two days on the island of Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai, which is a very reasonable amount of time to explore the islands’ main attractions. Exploring Oahu, which unquestionably is a must-do, you can either arrive a couple of days early in Oahu before boarding the cruise or explore Oahu upon returning from your cruise.

Here’s the route and the Hawaiian islands covered on Norwegian’s Pride of America Cruise Seven Day Cruise, starting from Oahu and then sailing the Pacific in a clockwise direction!

Oahu (Embark & Disembark)

Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island & home to the state capital, Honolulu, features unfathomably beautiful nature and an amalgam of Native Hawaiian traditions & modern western culture! You must plan on spending a couple of days before or after your cruise to explore Oahu’s golden beaches, historic sites, surf towns, rich history & culture –  Oahu Travel Guide .

Maui (Two Days)

Maui, renowned the world over for its idyllic beaches, coastal vistas, & the Road to Hana, the most scenic coastal drive on the planet, is a true Eden on earth! You get two days in Maui, of which I recommend spending one day exploring West, Central, and Upcountry Maui; you can find more details in my  Maui Travel Guide , and one day driving the iconic  Road to Hana .

The Big Island

The Big Island (Hilo & Kona – Two Days)

The Big Island of Hawaii, also called the “Island of Hawaii,” is the southernmost and the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s home to a world of unfathomably beautiful nature popularly known for its Kilauea volcano, hardened & steaming lava fields, lava tubes, black sandy beaches, coastal views, rainforests, and much more –  Island of Hawaii Travel Guide .

Kauai (Two Days)

Kauai, the last stop on the cruise, is often referred to as the “Garden Isle” and is blessed with unmatched natural beauty that has intrigued several filmmakers and has been featured in several movies, including the all-time favorite – “Jurassic Park!” Kauai, popularly known for its Na Pali Coast, has a lot more to offer, including gorgeous beaches, rainforests, rivers, waterfalls –  Kauai Travel Guide .

Other Hawaii Attractions & Related Posts

Island Of Hawaii

Road To Hana

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Hello! I am writing to you because I am going to take the Pride of America to see Hawaii in 7 days and I am a little nervous because I am not very good with boats, I get a little seasick, etc etc etc hahahah I wanted to ask you how is the sea between the islands, is the boat very rough, are there many waves? or the ride is smooth I want to know how to prepare, I’m going on February 24, Thank you!

Hi Maggie, I’m sorry for the late response. I guess by now, you have already returned from your Hawaii cruise. However, in my experience, you shouldn’t have any problem. The ship is enormous, almost like an entire city sailing on the sea, and the waters are not too rough either, so most of the time, you won’t even realize that the ship is sailing. The best part is that the ship sails only at night when you’re asleep, and you get up in the morning when the ship is anchored on a different island! I hope you had a blast on your Hawaii cruise!

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What’s It Like to do a Norwegian Hawaii Cruise?

Are you curious what it’s like to do a 7-day hawaii cruise keep scrolling for a detailed review of the norwegian hawaii cruise between oahu, maui, kauai, and the big island., this guide to the norwegian hawaii cruise was co-written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Guest post by Jeana Kinne

Have you ever wanted to experience Hawaiian life from the sea?

Cruising the islands provides a unique experience, seeing islands from a different perspective, keeping kids entertained (even while traveling), and experiencing fresh Hawaiian foods every day!

If you like to move around and be entertained while traveling (instead of sitting in a car or plane), you won’t be disappointed on the Norwegian 7-day island cruise! 

Keep scrolling to learn more about Norwegian cruises in Hawaii.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Hawaiian Island Cruise FAQs

While I usually recommend that people spend 7 days on one island to explore, a 7 day Hawaii cruise is a great way to get a taste of all the islands so you know which one(s) to return to. Plus, you can always add on a few days either before or after your cruise to explore Oahu.

There are several cruise lines that go around Hawaii, such as Princess, Disney, Crystal, Holland America, and the Royal Caribbean. However, Norwegian Cruise Line has a ship that’s based in Honolulu Hawaii. There’s also a company called UnCruise Adventures that sails throughout Hawaii.

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, head to Hawaii in the fall. This is the shoulder season in Hawaii. And that’s when you’ll score the best deals on Hawaii cruises (especially in September and October). Plus, there are usually sales on flights to Oahu.

Why We Picked Norwegian Cruises in Hawaii

My husband and I chose to visit Hawaii for our honeymoon because we had never been to the islands before. It is something we had always wanted to do but didn’t seem to have the time.

As we scoured the internet, searing at all of the different islands, it became overwhelming trying to figure out which islands to visit and for how long. We wanted to go to them all! 

Soon we came across the Norwegian 7-day island hopping cruise. We were shocked at how many islands we could visit in such a short amount of time. This is one of many Hawaiian island cruises.

Taking this amazing Hawaiian cruise would give us a taste of what each island was about. And it would give us some insight on where we would want to spend more time on future island visits. 

What Are Norwegian Hawaiian Cruises Like?

This was our very first cruise! We had no idea what we were walking into but as two people that love boating, we knew it would be great. We had no idea how much fun we would have. This 7-day Hawaiian cruise was so exciting, we left wanting to go on more! 

As you walk into the cruise ship, Norwegian Cruiseline Pride of America, you are greeted with leis and some Hawaiian drinks ! (Not a shabby way of commuting!)

The cruise ship was humongous. It reminded me of a resort that was floating on water! There were several stories, the first few floors had our rooms and the middle and top floors had dining and entertainment venues. 

Activities/Entertainment

No matter what your interests are, you will find something that you love on the ship. There are sports courts, shopping areas, a casino, live entertainment, multiple pools, and hot tubs, a spa, a gym, and many bars and restaurants.

My favorite part was the “all you can eat” buffet that has food available all day long. So, you can eat when it’s most convenient for your family. The never-ending ice cream machine was my husband’s favorite! 

The middle deck had all of the entertainment venues, including the theater and shops. One of the shops is called the “PEARL Factory.” This is where you can create your own pearl necklace by opening up your very own oyster. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. I wear that pearl necklace often. 

There is endless entertainment for every age. The theater shows are truly magnificent. They are filled with talented actors and actresses, and there is a different show every night.

Just grab yourself a pina colada (given to you in a pineapple with a straw in it) and head into the stadium seating theater to watch a magic show, view a Broadway show, or watch singers that have all-star talent. There are poolside games, outdoor movie nights under the stars, and so much more!

If you have children, the Splash Children’s Area will be a must-visit! This complimentary area is for kids only, filled with staff to watch children, facilitate games and activities just for kids! They go on “ship trips” around to kid-friendly activities and shows just for them.

These complimentary childcare areas watch children as young as 6 months old. They give parents some much-needed downtime to watch a show, spend some time in the adult’s only hot tub, or get a massage. Find out more about what is available for children of all ages here .

Hawaii Shore Excursions

About a month before you depart on your cruise, you will want to book your shore excursions to make sure that you are able to take part in what you want to do. Shore excursion options include beach days, tours, active experiences and so much more.

You can book directly through the Norwegian cruise ship website . Or you can use Shoretrips.com , which is a smaller company that has trip options everywhere.

Shoretrips tend to have smaller group excursions and ones that last the entire day. They are created and reviewed by travel agents and their excursions are a wonderful way to explore the islands. For this particular cruise, we booked all of our excursions through Shoretrips.com.

Norwegian Hawaii Cruise Island Hopping

Experiencing the Hawaiian islands from a ship is very different than traveling by plane.

When you plan the Hawaiian Cruise, you don’t have to think about lodging, plane tickets, food, transportation, or being certain places by specific times. The 7-Day Hawaiian Island Hopping cruise is all-inclusive, except for what activities you choose to do on each island.

You never have to worry about how you are going to get somewhere, where you are going to eat (you have several restaurants and a buffet available to you 24 hours a day), or where you are going to stay. 

Instead of spending part of your day traveling, by choosing the Norwegian Island Hopping cruise, you will travel while you sleep!

As this was our first cruise, we stayed in an indoor cabin, which was perfect for us. We slept in the room at night and were out and about throughout the day. So, we didn’t need much room.

If you like to spend more time in your cabin, you can choose from an ocean view room, a balcony room, or even a suite. We would spend all day out on the islands, come back to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment, go to sleep, then wake up on a new island. 

When you island hop by plane , you do see the islands by air. But when you island hop by boat, you see the island by sea.

Have you ever seen the Kawaikini mountains up close before? We had the privilege of seeing them under a rainbow when cruising by them on our last day of the cruise. The captain of the ship is always on the ship’s loudspeaker when boating past landscapes, so you can run to the window to see, and point out rainbows and animals. 

What is it Like to Cruise the Hawaii Islands?

Although you do spend a lot of time on the ship, you have plenty of time on each island. For most ports, you dock by 8:30 am and have until 6:00 pm on that island.

After spending a full day exploring the island, we looked forward to returning to the ship to shower, eat and relax. We did spend two days on Maui and two days on Kauai where we didn’t need to be back on the boat by a certain time.

Honolulu Cruise Port

There are lots of Hawaii cruises from Honolulu. That’s because it has a large port and most people fly into Honolulu International Airport.

The main port of Honolulu is off the beaten path from the main city. We didn’t spend much time here as we wanted to board the ship early in order to find our rooms and get familiar with the ship, as this was our first cruising experience.

Some shipmates who had arrived earlier that week spent time exploring Honolulu, spending the day at the beach, shopping, or visiting Pearl Harbor . 

Hawaii Cruise: Day 1

The cruise boarding started around 1 pm for early arrivals. After you complete the boarding line, and your bags are tagged, you are able to enter the ship. Your bags are delivered to your room by 4 pm that same day.

In between that time, you spend the day visiting different areas of the ship, familiarizing yourself with the layout, spending time laying out by the pool deck, and grabbing a snack at the buffet by the pool. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied while you wait for the ship to depart from the port. 

Maui Cruise Port

We arrived at Kahului (Maui) at 8 am on our second day of the cruise. After grabbing a hearty breakfast from that “build your own crepe” bar, we were ready for adventure.

Hawaii Cruise: Day 2

Since we chose to book shore excursions ahead of time, we had our tickets and our pick-up time already set. For this Maui Shore Excursion, we chose the Waterfalls and Rainforest Hike . This is still my favorite shore excursion to date! 

On this excursion, we met our guide at 8:30 am outside of the terminal building. Children ages six years and older were allowed to join the hike. We were given water bottles, bagged lunch, and information on hiking the mountains.

This hike was an easy to moderate hike, walking up the rainforest hill on switchbacks, taking breaks every five minutes to eat something fresh right from the forest.

I refer to this hike as the “eat my way through rainforest hike!” Our guide was hilarious, and had us try edible roots, flowers, and fruit that were picked right in front of us! 

We walked through the forest, over some streams until we came to a very large waterfall pond that we swam in! Some of the men and children did some cliff jumping and others swam under the waterfall.

We ate lunch at this waterfall and then headed back to the beach where we got back on the boat in time for a nice nap by the pool.

The cruise ship stayed overnight in Maui. So we were able to get off the ship and walk around the port that evening.

Hawaii Cruise: Day 3

The following morning we decided to spend the day at the beach, and do this through an excursion called “ Beach Day in Maui .” We met a tour bus at 9 am on the pier, which took us down to Wailea Beach.

There were beach chairs and beach umbrellas there for rent, along with an area to buy food and drinks. We spent all day lounging by and swimming in the ocean, soaking up the amazing Hawaiian sun!

The Norwegian Cruiseline left the Maui port at 6 pm. We returned to the ship for onboard entertainment and dining. 

There are so many different shore excursions to choose from on Maui, including food tours, snorkeling, ocean kayaking, and touring the Road to Hana. You can find all of the different shore excursion options for this port here :

Hilo Cruise Port

The next morning (day four of the 7-day Hawaiian cruise) we woke up in Hilo Hawaii. This is on the East side of the Big Island.

Hawaii Cruise: Day 4

Our trip for the day was a bike ride around the Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . We met our excursion guide in the terminal building and hopped into a van that took us to the top of the Kilauea volcano. Here we were able to view the volcano before we were fitted with our bikes and helmets. 

Once on our bikes, we rode around the level, slightly inclined roads around the active volcano area. As we made our way to different areas of the volcano, we rode our bikes through empty lava tubes and explored volcanic ash. 

Given that we just biked around a volcano, we chose to take a nap on the ship when we returned from the tour and stay on board for dinner. Our ship left the island at 6 pm that night as we headed to Kona, on the other side of the Big Island. 

For those that aren’t into biking around volcanos, there are many other excursions available to choose from waterfall hikes, zipline tours, volcanic tours, Japanese gardens, and much more. You can view more options here .

Kona Cruse Port

Kona is an amazing area, filled with volcanic ash areas, coffee plantations , and so much more. Since we had explored volcanoes in Hilo, we decided to spend this day in the water.

Hawaii Cruise: Day 5

At 8 am, our guide met us on the front of deck 5, prepping us for our exciting day kayaking and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean.

This Kona excursion was for children ages 10 years old or older. It included transportation to the beach, kayak equipment, and snorkeling equipment.

This 3 ½ mile, round trip kayaking experience isn’t for the faint of heart. Kayaking in the ocean includes some pretty large waves! This was my first experience kayaking in an ocean and it was amazing!

The coral reefs and fish that we saw under the water during our snorkeling hour were amazing. The vibrant colors and landscape of the hidden beach cove kept the large waves out! 

This half-day trip ended by dropping us back off at the ship in time for lunch. There are many different excursions available in Kona, including coffee and wine tasting, a history bus tour, small cruises, catamaran, hiking tours, submarine tours and so much more.

You can find more Kona excursions available through NCL 7- Day Island Hopping Hawaiian cruise here .

Kauai Cruise Port

Kauai was our last stop in this seven-day island hopping Hawaiin cruise with NCL. We were able to spend two days on this amazing island. And we tried to experience as much of it as we could.

Hawaii Cruise: Day 6

On the first day, we chose the CJM Country Stables horseback riding beach tour. These horses were amazingly calm (especially for a novice rider!)

We explored the backcountry, sea cliffs, and sandy beaches, all by horseback. This is a wonderful tour for children and adults who want to see an island from horseback!

Once we returned to the ship, we ate lunch then left for our afternoon adventure. We hailed a taxi and explored Opaeka Falls, Wailua River, Wailua Falls, Menehune Fish pond, Kauai Lagoons, and Sea Turtle Cove.

On our way back to the cruise ship, we saw a sign for the Fern Grotto Wailua River Cruise and I had to stop! This wonderful cruise was $20 per person ($10 for children under 10) for a 90-minute roundtrip tour of the Wailua River.

As you ride the boat down the grotto, we were serenaded by traditional Hawaiian music (live) and stories of the history of the river. It included a short, twenty-minute nature walk through the rainforest to the fern grotto and historic cave. 

Hawaii Cruise: Day 7

The following day was our last full day on the cruise and what better way to end a trip than to get dirty?

Yes! We went mudbugging with the Mud Bug Waterfall Safari tour from the Kauai ATV company. And oh what a trip it was!

We left at 6:45 am in a small bus to our ATV nook. From here, we were given old shirts and pants to put over our clothes, as we were headed through wet lava (a VERY stainable mud!) at high rates of speed!

We splashed through the rain puddles and drove past the area where Jurassic Park movies were filmed. We cleaned off in a waterfall before heading back to port. 

There is a huge variety of Kauai excursion options including evening Hawaiian luaus (this is the island that most people saw live luaus on), hiking, brewery tours, zip-lining, kayaking, and walking tours.

You can find more about the NCL Kauai excursions here .

The NCL cruise ship left the Kauai port at 2pm that day as we had to make it back to Honolulu to depart the cruise the next morning. 

So, is a Norwegian Hawaiian Cruise Worth it?

We had so much fun on this cruise. The ability to visit multiple islands and not worry about traveling or getting to places on time made vacation really feel like a vacation.

Everything was paid for ahead of time, so there was no stress about money. The food was delicious and there was a variety of entertainment.

I highly recommend this cruise if you haven’t been to the islands before, or if you are wanting to experience the islands from a different view.

The Norwegian 7 Day Hawaiian Island Hopping cruise was great for those who have seasickness, since the boat stayed between islands and didn’t travel far out to sea.

We had the most amazing time and I can’t wait to hear how you like it too!

About Jeana

Jeana Kinne is a children’s book author of the Sammy the Golden Dog children’s books for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children. When she isn’t working with infants and toddlers with special needs, she and her husband love to travel and experience new places around the world. You can find her at www.JDEducational.com .

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

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Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

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.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

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. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

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. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

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.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.