Donna Heiderstadt, a New York-based freelance travel writer and editor, has visited 99 countries (and counting), taken 70-plus cruises and written about her global experiences for the past 25 years.
February 13, 2025 • 16 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Hawaii cruises offer a unique way to explore the islands, with options ranging from large ships with extensive amenities to intimate adventure-focused vessels.
Itineraries vary widely, from weeklong inter-island sailings to extended voyages crossing the Pacific, appealing to different traveler preferences and timeframes.
Some cruises allow for overnight stays in ports, maximizing shore time and enabling deeper cultural and natural exploration.
Cruise experiences cater to a range of audiences, including couples, families, adventure seekers and those seeking luxury or traditional cruise atmospheres.
What to consider
Year-round Hawaii cruises are limited, with most options available seasonally or during ship repositionings.
Many itineraries require multiple sea days and, in some cases, passports due to international port calls.
Smaller ships may offer more immersive experiences but often come at a higher price point.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of the top eight Hawaii cruise itineraries, including standout features, ideal traveler types and onboard experiences.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Cruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. The Aloha State is, in many ways, the 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.
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
Pride of America visiting Kauai. DANNY LEHMAN/NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
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 at Maui and Kauai, plus port calls at both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. 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 precruise or postcruise 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 (think: a racetrack, virtual reality gaming and waterslides) of Norwegian’s newer ships — but that’s OK, 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: This itinerary is ideal for anyone seeking a convenient way to island hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — as it makes 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.
UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes
Safari Explorer off the coast of Maui. UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
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 Hawaii Island, 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 paina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to all-terrain-vehicle adventures exploring the privately owned island’s dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.
Maui’s humpback whale season is typically from mid-January to March. If your cruise falls within that time frame, you might catch sight of them while cruising off the coast of Maui. 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 via a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast, among other activities.
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 water sports.
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 about 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.
Koningsdam in Vancouver, British Columbia. HOLLAND AMERICA
Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America's 17- and 18-night Circle Hawaii itinerary, sailing round-trip from San Diego and Vancouver, British Columbia. The itinerary is offered in 2025 and 2026 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, 1,432-passenger Zaandam and 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam.
Cruisers who book these sailings must love sea days because crossing the Pacific to Hawaii and back requires 10 days. In between, passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Itineraries from San Diego include a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports will be required.
Travelers with more time can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Holland America offers a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary that combines visits to four Hawaiian Islands with calls in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati — plus nearly three weeks of sea days.
Even longer itineraries are available aboard Zaandam. Choose between 51- and 56-night Tales of the South Pacific sailings 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 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 enjoy a more traditional cruise experience will appreciate this itinerary. They should also love sea days as much as (or even more than) port exploration.
Princess Cruises also makes a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver in the fall and winter.
Most sailings take place aboard the 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess (from San Francisco) and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess (from Los Angeles).
Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours when visiting Hawaii Island (Hilo), Kauai and Maui; they stay for 16 hours during Oahu port calls. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, 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. They have plenty of outdoor space for soaking up some sun — including an adults-only sundeck — 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 sundeck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu. M SWEET PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
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 eight to 12 nights — but only if the timing is right. That’s because the line only offers two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) when 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 Island), 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 precruise or postcruise exploration.
Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy these ships’ chic, grown-up ambience and amenities. 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; passengers aboard Celebrity Edge can enjoy the international Eden Restaurant and Fine Cut Steakhouse, among many other dining options.
Celebrity’s signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. You can either 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 those in their 40s and 50s who are part of Generation X and within Celebrity’s target market.
Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles
Carnival cruise ship off the coast of Maui. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
If a good time 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, California) aboard 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other round trips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend four days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii Island. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, 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, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, 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, the Alchemy Bar and the WaterWorks aqua park. 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 will likely enjoy this itinerary.
North Star viewing pod on Quantum of the Seas. ROY RILEY/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too, on Royal Caribbean's 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas in April 2025 and 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas in May 2026.
Each ship will stop in Hawaii on its way back from Australia, where Quantum is spending winter 2024-25 and Anthem will take its place in winter 2025-26. These one-way cruises from Oahu to Vancouver include a stop in Kona and a scenic cruise along the Napali Coast before the ship crosses the Pacific. Since this itinerary ends in Vancouver, passports are required.
Sister ships Quantum and Anthem 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.
The ships also offer more than a dozen dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland restaurant, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House. Bar options include Schooner Bar for piano tunes by request, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment ranges from live cover bands in the Music Hall to multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.
Who should go: This itinerary is for 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. Also, fares for these sailings start from $776 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin, making them affordable cruise options — though you’ll want to tack on a few nights in a hotel to see more of Hawaii before you set sail.
If you'd prefer to cruise to Hawaii on a luxurious small ship, Silversea Cruises offers one-way cruises between Hawaii and Vancouver on the 596-passenger Silver Moon and 392-passenger Silver Whisper.
Silver Whisper's 10-night itineraries sail between Honolulu and Vancouver and visit Hawaiian ports in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island (Kona and Hilo) with six days spent at sea. Silver Moon's 13-night Hawaii cruise starts in Hilo then overnights in Kona, followed by calls in Kauai, Maui and Oahu (with a second overnight in Honolulu) before its six-day Pacific crossing to Vancouver.
But who will mind a week at sea when you're being treated to gourmet dining and free-flowing drinks (including Champagne and caviar wherever and whenever you'd like it)? In your spacious suite (yes, everyone gets one), you'll be spoiled by a butler who will draw you an aromatherapy bath, bring you truffle popcorn to enjoy with an in-room movie or even unpack and repack your bags. You can seek out extra pampering in the ship's spa or make new friends when you join a competitive afternoon trivia team.
When you do set foot in Hawaii, you're entitled to one shore excursion free of charge every day. You have no excuse not to go off and explore.
Who should go: Couples who prefer the sophisticated ambience of a small ship with few children on board and who are content to spend sea days in quiet pursuits, such as reading, attending guest lectures or playing bridge with new friends. Silversea's all-inclusive cruise fares aren't cheap — but if you find value in attentive service, refined amenities and included food and beverage, the splurge will be worthwhile.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
