hawaiian island hopper cruises

Island Hopping in Hawaii: How to Do It Right

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Share with your friends!

When you’re making the big trip to Hawaii, you might plan on island hopping. But what’s the easiest way to get around? And is it worth the trip?

Hawaii island hopping is absolutely worth it. The islands are all incredibly different and it’s easy to get from island to island. But it’s important to know that island hopping can be time-consuming so you want to make sure your trip is long enough for these extra travel days. 

To help you plan your trip, let’s get into the details. 

Now that you’re about to know how to go inter-island like a pro, make sure you have the other parts of your trip figured out: 1. We use Discount Hawaii Car Rental 95% of the time and it has saved us thousands 2. If you haven’t booked your stay, check out our Where to Stay database 3. We’ve searched high and low for the absolute best tours & activities on each island 4. Don’t leave home without our itineraries . Really.

Options for Hawaii Island Hopping:

If you’re looking to island-hop in Hawaii, you have a few options. Depending on what islands you’re traveling between, you can get there by airplane or ferry. You can also book an inter-island cruise or a guided tour to island hop for a day. 

Let’s look at these options more in-depth:

1. Flying between Hawaiian islands

Flying between the Hawaiian islands is the most popular and least expensive way to island hop. 

Commercial Airlines offering inter-island flights: 

There are three commercial airlines that offer inter-island flights in Hawaii:

1. Hawaiian Airlines : The largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines has the inter-island routes covered. On Hawaiian Airlines, you can find direct flights between Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Hawaiian Airlines flies into the major airports on each island: Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), Kahului, Maui (OGG), Lihue, Kauai (LIH), Kona, Hawaii (KOA), and Hilo, Hawaii (ITO). 

2. Southwest Airlines : The newest entrant to inter-island travel, Southwest Airlines operates on similar routes to Hawaiian Airlines. You’ll get direct flights between the four major islands. Known for their low-cost fares, they’re generally your cheapest option for inter-island flying (though Hawaiian Airlines has extremely competitive fares). 

3. Mokulele Airlines : Mokulele Airlines operates small, turbo-prop planes that fly from the main airports as well as smaller airports on the islands. It is the only airline to fly to both Molokai and Lanai. On the Big Island, it flies out of Hilo (ITO) and Kona (KOA) as well as Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE). And on Maui, it flies out of both Kahului (OGG) as well as Kapalua (JHM). Just like the other airlines, it also flies out of Honolulu (HNL) and Lihue (LIH). 

Things to Consider When Between Southwest and Hawaiian Flying Interisland:

• Southwest offers free checked bags, a big savings unless you qualify for free bags on Hawaiian.
• Hawaiian Airlines provides an island vibe with colorful decor and serves juice (passion orange nectar or something similar).
• Hawaiian Airlines offers better options for seat assignments. If you book early, you can reserve a free seat. They also offer reasonably priced extra legroom upgrades.
• Hawaiian Airlines has premium options like first-class and extended legroom in economy.
• If you want USB charging at your seat, choose Southwest (pending fleet-wide installation).
• Southwest makes canceling and rebooking simpler. Hawaiian does not offer the ability to re-deposit and use funds as easily as Southwest.

Airports on Each Island (+ map):

Each Hawaiian island that you can visit has at least one airport, which makes island hopping a breeze. The airport codes for each airport are:

Oahu: Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu (HNL)

Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) Kapalua Airport (JHM)

Hawai’i (Big Island): Hilo International Airport (ITO) Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE)

Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)

Lana’i: Lana’i Aiport (LNY)

Molokai: Molokai Airport (MKK)

Flight times between Hawaiian islands:

To give you an idea of just how quick these flights are, these are some sample times from Southwest Airlines:

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

2. taking a ferry between the hawaiian islands.

If you’re traveling between Maui and Lanai, you have the option of taking a ferry. Expeditions Lanai operates a ferry service for the 45-minute trip between the two islands. 

Here’s a video of our day trip to Lanai using Expeditions Lanai to island hop:

If you’re looking to take a ferry to Molokai, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, while a ferry used to operate between Maui and Molokai , that service stopped in 2016. 

Related read: Is Lanai Worth a Day Trip? Yes…and here’s why. 

3. Cruising between the Hawaiian Islands

If you’re set on seeing multiple islands in a short period of time and you don’t want to fly, taking an inter-island cruise is an option. Norwegian Cruise Line offers options that depart from and return to Oahu, making stops on the neighbor islands. 

If a Hawaiian cruise is up your alley, we have more resources for you! We cover all the cruise ports and what to know , the best time to cruise Hawaii , shore excursions on each island: Maui , the Big Island , Kauai , and Oahu . Plus you can grab a comprehensive Cruising Hawaii Guide with everything you need to know, all in one place.

4. Guided day trips

If you’re looking to island-hop just to make a day trip to Pearl Harbor, your best bet might be to go with a guide. Why? Guided tours offer an efficient and stress-free way to see as much as possible in a short day trip. Rather than needing to make reservations, book and pick up a rental car, and navigate a new spot, a guided trip can take care of the headache for you. 

Read more about our favorite experience island-hopping for our Pearl Harbor day trip . 

Is it easy to travel between the Hawaiian Islands?

Traveling between the Hawaiian islands is easy. The flights are short — 30 to 45 minutes in the air. Just enough time to get a glass of water or POG (Passion Orange Guava juice) if flying Hawaiian Airlines. 

Related read: What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation (plus a list for each island)

How much does it cost to travel between the Hawaiian Islands?

Depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book your tickets, travel between the Hawaiian islands can be very reasonable. Flights can be found as cheap as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. $39 is the best we’ve seen. Expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.

How long does it take to travel between the Hawaiian islands?

Flights between each Hawaiian island are short: expect them to last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for a direct flight. But even though the flight itself is short, when you’re island hopping in Hawaii, the entire process can easily take 4 to 5 hours (door to door). You’ll need to drive to the airport, return your rental car, go through security, fly to the next island, pick up a new rental car, and check into your hotel.

Expect your travel day to take even longer if you aren’t able to get a direct flight. Many of the inter-island flight options require a stop in Honolulu before heading onto your final destination. 

Island-hopping in Hawaii: Fast Faqs

Are there ferries between the hawaiian islands.

There is only one ferry between Hawaiian islands and that is the ferry from Maui to Lanai. There used to be a ferry between Maui and Molokai, but that ferry service was discontinued in 2016 . 

Cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands

The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to fly. You can find inter-island flights for as little as $39 each way, depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book. 

Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian islands

For most people, flying is the easiest way to travel between the Hawaiian islands. Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines all operate plenty of flights each day that will take you between all of the islands. 

If you’d prefer to have all of the island-hopping details taken care of for you, then the easiest way to travel between the islands is on a cruise ship. 

If you’re finding this article helpful, Pin it for fellow readers and follow for more !

Should you visit multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii?

If you have the time, you should consider visiting multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii. Each island offers something very unique and different. But make sure you’re giving yourself enough time on each island before moving to the next.

We generally recommend that you spend at least 5 days on each island that you visit. Ideally, you’ll be able to spend a little more time on each island to fully experience it as well as relax.  One ambitious newsletter reading couple visited all 4 of the major Hawaiian island in just 13 days, and while we don’t recommend it, we let them write all about it and share their itinerary .

Related read: What Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? We can help you decide. 

Yes, you can spend less time on an island but your trip will likely feel rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the features that make each island so unique and spectacular. 

Related read: Get the perfect first time to Hawaii itinerary (island hopping included!)

Get a good deal on a rental car while island hopping

When you get to a new island, you’ll probably need another rental car. Don’t spend more than you need to. We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental when we island hop. By using them, we’ve saved thousands of dollars over the last two years (seriously). They work with national carriers and you don’t need to pay anything in advance to secure your reservation. 

Trust us, Discount Hawaii Car Rental is really that good.

Hawaiian Islands’ Cheat Sheets

As you continue your Hawaii vacation trip planning, take the easy way out with our cheat sheets. Download free cheat sheets for each of the four major Hawaiian Islands to help you get familiar with the islands.

Free Download!

Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

Similar Posts

How to Get Around Without a Rental Car on Oahu (and when you need one)

Maui in February? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Visiting

34 Great Things to Do in Honolulu (that are actually IN Honolulu)

Airport Beach on Maui: Your Full Guide

A Local Resident’s 10 Free Things To Do on North Shore Oahu

Polynesian Cultural Center Review: Is a Visit Worth the Price?

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

Hawaiian Island Cruises

Hawaii Island Hopping by Small Ship

With tens of millions visiting the Aloha state each year, take a Hawaii island hopping cruise for an entirely new, off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Maybe you have been to Hawaii before, but never like this. While day cruises are common, overnight Hawaiian Island cruises are few and far between. Staying aboard a small ship offers unique opportunities to travel in an efficient and effortless way while never missing a sunset. Leave airport travel and hotel bag-packing behind to go Hawaii island hopping in style and ease.

Our Hawaiian Island cruises reach ports and locations that are off-the-beaten path and away from the typical Hawaii cruise destinations. These relaxed, intimate and active Hawaii small ship cruises may just offer the new spin on Aloha luxury you’ve been searching for. Your itinerary is flexible and not available to larger ships, making this Hawaii interisland cruise experience uncrowded, unrushed and full of active adventure exploring remote locales by foot, kayak, sailboat, paddleboard and motor launch.

This unique 8-day, 4-island itinerary offers discovery of Hawaii's rich traditions and natural wonders, including a thrilling night snorkel. Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer luxury yacht.

Hawaii Small Ship Cruises with AdventureSmith

We offer the most unique, intimate way to visit Hawaii—by yacht. Let us take you there with efficiency and ease. Why book your Hawaii interisland cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations?

Personalized

Work with one Adventure Specialist to prepare for your Hawaii island hopping cruise.

We can match you with the best Hawaiian cruise & timing thanks to our years of experience.

Snorkel, whale watch, hike, kayak & paddleboard all in one trip, included in the cost.

We’re here to help you save with our partnerships & exclusive Hawaii cruise deals.

Hawaii Cruises 2024 & 2025

Small ship Hawaii cruises in 2024 are hotter than ever thanks to travelers seeking more exclusivity and remoteness for their travels. Be among the few to cruise Hawaii. Our specialists make it easier than ever to go Hawaii island hopping. Skip the crowds and logistics of air travel and island hop Hawaii by small ship cruise. Our team can assist you with your trip this year, or Hawaii cruises in 2025 and beyond. 

Luxury Hawaii Cruises & Private Yacht Charters

Through AdventureSmith and our expertise with small ship cruising worldwide, you have the power to choose from scheduled Hawaii small ship cruises in Hawaii or design your own Hawaii island hopping charter cruise for an even more intimate experience with your small group. Let our award-winning experts skilled in pairing travelers with the right ship at the best price create the perfect Hawaii boat cruise for you. Think fresh-caught fish and tropical shorelines just for your group! Luxury Hawaii cruises are hard to find with mostly big ships and day cruises dominating the waters. Let us steer you to the best Hawaiian Island cruises that tap into authentic Aloha.

“ Cruising Hawaii offers a way to reach many of the islands, letting the captain and a flexible itinerary be your guide. ”

Temperature & Rainfall

Year-Round Hawaii Island Hopping

In Hawaii, winter is warm and summer is warmer. Even in “winter,” temperatures are regularly in the 80s, making it an incredible destination for year-round Hawaiian Island cruises. While rain is common, your small ship captain can navigate to windward and leeward sides of islands to take advantage of unique microclimates and steer you away from rain storms. Taking a Hawaii island hopping cruise can truly ensure you land in the best weather during your vacation.

Want to Learn More About Hawaii’s Climate?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

The Best Hawaii Cruise Ships

We’ve vetted the small boat options in Hawaii to offer everything from a small Hawaii yacht to an expedition ship offering luxury Hawaii cruises. These ships offer cruises around Hawaii with expert naturalist guides to interpret the destination’s unique environment and wildlife. Enjoy up-close exploration on guided shore excursions, swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking—just to name a few activities included aboard.

From luxury Hawaii cruises to finding a private yacht charter in Hawaii, our small ships can give you the experience you seek. The hallmark of small ship cruising is inclusivity, and as much time off the ship as possible. Consider these Hawaii cruise ships as a floating basecamp to see the Islands as few do—accessing shorelines away from high rises and crowds. The best Hawaii cruise is truly aboard a small ship.

This luxury motor yacht embodies an ambiance of refinement and relaxation, with just 36 guests. The Safari Explorer cruises the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska's Inside Passage. and the Gulf of Alaska.

The 200-to-264-guest Le Boreal combines high comfort with adventure. Cruising primarily in the polar regions and Pacific, she allows her guests to experience luxury, gastronomy, wellness, entertainment and active programming in remote destinations.

Hawaii Island Hopping Tales from Our Experts & Travelers

AdventureSmith travelers as well as our expert staff have been aboard small Hawaiian Island cruises and can help guide your trip planning. Read on to get a feel for your ship and activity choices, as well as the region and the striking tropical landscape and culture that await you. We share fun and personal stories from our Hawaiian Island cruises to help you learn more about what it’s like to be on a unique Hawaii island hopping cruise. These reviews can inspire and inform, whether you are planning a Hawaii honeymoon, a getaway with friends or an active family trip. Let these tales can inspire your own Hawaii interisland cruise and know what to anticipate.

An AdventureSmith expert shares his experience on the 8-day Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer.

What’s the first question a newly-married couple gets? “Where did you guys go on your Honeymoon?” We are outdoorsy and adventurous. We enjoy hiking and getting out there, we want to experience things that others could only read about. We didn't want to completely rough it on our honeymoon but we also didn't want the resort or the 2,000 person cruise ship.

As I drift off to sleep I begin to dream of the amazing experiences that I couldn't even have imagined only seven days ago. I dream of diving with manta rays, of Pele, the goddess of fire, of paddle boarding at Shark's Fin Cove and swimming in the cool water under the cascading falls of Moâ'oula.

What Travelers Say About Their Hawaiian Island Cruises

We wanted to experience the different islands of Hawaii, and we love water adventures, so this was a perfect fit!

We loved the luxury of the cruise, combined with the various active adventures. Perfect!

The guides were always enthusiastic, considerate of all passengers' abilities and extremely knowledgeable. The entrees were always fresh and locally sourced. Thank you Arielle for your help and quick response to questions.

The trip leaders were all excellent. Friendly, accommodating, helpful, fun. No request was ever too much, unless it was unsafe.

We've always wanted to see Hawaii but didn't want resorts or large cruise ships. This trip was very active, yet relaxed and intimate -- perfect for us.

This trip exceeded our expectations! We wanted to experience the different islands of Hawaii, and we love water adventures, so this was a perfect fit! We enjoyed all the water activities the most...mostly because that’s what we enjoy, and they were worth the effort. We saw lots of great fish, coral and other wildlife. We loved the whales, they put on quite a show! The group seemed to connect fairly quickly. Some great new friends!

Accommodations Review

The room on Safari Explorer was very nice. Bed was very comfortable!

Meals Review

All the meals were excellent!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We had everything we needed, and everything was well prepared for our travel and reservation.  

Crew & Guides Review

The entire crew was amazing. They got to know us within minutes of our first encounter, and always seemed to have a genuine concern for us. Jessica and Lauren were amazing. Both we well informed and found the best opportunities for us in every situation. Always very concerned and watching out for our safety. Both had a great sense of humor, Lauren tells some pretty good jokes! Jessica was always very positive and optimistic, and authentically sincere! They were an absolute delight! I don’t remember the name of the boat driver in Kona, he drove the Black Pearl. He was very informative and a lot of fun.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Hawaiian Seascapes Cruise
• Safari Explorer

Simply fantastic. We loved the luxury of the cruise, combined with the various active adventures. Perfect!

We had wanted to see Hawaii, but are not overly enthusiastic about crowds and commercialism. We wanted to see multiple islands, but did not know which ones to pick. This cruise was perfect, since they took us to 4 different islands and arranged lots of great activities. It was especially great because everything (including the alcohol) was included in one price.

Amazingly good food!

Maria and Jess did great jobs as our expedition leader/guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the activities and their enthusiasm.

We appreciated the advance information. And my questions were promptly and accurately answered.

Traveler Advice

There was one hike that was a bit grueling for me, but they were up front about it at the beginning. In spite of that, it was good to be out in the forest in Hawaii and see some things we don't see at home.

Beyond excellent in all ways! Snorkeling every day in a wide diversity of settings was our favorite activity. We also felt that all the excursions were planned so that you were fully immersed in the Hawaiian culture and experience.

Our ship quarters were compact but had ample storage even for over-packers like us.

The entrees were always fresh and locally sourced. Portion size was not overwhelming which I appreciated. You were always able to modify a dish or even request salads or oatmeal. Desserts were amazing, quality over quantity. Great specialty drinks and appetizers.

The guides were always enthusiastic, considerate of all passengers' abilities and extremely knowledgeable. 

Thank you Arielle for your help and quick response to questions.

• Arielle Lightcap

This is a well tuned adventure. The staff are very experienced with the itinerary, the excursions and activities, the ship, and seemed to really enjoy working with each other. The itinerary is busy if you participate in everything, but allows opting out choices for people who want to relax. The route is a slow pace, and flexible to allow for sudden changes in weather or whale sightings. The weather was perfect, and we got up close and personal with whales, dolphins, green sea turtles and many fish while snorkeling. We also got insights into life in the less visited islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i.

The rooms are pleasant, simple and functional. There was plenty of hot and fresh water. The beds are very comfortable.

The food was excellent - local, varied, and very flexible. The pastry chef was even more amazing. For this particular chef, he seemed to love garlic and salt. I would recommend easing up on both.

It's a fabulous adventure.

This was an ideal trip -- so many fun activities in a beautiful variety of Hawaiian locations, and yet without crowds and hustle-bustle. We loved the snorkeling and whale watching most. Both gave us a sense of awe at nature's variety and beauty, and the small groups with expert guides provided a rare atmosphere of intimacy. Everyone in our group of 25 was good-natured and enthusiastic. The night snorkel with manta rays was a disappointment because only one ray appeared that evening, but there were dozens of unruly tourists.

This trip was a blissful contrast to the "touristy" experience one often finds elsewhere in Hawaii. We've always wanted to see Hawaii but didn't want resorts or large cruise ships.  This trip was very active, yet relaxed and intimate -- perfect for us.

The ship was comfortable and welcoming.  Our cabin, while not large, had plenty of storage and was well appointed.

We thought the food was superb.  Both the chef and pastry chef offered a wonderful variety of delights at every meal, and we were always given choices.  The service was always capable and gracious

Our leaders (Jill Q. and Jill B) couldn't have been better.  They were highly knowledgeable, obviously loved nature and Hawaii, always positive and helpful -- they had that elusive balance of energy and even temper.  They went out of their way to give us a beautiful experience!

The information provided and Aaron's helpfulness were great.

Try to plan some time in Hawaii before and after the cruise.  The "before" allowed us to explore another part of the islands -- and gave the airline time to get our luggage to us two days late!  The "after" gives a chance to transition from the relaxation of the cruise to the hassle of the flight home.

Small Ship Hawaii Cruise Deals

Our experienced team can help you find the latest discounts, explain the ins-and-outs of Hawaiian Island cruises and secure your dream Hawaii interisland cruise at the best rate. From early-booking deals to discounts on new routes, browse our current deals on cruises around Hawaii for ways to save. While our options skew more toward luxury Hawaii cruises due to the ship accommodations, remote access and included activities, we do know how to land you Hawaii cruise deals if you are looking for them. The best Hawaiian cruise is one where you experience the authentic Aloha State at a relaxed pace, not just rush by as a tourist on the least expensive route.

Book your select 2025 departure in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico (Baja, California), or the Galapagos Islands and receive 2024 pricing + 10% off.

Experience a new aloha aboard Safari Explorer and visit four islands in one week! Book your select 2024 Hawaiian Seascapes cruise and save 10% off any cabin category.

Book your select 2025 departure of the below-linked small ship cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico (Baja, California) and the Galapagos Islands to lock in 2024 pricing and receive 10% off.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and can be combined with other select offers. See all  small ship cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

• Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay
• Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay
• Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka
• Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay
• Alaska Fjords & Glaciers
• Prince William Sound Explorer
• Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise
• Baja California’s Whales & Sealife
• Northern Gulf of California: Whales, Birds & Sealife
• Darwin’s Galapagos Discoveries

Save 10% on any cabin category when you book your select 2024 Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard Safari Explorer.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and can be combined with UnCruise loyalty savings, referral savings, military, and REI member benefits. See all small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures. Valid for departures on March 2, 9, 30; April 13, 20; November 1, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024.

Our Experts Are Your Quickest Way to Tropical & Hawaiian Islands Cruises

Not much beats Hawaii island hopping, but this iconic place is not our only tropical destination to small ship cruise . Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist you narrow down all the options worldwide. We’re here to help you find Hawaii cruise deals and Hawaii cruises 2024 and 2025, or to explore other remote island chains. Contact us to receive a personalized recommendation on the best Hawaiian cruise or Pacific Islands sailing for your travel style, budget and timing needs, or head to our Trip Finder to do your own research. Our team can assist with a personalized look at which Hawaii small ship cruises will be best for you.

Contact Us - Hawaiian Island Cruises

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
• Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
• Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
• By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
• Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Why A Cruise Is The Best Way To Go Hawaii Island Hopping

See the iconic Waikiki, lava-spewing volcanoes, and the Road to Hana all in one trip.

Hawaii is a dream getaway and a bucket-list destination. Weather is balmy year-round, with highs in the upper 70s in the “winter” and upper 80s in the summer. Hawaii has every activity imaginable, from swimming in waterfalls to laying out on a black-sand beach to snorkeling a volcano crater. Hawaiian culture is vibrant and the music, dance, and Hawaiian dishes are one-of-a-kind. 

You already know the reasons to take a vacation in Hawaii. The question is this: what is the best way to visit Hawaii—cruise or flight? Count us all in on cruising. 

Here are four reasons a cruise is the best way to island hop Hawaii.

1. Island Hop To Four Hawaiian Islands

The most significant benefit to a  Hawaii cruise  vs. flight is that you can island hop four islands in one roundtrip Hawaii cruise from  San Diego , California or  Vancouver . You’ll cruise to Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai and experience the notable differences between islands. 

Our overnights in  Honolulu  give ample time to tour Pearl Harbor, hike Diamond Head and wander moon-lit Waikiki. As far as the other ports, the ship arrives in port early and leaves in the evening at 6:00 pm or sometimes 8:00 pm. 

There are itineraries with two stops on the Big Island, one in Hilo and one in Kona so that you can see the volcanoes and coffee-growing region.

With full days in port, you’ll have enough time to explore Hawaii volcanoes or rent a car in  Lahaina, Maui  and zip along on the Road to Hana. A cruise is the way to go if you want a big-picture overview of the islands and an easy-to-plan vacation. Some even stop in Mexico. 

2. Cruising Hawaii Vs. Flying

Interisland flights take precious time (and budget) away from your vacation. On a  cruise to Hawaii , there’s no mad rush to an airport, delayed flights and long security lines, no one kicking the back of your seat or hogging elbow rests. 

There are sea breezes, shimmering ocean waves and spacious decks with pools and lounges.  Flights between islands aren’t long, but it is still a considerable amount of time getting on and off planes.

It does take a few sea days to get to Hawaii (and then back), but if you love to cruise, that’s not a bad thing. You’re on vacation the moment you step on the ship. 

We bring the aloha spirit on board with regional cooking demonstrations and Explorations Central™ talks. Our mid-size cruise ships are refreshingly uncrowded, so you’ll have more space to soak in the views. A well-appointed fitness center, live music venues, and the  Greenhouse Spa and Salon®  keep you entertained and pampered as you glide across the Pacific. 

3. Consider The Cost

Hawaii prices aren’t a day at the beach and island-hopping Hawaii adds up in more ways than one. Hawaii is notoriously expensive, as it’s a renowned tourist destination and they must ship necessities in. 

There are additional taxes on hotel rooms for non-permanent residents and other costs. A cruise is by far the more budget-friendly way to island hop Hawaii because your lodging and meals are taken care of. Save even more with  cruise deals  drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more. 

4. Best Way To Visit Hawaii For Planning Ease

Island hopping Hawaii becomes a logistical nightmare when considering lodging, flights, flight times and activities. When island hopping Hawaii via cruise, the planning is easy. You book your arrival and departure flights, transportation and excursions—all done when you plan your cruise. If you’re not sure what activities to do, our experts will guide you and help you find tickets. 

Convinced? Start planning with Hawaii cruise tips and travel articles.

Sign Up For Special Offers

Hawaii Cruises: Cruise to Hawaii with Princess

Catch the aloha spirit the moment you come aboard a hawaii cruise.

Hawaiian Islands Cruise with More Value

Why settle for seeing just one island on a Hawaii resort-based vacation when you can cruise in style and explore multiple island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value, and you’ll visit popular Hawaiian islands — Oahu , Kauai and the Big Island ( Hilo and Kona ) — without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.

Watch Hawaiian Cruise video: Hawaii video

Sail to Paradise on Hawaii Cruises

Our Hawaiian cruises offer an intoxicating mix of island adventure and carefree cruising. You'll venture to four dazzling islands — including a full day and late evening in Honolulu to see the sights and experience its famed nightlife. And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare! Discover why the Travel Channel named us "Best Cruises to see Hawaii."

View Hawaiian Cruises

Want more ways to see the islands? We also offer longer sailings ranging from 19 to 111 days .

Photo: Wailua Falls, Kauai

Aboard Hawaiian Cruises: Aloha Spirit

Step on to a Princess Hawaiian cruise and you’ll be immersed in the color, culture, and flavors of Hawaii through our unique "Aloha Spirit" onboard program. Join in on our colorful King Kamehameha Festival, learn to play the ukulele, dance the Hula, weave a flower lei, see folkloric performances, indulge in tantalizing island fare and so much more. We make cruising to Hawaii just as fun as being there!

Learn more about our Aloha Spirit program

Photo: Fresh flower lei-making on board

Cruising to Hawaii is Easy

With convenient roundtrip cruise departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver, it’s easy to cruise to Hawaii in style and avoid the hassle of a long, boring plane flight to paradise. And if you’re on the West Coast, it’s even easier to sail — local residents can drive in and sail on the same day!

Want to explore the West Coast? You can also take advantage of Princess transportation, hotel, and sightseeing packages to discover these cosmopolitan cities.

Learn more about hotel packages

Hawaii Cruise Articles and Videos

2023-2024 Hawaii Cruises

Your island paradise awaits

8 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Oahu’s famous waves, Kauai’s hidden shores and the Big Island’s black sand. Discover the 8 best beaches in Hawaii and see them for yourself with Princess.

Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Aloha! Embrace the culture of the islands by learning these Hawaiian words and sayings. They'll serve you well during your next Princess Hawaiian cruise.

Best Hawaiian Cruise Destinations

From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess.

5 Top Hawaiian Staple Foods & Ingredients

Discover the gastronomic array of Hawaiian staple food during your next visit. Hawaiian food and ingredients have influences unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Hawaii Cruise Excursions Bring the Luau to You

Plan your Hawaiian excursions. Princess cruise excursions are pure magic, offering luaus, beautiful beaches and glimpses into Hawaii's unique culture.

See all Hawaii cruise articles and videos

Let Princess Get You There

Cruise Plus ® Hotel Packages

Relax and let us handle the details in any one of our departure ports with Princess Cruise Plus ® hotel packages and transfer options. All Cruise Plus ® offerings provide the same high level of service you’ll experience on your Hawaii cruise, so you can enjoy the peace of mind of a hassle-free transition before or after your voyage.

Photo: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

View Hotels

Learn more about extending your stay

Military Benefits

In appreciation of the brave men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service, Princess Cruises® offers up to $250 free onboard spending money for veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel. This special military benefit can be used towards a wide variety of amenities and experiences, including Lotus Spa ® treatments; dining in our specialty restaurants ; gifts , jewelry and clothing in our onboard boutiques ; and Princess Cruises shore excursions .

Photo: USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

Learn more about our military benefits

Hawaii Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Island Cruises

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

Starting to plan your vacation to Hawaii but don’t quite know where to start? I can help you with that! I have put together a complete guide to Hawaiian island cruises that outlines the best (and most affordable!) way to see this beautiful series of islands.

Island hopping Hawaii cruises offer a scenic option to discover most of the Hawaiian islands at a low cost. In fact, you may end up paying more for your flights than the actual all-inclusive cruise ! 

Hawaiian island cruises are a great option for anyone looking for a relaxing overview of what Hawaii has to offer. If you prefer to have your entire vacation planned out, leaving you to enjoy your trip stress-free, island hopping Hawaii cruises are for you!

Make sure to grab one of our free  cruise planners — equipped with budgeting assistance, shore excursion planners, daily itineraries, packing lists, and more– and buckle up, because we are going to go through all the ins and outs of Hawaiian island cruises!

When is the Season for Hawaiian Island Cruises?

Cruise lines typically visit Hawaii on sailings during two separate time frames, noted as the best time to visit Hawaii . You can frequently find the best island hopping Hawaii cruises during the September to mid-December and the mid-April to mid-June time frames.

These time frames offer the best weather and tend to be the busier months of Hawaii tourism in general. This means that it can be fairly difficult to narrow down your cruise choices as many of these cruise lines have dozens of island hopping Hawaii cruises operating every month!

With so many must-see spots throughout the Hawaiian islands, the most popular months to cruise to Hawaii is during the months of April and May for those looking to snorkel or surf . Hawaiian cruises from mid-December through March can be pricier and more crowded and should be avoided if possible. 

The best time of the year for humpback whale-watching in Hawaii is from November to mid-May , but this can also be the rainiest and more expensive months for flights. The best time to find Hawaii cruise deals is between Thanksgiving and mid-December.

There are a couple sailings running Hawaiian cruises during the majority of the summer from mid-June to mid-December as well, but these are far and few between.

How is the Weather on Island Hopping Hawaii Cruises?

The weather on Hawaii cruises differs by the time of year you are visiting. Therefore, you should cater what you pack and shore excursions based on your specific island hopping Hawaii cruise itinerary.

November to March

Hawaii’s wet season typically falls between November and March, with an upwards of 4 inches of rain per month . Therefore, if you are cruising to Hawaii during these popular months, make sure to fully prepare with a rain jacket and umbrella to fully enjoy your Hawaii island cruise.

The sea conditions between mid-December and March include large waves along the north shores of all the Hawaiian islands, especially in the months of December and January. During this time you can see waves topping 40 feet , so if you are inclined to motion sickness, make sure to avoid this time frame or pack some extra Dramamine for during your time on one of the best island hopping Hawaii cruises.

April to Mid-June

If you decide to cruise to Hawaii during the months of April through mid-June, you can expect temperatures ranging between the mid-70s at night and mid-80s during the day . Spring marks the beginning of Hawaii’s dry season , explaining why the majority of cruise lines operate island hopping Hawaii cruises during this time frame.

Planning your Hawaii cruise between the months of April and May is a great time for surfers and those looking to get into the water. This is because the weather is excellent , wave heights are manageable, and water temperatures begin to rise.

Another perk of visiting this island nation on a Hawaiian cruise is the influx of humpback whales in the area– especially around Maui.

Mid-June to August

The final season for Hawaii island cruises is between the months of mid-June and August. Not many cruise lines operate during this time, with Norwegian Cruise Line being the only major line sailing with Pride of America .

The weather during this time frame typically run in the mid-70s at night and mid-80s during the day . These months also tend to be the driest time of Hawaii’s dry season , so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, your favorite pair of sunglasses, and a protective sun hat!

The sea conditions during mid-June to August Hawaii cruises include a higher surf around Oahu meaning reduced visibility at sea. The ocean temperatures run around 80 degrees , a temperature ideal for eager cruisers looking to swim or snorkel. This is also the best time for first-time surfers to try the calm Hawaiian wakes.

September to November

This final time to enjoy island hopping Hawaii cruises is between the months of September and November. The Hawaiian dry season wraps up by the end of October, but you can still enjoy temperatures in the mid-70s at night and mid-80s during the daytime .

Once November and early December rolls around, temperatures will sit around the high-60s at night and the low-80s during the daytime . You will also see an increase in the amount of rainfall on the islands during any of the island hopping Hawaii cruises during this time.

The sea conditions during this time frame around completely unpredictable . The wave heights depend on the area of Hawaii you are in and the time you are passing by each of the Hawaii islands on a cruise. From late November to mid-December, many of the Hawaiian cruise locations throughout the island will be experiencing large ocean swells , so there may be an influx of warning signs and flags at the Hawaiian beaches.

How do I Plan a Hawaii Island Cruise?

If you have never been on a cruise before, you may have some questions about cruise logistics and how to plan a cruise .

First, you will want to get an idea of what your  must-see attractions are. Most island hopping Hawaii cruises follow the popular itineraries of either departing from a California port , Hawaii-only, South Pacific Islands, and Repositioning cruises.

After you determine the itinerary you would like, then you need to  focus on a specific cruise line for the best Hawaii cruise ever. Each cruise line offers a unique experience for every type of cruiser. Then, you can select a date with that perfect cruise line and itinerary to book and mark in your calendar!

I highly recommend  booking a balcony or higher stateroom on your cruise ship as you will not regret waking up to the breathtaking Hawaii cruise landscape from your own private balcony. Also, make sure to avoid the loudest staterooms onboard to completely relax on your Hawaii cruise.

Once booked, you will receive access to more booking options like  onboard packages, shore excursions, and stateroom upgrades . I highly suggest taking advantage of these pre-travel opportunities to have your vacation planned out before you leave on your Hawaii island cruise!

What are the Different Hawaii Cruise Itineraries?

There are way more Hawaii island cruises than you probably thought possible! With that, you may be wondering what the best itinerary is for your specific cruising goals. From repositioning cruises to South Pacific adventures, there are positives and negatives to every itinerary option in the cruising realm in regards to island hopping Hawaii cruises.

With that being said, all Hawaii cruises can typically be categorized into four categories– West Coast to Hawaii sailings, Hawaii-only sailings, South Pacific sailings, and repositioning sailings.

Roundtrip West Coast to Hawaii Cruises

Most cruise lines understand how the flights to Hawaii can take up your Hawaii cruise budget VERY fast! Thankfully, cruise lines have curated fabulous itineraries leaving from the western coast of the United States, Canada, and Mexico visiting the islands of Hawaii frequently.

Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and many more cruise lines offer seasonal cruises to Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver. These cruises typically run for a longer amount of time than the Hawaii roundtrip itineraries, typically sailing between 15 and 18 nights.

Roundtrip west coast reasons

Roundtrip Hawaii island cruises are perfect for anyone who wants to save on pre and post-cruise expenses AND are willing to tack on a few more vacation days .

If you are in love with days at sea like me, you are definitely going to love the roundtrip west coast Hawaii island cruises! There are typically have several days at sea on both the beginning and end of island hopping Hawaii cruises– perfect for laying out around the pool, partying until dawn, and eating at the buffet to your heart’s content.

Roundtrip West Coast Ports

While these sailings are coming from a relatively far way away on the best island hopping Hawaii cruises, they still stop at all the top Hawaiian cruise ports.

This means that you can expect at Hilo, Kailua Kona, Lahaina, and Honolulu on most Hawaii island cruises. You may also get the chance to enjoy sweeping views of the Hawaiian landscape at Mount Kilauea as a Hawaii cruise-by port!

If you are departing from Vancouver , there is a high chance that you may also see some of the popular Alaska cruise ports. These include Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and the state’s capital Juneau .

Related: Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruises

Island Hopping Hawaii Roundtrip Cruises

By far the most popular itinerary running island hopping Hawaii cruises are roundtrip out of Hawaii. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America offer roundtrip Hawaii cruises year-round through their ship Pride of America. These itineraries tend to be port-intensive as they run around 7-nights roundtrip.

If you prefer a smaller cruise line, check out Un-Cruise Adventures, who offers seasonal island hopping Hawaii cruises around the islands. Both Un-Cruise and Norwegian offer overnights in various ports as well.

Hawaii Roundtrip Reasons

A roundtrip cruise from Hawaii is the perfect Hawaii cruise itinerary for those who love spending time in port ! These island hopping Hawaii cruises are heavily port intensive , which is great for spending your short amount of time on the islands efficiently. 

The Hawaii roundtrip itinerary will also typically include one or two overnights on the more popular islands of Kauai and Maui. This means that you can discover more of what these islands have to offer, whether chilling by the beach, catching the high surf, or hiking through the scenic mountains. 

You may also get to visit more underrated and out-of-the-way cruise ports on your port-intensive cruise adventure– a perfect opportunity to try any water sports and seek out Hawaii’s natural wildlife. If you do not have a passport and are a US resident, this is a great tropical escape that you can actually take part in.

Hawaii Roundtrip Ports

If you choose to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), you will be departing from Honolulu, Hawaii . The perks of sailing a NCL Hawaii cruise is their frequent promotion of Free at Sea, which sometimes offers free flights!

Their inter-island itinerary sails to Kahilui, Hilo, Kona, and Nawiliwili . This will include overnight ports in both Kauai and Maui typically, a perfect way for you to extensively experience everything these islands have to offer on island hopping Hawaii cruises.

South Pacific Hawaii Cruises

The South Pacific region of the world covers a massive area, so what better than a South Pacific cruise to explore it? If you are looking to visit Hawaii but also enjoy the nearby island nations, this Hawaii cruise itinerary may be for you!

This magnificent and beautiful area of the world is nestled in the southern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean. This region stretches between Australia and South America, leading to most of these island hopping Hawaii cruises to be repositioning in nature.

When most people think of the South Pacific, their minds more than likely think of the popular honeymoon destinations of Tahiti and Bora Bora. Well, let me tell you, there is much more to the South Pacific region than these well-known islands.

South Pacific Reasons

The South Pacific Hawaii cruise itinerary is best for those who want a taste of Hawaii but want to see all the surrounding island nations while you are in the area. South Pacific cruises are frequently referred to as the most romantic option for cruising on the market.

These Hawaii cruises visit some of the most  romantic destinations in the world , while allowing you to enjoy relaxing, exhilarating, active, and rejuvenating excursions along your island hopping cruise adventure.

You will also visit a variety of island landscapes on a South Pacific cruise– including rainforests, historic landmarks, and pristine white sand beaches.

South Pacific Ports

One of the most popular area of the South Pacific region to visit on cruises is French Polynesia. Here, you will visit the romantic and rejuvenating islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti. You may also see New Zealand and Tonga on your Hawaiian island cruise that sails to South Pacific cruise ports.

While you will probably not have overnight ports on island hopping Hawaii cruises, you will more than likely have the chance to explore Hilo, Nawiliwili, Kahului, and Honolulu. Most of these South Pacific cruises are not roundtrip from one cruise port, so this is an optimal Hawaii cruise itinerary to experience to the most destinations possible !

Hawaii Repositioning Cruises

One of the best ways to see Hawaii is on your way back from a far away destination! Many repositioning cruises visit Hawaii on their way   from Asia or Australia to the United States during the times cruise lines switch their cruise ships home ports.

Hawaii repositioning cruises are fairly easy to find, and can be extremely affordable! These Hawaii itineraries can frequently cost as low as half of a direct flight’s cost. These cruise itineraries will offer the largest variety of cruise ports– from the deserts of Australia and the culture-filled streets of Japan, to the tropical paradise of Hawaii and the arctic glaciers of Alaska.

Hawaii Repositioning Reasons

Repositioning Hawaii cruises are ideal for those trying to get  from point A to point B without breaking the bank. If you have a lot of time scheduled for your vacation, this style of Hawaii cruise can be the most cost effective .

In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit plenty of South Pacific and Hawaii cruise ports without the added stress of flying out of the expensive African airports. You can also see cruise ports that you never planned on , whether on your way to the United States or heading over to Asia.

Ultimately, repositioning cruises will offer an  overview of what Hawaii and the neighboring islands have to offer by stopping into a few ports. If you are looking to get a good look at Hawaii’s top cruise ports, repositioning island hopping Hawaii cruises could be for you!

Types of Hawaiian Island Cruises

No matter what type of Hawaii cruising experience you are looking for, I guarantee you will find it through one of these main and not-so-main-stream cruise lines.

From 3-day weekend trips to 180-day world cruises, these island hopping Hawaii cruises are worth every penny. There are plenty of Hawaii cruise deals available for eager cruisers booking through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line.

Make sure to diligently research to find the best Hawaii cruise for you!

Mainstream Cruise Lines for Hawaii Cruises

Just about all the main cruise lines offer sailings to Hawaii:

• R oyal Caribbean International — Royal Caribbean offers spectacular itineraries up to Hawaii and to the Caribbean’s most popular cruise ports at extraordinarily low prices. With this cruise line offering countless amenities for all types of cruisers, Royal Caribbean offers dozens of island hopping Hawaii cruises every year.
• Norwegian Cruise Line  — Norwegian (NCL) leads the cruise industry when it comes to Hawaii cruises, boasting new discoveries around every turn. NCL prides themselves on offering exhilarating wildlife and cultural shore excursions during their NCL Hawaii cruises through both Pride of America and other excellent ships.
• Celebrity Cruises — Celebrity Cruises offer their passengers a slightly more luxurious experience tailored to each guests’ dream Hawaii cruise. This cruise line is popular for it’s over-the-top vacation experience traveling to the diverse South Pacific and Hawaii cruise ports!
• Holland America — Holland America offers plenty of island hopping Hawaii cruises during the Hawaii cruising season. Whether cruising around the South Pacific or on your way from Australia to San Diego, you are guaranteed to enjoy their luxurious experience on your Hawaii cruise!

Lesser-known Cruise Lines for Hawaiian Cruises

Active travelers may be looking for expedition-style voyages or cruises on a smaller ship to enjoy more time exploring Hawaii.

• Seabourn — Seabourn offers a couple of island hopping Hawaii cruises every Hawaii cruising season. Their stunning cruise ships bring passengers to the sweeping landscapes of Hawaii. They also bring intelligent historians onboard to explain the fascinating history and culture of Hawaii.
• Regent Seven Seas — Regent Seven Seas explores Hawaii through immersive experiences on their island hopping Hawaii cruises. This cruise line balances cultural, active, and foodie activities as they navigate through the warm climate of the South Pacific and Hawaiian cruise ports.
• Oceania — This small and luxurious cruise line offers a variety of intimate Hawaii expeditions on their cruise ships. Their ships visit plenty of other South Pacific destinations on their Hawaiian island cruises. That, paired with the personalized cruising experience curated by Oceania, offers some of the best experiences for longer sailings at sea.
• UnCruise Adventures — This cruise line is unique as they only offer a few island hopping Hawaii cruises every year. UnCruise prides itself on offering the top personalized Hawaiian experiences for each of their passengers. From watching dolphins and whale from the boat to hiking to waterfalls and lava pools in port, you will not regret booking island hopping Hawaii cruises with UnCruise Adventures.

Popular Ports for Hawaiian Cruises

No matter which cruise line and itinerary you ultimately decide on, you will likely visit a mix of these fantastic island hopping Hawaii cruise ports. 

Many cruises to Hawaii and the surrounding area offer trips to these popular ports of call that are consistent with most itineraries. Like mainstream Caribbean cruise ports, these ports cater to the tropical   cruise market . If you are looking for more than touristy attractions and activities, make sure to get out of the main port area and explore.

Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu serves as the main cruise port serving out of Hawaii for island hopping Hawaii cruises. As the beautiful capital of Hawaii, Honolulu boasts brilliant sand, bright blue skies, and tasty Hawaiian drinks.

The top outdoor attraction in Honolulu is Manoa Falls . There are plenty of cruise shore excursions that will bring Hawaiian cruise passengers to this massive, 150-foot tall waterfall that empties into a majestic, glimmering rock pool. To learn about Hawaii’s royal past, head over Iolani Palace , known as the “Kingdom of Hawaii”.

If you would like to swim with wildlife during your time in Honolulu, head over to Dolphin Quest Oahu where you can swim with dolphins!

Lahaina, Maui

To discover some of Hawaii’s exquisite natural wonders, make sure that Lahaina, Maui is on your Hawaiian cruise itinerary. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina now welcomes over two million people annually.

Lahaina is known to be home to some of Hawaii’s top beaches. Head over to Ka’anapali Beach to discover over three miles of breathtaking white sand while engaging in water sports. Alternatively, check out Napili Beach for a more laidback vibe exploring a crescent-shaped cove popular for snorkeling.

If you prefer to spend time on land, hike the 1.76 mile Kapalua Coastal Trail where you will stroll past black lava rock, beautiful white beaches, and colorful tropical plants.

Kahului, Hawaii

Located in central Maui, Kahului is a wonderful port on any of the island hopping Hawaii cruises. 

The number one thing to do in Kahului is taking the  Road to Hana . This is the best route to discover picturesque views of Maui’s coast, bringing you through the lush rainforest and along the towering waterfalls. If you prefer to stay in one spot, head over to  Kaanapali Beach — one of Maui’s most beautiful strips of coastline stretching 3 miles.

Another great outdoor adventure spot to explore while in the Kahului port is  Haleakala National Park . This park sits on 30,000 acres of land and is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano!

Hilo, Hawaii

The next popular cruise port for island hopping Hawaiian cruises is Hilo– located on the lush, wetter side of Big Island. From hiking to waterfalls to searching for lava, you will definitely find a perfect shore excursion during your time in Hilo.

The number one Hawaii waterfall that you should consider visiting is ‘Akaka Falls — a 422 foot tall waterfall easily accessible through a short hike. To learn more about the Hilo culture, book a coffee and chocolate tours to the local farms . If you would like to rejuvenate on your Hawaiian cruise, book a shore excursion to Coconut Island which is a perfect spot to relax and swim for a couple of hours.

Further Hilo exploration can happen at the nearby Kaumana Caves Park which is a 25-mile long lava tube created by the flow from Mauna Loa, one of the most famous volcanoes , in 1881.

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Kailua Kona is the capital of Big Island offering plenty of outdoor activities for eager Hawaiian cruisers. This fabulous cruise port welcomes sunny weather most of the time!

Kealakekua Bay is a perfect spot to explore Kailua Kona’s breathtaking coastline. Here, you can find a remarkable coral reef which is known as one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. Later, head over to the Pu’uhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park where you will step back in time to understand Hawaii’s rich history.

Another great Hawaii shore excursion is the nearby petroglyphs . These spectacular stone carvings offer a fascinating view into Hawaii’s past, dating back to the 16th century.

Nāwiliwili, Kauai

The garden island of Kauai is a spectacular paradise filled with towering mountains, fertile valleys, and pristine natural beaches.

The best place to pick up some souvenirs during your time in Nawiliwili on your Hawaii cruise is at  Kalapaki Beach . Later, make sure to visit the  Kauai Coffee Plantation  which earns the name as the largest coffee farm in the United States. This remarkable plantation sits on over 3,000 acres boasting over four million coffee trees! Alternatively, head over to the  Menehune Fishpond  found along Huleia River as a freshwater pond easily explored by kayak.

If you prefer a more adventurous experience while in port on island hopping Hawaii cruises, check out  Wailua River State Park to tube, kayak, waterski, or boat on the waters.

Papeete, Tahiti

If you are sailing to some of the other South Pacific islands on your Hawaiian cruise, there is a high chance that you will be stopping in Papeete, Tahiti’s capital city.

Tahiti is home to some of the South Pacific’s most beautiful natural wonders, but the breathtaking waterfalls Les Trois Cascades are a must-see! These waterfalls are located in the northeastern region of Tahiti Nui and are absolutely stunning. Alternatively, check out La Plage de Maui , the only white sand beach on Tahiti Nui ideal for snorkeling and swimming activities.

Learn about Papeete’s marine wildlife at the Huahine Natural Aquarium which will bring you up close and personal with the natural wildlife found in the Pacific Ocean.

Moorea, French Polynesia

If you get the chance to stop in Moorea, you are going to fall in love with this tropical paradise on your island hopping Hawaii cruise. This beautiful cruise port is just a spectacular as it looks in photos.

A great way to explore Moorea is kayaking the Moorea Lagoon on a transparent kayak. You will be surprised by the amount of stingrays and black-tipped reef sharks you see on your adventure! Later, get into the water to snorket with sharks at the Looganarium . If you are looking for an adrenalin-rushing experience on Hawaiian island cruises, this is it!

If you are looking for more of a relaxing experience during your time in the Moorea cruise port, head over to Tema’e Beach . Here you can lay out in the sun or head into the waters for a rejuvenating day in port.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

As a small island found northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is world-renowned as the top honeymoon destination. However, you do not need to be staying a couple weeks to experience a good part of what Bora Bora has to offer.

The top beach to visit is Matira Beach , often mentioned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This is a perfect place to relax alongside dreamy palm trees on island hopping Hawaii cruises. If you prefer to get active, hike out to Mount Otemau — a black-rugged mountain that reaches an upwards of 2,385 feet in elevation. Later, check out the Tahiti Pearl Market which boasts some of the most beautiful and precious pearls in the world.

Finally, check out the Bora Bora Aqua Safaris if you are into the popular watersports of scuba diving and snorkeling. Through these excellent tours you can discover the unique and colorful marine wildlife Bora Bora has to offer.

Hawaii Cruise-by Ports

Mount kilauea, hawaii.

A popular Hawaii cruise-by port is Mount Kilauea, an active volcano that has been standing tall for over 100,000 years.

Many cruise lines spend a few hours passing by this fascinating natural wonder on their island hopping Hawaii cruises. You will more than likely be able to learn a bunch about Mount Kilauea’s history onboard through informational sessions– make sure to check your daily planner!

As the youngest of all of the Hawaiian hotspots, this iconic volcano lights up the sky and offers plenty of unique rock formations like the world-renown Holei Sea Arch.

Napali Coast, Hawaii

The Napali Coast is one of the most spectacular sites in all of Hawaii, boasting emerald cliffs, vast valleys, and cascading waterfalls. 

While most tourists visiting Hawaii would have to book an expensive water tour to see this breathtaking landscape, many island hopping Hawaii cruises will visit the Napali Coast during their itineraries. Here, you will notice extraordinary coastlines highlighted by over 17 miles of Kauai’s natural landscape.

This rugged terrain has remain largely untouched by humans, which you will likely learn about onboard during your cruise informational session.

Hawaiian Cruises FAQs

What is a Hawaiian cruise?

A Hawaiian cruise is a voyage that takes passengers around the Hawaiian Islands, offering a combination of ocean travel, island exploration, and onboard amenities.

Which cruise lines operate in Hawaii?

Several cruise lines operate in Hawaii, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America, among others.

How long is a typical Hawaiian cruise?

Most Hawaiian cruises range from 7 to 15 days, but the duration can vary depending on the itinerary and starting port.

Where do Hawaiian cruises depart from?

Many Hawaiian cruises depart from Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii. However, some cruises also start from ports on the U.S. mainland, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Which islands can I visit on a Hawaiian cruise?

Most Hawaiian cruises visit the four main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island (Hawaii). Some cruises might also stop at smaller islands like Lanai or Molokai.

Are there any visa requirements?

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling on a Hawaiian cruise that begins and ends in the U.S., you do not need a visa. However, non-U.S. citizens should check visa requirements depending on their nationality and cruise itinerary.

What’s the best time to cruise to Hawaii?

Hawaii has a pleasant climate year-round. However, the peak season is during the winter months (December to April), while the off-peak season is during the fall (September to mid-December).

What activities can I expect on the islands?

Hawaii offers a wide range of activities including snorkeling, surfing, hiking, luaus, whale watching (during the winter months), and exploring volcanic landscapes.

What should I pack for a Hawaiian cruise?

Pack casual summer clothing, swimwear, sunblock, comfortable walking shoes, formal attire for special nights on the cruise, and lightweight jackets for cooler evenings.

Are there any special health precautions I should be aware of?

No specific vaccinations are required for Hawaii. However, it’s always good to be updated on routine vaccines and consult with your doctor before traveling.

Is seasickness common on Hawaiian cruises?

While modern cruise ships are designed to minimize motion, some passengers may still experience seasickness. It’s a good idea to bring anti-nausea medication or wristbands if you’re prone to it.

Do I need a passport for a Hawaiian cruise?

If you’re a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port), you do not need a passport, though it’s recommended. However, a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) are necessary.

Can I book excursions in advance?

Yes, most cruise lines allow you to book excursions in advance through their website. It’s a good way to ensure you get the activities you want, especially during peak seasons.

What’s included in my cruise fare?

Typically, your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals in main dining areas, entertainment, and most onboard activities. Spa services, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and shore excursions usually cost extra.

Do I need to tip on the cruise?

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. However, it’s always a good idea to check the cruise line’s tipping policy in advance.

Is Wi-Fi available on the cruise? Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, but the speed and cost can vary. Some cruise lines offer packages, while others charge per minute. It’s usually slower and more expensive than what you might be used to on land.

What type of power outlets are on Hawaiian cruises? Most cruise ships cater to international travelers, so they might have a mix of U.S. standard (Type A & B) and European (Type C) outlets. It’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter just in case.

Can I bring my own food and drink onboard? Cruise lines generally have strict policies about bringing food and beverages onboard. While some might allow sealed, pre-packaged snacks, most prohibit bringing alcohol. Always check your cruise line’s specific policy.

Are there age restrictions for travelers? Most cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 21 or older. There are also age restrictions for alcohol consumption and certain activities like the casino.

What dining options can I expect on the cruise? Cruises typically offer a range of dining options from buffets and main dining rooms to specialty restaurants, cafes, and room service. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

How do I pay for onboard expenses? Most cruise ships operate on a cashless system. At the start of the cruise, passengers typically set up an onboard account linked to a credit or debit card. Expenses are then charged to this account.

Is there a dress code on the cruise? Daytime attire is usually casual. However, in the evenings, some cruise ships have formal nights where passengers are expected to dress up. Always check the cruise’s specific dress code policy.

What safety measures are in place on cruise ships? Cruise ships have comprehensive safety protocols, including lifeboats, life vests, fire safety systems, and trained personnel. Upon embarkation, passengers are typically required to participate in a muster drill to understand emergency procedures.

Can I smoke on the cruise ship? Most cruise ships have designated smoking areas, usually on the outer decks. Smoking is generally prohibited in cabins and public interior areas.

Are there medical facilities onboard? Yes, most cruise ships have a medical facility staffed with trained medical professionals. However, these services are not typically included in your cruise fare and can be expensive.

Do I need travel insurance for a Hawaiian cruise? While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover unforeseen expenses related to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more.

Can I disembark at any island I wish? You can disembark at scheduled ports of call. However, if you don’t return to the ship by the designated “all aboard” time, the ship may leave without you. Always be punctual and aware of the ship’s schedule.

Is there a limit to the amount of luggage I can bring? Cruise lines usually don’t have strict weight limits, but they might have size and number restrictions for convenience and safety. Always check your cruise line’s luggage policy.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• Semi-Annual Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Hawaii Cruises

Tabs view cruises.

• View Cruises

Sail Through The Hawaiian Islands 

On a Hawaii cruise, you’ll sail to a verdant, otherworldly setting of steaming volcanoes, dense rainforest, tropical blooms, and palm-fringed beaches. You’ll be welcomed by the gentle, friendly Hawaiian people into a world of deep spirituality, expressed through the Aloha spirit.

Sail aboard one of our contemporary ships from Vancouver, British Columbia or Honolulu, Hawaii and bask in the perfect combination of adventures and culture ashore and relaxing days at sea. Embrace local culture with a hula show. Uncover the islands’ complex history, from the royal family to Pearl Harbor. Sample island-grown produce, bathe under waterfalls, and discover the dazzling reefs of the underwater world. Cruises to Hawaii will leave you enchanted, whatever your interests.

  Nights

  Guests

  Stateroom

  Onboard Credits

  perks included

Starting From

Avg. per person

Discover Hawaii With Us

Start off your Hawaiian vacation with an overnight stay in Honolulu, where you can visit the famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor monument. In Lahaina, admire dormant volcanoes aboard a thrilling helicopter ride, while in Kailua Kona, visit a seahorse farm. Stop by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hilo before setting sail towards Vancouver, where you’ll disembark after enjoying several relaxing days at sea

Featured Highlights

Dramatic scenery.

You’re constantly aware of the power of nature in Hawaii, where the lush scenery is like something out of another world. Jagged cliffs, beaches of glittering black sand, ribbon-like waterfalls cascading from emerald escarpments, and smoldering volcanoes catch your eye at every turn. You’ll see pounding surf, limpid lagoons, and sometimes a snowy cap on the highest mountains. Explore bamboo forests and plunging gorges. At night, look up at the astonishing array of stars.

Unique Culture

Hawaiian people feel a deep connection to nature and embrace the spirit of Aloha, which means living in harmony with nature and the people around you. Beliefs are expressed through beautiful chants, music, graceful hula, and art. Stories relayed from one generation to the next invoke the spirits and the historical events that have shaped the islands. Natural phenomena are understood as the work of gods and goddesses, and many locations and animals are regarded as sacred.

Intriguing Cuisine

Hawaii boasts a unique cuisine, with influences from Polynesia, Japan, and America. Taste fresh tuna poke bowls, sweet pineapple, and juicy strawberry papaya. Try lomi lomi, salted salmon with tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers. Sample local chocolate and enjoy coffee made from Kona beans. Experience everything from delicate sushi and sashimi to moco loco. Look out for spam, a local favorite, served in wontons or as Spam musubi with rice and nori.

View Popular Hawaii Cruise Destinations

Kailua Kona

Find Your Perfect Hawaii Cruise

Itineraries, explore more.

Hawaii Ships

Hawaii Shore Excursions

Why Cruise to Hawaii With Celebrity Cruises

Experience the verdant, mountainous beauty and gentle rhythm of life of Hawaii on one of our award-winning ships. You’ll enjoy attentive service, experience menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and have plenty of time to soak up the sunshine from your Infinite Veranda® stateroom on Celebrity Edge or the Lawn Club on the top deck of Celebrity Solstice.

On our cruises to Hawaii, you’ll be able to explore rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes on our immersive shore excursions. Snorkel, hike, drive a 4x4, or even fly over the dramatic scenery in a helicopter. Back on board Celebrity Edge, toast those fiery Hawaiian sunsets over cocktails on the Magic Carpet. On Celebrity Solstice, head to the romantic Sunset Bar for ice-cold sundowners.

After dark, enjoy glittering entertainment before dancing under the stars. Elevate your experience at The Retreat® and stay in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat.

Featured Articles

Why a Cruise Is the Best Way to See Hawaii

If you’re planning a vacation to the Pacific paradise of Hawaii, you may be wondering about the ins and outs of traveling there.

Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

With plunging waterfalls, lush foliage, and unspoiled beaches, Hawaii is the quintessential tropical paradise.

12 Best Places to Learn How to Surf in the World

With 70 percent of the world covered by water, there is no shortage of surf.

20 Best Romantic Tropical Getaways

Dreaming of a romantic tropical getaway? The combination of coconut palms, ice-cold cocktails, gorgeous beaches, and the beauty of the underwater world offers the perfect escape for couples.

10 Best Islands to Honeymoon

7 Best Babymoon Destinations to Visit Before Baby Arrives

When’s the Best Time to Go on a Cruise?

Sign up and start planning your best vacation ever..

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy

Vacation inspiration is on its way.

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Top Hawaii FAQs

What is the best time of year to take a cruise to Hawaii?

The best time of year to visit Hawaii is from March to September, when you can expect warm temperatures and less rain. Hawaii is, however, a year-round destination, with great snorkeling, hiking, and beach life at any time of year.

How long does a typical cruise last?

Our Hawaiian cruises last from nine to 13 nights, sailing between Vancouver and Honolulu. You could also choose a transpacific cruise, starting or ending in Honolulu. These longer voyages range from 16 to 19 nights.

What are the main ports of call?

The main ports of call in Hawaii are Honolulu, from where our cruises start or finish, and Hilo and Kona, both on the Big Island. On some itineraries, you’ll also enjoy scenic cruising along the Napali Coast on Kauai, a sacred landscape of emerald cliffs, pristine beaches, and jagged mountain ridges. Some cruises also visit Astoria in Oregon before the Pacific crossing to Hawaii.

What should I pack?

Hawaii is a tropical destination with year-round warm weather and high humidity. Pack for beach days, and if you’re an active kind of traveler, hikes and adventures. Swimwear, sunblock, coverups, beach shoes, a sun hat, and proper footwear for hiking should all be on your list.

Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through coverups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps.

Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered Smart Casual.

Each itinerary features one to two more “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos.

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and attending the theatre.

Can I fly to Hawaii and then cruise the islands?

Our cruises to Hawaii operate one-way either to or from Honolulu and Vancouver (or Sydney, Australia in terms of transpacific voyages). So yes, if you pick a Honolulu to Vancouver departure, you can easily fly to Hawaii and spend a few days exploring before embarking on your Celebrity ship.

Do I need a passport?

For Hawaii cruises that either begin or end in Vancouver, Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

If you have chosen to visit Hawaii as part of a transpacific cruise, you’ll also need a passport.

Non-U.S. citizens also require a passport for entry into both the U.S. and Canada (and the countries visited on our transpacific cruises). It is your responsibility to check your government’s website for the latest information about entry and visa requirements.

What kind of activities and excursions are available?

Hawaii offers a wonderful range of activities and experiences. From Kona, join a snorkel or submarine tour to admire the spectacular underwater world. Meet local producers and try island-made coffee and chocolate, or explore the lush interior of the Big Island in a 4x4, stopping to cool off under tumbling waterfalls.

Historic Hilo is also famous as the gateway to magnificent falls and verdant rainforest. Admire the dramatic lava landscapes of the Volcanoes National Park shaped by the still-active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. In Honolulu, make time to visit Pearl Harbor, or stroll along the iconic Waikiki Beach.

You Might Also Like

Cruises From Vancouver

Cruises From Vancouver to Hawaii

USA Cruises

South Pacific Cruises

Tahiti Cruises

Spring Cruises

Best Romantic Tropical Getaways

Getting Married at Sea: Everything You Need to Know

Best Islands to Honeymoon

Best Places to Go Whale Watching in the World

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Hawaii Cruises

Click to Explore other Destinations Cruises

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Canada & New England
• Greek Isles
• Pacific Coastal

No One Does Hawai`i Like Norwegian.

• Cruise Destinations
• Itineraries
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES

Voted Best Hawai`i Cruises for 15 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine

Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You'll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavour of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Looking to make the most out of your time in the region? Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise . Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui.  We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round.  It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org .  In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, whilst also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations. As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai'i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Cruise to Hawaii Year-Round with Pride of America

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! It is no wonder that we were voted Porthole Magazine's "Best Hawaii Itinerary" for 12 years in a row! And since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, we offer convenient year-round Saturday departures, so you can holiday on your timetable .

NEW! Hawaii and French Polynesia Cruises

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world's most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia , in one holiday. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea . Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Leaving, on the other hand, takes a lot of convincing.

Cruise To Hawaii Year-Round

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. When it comes to cruising Hawai`i, it’s our thing. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.

Beauty of Volcanic Proportions

Your seven days of paradise begins from the moment you arrive. Lose yourself in the lush rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. Let the lush natural landscape take your breath away. Cruise by Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world. Adventure awaits you around every corner as we are the only cruise line to offer Cruisetours in Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruise Image Gallery

• Kahului, Maui
• Snorkeller on the Big Island, Hawaii.
• Hawaii Luau
• Waipio Valley, Big Island, Hawaii.
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Oahu
• Pride of America

Explore Hawaii Cruise Ports

Featured Hawaii CRUISE ITINERARIES

Best hawaii excursions.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes...

Historic Kona

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honauna...

Road to Hana

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. ...

The Land Of Frozen Fire

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions....

Hawaii HOTELS

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories.

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

• Distance/Airport: 10 miles Distance/Pier: 4 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Ala Moana, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, is just a five-minute drive away giving you easy access to over 340 shops, services and entertainment.

• Distance/Airport: 8 miles Distance/Pier: 3 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Resort Fees Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Maximum quad occupancy per room. Triples and quads will be accommodated in a room with 2 queen sized beds. Rollaway are subject to availability and must be requested. Surcharges will apply.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Hawaii Cruises

What to Wear in Hawaii

Bring these essential items on your tropical getaway.

Stay Longer in Paradise

Explore more of Hawaii with our Cruise Tours.

Cruise Hawaii Without a Passport

Learn more about cruising to Hawaii without a passport.

The Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Wondering when is the best time to cruise to these gorgeous islands?

Find Adventure

Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do.

Quite the Sight

Check out our top favourite photos of Hawaii, from sunrise to sunset.

Wake-Up Call

Believe it or not, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.

Hawaii Cruises: A Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

by The Cruise Web Team March 15, 2024

Share Facebook Twitter Google Plus Pinterest Email

Hawaii Cruises FAQs Kauaʻi Oʻahu Maui Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island)  

A Hawaii cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, is a dream destination for many travelers. Hawaii cruises are a popular choice for travelers seeking a memorable vacation experience.

Exploring the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is a collection of diverse islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. From the lush greenery of Kauaʻi to the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. The diverse ports, such as Hilo, Kona, and Lahaina, offer a variety of experiences, from rich history to stunning natural beauty.  

View Hawai’i Cruises

Kauaʻi is known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Must-visit attractions on Kauaʻi include the dramatic Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. Kauaʻi also boasts some of Hawaii’s best beaches, including the picturesque Poipu Beach and the idyllic Hanalei Bay.  

Nawiliwili, Kauai Cruise Port: Nawiliwili, the entry to Kauai, nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” boasts lush scenery and breathtaking natural beauty. The port, close to Lihue, Kauai’s main town, provides convenient access to attractions like Wailua Falls and the historic Kilohana Plantation. Travelers can also enjoy Kalapaki Beach or venture to the Napali Coast. With its stunning backdrop and serene ambiance, Nawiliwili serves as an ideal launchpad for discovering Kauai’s marvels.  

Shore Excursions:  

• Helicopter Adventures : Experience thrilling helicopter tours over Kaua’i’s stunning landscapes, including aerial views of waterfalls, lush valleys, and breathtaking coastlines.  
• Waimea Canyon Exploration : Discover the beauty of Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with its colorful, deep valleys and stunning vistas.  
• Hawaiian Feast : Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, featuring local cuisine and cultural performances, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Hawaii.  

Experience the natural beauty of Kauaʻi! Contact the Cruise Web team at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to start planning your Hawaii cruises today!  

View Cruises to Kaua’i  

Oʻahu is home to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, and offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Historic sites such as Pearl Harbor, home to the USS Arizona Memorial, and the beautiful Iolani Palace highlight the island’s rich history. Oʻahu is also famous for its beaches, including the iconic Waikiki Beach and the stunning Lanikai Beach.  

Honolulu, Oahu Cruise Port: Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, bustles with beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, offering easy access to iconic attractions. Visitors explore rich history at Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, and USS Arizona Memorial, making Honolulu a memorable cruise stop.  

Shore Excursion:  

• Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Discovery : Visit Pearl Harbor to learn about its historical significance and explore Honolulu city for its vibrant culture, shopping, and dining experiences.  
• Whale Watching in Waikiki : Experience the thrill of whale watching in Waikiki, where you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat during the winter months.  
• Adventurous Safari Excursion : Embark on an adventurous safari excursion to explore O’ahu’s scenic landscapes, lush valleys, and rugged terrain, offering a unique and exciting way to experience the island’s beauty.  

Discover the vibrant history and breathtaking beaches of Oahu! Contact the Cruise Web team at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to book your Hawaii cruises today!  

View Cruises to O’ahu    

Maui is known for its diverse landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and stunning volcanoes. Popular attractions on Maui include Haleakalā National Park, home to the largest dormant volcano in the world, and the scenic Road to Hana. Maui also boasts some of Hawaii’s best beaches, such as Kaanapali Beach and Wailea Beach.  

Lahaina, Maui Cruise Port: Lahaina, on Maui’s west shore, is a quaint town with a whaling past, now bustling with shops, eateries, and galleries. It is also a portal to Maui’s beautiful beaches and lush landscapes. Historical sites like Lahaina Banyan Court Park and Wo Hing Temple offer insights into its past.  

• Hana Adventure by Land and Air : Discover the beauty of Hana from both land and air, starting from Kahului. Experience the Road to Hana by land, exploring its scenic stops, waterfalls, and lush landscapes, then fly back for a bird’s eye view of Maui’s stunning coastline.  
• Exclusive Exploration of Maui’s Essence : Immerse yourself in the essence of Maui with a private or exclusive tour tailored to your interests. Visit hidden gems, experience local culture, and enjoy breathtaking views of the island.  
• Group Surfing Instruction : Learn to surf in Maui’s famous waves with group surfing instruction. Experienced instructors will guide you through the basics, helping you catch your first wave in the warm waters of Maui.  

Experience the beauty of Maui for yourself! Contact the Cruise Web team at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to book your Hawaii cruises today!  

  View Cruises to Maui  

Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island)

The Island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Kilauea. Visitors can explore the unique black sand beaches and lava fields of the island, as well as visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the majestic Mauna Kea.  

Hilo, Hawaii Cruise Port: Hilo, the Big Island’s largest city, was where King Kamehameha united Hawaii. Visitors discover centuries of history, from farming villages to modern cities, blending nature and culture.  

Kona, Hawaii Cruise Port: Kona, on Big Island’s west side, has better weather than Hilo. Known for calm beaches shielded by Mauna Loa, it features historic sites like James Cook’s landing spot.  

• Best of Big Island and Volcanoes National Park : Explore the highlights of Big Island, including the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness the power of nature as you discover volcanic craters, steam vents, and lava landscapes.  
• Land of Frozen Fire Exploration : Journey into the land of frozen fire at Volcanoes National Park, where you can walk through lava tubes, witness active lava flows (if available), and learn about the island’s volcanic history.  
• Kona Coffee, Green Sea Turtles, and Historical Park Experience : Enjoy a visit to Kona’s coffee farms to learn about the cultivation and production of world-renowned Kona coffee. Then, head to a historical park to explore the island’s rich history and culture. Finally, visit a beach where you can spot green sea turtles basking in the sun.  

Ready to explore the wonders of the Big Island? Contact the Cruise Web team at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to start planning your Hawaii cruises today!  

View Cruises to Island of Hawai’i (Big Island)  

Hawaii Cruise Tours

Hawaii cruise tours offer a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the Hawaiian Islands. These tours typically include accommodations, meals, and guided excursions, allowing you to make the most of your time in Hawaii. Popular cruise tour options in Hawaii include island-hopping tours and cultural tours that highlight the rich history and traditions of the islands.  

Sample Cruise Tour Exploring Oahu  

• Scenic tour of Oahu’s North Shore and South Shore  
• Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center  
• Pearl Harbor tour, including various sites.  
• Touring Kualoa Ranch  
• Discovering Waikiki  
• Guided tours by local experts  

Contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to start planning for your Hawaii cruise adventure.  

In conclusion, Hawaii cruises offer a fantastic way to explore the beauty and diversity of the Hawaiian Islands. With their stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Hawaii cruises are sure to provide a memorable vacation experience. Embark on a Hawaii cruise adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact The Cruise Web now at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] to start organizing your dream Hawaii cruise, where our personal cruise consultants will assist you without any booking fees.  

FAQ About Hawaii Cruises

Common Questions About Hawaii Cruises Answered:  

Q : When is the best time to take a Hawaii cruise? A : The best time to take a Hawaii cruise is during the islands’ dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant, and the seas are calm.      

Q : What activities are available on a Hawaii cruise? A : Hawaii cruises offer various activities, including snorkeling, hiking, cultural experiences, and beach visits. Onboard, you can enjoy amenities such as pools, spas, and entertainment.      

Q : Are Hawaii cruises family-friendly? A : Yes, Hawaii cruises are great for families, with many cruise lines offering kids’ clubs, family-friendly excursions, and amenities catering to all ages.  

Q : What’s the best island to visit on my first visit to Hawaii? A : Why choose? A cruise is the perfect way to visit more than one island on your vacation!  

Q : What souvenirs should I bring home from Hawaii? A : When visiting Hawaii, consider bringing home unique souvenirs like Hawaiian shirts, locally made jewelry, macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, or Hawaiian quilts.

Q : What local food should I try on a Hawaii cruise? A : Try poi (a traditional Hawaiian staple made from taro), poke (marinated raw fish salad), loco moco (a dish with rice, a hamburger patty, egg, and gravy), and malasadas (Portuguese-style doughnuts).

Featured Cruise Deals

Subscribe to email deals & newsletter.

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

Cruising 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.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 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

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Hawaiian cruises.

Experience Aloha with a cruise to Hawaii.

Just the word "Hawaii" conjures visions of turquoise waves lapping at colorful sands, a rich historical tapestry that's as Polynesian as it is American and a welcoming culture you can distill into a single word: Aloha. Once you arrive, trace the history of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can tour battleships and see the memorial to that fateful day in 1941. Cruise to Hawaii and head to the Big Island to scale volcanoes like Mount Kilauea and chase waterfalls on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Or enjoy the sun and surf on the remote shores of Kauai and Maui. Discover the magic with a Hawaiian cruise.

Save Big With These Hawaii Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Hawaii cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

LET ADVENTURE FLOW

Hawaii offers some of the world's best in outdoor exploration. The best Hawaii cruises allow you to trek through the lush Hana Rainforest, or enjoy a more volcanic experience on the Big Island. Marvel at the lava flows of Kilauea, or savor the coffee that grows in the soil made fertile by millions of years of eruptions.

HIT THE BEACH

Hawaii is a group of islands with hundreds of beaches. Do you cruise to Oahu and hit Waikiki — where the people-watching is as good as the tanning — or to the scenic Napali Coast of underrated Kauai? Decisions, decisions.

RAINFOREST BATHE

Hawaii offers a tropical twist on the hip travel hobby called "forest bathing." It's all the rage among spiritually minded travelers these days and a great way to see nature close. Hike to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island, or through the lush Hana Rainforest on Maui.

PAL AROUND WITH PELE

The volcano goddess Pele takes many forms in Hawaii. Hawaii is the United States' most volcanic state, but your experience doesn't have to be death-defying. Daredevils will want to get up close and personal with the active lava flow of Kilauea, but you could instead hike up Mauna Loa, which is extinct.

DIVE INTO THE CULTURE

Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it's more than just a pretty face. Your Hawaii cruise will let you counterbalance naps on Waikiki with a tour of the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor or a visit to Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii's royal family. 

MONUMENTS OF THE PAST

No trip to Oahu is complete without paying your respects to the victims of Pearl Harbor at the USS Arizona Memorial. However, there's a lot more to Hawaiian history. You should also learn about Hawaii's Polynesian heritage at Honolulu's Iolani Palace, the former home of the long-ruling Kamehameha dynasty.

GET TO KNOW YOUR MORNING JOE

When imagining Hawaiian beverages, you might think of a fruity drink with an umbrella, but the state is the only permanent coffee producer in the U.S. Head to the Big Island to tour the plantations where the good stuff is grown, from famous Kona Coffee to craft producer Mount Thunder.

WALK IN THE WAYS OF OLD

Hawaii's Polynesian past is still palpable today. On Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can tour six different recreations of traditional villages. Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations, and learn the old ways of fishing without a net.

THE BEST HAWAII CRUISES

Go for bigger, bolder Polynesian adventures filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean® returns to Hawaii with two revolutionary Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas® and Quantum of the Seas® .

OVATION OF THE SEAS

From rushing waterfalls to active volcanoes, discover the beauty of Hawaii on an 9-night adventure onboard Ovation of the Seas® . Soak up the sun along emerald beaches or dance at a luau in Maui. And keep the good times rolling on this stellar Quantum Class ship with surf sessions on the FlowRider®*, globally inspired dishes and so much more.

EXPLORE MORE

quantum OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® takes you on an epic adventure to the best of Hawaii. Hang ten on Waikiki Beach one minute. Then savor a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kailua Kona the next. And in between, fill your days with endless onboard thrills like RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator, delicious dining options and top-notch entertainment.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Hawaii Cruises Insider

Hawaii is ideal to visit 365 days per year, whether you're looking to laze on a beach, explore the rainforest explorer or scale a volcano. However, prices and crowds increase when kids are out of school and during Christmas and New Year's.

With warm weather year-round, Hawaii is one of the U.S.'s sunniest states. The rainy season goes from November to March, but don't worry too much about the weather during these months; it isn't a constant monsoon — there's simply a greater chance of showers.

Looking for a more remote Hawaiian getaway? Kauai's Napali Coast is renowned but surprisingly uncrowded. If you dock in Kauai, you can drive along the seemingly hidden Napali Coast. Even in Maui, which has become more popular, "secret" beaches (and red ones, like Kaihalulu Beach) provide respite from the crowds.

The Culture of Hawaii: History & Folklore

March 8, 2024

What is Hawaii's historical background? Who was Hawaii’s First King? Enjoy a tour guide tailored to you on the culture of Hawaii & its island folklores.

Plan some slower days during your trip to jibe with the leisure-loving locals. The phrase "island time" isn't a joke.

Don't discount mainstream destinations like Oahu's Pearl Harbor and Kilauea on the Big Island — they're popular for a reason!

While some best practices (like not walking too close to volcanoes) are obvious, be aware of lesser-known laws. For example, it's actually illegal to hike Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs.

CUISINE POI, PORK, AND POKE

Seafood is an important part of the Hawaiian diet, but there's so much more to enjoy. Visit Hawaii and prepare for a feast like no other, with nods to Polynesia, Japan and even the American heartland.

Poke bowls are a great way to enjoy Hawaii's renowned ahi tuna. Ahi tuna has become famous all over America, most commonly seared and added to Asian-style salads. The best way to sample this Hawaiian favorite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice.

POLYNESIAN PORK

Is there any meal more Polynesian than a whole, roasted pig? Vegetarians have plenty of choices in Hawaii, but this isn't one of them. After cooking for hours over an open flame, this tender meat is plucked off the bone and plated, or sandwiched in a Hawaiian roll.

POI, THE TASTY PASTE

Taro root is a common food in the Asia-Pacific region, but usually not in the U.S. — outside of Hawaii, at least. The purple paste known as poi is a puree of this much-loved root vegetable, and it pairs well with other Hawaiian staples, such as the aforementioned Kalua pork (dip it!) and fresh fish.

RELATED PORTS

Dive deeper into the beautiful Hawaiian cruise ports, from attraction-filled Honolulu, to waterfall-rich Maui, to Kauai (home to the famed Napali Coast), to Hilo and Kona, gateways to the volcanos and coffee farms of the aptly named Big Island. during your cruise to Hawaii.

Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii

Hawaii (Kailua Kona), Hawaii

Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii

Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii

Mount Kilauea (Cruising), Hawaii

Napali Coast (Cruising), Hawaii

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

928-526-4575 | [email protected]

Rivers & Oceans

Rafting and Adventure Travel

Hawai’i Seascapes – Small Ship Cruise

Explore four of the Hawaiian Islands over one week aboard a small ship cruise with a maximum of 36 passengers.

Cruise Tropical Hawai'i

Island-hopping adventure: one week, four islands.

Embark on a captivating journey, cruising through Molokai, Lana‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i, the Big Island. Begin your adventure in Molokai’s ancient Halawa Valley, engaging with a local Kahuna (expert) for an authentic insight. Experience the warmth of Molokai culture with an evening pa‘ina (feast) and Hawaiian music session. Scale the Hualalai Volcano on the Big Island, where you can peer into its crater and explore a mesmerizing lava tube. Split your time between relaxing on pristine beaches and immersing yourself in water activities, uncovering secluded historic sites along the way.

Dive into snorkeling adventures, seeking out sea turtles amidst vibrant coral reefs, and navigate the coastline’s majestic 1000-foot cliffs through sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and skiff explorations. Cap off your journey with a visit to the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary on Maui’s South Shore, where whale, dolphin, and diverse marine life encounters await. Your home throughout this journey is a luxurious 36-guest boutique yacht, offering an intimate and comfortable experience.

All-Inclusive Experience

Enjoy the freedom of an all-inclusive experience, with no additional fees for excursions. Choose from kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply lounging onboard to soak in the breathtaking views. Indulge in delicious daily meals, beginning with dinner on the first evening and concluding with breakfast on your final day. This all-encompassing approach also extends to our warm water escapes in Belize and Baja , ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure.

$5,900 - $12,600 per person

Quick facts.

Length:  7 nights Price: $5,900 to $12,600 per person; $375 for port taxes & fees Season:  November – April Min. Age:  8 years Activity:  Expedition Cruise Adventure Level:   Mild

Hawai'i Cruise Details

Day-by-day details  for Molokai to Kona, Hawaii (*or reverse); variations may occur to maximize your experience.

Day 1 – Molokai, Hawaii* – Embark

Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to our hospitality area on Molokai. Later, the Captain and crew greet you with smiles and champagne as you board the awaiting Safari Explorer. Settle in and enjoy dinner (the first included meal of the rip) aboard the yacht, before a presentation about your week ahead.

Day 2 – Molokai

A warm Aloha spirit gives you a sense of Hawaii long ago. No stop lights, no high-rises, just a welcome slower pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. You’ll hear legends and lore, then take in a cultural lesson in taro patches and poi making, or hike to a towering waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral valley-one of the island’s most historic places. At the Molokai Museum, discover the history of this ancient homeland as you enjoy an evening paina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.

Day 3 – Lanai

Gear up for a day of play on the “Private Island.” Thousand foot sea cliffs line the shore and ancient volcanic plugs sit both above and below the water’s surface as host to a wide diversity of marine life. Snorkel, paddle board, kayak, explore by skiff, or stretch your legs on hike-whichever activities suit your fancy. Take a stroll to ancient Hawaiian historic site. Learn about the islands plantation days and unique history.

Day 4 – Maui

Today we may snorkel among coral gardens teeming with underwater life and a known sea turtle habitat. The Humpback National Marine Sanctuary located between Lana’i, Molokai, and Maui provides front-row seats as you cruise through these productive breeding grounds searching for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Look above and below the surface. Then stretch your legs in Lahaina for an afternoon amble through this historic town or take a leisurely beach stroll.

Day 5 – Captain’s Choice Exploration

Leave it to your Captain and crew to seek out and unveil the best opportunities the islands hold in store today. Dramatic volcanic backdrops, marine life sightings, and chances for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all possible!

Day 6 – Kona Coast

Fringed by coconut palms, Kealakekua (more commonly known as Captain Cook Bay, the fateful location of his unlucky demise) offers a morning filled with corals, sponges, and tropical fishes all set to the tune of the rich history of the Hawaiian Dynasty of Kings. From the tiniest fish to the widest stretch of coral, it’s all spectacular. Depending on weather and your mood, spend the day in the water or let us do the work, and explore the rugged coastline on a skiff ride.

Day 7 – Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary

Active adventure guests are off to Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary where you and a local naturalist climb the trails above the Kona coast. Head up Hualalai Volcano, then set out on a long hike up the cool and misty slopes, complete with natural history interpretation. Hike through dryland native forest and past lava tubes, and peer into a pit crater from its edge (if you’re up for it, you can even go inside a lava tube). A shorter option boasts views of craters, fissures, and lava tubes.

While more relaxed guests visit with a ranger (and become a Hawaii Junior Ranger if you choose), hike the trail to petroglyphs, or check out the Kaloko fishpond and remnants of the Aiopio fish trap. Bird watch or relax on the white coral sand beach—you may spot a green sea turtle.

For your final afternoon, relax onboard or go for one last dip. Celebrate with the Captain’s Dinner and a photographic recap of your adventure.

Day 8 – Hawaii, the Big Island – Disembark

As the Safari Explorer docks at Kawaihae Harbor, you’ll be transferred to the Kona Airport for your return flight home. Breakfast will be the last included meal of the trip.

*For trips departing from Hawaii, the Big Island to Molokai, the itinerary will be in reverse.

Find Your Adventure…

Ask us anything. We’re here to help.

We’ll get back to you with the answers.

Your trip will begin in either Kaunakakai, Hawaii on the island of Molokai where you will fly into the regional Molokai Airport or in Kawaihae Harbor on Hawaii, the Big Island where you will fly into the Kona International Airport. The first day of your trip, you will meet your fellow travelers in the outfitter’s hospitality area before enjoying your first dinner aboard the yacht.

The last night on the ship, you will have a special farewell dinner, and the next morning after breakfast, you will disembark in Kawaihae Harbor on Hawaii, the Big Island or Kaunakakai, Hawaii on the island of Molokai for your return flight home.

Price Includes

All onboard meals; premium spirits, wine, and beer; non-alcoholic beverages. Exclusive transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark days. Entry fees to national parks/preserves. All adventure activities and equipment from the boat. Your vessel also has wellness offerings such as fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage.

The weather in Hawaii can vary depending on which island you visit, but typically Hawaii’s average daytime high temperatures November – April range from 75ºF – 85ºF. Evening temperatures usually dip a little to 60ºF – 70ºF. This time of year is also the rainy season, but most of the rainfall is overnight and most showers are short-lived.

Hawaiian Islands

Made up of the exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain range formed by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands are known for their natural beauty and tranquil culture. This yacht trip is more than just taking in the scenery; you will learn about the rich traditions of native Hawaiians; paddleboard or kayak near thousand-foot sea cliffs; and snorkel among coral gardens and sea turtle habitat. Experience the spirit of Aloha woven throughout all your travels.

This is a small-scale cruise and your vessel will have a maximum number of 36 guests and a generous guest to guide ratio of 2 guests for each crew member. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the landscape, ecology, and culture of the area, as well as have expert instruction for all your adventure activities.

Meet the Safari Explorer – a spacious boutique yacht with 18 guest cabins that offers ample vantage points for taking in the sights and relaxing. The ship carries all the adventure equipment for guests including kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, and snorkel equipment. All cabins are equipped with a TV and DVD, iPod docking station, private bath, view windows, and generous closet space. Your vessel includes an intimate wine library, salon, and inviting dining room to sit back and relax. The vessel also comes equipped with fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage for you to enjoy.

You can look forward to a delicious daily menu filled with meals designed to reflect the flavors of Hawaii including locally sourced ingredients when possible. For breakfast – you can choose from an early riser breakfast with fresh baked pastries and fruit or a full breakfast with hot, cold, and specialty dishes. For lunch – you will find a range of salads, sandwiches, and homemade soups. During happy hour – enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in the lounge. Dinner – choose from several entrées including fresh, local seafood and meats or a vegetarian dish with a chef-selected wine pairing and be sure to leave room for an indulgent dessert, such as tiramisu.

Full Schedule

This expedition cruise consists of a flexible, fun, and full itinerary. Your days will be filled from the moment you wake until you retire to your cabin with chances for group meals, off-ship outings, and presentations in the evening. Choose to participate in the activities and presentations each day or sit them out, but one thing is for sure, this cruise will keep you moving!

Adventure Specialists

We’ve been connecting our clients to water adventures around the world since 1987. We partner with select outfitters who share our values and are pros at creating exceptional experiences. There is no fee for our service; we earn our commission from the outfitters we represent, and the cost of your expedition is the same as booking direct.

Choose Your Adventure

Sea Kayaking Tours

Our sea kayaking adventures explore remote territory in Baja, British Columbia, and Belize.

Custom Expeditions

Adventure connects people. We can customize your adventure from start to finish.  CALL US  

Grand Canyon Trips

Experience America’s great adventure. Spend 3 to 18 days rafting the Colorado River.

Small Ship Cruises

Check out our all-inclusive small boat expeditions to Alaska, Baja, Hawaii, Antarctica and Galapagos.

Experts in wilderness travel, we have extensive connections within the industry through our 60+ combined years guiding most of the trips we offer including hundreds of rafting trips in Grand Canyon.

There is no fee for our service, ensuring the cost of your expedition is the same as booking directly with the outfitter  ( Learn more ).

• Grand Canyon Rafting
• Custom Tours
• Sea Kayaking
• About R&O
• Recommended Gear
• The Water Blog

Hours: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm ( See current AZ time ) [email protected] 928-526-4575 123 S. San Francisco St. #16 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

UnCruise Hawaii on the Safari Explorer: Incredible Island Hopping

I ’ve been excited about doing an UnCruise in Hawaii for a long time and we’ve finally completed our sailing from the Big Island to Molokai. It was incredible and I am excited to share just what made it so special and unique. We travel to Hawaii a lot (more frequently than we ever expected) so getting to see the Islands from a different perspective doing UnCruise Hawaii was awesome and gave us a completely new set of stories and experiences to share.

I don’t just want to gush about how wonderful the boat and crew were, but I want to share what made small ship sailing in Hawaii such an unusual experience, both for us adults and the kids. If you have any questions about what it’s like to sail around Hawaii or what the UnCruise experience is like for a family, please leave a comment or send us a note . Planning a small ship sailing is a special commitment and has a premium price, so ask away and we’ll help you sort it out!

Prep for our Hawaii UnCruise

I am such a planner, and when you’re heading thousands of miles for a special sort of travel experience, you plan things and thoughtfully pack. That’s just what we did for our Hawaii UnCruise sailing, but what made it a little tricky was that the only part of the trip I could really plan/pack for was the few days on the Big Island of Hawaii before we set sail. The way UnCruise words their itineraries is a bit vague, and there’s a reason for it.

When you’re doing an UnCruise Adventure , there’s a fair amount of the experience that is left up to the weather, the wildlife and the captain. Now that I know what that means, not just on paper but in practice, I get it and appreciate it. Before we set sail though, I was a bit stressed about not having a clear plan for activities and anything on board. This is my Type A side shining through, but once onboard I chilled out.

Note : we now partner with UnCruise so may receive a commission at no cost to you if you choose to book and use our code, TWODADS500 , when you book. 🙂

What to Pack for an UnCruise Hawaii Sailing

Pajamas and swim shorts.

I’m kidding, but I really actually could have only packed pajamas and swim wear and we would have been fine for our sailing. The UnCruise Hawaii itinerary has a combination of the following: snorkeling, hiking, on-land cultural immersion, kayaking, skiff tours, biking, swimming, and relaxation. So how do you pack for an itinerary like this? Well, the first thing to keep in mind is that this is UNCRUISE, not a mega ship sailing, so it’s very informal and intimate. It’s a casual setting with your friends, not a formal nightly dinner party.

So here is my UnCruise Hawaii packing list for CLOTHING:

• Swimwear – this may include swim shirts / rash guards – 3 per person
• Landwear – you’ll have three days with shore excursions plus embarkation/disembarkation – 4 or 5  mix-n-match sets of clothes
• Look-nice-wear – it’s always fun to make a little effort every now and then – 2 or 3 aloha shirts
• Shoes – flip flops for everything EXCEPT hiking / biking, for which you’ll need close-toed shoes ( I’ve used THESE KEENS for four trips to Hawaii )
• Hats – a wide brim hat and a cap are both recommended due to the amount of sun time

Now, there are some other things that we also pack when we’re traveling that make everything even more delightful, and that includes when we’re doing an UnCruise sailing. We bring specific gear and activities that help our family during travel, and these things are VERY important to us because we do travel so much.

Our non-clothing packing list:

• Frameless snorkel mask – I always bring my special mask with a thick rubber seal because my face is sensitive
• Digital camera – I bring my DSLR ( Canon Rebel T7i ) with 600mm lens ( I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Sigma 150-600mm )
• Waterproof phone case – this one is good for kayaking and surface snorkeling | for free diving look for 50 foot rating
• GoPro – sometimes we bring a GoPro 11 / 12 , but we use our phones more
• Small backpack / fanny pack
• Reading book / Kindle paperwhite / school work
• Personal pillow – yes, we do actually bring our own pillows when we travel, and because we do pack light, we never don’t have space for them.

When you’re packing for an UnCruise Hawaii sailing, or any trip for that matter, it’s always good to pack and then unpack and repack with fewer items than the first round. Really, packing lighter than you think you should is recommended for warm weather destinations, particularly when you’ll be in a ship cabin for a week.

Embarking on the Safari Explorer from Kona

It’s really exciting when your sailing day finally arrives. We knew that we were doing the UnCruise Hawaii trip a year before we set foot onboard, so the anticipation and excitement also became a feeling of accomplishment, that our patience and planning finally paid off. We arrived at the King Kamehameha Beach Resort near the Kailua-Kona pier and immediately found our check in desk.

Book the King Kamehameha Beach Resort here!

We were greeted and our luggage was tagged and stored (still accessible to us for the few hours before boarding). We were given name badges and welcomed to relax in the staging area, head to the beach or walk around Kona. We love the small beach at the King Kamehameha Beach Resort and there is some good snorkeling, so we grabbed our gear and went off to relax. We also started to see others in the staging area who would be sailing with us, but without an official introduction yet, we kept to ourselves.

When it was time to board, we all came back together for simple introductions by our expedition leader and a quick go-around-the-room, and then it was off to the ship. The Safari Explorer was waiting for us with the crew, ready to go Hawaii island hopping ! An introduction to Captain Andy, a quick photo on the pier so we had a guide to who we were sailing with, and then being shown to our cabins made for a smooth boarding process.

Our bags were already waiting for us in our cabins, so after our steward showed us the ins and outs of it, we checked on the kids (they had their own cabin) and found them settling in nicely. This was the point where our Hawaii UnCruise really was a reality and I personally was able to chill and just enjoy.

Because it is a ship, albeit not a mega cruise ship, there are the standard safety briefings for muster, PFDs and procedures, but that’s quick and easy. Meeting the rest of the crew was next and then it was off to the decks to wave goodbye to Kailua-Kona. It was the perfect start to our adventure.

Pre-Sailing Accommodations

We 100% recommend arriving at your departure port the day before (Friday), if not two days before (Thursday) your sailing. There are enough inconsistencies in flying these days that you don’t want to risk a big delay causing you to miss your Hawaii UnCruise (or Alaska or Baja…). For a Kona departure, there are lots of choices.

We really like the King Kamehameha Courtyard Marriott (where you check in for your sailing) and also the Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian when we’re in Kailua-Kona, and have also stayed at the Royal Kona Resort and even the Holiday Inn Express Kailua-Kona . I would recommend a place that’s walking distance to the pier for departure, but also there are plenty of Ubers in Kona and it’s not difficult to get around.

If you’re doing the reverse sailing, you’re hotel options on Molokai are very limited. There is either the Hotel Molokai , which is cute and we do enjoy (clean, good pool, nice rooms) or you can rent a condo at Molokai Shores . The condo option is good if you’re arrive a few days early to have some extra time exploring Molokai on your own.

UnCruise Hawaii Sailing on the Safari Explorer – Itinerary

As I share what our itinerary and experiences were like for our UnCruise Hawaii sailing on the Safari Explorer, please keep in mind that the official itinerary from the company is rather vague and very flexible. There are several notations about “captain’s choice” and such, and that’s because one of the joys of UnCruise is getting to be flexible and follow the good weather and wildlife. So, our Hawaii sailing was different than the week’s sailing before ours or after ours. Each experience is unique! See the company site for their itinerary description .

When booking an UnCruise small ship sailing, mention our code (online or via phone) TWODADS500 to receive $500 discount towards your passage. Education and adventure await!

Exploring Hawaii’s Kona Coast with UnCruise

I will say it a million times, the Big Island of Hawaii is my favorite for lots of reasons. From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to visiting Hilo , from scenic drives on the Big Island to unique beaches, every trip is so different. And now sailing along the Kona Coast on the Safari Explorer with UnCruise has changed my view of the Big Island forever. I love it even more.

The coastline on the western side of the Big Island is fascinating. It’s full of lava flow cliffs, small bays, shallow sea caves and some really cool beaches. Sailing along the coast you get to see it all from a new perspective, all while watching whales and dolphins around you. Highlights of the activities on the Kona Coast included:

• Wildlife watching ALL THE TIME
• Hiking up the Hualalai Volcano
• Night snorkeling with manta rays in a new spot to us
• Early morning visit to Kealakekua Bay – my favorite snorkeling spot on the Kona Coast

The Safari Explorer can get wonderfully close to the cliffs and snorkeling areas, either directly or with its skiffs, so exploring the coast of the Big Island felt fresh and new and beautiful.

Something to keep in mind if you’re thinking that any activity doesn’t sound right for you, when you’re doing the UnCruise Hawaii sailing you can choose to do different activities than the ones I’m sharing about. For example, while we were doing the hike up Hualalai , other people opted to have a beach day at Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Site to relax and watch the sea turtles (honu).

After a few days sailing along the Kona Coast on the Safari Explorer, we said goodbye to the Big Island and did an overnight crossing of the strait between Hawaii and Maui, the ‘Alenuihāhā Channel, we woke up on the north shore of Molokai. This is one of the most dangerous sea crossings in the world and we got to enjoy sleeping through it!

Flexible Sailing Days on the Safari Explorer

“Captain’s Choice” strikes again! But in the best way. That whole UnCruise flexibility piece really does set you up for an unusual and amazing trip. Flexible sailing days on the UnCruise Hawaii itinerary allowed us to have a very special experience: sailing along the north side of Molokai. Here you’ll find the tallest sea cliffs in the world, at a towering 4000 feet high. We woke up to a gentle announcement from our captain to look out the port side and wow. Cliffs, green walls, waterfalls, albatross and tropics birds, whales… What a way to wake up!

Other highlights of our flexible sailing on the UnCruise Hawaii itinerary brought us to sea caves for kayaking, trawling around following humpback whales (proper distances), and getting to watch the sunset over Maui.

Something I found surprisingly pleasant about the sailing days was the amount of downtime for straight up relaxing or doing school work. Traveling on UnCruise with kids meant that there would be homework to complete, and when we would sail between destinations/activities, this was the perfect time for the kids to catch up on reading or worksheets. I also used this time for writing and chatting it up with other passengers. 

Visiting Lanai for UnCruise Hawaii

Lanai is one of the least visited islands in Hawaii. It’s known as the Pineapple Island, as at one point 90% of the pineapple consumed in the USA came from this one island. Almost the whole thing was farmland, which wasn’t smart. Farming all but ended and now it’s a quiet island with few residents, a small town (Lanai City), only a few options for places to stay and not much else. But there are lots of hiking spots and biking trails, and our kids’ favorite thing ever: the Lanai Cat Sanctuary .

Off shore we enjoyed kayaking to the sea caves and swimming just a bit from the cliffs of Lanai, and did some incredible snorkeling at an area called Shark Fin. On land our family split up to what each of us wanted (that’s the cool thing about the flexibility of the Hawaii UnCruise itinerary). Chris and the kids joined a few other guests and went in a van (transportation provided) to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. They loved it and got to spend hours hanging out with kitties.

I joined some other guests from the Safari Explorer and went for an ATV ride with a hike. We went from the Lanai Adventure Center, where other guests headed out on E-bikes, and headed up the mountain in the middle of the island in a Polaris (like a hunting ATV), and then continued on over the hills to an epic view of Molokai and Maui. Here I just took in the view and actually photographed breaching humpback whales from afar. We all enjoyed our time on Lanai very much.

Exploring and Learning on Molokai

I honestly knew nothing about Molokai before we visited during our UnCruise Hawaii sailing. All I knew was that there was a leprosy story, perhaps a leper colony, on the island and that’s it. Well, Molokai is much more than that, although that’s an important part of the island’s modern history.

When the 1946 tsunami hit Hawaii, it didn’t just crash into Hilo. When it got to Molokai it swept up into the Halawa Valley on the North Shore and wiped out the whole village and farm system in the valley. Today this valley is a place to learn about Hawaiian culture, the history of the people who lived here and farmed the Halawa Valley dating back 1500 years, and see how the current residents live with their farm and off-the-grid lifestyle. As a part of the UnCruise Hawaii itinerary you get to visit.

The drive to the Halawa Valley is beautiful and when you get to the valley itself it’s amazing. We opted for the 3.4 mile round trip waterfall hike when we arrived, but due to rain and the rising river we didn’t get to complete it. Instead we got to spend time with Greg, whose father lived in the valley when the tsunami hit, and we got to tour the taro farm and learn a bunch about Hawaiian customs. We finished with a visit to the cove at Halawa Beach Park.

We finished our visit to Molokai with a special dinner (pā’ina), hosted by aunties and uncles, with live music, local Hawaiian dishes and spending one last evening with our UnCruise friend we’d made. The pā’ina was the perfect end to our amazing week aboard the Safari Explorer.

Wildlife on our Hawaii UnCruise

When you’re visiting Hawaii with kids, it’s difficult to pinpoint what they really take in and enjoy, but our small ship sailing experience with UnCruise left us with no question about what they loved the most: the ABUNDANCE of wildlife. There was rarely a moment in our 8 days, 7 nights on the Safari Explorer that we didn’t have a whale in view or dolphins at the bow of the ship. 

We estimated our humpback whale sighting count at over 170. When it comes to dolphins, we saw three different types: bottlenose, pan-tropical spotted and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. There were Hawaiian monk seals in several places, and so many cool birds. My favorite experience though is always being in the water for snorkeling and seeing underwater life.

Several times we boarded our skiffs to head to awesome snorkeling spots. Getting to snorkel with monk seals, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), octopus and manta rays was such a treat. Adding another layer of cool to the experience, almost every time we got in the water we could hear humpback whales singing! We also used a hydrophone when out on the water to hear the whale songs even better, and it was downright astounding.

“You didn’t go ashore on Maui?”

That’s correct. During our UnCruise Hawaii sailing we didn’t have the normal port visit to Maui. Following the raging fires of 2023 that burned Lahaina to the ground, the visit ashore was removed from our Safari Explorer itinerary. That’s okay though, because we did have a special day of snorkeling at our favorite spot on Maui, Olowalu Beach. Snorkeling here is one of the best things to do on Maui , so although we didn’t get to make port here, we still had a fantastic experience underwater.

Tip: you can always book a few days on Maui for after your sailing if you want time on the island. There are lots of flights to the mainland from Maui (OGG) so it’s an easy way to end your trip to the Islands.

Disembarking from UnCruise Hawaii

It may sound cheesy but disembarking from the Safari Exploring for the last time was sad. We said goodbyes to the passengers and crew that we got to know. The kids hugged their new buddies. We waved as we got in the van to Hotel Molokai to kill time before our departing flight. Thankfully we had a lovely place to spend a few more hours with some of those we had met. We had a dip in the pool, watched more whales breaching between Molokai and Lanai, and enjoyed lunch as we quietly watched the water.

Spending a week on the water in close quarters with everyone was a wonderful experience. If you haven’t read our article about what to expect on an UnCruise, and about the community we found on board, be sure to give it a read and listen to our podcast episode about it. Sailing on the Safari Explorer around Hawaii was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Ever.

Continuing Hawaii Visit Options

If you’re like us, making the journey all the way to the middle of the Pacific Ocean means that you want to maximize your time there. Please take a look at our Hawaii Island Hopping article for ideas for how to spend a few extra days or to dig further into Hawaiian culture and nature.

The long and short of it though, from Molokai you can fly on Mokulele Airlines (very small planes) to either Honolulu (Oahu – HNL) or Kahului (Maui – OGG), and then from there it’s easy to get to either the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai.

If you haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time on the Big Island, that would be my first pick. Waterfalls, volcanoes, unique beaches and fascinating historic/cultural sites make it easy to spend 3-10 days on the Big Island. You can do a few days on the Kona side and then the Hilo side for two very different experiences from what you have done and seen on the UnCruise Hawaii itinerary. Check out our One Week Big Island Itinerary .

The second choice to visit, in my not so humble opinion, is Kauai. I do love Kauai and we’ve enjoyed many days of hiking and sightseeing here. The Garden Island is more mellow than Oahu and again, you can easily spend a few days of a whole week on Kauai. Check out our 5 Day Kauai Itinerary .

Oahu is my next pick (yes, more so than Maui) because it’s got great beaches , tons of hiking , and awesome food . Oahu is more than Honolulu, so spending a few days enjoying beaches and exploring the North Shore of Oahu and the sights all around the island is very much worth your time.

Maui is my last pick for additional time in Hawaii. Yes, Maui is beautiful and there are lots of things to do, but I just prefer the other islands more. The highlight of visiting Maui is spending time in Haleakala National Park . It’s incredible and I’ve never seen any other place like it. This is YOUR time, so you choose the sort of experience you want!

Planning our Next UnCruise – Alaska!

While you’re onboard, you actually have an option to book or put a deposit down on another UnCruise, which also gives you a big discount for the next one you do. And if you’ve done multiple, the discount increases with each cruise you’ve done. Want to head to Alaska? Great. Think it would be amazing to sail around Baja California? Awesome. You can put down a deposit and then book something within the next three years. We already had our next sailing booked, so we didn’t do the deal, but others in our group did.

Where else are we exploring with UnCruise? I’m so glad you asked!! Next up: Alaska on the Frontier Legacy! It’s going to be amazing, in particular because we’re doing the Kids in Nature itinerary , so there will be more families than our Hawaiian Seascapes sailing.

Join us! Get info here!

If you have any questions either about our Hawaii UnCruise itinerary or our overall experience sailing with the company, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more about it all! Also, we get to spend a lot of time in Hawaii so have lots of recommendations and advice if you need it, so reach out if you do!

Just added to your cart

CLICK HERE for All 2024-2025 Cruise Destinations & Pricing. Contact Us to Book or Contact Your Travel Advisor.

7 Night Hawaiian Vacation Cruise | Nov - Apr 2023 - 2025 | Paradise Above and Below.

With the recent fire that devastated parts of the Hawaiian paradise of Maui, it is with a heavy hearts that we reflect upon the fragility of nature. It also highlights the importance of community, perseverance, and hope. All of our crew and partners are safe and in contact with us. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your continued support and aloha spirit. Recovery can be supported at, Maui Strong Foundation.

Enjoy whales and dolphins alongside the boat are just the beginning of your Hawaii cruise adventure. Snorkeling in Hawaii means warm water, coral gardens, and neon-colored fish. And you'll remember snorkeling with sea turtles long after you’ve taken off your flippers. Water play, waterfalls, lava fields, and talking story with locals—you’ve never lived aloha quite like this.

Whale watch from the yacht’s bow or bridge in the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary. Kayak along the coast of Lanaʻi. Learn about local tradition and Hawaiian culture from a kupuna. Each day is full. Do it all, or take it slow.

Discover Hawaii’s remarkable culture, history, and natural treasures. These behind-the-scenes guides reveal what awaits you aboard our boutique yacht cruise.

Don't Forget to Book Your Land Options! Pre or Post Cruise Hotel in Molokai or Kona Beach.

7 NIGHTS | HAWAIIAN SEASCAPES

From USD $5,900 per person

From Molokai to Hawaii or reverse on the Safari Explorer for 7 nights. Nov 18th to Dec 30th, 2023. Jan 6th to Dec 28th, 2024.

Visiting Halawa Valley, Hualalai Volcano, coral gardens, Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, and sea turtle habitat. Snorkel with Giant Pacific Mantas and more.

Compare All Boats | Additional port taxes and fees $375 per person

What to Expect in Hawaii

The places you visit play a starring role throughout every journey. While this list isn’t exhaustive of every nook-and-cranny you’ll explore along the way, we’ve included descriptions of key ports and places to help you get to know the wilderness areas, landmark locations, notable regions, and coastal towns relevant to this itinerary.

Cruising between four islands—Molokai, Lana‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i, the Big Island—experience a new aloha aboard a 36-guest boutique yacht. Four islands, one week!

What's Included?

• Included in your fare:
• Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
• Entry fees to national parks/preserves
• From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
• Exclusive activities and shore visits
• All meals aboard the vessel
• Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Wellness amenities
• Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
• Refer to your final guest documents for any additional inclusions specific to your itinerary and vessel
• Not included in your fare:
• Airfare to and from your home city
• Discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew
• Travel protection
• Optional excursions and land tours
• Port taxes/fees ( except La Pinta )
• No onboard wifi

DISCOVER AUTHENTIC HAWAII AND ADVENTURE

“A great experience! It was very well planned and executed. Fun and educational. The entire Hawaii cruise was spectacular !”

Keith M., Jacksonville FL

“ This is a stunningly beautiful trip!!! Our naturalist shared his knowledge and experiences with us, enriching the journey. The kayaking and hiking were very fun and skiff rides took us to see intimate details of the coastline and wildlife with a guide. Meals were outstanding and the entire staff was very helpful, friendly and professional. UnCruise Adventures are the best!"

"The crew went out of their way to make sure we maximized our chance of wildlife and that our shore excursions were informative and fun. The food was incredible, varied, tasty, and plentiful. We would recommend that you choose UnCruise for your next travel experience."

Linda B., Tasmania Australia

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

• Hop-on or hop-off at any of Moscow’s main highlights
• Views of Moscow from an open-top, double-decker bus
• Learn about the city with recorded commentary
• Visit Red Square, Alexander Gardens, and more
• Bus pass inclusions: 48 or 72 hour bus pass + walking tour
• Boat pass inclusions: 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Bus & Boat pass inclusions: 48 hour bus pass + 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Vouchers valid for 12 months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Location Name: The route begins at Red Square but you can board at any stop
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Red Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 25 minutes. Duration - 60 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Most travelers can participate
• Green Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 60 minutes. Duration - 120 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Orange Route (currently suspended) runs from 10:30am - 6:30pm, every 30 minutes. Duration - 140 minutes. First stop - Museum of Cosmonautics
• Walking tour runs daily at 10:45am. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes. Meeting point - Next to monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Boat tour operates 5th May - 20th October, from 11:30am - 6:30pm. Duration - 60 minutes. Meeting point - Zaryadye Park Pier.
• Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted for this tour.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the stops along the routes.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• DebbJ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get oriented to Moscow We started our Moscow experience with the hop on hop off. It was a great way to get orientated to the city. The additional optional tours were also good, we did the Metro tour which I highly recommend, we also paid for the Kremlin tour. The hop on hop off has three different lines all included. Only fault was the bus was sometimes full and you had to wait for the next one which was about 15 minutes (in the cold). Read more Written January 6, 2020
• UmaDelhi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days are required Very very good audio guides- the voice quality was also good and also the anecdotes of history were brilliant. Russia is truly beautiful Read more Written September 1, 2019
• BeverleyT 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat trip - TERRIBLE We got on the bus, but couldn’t buy a 1 day ticket. They suggested we do the 1 hour boat trip and said they would drop us to the dock. 1) they dropped us in the wrong place 2) they were lost because of the marathon Then the boat, after we finally found it: 1) stinking fumes, actually gagging 2) no commentary, in fact, no interaction unless you begged 3) offered us 2 for 1 icecreams as they had melted and refrozen as the fridge gets turned off at night Honestly, we enjoyed the afternoon in the boat but spent all of it laughing at just how awful it was!!! The worst thing in Moscow! Read more Written August 18, 2019
• niruDurbs 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best value for the price The ticket is quite expensive and covers three different routes in a 24 hour period. The red route is quite exciting and takes about an hour. The bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However the other two routes take about two hours each and buses come every 30 to 40 minute period. If the bus is full then you have to wait at the stop for the next bus. So personally I feel that not much can be seen this way. I definitely was not impressed. However it must be noted that one can learn a lot about the history of Moscow Read more Written July 3, 2019
• IrishCueTravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles SLO Motion Not all their fault , but if you plan on trying this Attraction be patient! Traffic is a big problem first and foremost. But to add additional unnecessary delays; the bus stops at each site for 15 minutes at a time or More ! I gave up half way through ( 45 minutes) ; and walked back to the starting point in 10 minutes! Read more Written June 4, 2019
• michael g 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst hop on/hop off EVER Waited for 40 minutes in the cold rain for a bus that never came... unacceptable. Traffic is so bad that when on a bus the previos day it was barely moving. My advice-get a subway pass and a good travel guide book and do sightseeing on your own! Read more Written October 24, 2018
• Rebecca J 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Boat element was excellent We purchased a ticket online for the boat and bus for 2 days. The boat element was wonderful, we saw some amazing parts of Moscow along the river side. The bus element was very disappointing as it only started at 10am and was finished by 6:30pm. It was extremely warm when we were there and it would have been great to do the tour in the cool of the day. There was also no air conditioning in the down stairs part of the bus. They also turned away passengers at one of the stops as the bus was full and there was not another bus for 40 minutes. Read more Written September 26, 2018
• Monismith2014 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles it was very enjoyable it was very interesting seeing things we saw walking around from the bus. so much more to see. we had a lot better view of the attractions from the height of the bus.also the bus was reasonable slow which gave us time enough for photos. it stopped at sparrow hill for 10 minutes for picture taking Read more Written September 20, 2018
• fati666222 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Moscow We did both routes but if you have little time then only do the red route.Its very informative and it takes you to the important sights.The staff on the bus are very friendly and helpful. Read more Written August 20, 2018
• adolfo17 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The worst hope-on hope-off service I've ever seen Diffiult to understand the route maps and stops. Staff wouldn't help either. Lengthy stops. No air conditioning. Read more Written August 4, 2018
• Peter F 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Two Routes There is a short red route which depending on the traffic takes about an hour. The route is generally around the Red Square area. The ear phones were small and sometimes the commentary did not link up with the sites you were seeing. The green bus takes you on a longer route and ours took two and a half hours due to the heavy traffic. I would not recommend this trip unless it is raining or you want to fill in time. The sights we saw were nothing outstanding with plenty of time at certain stops for photos. Also the driver stop for a bite to eat at one stop. Read more Written July 30, 2018
• Bernardo P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Trips Moscow, Russia Yesterday, I booked a boat trip with the GetYourGuide.com web page and was totally horrible, didn’t have audio guide as it shows on the picture-Nobody Talk-. The girl on the picture-light blue bag-ask for 100 Rubles for show her the QR Code while I had the Booking and PIN number cause she must see the vessel name-Didn’t say nothing and after she said board any vessel. I suggest take the trip and pay on site, avoid fake internet pages, there are many other services with a lot of entertainment, don’t take this ones. Read more Written July 14, 2018
• Kathrynowl91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see some sites We usually do these tours when we travel. They get you round and you see the sight . The traffic is quite heavy so it is a bit slow but there is not a lot they can do about it. We only did the red route. Just a note people don’t queue here when the bus comes it’s a bit of a free for all. Read more Written July 13, 2018
• Daniyal91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Was Ok.! Started our tour of moscow from here, We had got the 2 Day Pass with the boat ride. The route and the map was good but not well managed. The bus didn't stop at many points. Were were unaware a couple of times at what point we were and missed them. Headphones and maps were provided. Would recommend one should check out the route map before going and decide which places to stop in advance, this way one can manage and enjoy the tour more and us it more effectively.! The boat ride was Ok, a little crowded. No guide provided, just a boat ride with restaurant service Read more Written July 12, 2018
• WilliamDyer 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service on boat and too many waiting times on buses For the price, you should expect at minimum English speaking tour guides with decent experience, but at least in my case that did not happen both in buses and boats. And in the boat even tough we were 90% English speaking tourist at least, the tour guide spoke 95% of the time in Russia, and only 3 sentences in English, I really counted how many times she spoke in English. And at the end she asks us if we have any questions? Of course I told her I couldn’t ask her anything since I didn’t understand 95% of what she was saying. The boat tour is not worth it, just take the bus that would be my advice. Second minus is the waiting times, in the boat they made us wait an hour before it departed, and in many stops with the buses waiting times of 20-30 minutes. I actually think I lost that day around 2 hours doing nothing. Be careful. Read more Written July 10, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise provided by City Sightseeing Moscow

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point

Preparing for a China war, the Marines are retooling how they’ll fight

U.s. troops are preparing for conflict on an island-hopping battlefield across asia, against an enemy force that has home-field advantage.

POHAKULOA TRAINING RANGE, Hawaii — The Marine gunner knelt on the rocky red soil of a 6,000-foot-high volcanic plain. He positioned the rocket launcher on his shoulder, focused the sights on his target, a rusted armored vehicle 400 yards away, and fired.

Two seconds later, a BANG.

“Perfect hit,” said his platoon commander.

The gunner, 23-year-old Lance Cpl. Caden Ehrhardt, is a member of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, a new formation that reflects the military’s latest concept for fighting adversaries like China from remote, strategic islands in the western Pacific. These units are designed to be smaller, lighter, more mobile — and, their leaders argue, more lethal. Coming out of 20 years of land combat in the Middle East, the Marines are striving to adapt to a maritime fight that could play out across thousands of miles of islands and coastline in Asia.

Instead of launching traditional amphibious assaults, these nimbler groups are intended as an enabler for a larger joint force. Their role is to gather intelligence and target data and share it quickly — as well as occasionally sink ships with medium-range missiles — to help the Pacific Fleet and Air Force repel aggression against the United States and allies and partners like Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.

These new regiments are envisioned as one piece of a broader strategy to synchronize the operations of U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, and in turn with the militaries of allies and partners in the Pacific. Their focus is a crucial stretch of territory sweeping from Japan to Indonesia and known as the First Island Chain. China sees this region, which encompasses an area about half the size of the contiguous United States, as within its sphere of influence.

The overall strategy holds promise, analysts say. But it faces significant hurdles, especially if war were to break out: logistical challenges in a vast maritime region, timely delivery of equipment and new technologies complicated by budget battles in Congress, an overstressed defense industry, and uncertainty over whether regional partners like Japan would allow U.S. forces to fight from their islands. That last piece is key. Beijing sees the U.S. strategy of deepening security alliances in the Pacific as escalatory — which unnerves some officials in partner nations who fear that they could get drawn into a conflict between the two powers.

The stakes have never been higher.

Beijing’s aggressive military modernization and investment over the past two decades have challenged U.S. ability to control the seas and skies in any conflict in the western Pacific. China has vastly expanded its reach in the Pacific, building artificial islands for military outposts in the South China Sea and seeking to expand bases in the Indian and Pacific oceans — including a naval facility in Cambodia that U.S. intelligence says is for exclusive use by the People’s Liberation Army.

China not only has the region’s largest army, navy and air force, but also home-field advantage. It has about 1 million troops, more than 3,000 aircraft, and upward of 300 vessels in proximity to any potential battle. Meanwhile, U.S. ships and planes must travel thousands of miles, or rely on the goodwill of allies to station troops and weapons. The PLA also has orders of magnitude more ground-based, long-range missiles than the U.S. military.

Taiwan, a close U.S. partner, is most directly in the crosshairs. President Xi Jinping has promised to reunite, by force if necessary, the self-governing island with mainland China. A successful invasion would not only result in widespread death and destruction in Taiwan, but also have catastrophic economic consequences due to disruption of the world’s most advanced semiconductor industry and of maritime traffic in some of the world’s busiest sea lanes — the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. That would create enormous uncertainty for businesses and consumers around the world.

“We’ve spent most of the last 20 years looking at a terrorist adversary that wasn’t exquisitely armed, that didn’t have access to the full breadth of national power,” said Col. John Lehane, the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment’s commander. “And now we’ve got to reorient our formations onto someone that might have that capability.”

The vision and the challenge

The U.S. Marine Corps has a blueprint to fight back: a vision called Force Design that stresses the forward deployment of Marines — placing units on the front line — while making them as invisible as possible to radar and other electronic detection. The idea is to use these “stand-in” forces, up to thousands in theater at any one time, to enable the larger joint force to deploy its collective might against a major foe.

The aspiration is for the new formation to be first on the ground in a conflict, where it can gather information to send coordinates to an Air Force B-1 bomber so it can fire a missile at a Chinese frigate hundreds of miles away or send target data to a Philippine counterpart that can aim a cruise missile at a destroyer in the contested South China Sea.

The reality of the mission is daunting, experts say.

Even if you get Marines into these remote locations, “resupplying them over time is something that needs to be rehearsed and practiced repeatedly in simulated combat conditions,” said Colin Smith, a Rand Corp. researcher formerly with I Marine Expeditionary Force, whose area of responsibility includes the Pacific. “Just because you can move it in peacetime doesn’t mean you’ll be able to in warfare — especially over long periods of time.”

Though the Marines are no longer weighed down by tanks, the new unit’s Littoral Combat Team, an infantry battalion, will be operating advanced weapons that can fire missiles at enemy ships up to 100 nautical miles away to help deny an enemy access to key maritime chokepoints, such as the Taiwan and Luzon straits. By October, each Marine Littoral Regiment will have 18 Rogue NMESIS unmanned truck-based launchers capable of firing two naval strike missiles at a time.

But a single naval strike missile weighs 2,200 pounds, and resupplying these weapons in austere islands without runways requires watercraft, which move slowly, or helicopters, which can carry only a limited quantity at a time.

“You’re not very lethal with just two missiles, so you’ve got to have a whole bunch at the ready and that’s a lot more stuff to hide, which means your ability to move unpredictably goes down,’’ said Ivan Kanapathy, a Marine Corps veteran with three deployments in the western Pacific. “There’s a trade-off between lethality and mobility — mobility being a huge part of survivability in this environment.”

Though NMESIS vehicles radiate heat, and radar emits signals that can be detected, the Marines try to lower their profile by spacing out the vehicles, camouflaging them and moving them frequently, as well as communicating only intermittently. Similar tactics are being tested by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield, where despite the number of Russian sensors and drones, “if you disperse and conceal yourself, it’s possible to survive,” said Stacie Pettyjohn, director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security.

But on smaller islands, there are fewer areas to hide, fewer road networks to move around on, “so it’s easier for China to search and eventually find what they’re looking for,” she said.

Lehane, the unit’s commander, says that the unit’s most valuable role isn’t conducting lethal strikes; it is the ability to “see things in the battlespace, get targeting data, make sense out of what is going on when maybe other people can’t.” That’s because the Pentagon expects, in a potential war with China, that U.S. satellites will be jammed or destroyed and ships’ computer networks disrupted.

China now has many more sensors — radar, sonar, satellites, electronic signals collection — in the South China Sea than the United States. That gives Beijing a formidable targeting advantage, said Gregory Poling, an expert on Southeast Asia security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “The United States would have to expend an unacceptable amount of ordnance to degrade those capabilities to blind China,” he said.

The unit has been practicing techniques to communicate quietly. In a bare room of a cinder block building at its home base in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Marines in the regiment’s command operations center tapped on laptops on portable tables, with plastic sheets taped over the windows. In the field, the gear could be set up in a tent, packed up and moved at a moment’s notice. Intelligence analysts, some of whom speak Mandarin, were feeding information to commanders on the range at Pohakuloa, practicing connections between the command on Oahu and the infantry battalion on the Big Island.

But exercises are not real life. Indo-Pacific Command is striving to build a Joint Fires Network that will reliably connect sensors, shooters and decision-makers in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. But chronic budget shortfalls, and long-standing friction between the combatant commands and the services — each of which decides independently of the commands what hardware and software to buy — have slowed development.

Even when it is fully fielded, Pettyjohn said, “the question is, is this network going to be survivable in a contested electromagnetic space? You’re going to have a lot of jamming going on.”

Shoulder-to-shoulder in the Philippines

Last April, the Marines and the rest of the Joint Force tested the new warfighting concept with their Philippine partner in a sprawling, weeks-long exercise — Balikatan — which in Tagalog means “shoulder-to-shoulder.”

With a command post on the northwestern Philippine island of Luzon, the regiment’s infantry battalion and Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment rehearsed air assaults and airfield seizures to gain island footholds, which would then be used as bases from which to gather intelligence and call in strikes.

During one live-fire exercise, the 3rd MLR helped the larger U.S. 3rd Marine Division glean location data on a target vessel — a decommissioned World War II-era Philippine ship — which U.S. and Philippine joint forces promptly sunk. Soon, the Philippine Coastal Defense Regiment expects to be able to fire its own missiles, said Col. Gieram Aragones, the regiment’s commander, in an interview from his headquarters in Manila.

“Our U.S. Marine brothers have been very helpful to us,” Aragones said. “They’ve guided us during our crawl phase. We’re trying to walk now.”

The training goes both ways. The Philippine Marines taught their American counterparts survival skills, like finding and purifying water from bamboo, and cooking pigs and goats in the jungle.

China in recent years has intensified its harassment of Philippine fishing and Coast Guard vessels. As recently as Saturday, Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at a Philippine boat conducting a lawful resupply mission to a Philippine military outpost at a contested shoal in the South China Sea. Amid such provocations, Manila has stepped up its defense partnership with the United States. A year ago, Manila announced it was granting its longtime ally access to four new military bases.

Although the two countries are treaty allies, bound to come to each other’s defense in an armed attack in the Pacific, how far Manila will go to support U.S. operations in a Taiwan conflict is an open question, said CSIS’s Poling. “Part of the reason for all the military training, the tabletop exercises, and all these new dialogues taking place is feeling out the answer,” he said.

Aragones said it’s important for the United States and the Philippines to jointly strengthen deterrence. “This is not only an issue for the Philippines,” he said. “It’s an issue for all countries whose vessels pass through this body of water [the Chinese are] trying to claim.”

Evolution in Okinawa

Some 800 miles to the north, the Marines’ newest unit, the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, was created in November. It was formed by repurposing the 12th Marine Regiment based in Okinawa, already home to a large concentration of U.S. military personnel in Japan — a source of tension with local communities dating back decades.

This unit is intended to operate out of the islands southwest of Okinawa, the closest of which are less than 100 miles from Taiwan. Over the years, Tokyo has shifted its military focus away from northern Japan, where the Cold War threat was a Soviet land invasion, to its southwest islands.

Recent events have vindicated that shift in Tokyo’s eyes. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s bellicose response to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022 — in which the PLA fired five ballistic missiles into waters near Okinawa — rattled Japan. The number of days that Chinese Coast Guard vessels sailed near the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China, reached a record high last year.

As a result, in the last year and a half, Tokyo has announced a dramatic hike in defense spending and deepened its security partnership with the United States, the Philippines and Australia. Washington hailed Japan’s endorsement of the new U.S. Marine Corps unit’s positioning in the Southwest Islands last year as a significant advance in allied force posture.

But resentment toward U.S. troops lingers in Okinawa, rooted primarily in the disproportionate burden of hosting a major U.S. military presence. The prefecture is home to half of U.S. military personnel in Japan, while making up less than 1 percent of Japan’s land mass.

“We are concerned about rising tensions with China and the concentration of U.S. military” on Okinawa and the Japanese military buildup in the area, said Kazuyuki Nakazato, director of the Okinawa Prefecture Office in Washington. “Many Okinawan people fear that if a conflict happens, Okinawa will easily become a target.”

He argued the best way to defuse the tension is for Tokyo to deepen diplomacy and dialogue with China, not military deterrence alone.

Other local officials are more receptive to a U.S. presence, arguing that Japan alone cannot deter China. “We have no choice but to strengthen our alliance with the U.S. military,” said Itokazu Kenichi, mayor of Yonaguni town on the island of the same name, the westernmost inhabited Japanese island — just 68 miles from Taiwan .

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces has begun to establish a presence on the islands, including a surveillance station on Yonaguni, where they conducted joint exercises with other U.S. Marines last month — an interaction that has begun to accustom residents to the Marines, Kenichi said.

Ultimately, how much latitude to allow the Marines will be a political decision by the prime minister and the Diet, Japan’s parliament.

On the range at Pohakuloa, Hawaii, the littoral combat team trained for a month. They flew Skydio surveillance drones over a distant hill. They practiced machine-gun and sniper skills.

As the wind howled on a lava rock bluff one morning, Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi surveyed his gunners firing wire-guided missiles at targets 1,200 yards away. Lenzi, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said what’s different in the Pacific is that Marines won’t be fighting insurgents directly, but will be assigned to enable others to beat back the enemy.

“It takes the whole joint force” to deter in the Pacific, he said. “We train joint. We fight joint.”

These new forces will be at the heart of the “kill web,” he said, referring to the mix of air, sea, land, space and cyber capabilities whose efficient syncing is crucial if it comes to a battle over Taiwan.

“This one unit alone is not going to save the world,” said Col. Carrie Batson, chief of strategic communications for the Pacific Marines. “But it’s going to be vital in this fight, if it ever comes.”

Regine Cabato in Manila and Julia Mio Inuma in Tokyo contributed to this report.