2 week cruises to hawaii

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Hawaii Cruises

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

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

Photo: Wailua Falls, Kauai

Things to Do & See

Meet the Hawaiian islands

Experience the islands on board and ashore

Whether you’re exploring the islands or on board a Princess ship, there are countless ways to experience the best of Hawaii and relax and rejuvenate. There are award-winning shore excursions for all ages, enriching “Aloha Spirit” island-inspired activities and entertainment, and there’s all the signature Princess features that you have come to love, like Movies Under the Stars, live music, comedians, casino gaming, world-class cuisine and so much more.

Photo: Sunset, Hawaii - Princess Cruises

Immerse yourself in all things Hawaii

Our exclusive "Aloha Spirit" program brings the sights and sounds of Hawaii to life on board with a wide variety of island-infused entertainment and enrichment programs, including:

• Hawaiian Ambassadors on board every sailing
• Lei-making workshops
• Ukulele playing, and Hula dance lessons
• Polynesian language classes
• A special Grand Hawaiian Farewell Luau, where guests show off their new Hawaii-inspired talents
• The Halau Hula Olana Folkloric Show — a Princess guest favorite
• Hawaiian musicians, naturalists, and entertainers
• The historic King Kamehameha Festival celebrated on board, as part of our Festivals of the World program

Savor Hawaii

Our team of talented chefs will take you on a mouthwatering culinary journey with exclusive "Aloha Spirit" menus, featuring freshly prepared and carefully curated Hawaiian dishes. You'll quickly see why Food & Wine magazine named us Best Cruise Line for Food Lovers. Delight in slow-roasted Luau pork, delectably marinated Kona shrimp, divine Hawaiian Macadamia-infused desserts and, of course, refreshing Hawaiian-inspired cocktails. Friendly crew members also host open tastings and culinary demonstrations so you can truly immerse yourself in the wonderful flavors Hawaii.

Photo: Kalua Duck with Plum Wine Sauce

Culture, history & adventure

Let Princess Cruises take you to the best sights and on thrilling adventures with our award-winning Hawaii shore excursions. Get to know the each of the islands in depth with  Discovery at SEA   Recommended and Exclusive excursions, offering you immersive adventures or even unique experiences you can only get from Princess. And on itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port like Honolulu, so you can also experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

Photo: Tubing down Hanamalu Ditch, Kauai

Explore the Hawaiian Islands

Four Pacific jewels, as dazzling as they are different.

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.

Oahu (Honolulu)

The most populous of the Hawaiian islands, bustling Oahu  offers attractions for visitors of all ages. Our sailings feature a special late night departure from Oahu, so you can spend a full day seeing the sights, then revel in Honolulu's exciting nightlife. From iconic Waikiki Beach to the enormous Ala Moana Shopping Center to the glorious Iolani Palace and poignant Pearl Harbor memorials, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in "The Big Pineapple" of Hawaii!

Photo: Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Oahu

Once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty, great warrior King Kamehameha chose to make  Maui's  Lahaina his capital after uniting the Hawaiian islands. Explore breathtaking Haleakala National Park that boasts diverse volcanic and rainforest landscapes, plus a 10,000 foot tall dormant volcano. Or sail out onto the scenic waters off Maui’s sun-kissed shores and witness in awe as humpback whales frolic about.

Photo: Humpback whales off the coast of Maui

When it comes to  Kauai , good things come in small packages. Despite being the smallest of the four main islands, Kauai is home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon,the lush Fern Grotto framed by Wailua River, and so much more. The stunning Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, such as Jurassic Park and King Kong. With endless emerald landscapes, Kauai truly lives up to its nickname of "The Garden Island".

Photo: Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island ( Hilo and Kona ) is a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforests, and even snow-capped peaks at the soaring Mauna Kea summit. Feel the spiritual "mana" on a shore excursion in Waipi'o Valley, once the meeting place for Hawaiian kings and fabled to contain an otherworldly gate. At the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, behold extraordinary lava landscapes and two of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Photo: The Mauna Kea Observatories on the Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about charming islands, distinct cultures, and learn Hawaii cruise tips to help make your voyage unforgettable.

2024-2025 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.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

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

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

• Cruise From
• Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit

* Coming Soon

• Things To Do

Whether you’re on a cruise to Honolulu from the mainland, or a cruise from Honolulu, you’ll find yourself spellbound by this magical Pacific destination. Before or after your cruise, take the time to explore the historic port of Honolulu and its lively mix of world-class dining, perfect beaches and lush, tropical landscape. It’s hard to imagine a more picture-perfect holiday destination, and a cruise to Honolulu is an ideal way to experience it. Situated on the beautiful island of O’ahu, Honolulu invites you to stroll the fabled beaches of Waikiki under the protective watch of the ancient volcanic profile of Diamond Head... or visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a 42-acre living museum of many South Pacific cultures. And be sure to stop off at the historic USS Arizona Memorial, an important landmark dedicated to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

• Experience an authentic luau, complete with traditional imu ceremony.
• Learn about Hawaiian life — and the larger ‘neighborhood’ of Polynesia — at the educational and entertaining Polynesian Cultural Center.
• There’s more to Honolulu than great beaches — see the historic buildings that make up this bustling state capital.

Things to do in Honolulu, Oahu

Gotta see honolulu, oahu.

We've got some ideas for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

2 Weeks in Hawaii Itinerary: Your Ultimate Island Hopping Guide

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, 2 weeks in Hawaii is the answer! With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is a top vacation destination.

If you want to explore all that the Hawaiian islands have to offer, this itinerary will give you the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. I’ve put together the ultimate island hopping itinerary that will help you make the most of your 2 weeks in Hawaii.

Table of Contents

Planning your 2 weeks in Hawaii

The first question you are probably asking yourself is how do I decide which islands to visit and how long do I visit them each for? The truth is there is no right or wrong answer!

This suggested itinerary provides you with the opportunity to explore all four of the main islands. However, if you find yourself more attracted to one island over the others, don’t hesitate to curate your own personalized itinerary, or even add a few days to explore a specific area more thoroughly.

As I mentioned, Hawaii is made up of four main islands – Maui, Big Island, Oahu, and Kauai. Each island is unique and offers its own special attractions and experiences.

When planning your trip, it’s important to note that the average temperature in Hawaii ranges from 75°F – 85°F. Rainfall is most common during the winter months but there are plenty of sunny days year-round.

Make sure to book your accommodation and rental cars in advance as prices tend to be higher during peak season and holidays. I highly suggest a rental car on each island unless you want to stick to one area. Also, plan your activities accordingly as many popular attractions require reservations.

Day 1-3: Maui

Maui is the perfect place to start your Hawaiian adventure. This island is known for its stunning beaches, such as Kaanapali Beach and Wailea Beach, as well as its world-class golf courses and luxury resorts. But Maui is more than just a beach destination – it’s also home to the majestic Haleakala National Park, which features a 10,000-foot-tall volcano and the island’s highest peak.

Where to stay in Maui

Lahaina , Kaanapali , and Kapalua are the most popular areas to stay in Maui, each area offering its own unique experience.

It’s hard to find cheap options in Maui, but if you book in the off-season, or the further in advance you book, you may have a better chance at snagging a deal. Some of the lower-priced options I found were Aston Kaanapali Shores , Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows , and Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas .

Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt Residence seemed to have the most availability if you are waiting to book, but Heavenly Hana Paradise is a little more affordable and has excellent reviews! If you’re traveling with a small group, Hana Bay Oceanfront Elua Cottage is a 2-bedroom house that has the DREAMIEST views and design.

The only thing I would’ve changed if we were staying one more day is I would’ve liked to do one night in Hana so we could’ve taken our time even more with the Road to Hana. Hana is quite small, and there aren’t too many options for lodging so if you would like to do a night or two here be sure to book soon !

On your first day, take some time to relax and acclimate to island life. Head to do a tour and tasting at Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery . It’s just a short 15-minute drive from the airport. They have epic views and an amazing restaurant where each dish and cocktail incorporates fresh ingredients from their farm.

Another thing that is amazing about the farm and distillery is it sits atop a mountain and allows you to take in the most stunning, epic views while you enjoy your food and drink. Especially if you arrive on a weekend evening and don’t have dinner reservations anywhere, this is the perfect spot to head.

We checked in and relaxed after this because day 2 is a big one.

On the second day, wake up bright and early (4:30 am!) to take a scenic and adventurous ride along the Road to Hana which is famous for its winding roads and incredible views of rainforests and cascading waterfalls. There are 3 different route options, we went with the “reverse” Road to Hana which covers the entire route. If you choose this route as well it will take you the majority of the day.

My biggest piece of advice is to download the Shaka Guide app prior to hitting the road and purchase the tour for whichever route you decide you’re going to be taking. They have an app for each island, as well as Utah , Arizona , and Nevada !

Having your own personal, local tour guide costs less than $20 and it was so helpful and informative! The app goes off of your GPS, and you can download it so it works offline. It tells you the best stops, and which ones you can maybe skip if you’re in a rush or getting tired.

At the end of the route stopping at Mama’s Fish House is a non-negotiable. They serve fresh locally caught seafood dishes and some of the most delicious tropical drinks. This place books up months in advance so be sure to make a reservation ASAP if possible. We were lucky enough to snag some bar seats when we went without a reservation.

For all of the details on which Road to Hana stops to make, what to order at Mama’s Fish House, and my favorite coffee shops in Maui read my full 3-day itinerary for Maui .

Haleakala National Park offers amazing hikes and views of the crater, but we were, unfortunately, unable to get reservations for sunrise when we went. Plan ahead and look into it for your trip! It can easily be squeezed in the morning on day 3. You can go after sunrise without a reservation, but we were also a little tired of driving from the Road to Hana.

If you are unable to get a reservation for Haleakala National Park start your morning with coffee from Badass Coffee and brunch at Down the Hatch in Lahaina. From there, experience some of the best snorkeling at Kapalua Bay.

You’ll find a large coral reef teeming with fish and other marine life like turtles, eels, dolphins, and more! We saw SO MANY turtles it was insane! This was honestly the best place that I have ever snorkeled without having to take a boat.

After working up quite the appetite from snorkeling all day we decided to head back to the hotel to get ready for a nice dinner and drinks. We went to Whalers Village which has plenty of options. Because it was a Sunday evening and we had no reservations we tried to go around happy hour time in hopes of fighting a little less of a crowd. Monkeypod and Hula Grill are both awesome options.

Day 3-7: Big Island

After three days on Maui, it’s time to head to the Big Island. The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in the world. During your 4 days here, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes it so special. The Big Island is divided into two sides; Hilo, on the rainy side of the island, has a more tropical feel and Kona, on the dryer side of the island, has a more touristy feel.

I suggest spending 2 days in Hilo to start. Here you can explore waterfalls, lava tubes, and Volcanoes National Park. After that, spend the last half of your trip in Kona. Here you can relax with waterfront happy hours, go snorkeling, visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, and go night swimming with giant manta rays.

Where to stay on the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.

In Hilo, a couple of popular options for accommodations are the SCP Hilo Hotel and Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel . Both offer stunning ocean views, a variety of amenities, and are centrally located in the heart of Hilo. Check out all of the accommodation options for Hilo here.

In Kona, the Royal Kona Resort is a great choice for those looking for a beachfront hotel with a variety of amenities such as a pool, spa, and restaurants. Another popular option is the Kona Seaside Hotel , which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the beach and the town’s many shops and restaurants.

For a more luxurious stay, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is an excellent choice, it’s located in the north of the island and offers stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and a variety of activities such as golf and tennis. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Kona just because we were able to book with points.

Check out all of the accommodation options for Kailua-Kona here though!

Big Island day 1

We flew Southwest from Maui to Kona on the Big Island and then drove to Hilo. We used points to book and it was insanely cheap (like 5,000 points cheap). Hilo does have its own airport, so if you can get a direct flight it may be worth looking into (we couldn’t). Once we landed we grabbed a bite in Kona because there were pretty much no food options on the route.

There’s a little area right inside Kona that has just about every type of food you could want. Hot chicken, poke, sushi, Kona Brewing, and more are there. We grabbed Willie’s Hot Chicken just to switch things up, but we ate in this area several more times once we came back to Kona and tried several of the restaurants.

Our Airbnb was in between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, which worked out well for us and our itinerary. On our first night, we arrived around 8 PM after our 2-hour drive. We were pretty pooped so we rested up for our first full day on the Big Island.

Big Island day 2

This day is not for the weak! We crammed so much into this day, I’m honestly shocked. Many of these mini-adventures are pretty close to one another as you’ll see, making it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time!

Start with coffee and breakfast from Just Cruisin Coffee (I love a good Hawaiian coffee shop ).

For convenience’s sake, I am going to bullet point everything we did this day, but check out my 4-day Big Island itinerary post for more in-depth details for each activity!

• Akaka Falls State Park — a short little paved trail (0.4 miles) and 30-minute adventure that leads you to Akaka Falls, a 442 ft waterfall.
• Hilo Farmers Market — pop in to get some fresh fruit, they even cut it for you so you can eat it on your walk.
• Rainbow Falls — an 80 ft waterfall that cascades over a lava tube and is all a part of Wailuku River State Park. This isn’t even a trail, you just pop out of your car and you’ll see an overlook and viewpoint of the falls.

• Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls — similar to Rainbow Falls it’s just a quick little stop and overlook. When we went the waterfall seemed a little dry, but I can imagine during rainier seasons it probably looks much cooler.
• Kaumana Caves — explore a huge lava-tube cave that Mauna Loa created in 1881. It’s pretty insane! And another great thing to do on the Big Island for free.
• Volcano Winery — stop here and snag a wine flight.
• Thai Thai Bistro & Bar — get a quick lunch before heading into the park.

Now it’s finally time for Volcanoes National Park ! Again, all of the details for Big Island and Volcanoes National Park can be found here .

Big Island day 3

For the start of day 3 of your Big Island itinerary, you can either finish up whatever you couldn’t get to from yesterday’s road trip or just hit the road and start making your way to Kona.

Before the 2-hour drive, we made a pit stop at The Sippin Siren for some coffee and breakfast. It really hit the spot if you’re looking for an easy stop on the way out.

Once we got to Kona we kind of just explored a little and got our bearings. We checked out Ola Brew for one of their cider flights and then had some lunch at Umekes. I found their Kona gold pineapple and dragonfruit lemonade cider to be unique and delightful.

Umekes was SO good, and the seafood was so fresh that we had it TWICE during our time in Kona. Poke is a must-try food in Hawaii , and Umekes was easily some of the best poke I’ve had.

If you’re feeling the exhaustion from the day before sink in (so were we), don’t worry. This day is all about relaxing. We took a nice little nap in our suite before heading out to experience some local happy hours.

Huggo’s on the Rocks was our first stop. This waterfront spot had unbeatable views and a nice relaxing vibe. Oh, and did I forget to mention they have $6 happy hour mai tais? And they were good!

Next, we headed to Don’s Mai Tai Bar. It’s located inside the Royal Kona Resort. We got some coconut shrimp and a couple of $10 lava flows— pina coladas with an additional flavor of mango, strawberry, guava, or lilikoi! The perfect vacation drink.

Big Island day 4

Wake up and get your morning started with an ube latte or cold brew from HICO Coffee . From here you can begin to make your way with your snorkel gear to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park .

We spent a little over an hour here, but you could easily spend more or less time depending on your itinerary and interest. There is parking here, and we just left our car parked here while we went to Two Step. It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park, but again if you have the National Parks Pass it’s free!

Right next door to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is Two Step . It’s a pretty popular snorkeling spot with hardly any sand, but that doesn’t stop visitors from setting up camp and laying out right on the lava rocks.

If you’re hungry after this, Kona Brewing is an absolute must! They have great beers, and the food is so much more than your average pub fare. We did their roasted garlic and pizza rolls with homemade ranch, but everything from their wings to pizza looked and sounded amazing.

Now it’s time for one of the coolest experiences you can possibly have— swimming with giant manta rays ! Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to have this opportunity. While there are a few areas you can up your odds, off of the Kona Coast at night gives you the best chance.

This experience was truly so epic! Watching the manta rays do flips and tricks, and glide through the water is something you will never forget witnessing. I can assure you of that. Book your tour here !

Day 7-11: Oahu

After four days on the Big Island, it’s time to head to Oahu, the most populous island in the state and home to the capital city of Honolulu. Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Waikiki Beach and Kailua Beach, as well as its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.

I have been to Oahu 3 times and spent a total of 2 1/2 months there, so it’s honestly a little hard to break this up by the day. Instead, I am going to break it up by area and give you some of my favorite things to do and places to eat in each and let you create your own adventure!

I will say I suggest breaking your trip up by staying on the North Shore for half of your time, and either Kailua or Honolulu for the other half.

Where to stay in Oahu

In Honolulu, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to choose from. Some popular choices include the Royal Hawaiian , Moana Surfrider , and Sheraton Waikiki . For those looking for something more budget-friendly, the Holiday Inn Express that you stayed at is a great option, with its prime location, free breakfast, and fun rooftop games.

Another great option is the Ritz Carlton Waikiki , which offers stunning views of the ocean and the city. We stayed here a couple of years ago and we loved it!

The downfall to staying in Honolulu is most places have resort fees and parking charges additionally.

The North Shore is a great place to stay if you’re traveling with a group, as many rentals are houses that require longer stays. However, if you’re looking to stay on the North Shore as an individual, it can be more difficult to find a place to stay. Check out your options for Haleiwa town here .

Kailua and Kaneohe don’t really have any hotel options either, but there are some accommodations. If you plan on staying here, be sure to book in advance because the options are so limited. Check out your options for Kailua and Kaneohe here for free cancellations on most bookings.

Lastly, if you’re interested in van life, it’s worth noting that it’s not technically allowed on some parts of the island and can come with some anxiety. However, it’s a great way to experience the island and can offer a unique and memorable experience.

North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class surf spots, and laid-back atmosphere. The area offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and hiking. The North Shore is also home to several historic sites, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, which offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.

It is particularly famous for its massive winter waves, which attract surfers from all over the world to compete. Overall, the North Shore offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture.

Some of the best things to do on Oahu’s North Shore :

• Toa Luau — There are tons and tons of luaus to choose from, and I researched a lot before deciding to go with  Toa Luau . They had great reviews and the price was good for what was included. You even get free admission to Waimea Valley!
• Go cage diving with sharks — Nothing like waking up at the crack of dawn to go  cage diving with sharks , right? I have done this excursion twice when visiting Oahu, and the last time I went I finally got to experience  swimming with sharks without the cage  ( peep the video here )! It was absolutely terrifying, but I would do it again!

• Cliff jumping at Waimea Bay — Even if you don’t want to cliff jump, you should still go to Waimea Bay.  This beach is absolutely breathtaking. The gold sand and blue waters are beyond epic! Not to mention it was much more chill than the beaches we visited around Waikiki.
• Surf lesson — Taking surfing lessons is one of the most epic things to do on the North Shore of Oahu.  This excursion  includes a 2-hour surf lesson where they provide your surfboard and other necessary equipment along with a free 15-minute basics practice before hitting the water and turtle tour.

Some of the best restaurants on the North Shore :

• Banzai Sushi — This is truly some of the best sushi I have ever had. I highly recommend the California tempura roll. I mean, the whole roll is deep-fried — need I say more? Aside from the food,  Banzai  has a unique atmosphere and offers traditional floor seating if you choose.
• Kono’s North Shore — Konos  has several locations on the island (we actually visited them all, because we liked it that much!), so no matter where you are, you can most likely find their heavenly Kalua pig plates, breakfast bombers, and milkshakes.

• Farm to Barn — Farm To Barn  is a healthy cafe located just a short distance from its own organic farm and serves cold-pressed juice and tasty, reasonably priced farm-to-table meals. Their acai bowls are amazing !
• Food truck fare — Having at least one food truck experience while you’re on Oahu’s North Shore is a must! The  Aji Limo truck  is one of my faves.

Kailua and Kaneohe

These two towns are located on the windward side of Oahu. Kailua is a charming coastal town with a small-town feel, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the crystal clear waters of Kailua Bay. The town is also home to the serene and picturesque Lanikai Beach, which is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. It also has a bustling shopping and dining scene, with many local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Kaneohe is a suburban town that is home to the largest freshwater marsh in Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Both Kailua and Kaneohe are relatively less crowded compared to other tourist hotspots on the island and offer a more laid-back and authentic Hawaiian experience.

Some of the best things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe

• Lanikai Pillbox hike — This is one of the best hikes on Oahu, and I honestly think it’s one I will do every time I visit. The best time to do the  Lanikai Pillbox hike  is at sunrise. It’s absolutely magical.
• Kayak at Kailua Bay — Kayaking around the beautiful beaches is easily one of the best things to do in Kailua. With  Kailua Beach Adventures  you can choose between a guided or self-guided tour that takes you on a half-day eco-adventure.
• Snorkel at the Kaneohe Sandbar — Kaneohe Sandbar is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, however, it’s tricky to get there without your own boat. That’s where  Captain Bruce Private Yacht Charters  comes in!

• Byodo-In Temple — The  Byodo-In Temple  in Oahu is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. Admission is only $5, and you can even call ahead to reserve a guided tour if it interests you.
• Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden — Once you’re done at the Byodo-In Temple, you may as well head 20 minutes south to check out the  Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden . Naturalists will especially enjoy this location— it truly makes you feel like you’re in paradise.

Some of the best restaurants in Kailua and Kaneohe

• Haleiwa Joe’s — Haleiwa Joe’s  is hands down the best restaurant experience you will have on Oahu. The views are breathtaking, the food is immaculate, and the drinks set a gold standard. We went here several, and I can’t wait to experience this place again when I go back.
• Taqueria El Gallo Rosa — Taqueria El Gallo Rosa  had some of the best tacos I found on the island! I enjoyed their pork carnitas and Baja fish tacos, and both were bursting with flavor!

• Kailua Town Pub and Grill — I love the casual atmosphere of  Kailua Pub , and the prices are extremely reasonable. They have seafood, pizza, soups, sandwiches, and other general pub fares.
• Boardroom — The Boardroom uses freshly chosen, pressed, and prepared items that are locally sourced and handcrafted. The creative and delicious libations served here are enough to keep you hanging out all night long but don’t leave without sampling something from their tapas menu.

Honolulu/Waikiki

Waikiki and Honolulu are two popular tourist destinations located on the south shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki is a neighborhood within the city of Honolulu, known for its beautiful beaches, world-class hotels, and vibrant nightlife. The area is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, partially because it is home to the iconic Waikiki Beach.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a bustling and cosmopolitan city, offering a mix of urban and natural attractions. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, as well as its modern amenities. Visitors can experience the city’s history at sites like the Iolani Palace and the USS Arizona Memorial, or take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods of Chinatown and Kakaako.

Some of the best things to do in Honolulu/Waikiki:

• Watch the sunset at Tantalus — Tantalus Lookout  may just be my favorite free thing to do in Oahu ! If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on Oahu with minimal effort, this is it. Take in stunning views of the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head volcano cone from this scenic overlook.
• Check out the fireworks in Waikiki — You don’t need to wait for the Fourth of July to see fireworks in Hawaii! Every Friday the  Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort  showcases a spectacular firework show free to the public.
• Diamond Head — Diamond Head is probably the most photographed attraction in Hawaii. Hiking to the summit of this saucer-shaped crater is one of the most famed activities on the island and it offers the most astounding views of Waikiki.

• Whale watching tour — Out of all the time I have spent in Oahu I have unfortunately never been here for whale season! If you are here during this time I highly recommend doing a whale-watching excursion .
• Lively sunset cruise — The sunset cruises out of Waikiki are so much fun! This cruise has a DJ and dance floor. Or you can go on a cruise that has an open bar . If you want more adventure, there is an awesome daytime snorkel cruise to Turtle Canyon as well.

Some of the best restaurants in Honolulu/Waikiki:

• Dukes — Dukes is a popular restaurant known for its beautiful oceanfront setting and classic Hawaiian cuisine. The menu features fresh seafood and local ingredients, as well as classic dishes such as poke bowls and Hawaiian-style BBQ. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch with a view.
• The Surfing Pig — This trendy gastropub in the heart of Waikiki serves up delicious comfort food with a Hawaiian twist. The menu features a variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing, including their famous pork sliders, poke nachos, and truffle fries.
• 53 by the Sea — This upscale seafood restaurant located in the heart of Honolulu is known for its stunning ocean views and modern seafood-centric menu. The menu features creative dishes such as lobster risotto and sous-vide fish. It’s a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. (Peep my TikTok here.)

• Moku Kitchen — This farm-to-table restaurant located in Kakaako serves up delicious and locally-sourced cuisine with a Pacific Rim twist. They have a great happy hour, and some of the best mai tais on the island!
• Red Fish Poke — Red Fish Poke serves up delicious poke bowls made with fresh, locally-sourced seafood. They have a variety of bowls to choose from, as well as build-your-own options. This was my second favorite poke bowl spot from our entire 2 weeks in Hawaii! (Umekes on Big Island was my first.)

Day 11-14: Kauai

Your final stop on this two-week Hawaiian adventure is Kauai, the “Garden Island” of Hawaii. This island is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay, as well as its stunning natural beauty, including the Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.

Kauai is known for its rugged cliffs and lush jungles. One popular attraction is Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You can also visit the Napali Coast, a stretch of sea cliffs that can be seen by boat or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. The Fern Grotto is also a must-see, it’s a natural lava cave surrounded by lush vegetation.

Where to stay in Kauai

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Kauai, I highly recommend the Kauai Shores Hotel . I stayed there during my 3-day trip and found it to be perfect. The hotel is located right on the beach, just minutes away from some of the most beautiful and popular attractions on the island. It’s also conveniently located in the middle of the island in Kapaa, making it easy to explore all the different areas of Kauai.

At Kauai Shores Hotel, you’ll get all the perks you expect from a top-notch hotel, such as free Wi-Fi and a comfortable pool area. But that’s not all – they also offer free bikes to explore the island, morning yoga classes, and an amazing onsite restaurant: Lava Lava Beach Club. It’s one of the few places in Kauai that offers everything you need for an amazing vacation. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an exciting adventure, Kauai Shores Hotel is the perfect place to stay.

Day 1 in Kauai

Pack plenty of snacks to bring with you on this adventurous day! Start your Kauai adventure by taking a thrilling raft tour with Go Blue Adventures ! You’ll explore the Na Pali Coast by zipping through caves and waterfalls while appreciating the view from the ocean. This was one of my favorite activities from our 2 weeks in Hawaii!

Check out my Hawaii packing list recommendations !

I recommend doing the 7 am tour so you can get your day started bright and early! The excursion is 5 hours and includes some time for snorkeling and snacks. We were able to jump off of the raft multiple times and encountered dolphins, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The tour guides are hilarious and full of knowledge and fun facts!

If there’s one thing you have to have on your Kauai 3-day itinerary , it’s gotta be this.

After the rafting tour, you may be a little bit beat, but I recommend taking some time to explore Waimea Valley (it’s right in the same area). This stunning valley is home to some of Kauai’s most beautiful natural scenery, exciting hikes, and historical sites.

You can spend several hours here doing hikes and hitting all of the stops along the way, or you can spend less time and just do a driving tour stopping at lookouts. I highly recommend downloading the Shaka Guide app which is super helpful for anyone looking for an adventure-filled day here.

Now it’s time to go relax at Lava Lava Beach Club for an unbeatable oceanfront dining experience. This tropical beachfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and a selection of delicious cocktails. We loved it so much we ate here a few times!

After dinner, rest up! You have another big day ahead of you tomorrow 🙂

Day 2 in Kauai

For day two you will be embarking on another little road trip. This time you’re off to explore Kaui’s North Shore! The north shore of Kauai is a sight to behold. With its lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and amazing waterfalls, it’s no wonder that this is a popular tourist destination.

Grab Java Kai for some coffee and breakfast before your explorations. Here are some spots you will want to be sure to check out during your mini road trip:

• Hanalei Valley Lookout — this picturesque spot offers stunning views of the magnificent Hanalei Valley.
• Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church —this historic church is the oldest functioning church in Kauai and dates back to 1834.

• Tunnels Beach — a well-known beach noted for its world-class snorkeling and beauty. The beach has a safe inner reef that is great for beginners and kids and a challenging outer reef for more experienced snorkelers.
• Hanalei Town — go shopping and grab lunch at Hanalei Poke
• Queen’s Bath — a lava rock-enclosed tidal pool perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring marine life. Make sure you’re wearing your bathing suit if you plan on swimming because there aren’t any facilities to change in. There is a short but steep hike down to the pool (about 0.5 miles).

Once you’re done adventuring get ready for a lovely surf and turf at Oasis on the Beach . It’s located beachfront at the Waipouli Beach Resort and offers a variety of delicious dishes and wonderful service. To give you the greatest and freshest ingredients, they work directly with Kauai’s farmers, ranchers, and fishermen and source over 90% of their ingredients locally.

For more specifics on each spot be sure to check out my full Kauai 3-day itinerary !

Day 3 in Kauai

If you are staying at Kauai Shores Hotel , start your final day in Kauai by waking up bright and early (7 am) to grab one of their free bike rentals to explore Kapaa. The Kapaa bike path goes along the beach for several miles.

Once you’re done riding make your way to Kauai Coffee Company. For my coffee lovers out there, visiting Kauai Coffee Company is a must for your Kauai 3-day itinerary! It’s one of the largest coffee producers in the United States and is the perfect place to learn about the coffee industry and sample a variety of different coffees from the region.

Next stop at the Makauwahi Cave Reserve, a living museum dedicated to both preserving the past and native species conservation. As Hawaii’s largest limestone cave, it is also home to the richest fossil site in the islands, as well as a uniquely preserved archaeological site. You will need to do a short self-guided trail that is less than 0.5 miles to get to the cave.

For lunch, you gotta enjoy one last poke bowl before your trip is up! The Fish Express serves Hawaiian plates and fresh Hawaiian fish lunches, but their specialty is poke bowls and their topping bar with a full-service seafood counter.

After you have a nice foundation make your way to Kōloa Rum Company , the first licensed distillery on the island of Kauai.

The rum tasting is free but it is a first-come, first-serve experience so it’s best to get there early to secure a spot. During the tasting, you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of flavored rums including coconut, lime, and pineapple.

We had an evening flight and we were able to squeeze all of these activities in before making our way back to the mainland!

Traveling between the islands

Another important aspect of planning your trip is transportation. The easiest way to travel between the islands is by plane, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. There are many flights daily between the main airports, so it’s easy to find a schedule that works for you.

The main airports for inter-island travel are Honolulu International Airport (Oahu), Kahului Airport (Maui), Lihue Airport (Kauai), and Kona International Airport (Big Island). When booking flights, keep in mind that the flight between islands can take about 30 minutes to an hour, so you’ll want to schedule enough time for that as well.

Two popular airlines offer flights between Hawaiian islands, Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines. I prefer flying with Southwest, as I am a Southwest cardholder and usually book my tickets with points. The Southwest Rapid Rewards program offers many perks, like complimentary checked bags and points towards free flights, making the airline the perfect option for island hopping in Hawaii.

That’s it – your 2-week Hawaiian adventure is complete! With this itinerary, you’ll get to experience the best that each island has to offer, from the stunning beaches and natural beauty to the rich culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands.

Check out some of my other Hawaii posts and my Hawaii Insta guide before you go!

Destiny Snyder is a passionate travel blogger and content creator based in the Tampa Bay area. Originally from a small town near Toledo, Ohio, Destiny's love for exploring new places began when she moved to Florida in 2017. She enjoys uncovering hidden gems, sharing insider tips on the best things to do, places to eat, and coffee shops to visit in every destination. With her blog Guided by Destiny and niche sites Sunkissed in Tampa and Sunkissed in St. Pete, Destiny aims to make trip planning stress-free and fun for her readers.

15 Comments

I have been to Hawaii twice, but over 20 years ago. It’s changed! You’ve inspired me to get back. Your pictures are amazing!

Yay! Definitely would say it’s worth a trip back!

I’d love to visit Hawaii one day! I always wondered how long I’d need, but two weeks seems perfect to really get a taste of each island. Looks magical

Yes, definitely could’ve done longer to get more of each island, but to get a good feel for each 2 weeks was a decent amount of time!

Wow! Thank you for such an informative article on Hawaii island hopping. We are hoping to make our way there soon and this guide was so helpful.

That’s so exciting! You’re going to have a blast, glad to help!

I’ll definitely come back to this when I begin planning a Hawaii trip. It sounds as though it deserves a full two weeks and plans for a little island hopping.

Wow, your photos are amazing! Hawaii is so high up my list and I would love to spend two weeks, especially as it’s so far from the UK! Will definitely be saving this for when I finally get to visit!

This trip sounds like so much fun! I’ve been to Oahu a few times but it’s time I explored new islands, especially the Big Island and Kauai.

Wow! Thank you so much for creating this awesome itinerary. I also love all these beautiful photos.

This is an excellent, detailed guide. I am going to use it as a reference for any future Hawaii adventures! Thank you!

Wow this guide is PACKED with great information. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii, and I’ll definitely be referencing this post when I start my planning!

Thank you for this super informative post! I‘lol definitely revisit it before my next trip to Hawaii!

Great info Destiny!

Wow this is a really great guide!! Hawaii’s always been on my bucket list so I’ll be bookmarking this for when I start planning 💙

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Honolulu, Hawaii, US

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii's royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu's famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

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2 Weeks in Hawaii: 3 Itineraries

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Hawaii is expensive, but if you’re going for just 14 days, it’s quite easy to budget while maximising your time.

Hawaii is undeniably one of the most popular destinations in the world. With its pristine beaches, interesting culture, yummy dishes, natural beauty, and diverse culture, it’s no wonder it’s a must-see place for many people.

Whether you want to go surfing, snorkelling, diving, hiking, or visit the historical Pearl Habor, you can do many activities if you plan to spend 2 weeks in Hawaii. It’s not a place only for romantic getaways; it’s a destination suitable for families, solo travellers, retirees, and friend getaways.

If you want to explore the entirety of the US, we have itineraries for 2 weeks in the US and 2 weeks on the East Coast USA .

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR HAWAII

When creating your own trav el itinerary, it’s a must to know the basic information, such as when to go, cost, transportation, and visa. This will help you have an idea of what to prepare in advance and which ones you can wing at the last minute.

When is the best time to travel to Hawaii

The best time to visit Hawaii is during the shoulder season, from May to June and September to early December , where you’ll still experience pleasant weather with a bit less of the tourist bustle and more reasonable prices.

The peak season is from December to April , when the weather is warm, and rainfall is at its lowest. During these months, Hawaii’s allure is at its strongest, but be prepared to pay top dollar, as prices for accommodations and activities can soar.

Are 2 weeks enough for Hawaii

Two weeks in Hawaii is ample time to explore and enjoy the unique characteristics of the islands . In a 14-day trip, you can comfortably visit 3 to 4 of the main islands, such as Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

his allows for a blend of relaxation and exploration, experiencing the diverse landscapes, culture, and activities each island has to offer without feeling rushed. Planning ahead and prioritising your interests will make the most of your 2 weeks in Hawaii more enjoyable.

How to get around

Getting around Hawaii’s islands is best done by flying between them , with frequent and relatively inexpensive flights available. Within the islands, renting a car is often the most convenient option , giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Public transportation is available but can be limited. Ride-hailing apps are operational in some areas, particularly in cities like Honolulu.

Combining rental cars with ride-hailing and public transportation can offer a well-rounded way to explore popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations during your visit.

Language and currency

The main languages in Hawaii are English and Hawaiian . English is spoken widely across the islands, so tourists will have no difficulty using it. Hawaiian is often used in cultural contexts, and you may hear it in songs or ceremonies, but understanding or speaking it is not necessary for travellers.

Simple greetings and words in Hawaiian, such as “Aloha” for hello and goodbye, can add to the experience, but English is more than enough for communication.

The currency in Hawaii, like the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD) . Both cash and card payments are widely accepted and convenient. However, using cards, especially credit cards, is commonly preferred for its ease and security.

Many places accept contactless payments, and ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals. Having a mix of both payment options during your trip is a good idea .

Hawaii is one of the states in the US. It means that those travelling here have to follow the US visa policy. Travellers with passports from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Argentina can enter and travel to Hawaii for up to 6 months.

Foreign visitors who are not listed above must apply for a US tourist visa in advance from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

Cost of 2 weeks in Hawaii

On average, a 14-day trip to Hawaii would cost about $2,500 ($180 a day), covering accommodation, transportation, and food per person. You can save a little on accommodation if you’re two people since you can split the cost. But flights to Hawaii and back and travel insurance are not calculated here.

• Affordable: Budgeting around $1,200-$1,800 , staying in hostels, eating at inexpensive spots, and limiting activities.
• Mid-Range: A more comfortable trip could range from $2,500-$4,000 , with three-star hotels, dining in mid-tier restaurants, and engaging in some guided tours.
• Luxury: For a lavish experience, expect to pay anywhere from $6,000-$10,000 or more, enjoying top-end resorts, fine dining, and

Travel arrangement tips

As mentioned, if you travel to Hawaii for 2 weeks during the peak season (especially Christmas or summer), you must book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance to avoid having limited options and still paying high prices.

The same goes for car rental. Domestic flights and tours can usually be booked at the last minute, but long-distance flights should also be booked in advance. The services below are the ones I feel comfortable recommending since I always use them, and they offer flexible cancellations.

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN HAWAII

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN HAWAII ITINERARY

Hawaii has 137 islands, not all inhabitants. The more popular islands are Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, and the Island of Hawai’i (aka the Big Island).

There are so many things to see and do in Hawaii, and 14 days might not be a lot of time for some. So, to offer plenty of choices depending on what type of vacation you’re looking for, I made 3 travel itineraries for a trip to Hawaii.

Whether it’s your first time here, you are looking to avoid crowds, or you want to go hiking, there’s something for everyone. After I show you various ways to explore Hawaii, keep reading to see a list of top activities and recommendations for where to stay during your visit.

Itinerary #1: First-time (Oahu and Maui)

If it’s your first time visiting Hawaii, you probably hear mostly about the islands of Oahu (where Honolulu is) and Maui. These two islands are incredibly beautiful and offer unique sites such as the Diamond Crater, sunk ship in the Pearl Harbor, coffee plantations, surfing spots, and lots of hiking opportunities.

You can plan to spend one week on each island. To get from one island to another, plenty of flights are coming and going between these two islands, and the flights are no more than 30 to 40 minutes.

Oahu for 7 days

Oahu is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant city life. It’s home to Honolulu, with its famous Waikiki Beach, offering great surfing and beach activities. Don’t miss the historic Pearl Harbor , a significant World War II site.

For breathtaking landscapes, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve offers incredible snorkelling, while the North Shore is renowned for its massive waves and surfing competitions.

Since you have one week here, I recommend you plan your itinerary to start the trip with busy activities such as hiking and sightseeing . Then, on the last 2-3 days, you can enjoy it by relaxing on the beach, getting some massages, and visiting various restaurants.

Maui for 7 days

Maui is worth a visit for its diverse landscapes and plethora of activities that cater to all types of travellers. Experience the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park , then explore the island’s underwater world by snorkelling at Molokini Crater .

The Road to Hana offers a scenic drive with stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush forests. Don’t miss out on a traditional Hawaiian luau to immerse yourself in local culture. For coffee lovers, don’t miss your chance to visit coffee plantations and check out if Hawaiian coffee is something you like.

You can fly from Maui to Los Angeles on an on-stop flight. You can also find flights from her to Europe or Asia, but usually requires connecting in Honolulu.

Itinerary #2: Less-popular (Molokai, Lanai, Big Island (Island of Hawai’i)

If you’re looking to avoid big crowds and trails are too popular , this 2 weeks in Hawaii itinerary is for you. Go hike the off-the-beaten trail, visit serene beaches, and dine at restaurants in the middle of nowhere; Hawaii doesn’t have to be a vacation where it’s always loud and busy.

Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island are still well-known but less-hyped areas and offer a more authentic Hawaiian experience.

You can use Molokai as your base while exploring both Molokai and Lanai, but if you want more options, Maui is a good choice. From there, you can take boat trips to two islands.

Molokai for 4 days

Molokai is the ideal destination for travellers seeking a more secluded, authentic Hawaiian experience. You can also choose between enjoying the beach or hiking or both.

One must-visit is Kalaupapa National Historical Park , accessible only by mule ride, hike, or small plane, offering stunning vistas and a poignant history lesson. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Moʻomomi Preserve showcases a uniquely preserved coastal dune ecosystem that’s often devoid of crowds.

Halawa Valley is another hidden gem where you can hike to Moaʻula Falls and experience traditional Hawaiian farming. Papohaku Beach , one of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches, often feels like your own private paradise.

Lanai for 2 days

The Garden of the Gods , a fascinating landscape of red rock formations, provides a Mars-like terrain that’s great for exploring and is the top destination in Lanai. Hulopoe Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and marine life, perfect for snorkelling.

For a rugged adventure, the Munro Trail gives you panoramic views of neighbouring islands from its high elevation. Shipwreck Beach , accessible only by 4×4, offers a remote spot for beachcombing and solitude.

Since it’s only a two-day trip, it’s best to just plan a day trip here from either Molokai or Maui.

Big Island for 7 days

The Big Island is actually a mid-popular region. But it’s massive enough that you will find many spots that are secluded and more serene. At the same time, you have plenty of options when it comes to accommodations and restaurants compared to Lanai and Molokai.

Waipio Valley, often called the “Valley of the Kings,” provides lush landscapes and is less crowded. Green Sand Beach , one of only four green sand beaches in the world, is accessible only by a challenging hike or 4×4.

For a unique snorkelling experience, check out Kealakekua Bay , a marine life conservation district. And if you’re into stargazing, Mauna Kea’s summit offers some of the clearest skies in the world.

From here, you can catch your flight home either through the mainland US, Europe, or Asia.

Itinerary #3: All-Hiking (Oahu, Maui, Big Island)

Hiking around Hawaii is another incredible way to explore the region . At the same time, you can mix the trails you plan to see between popular and less-known paths. However, deciding when to go to Hawaii is crucial for this itinerary.

You definitely want to avoid November through March, which is the high season for rainfall. Some tails might be closed, while others are just not enjoyable to hike when it’s muddy and the clouds are thick.

Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island all have incredible hiking trails to choose from. Many are well-marked, but for those that are not, you must plan your trip thoroughly and give yourself enough time to turn around before dark in case you get lost.

Knowing which trails suit you is vital for those hiking with young children or inexperienced hikers. It’s best to plan to rent a car . This will give you freedom in choosing trails and reaching your destination much easier.

Oahu for 5 days

Oahu is a hiker’s paradise, offering a multitude of trails that serve up jaw-dropping vistas, lush landscapes, and varying levels of difficulty. For an iconic experience, the Diamond Head State Monument hike gives you panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki. It’s a busy trail, but it’s a must.

If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, Maunawili Falls Trail leads you through a tropical rainforest to a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip. Another lesser-known gem is the Ka’au Crater Hike , a challenging trail that rewards you with views of three waterfalls and a volcanic crater.

Finally, don’t forget the Koko Head Stairs , an intense workout with a rewarding outlook over Hanauma Bay.

Maui for 4 days

Maui is a hiker’s dream, with exciting terrain ranging from volcanic landscapes to lush forests. Haleakalā National Park offers a sunrise hike featuring moon-like craters. The Sliding Sands Trail within the park provides a unique hiking experience through volcanic landscapes.

The Road to Hana itself offers numerous trailheads; among them, the Pipiwai Trail is a standout, leading you to a majestic bamboo forest and the 400-foot Waimoku Fall s.

For something off the beaten path, try the Waihe’e Ridge Trail , which offers stunning views of valleys and waterfalls and is less crowded than more well-known routes.

At least 5 non-stop flights from Honolulu in Oahu to Maui go daily. The flight is around 45 minutes.

Big Island for 5 days

The Big Island of Hawaii offers an incredible hiking experience with its diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters to lush forests and ocean cliffs. One must-see is the Kīlauea Iki Trail in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike across a solidified volcanic crater.

For waterfall enthusiasts, the Akaka Falls Loop Trail is an easy hike that rewards you with views of one of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls. If you’re seeking something less frequented, the Pololu Valley Lookout offers a relatively untouched experience of rugged coastlines and verdant valleys.

Another hidden gem is the Captain Cook Monument Trail , where a challenging descent leads you to excellent snorkelling spots.

Ending your 2 weeks in Hawaii here is a good plan since the Big Island also has two main airports that will take you to the mainland US, Asia, or Europe.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN HAWAII (per city)

Once you decide which itinerary is best for you or you have made your own, it’s time to give you tips on what to see and things to do in Hawaii during your visit. Here’s a quick list categorised by city:

Honolulu, Oahu

• Waikiki Beach – get Waikiki Trolley pass
• Diamond Head State Monument
• Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
• Ala Moana Center
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial – combo tour with USS Arizona and City tour or USS Arizona and USS Missouri Battleship
• Ko Olina Lagoons
• USS Missouri Memorial
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
• North Shore – sign up for Oahu Circle Island featuring North Shore
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Chinatown, Honolulu
• Sunset Cruise – star casual cruise or Friday Night fireworks cruise
• Manoa Falls Trail
• Halona Blowhole
• Oahu Turtle Canyon – go on a catamaran snorkel day trip
• Byodo-In Temple
• Kualoa Ranch – do an open-air jungle drive or see Hollywood movie sets
• Bishop Museum
• Chief’s Luau Night – enjoy and learn about the Luau feast
• Iolani Palace
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
• Lanikai Beach
• Grand Circle Island – featuring Haleiwa 9-hour tour
• Honolulu Zoo
• Waimea Valley – go to Waimea Waterfall, join an island tour or celebrate Luau in Waimea Valley
• Dole Plantation
• Waikiki Aquarium
• Do extreme adventure on a helicopter ride – ride a helicopter or go parasailing or shark diving or submarine snorkelling or swim with the dolphins or ride the ziplines
• Oahu’s Eastern Shore Drive
• Royal Hawaiian Center
• Ride the Glass Bottom Boat – read the tour reviews
• Road to Hana – book a pickup if you don’t have a car
• Waianapanapa State Park
• Haleakalā National Park – do the sunrise hike
• Lahaina Historic District
• Ka’anapali Beach
• North Shore – do the 7-line Zipline or 8-line Zipline jungle
• Whalers Village
• Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center
• Molokini Crater – visit via a snorkelling excursion
• Makena State Park (Big Beach)
• Day trip to Lanai Island
• Wailea Beach – attend at Luau at Marriot Resort
• Iao Valley State Monument
• Banyan Tree Park
• Nakalele Blowhole
• Ma’alea Harbor – snorkelling at Turtle Arches or abroad Malolo or abroad Calypso
• Honolua Bay
• Upcountry Maui
• Maui Ocean Center
• Go surfing in Kihei – book a beginner’s surfing class
• Old Lahaina Luau
• Haliimaile Pineapple Tour – read the reviews
• Maui Tropical Plantation
• Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls
• Front Street, Lahaina – join a Lauau event
• Keawakapu Beach
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Book a Helicopter tour – check the price first
• Papohaku Beach
• Halawa Valley
• Moa’ula and Hipuapua Falls
• Phallic Rock (Ka Ule o Nanahoa)
• Molokai Plumeria Farm
• Molokai Mule Ride
• One Ali’i Beach Park
• Kamakou Preserve
• Molokai Harbor
• Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
• Saint Damien of Molokai Statue
• Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
• Kaunakakai Wharf
• Maunaloa Town
• Ironwood Hills Golf Course
• Molokai Coffee Plantation
• Church Row in Kaluaaha
• Palaau State Park
• Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge
• Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
• Lanai Cat Sanctuary
• Go Whale watching
• Go snorkelling
• Go for a hike
• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – full-day trip or a tour with Rainbow Falls combo or a helicopter ride over the volcanoes or stargazing with twilight volcano tour
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
• Black Sand Beach (Punalu’u)
• Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory – book a sunset summit from Hilo Kona or one that includes pictures
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Waipio Valley Lookout
• See the Manta Rays – this trip or this one in case the other tour is fully booked
• Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
• Rainbow Falls
• Kealakekua Bay – join a dinner cruise or a Captain Cook snorkel trip
• Kilauea Iki Trail
• Mauna Lani Petroglyphs
• Lava Tree State Monument
• Pololū Valley Lookout
• Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)
• Chain of Craters Road
• Hilo Downtown & Farmers Market
• Kona Coffee Living History Farm
• Voyagers – there’s a Pacific Luau event there
• Richardson Ocean Park
• Kahalu’u Beach Park
• Dolphin Watch – abroad a catamaran cruise
• Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
• Hamakua Coast Drive
• Polynesia ATV – read the reviews
• Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
• KoleKole Falls – experience the zipline over the waterfalls or a 9-line zipline
• Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
• Place of Refuge (Two Step) for snorkelling

LOCAL HAWAIIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

Hawaii has some very interesting dishes. Due to its diverse culture, the food in Hawaii is quite unique and definitely must-tries. Here’s a list of top HAwaiian dishes that you have to check out to see which ones to like the best:

• Poke – Raw fish salad, often tuna, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Kalua Pork – Slow-cooked, tender pork traditionally cooked in an underground oven.
• Loco Moco – Rice topped with a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg.
• Lau Lau – Pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed.
• Poi – A starchy dish made from taro root.
• Spam Musubi – Sliced Spam on top of rice, wrapped in seaweed.
• Plate Lunch – Rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of meat like teriyaki beef or fried chicken.
• Haupia – A coconut milk-based dessert, often a gelatin-like consistency.
• Malasadas – Portuguese doughnuts, often filled with tropical creams.
• Shave Ice – Finely shaved ice topped with flavoured syrups.
• Lilikoi Cheesecake – A creamy cheesecake made with passionfruit.
• Mai Tai – A cocktail with rum, lime juice, and other flavourings.
• POG – A tropical juice blend of passionfruit, orange, and guava.
• Kona Coffee – Locally grown coffee known for its rich flavour and aroma.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HAWAII

Accommodations in Hawaii are expensive and often get booked fast. This is why you must book yours at least 6 months in advance if planning to come during peak season. But book one that has flexible cancellation, so you can reserve the best accommodation, but can also cancel last-minute if needed.

• Affordable: Polynesian Hostel Beach Club or Waikiki Beachside Hostel
• Mid-range: Aqua Oasia or Coconut Waikiki Hotel or Waikiki Resort Hotel or Imperial Hawaii Resort
• Luxury: Sheraton Waikiki Resort or Aston Waikiki Beach Tower or Halepuna Waikiki Resort or Prince Resort
• Affordable to Mid-range: Days Inn by Wyndham or God’s Peace of Maui or Kaanapali Ocean Inn or Howzit Hostels
• Luxury: Napali Sunset Beach Front Resort or The Westin Maui Resort & Spa or Four Seasons Resort or Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt
• Affordable to Mid-range: Castle Molokai Shores or Hotel Molokai
• Luxury: Four Season Resort
• Affordable: The Big Island Hostel or Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel or SCP Hilo Hotel
• Mid-range: Royal Kona Resort or Kona Magic Honu Room
• Luxury: The Inn Kulaniapia Falls or Big Island Retreat or Aston Kona by the Sea

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN HAWAII ITINERARY

When planning your travel itinerary for 14 days in Hawaii, you must decide on what activities you plan to see, your budget, and your travel style. You should also consider when to go because peak season gets very expensive.

Finally, knowing how many islands you plan to visit and how to get from one island to another is also important. Whether you’re coming here for its beaches, water activities, hiking, history, or food – there are plenty of things to do.

I hope that this list of itinerary for 2 weeks in Hawaii was able to assist you start your planning and helped you visualise what your trip will look like.

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How to Visit Multiple Hawaiian Islands in 2 Weeks (itinerary included)

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When planning a trip to Hawaii, the first big decision is what Hawaiian Island should I visit? The challenging decision may result in choosing multiple Hawaiian Islands. This is how you can visit 4 Hawaiian islands in 2 weeks, or less.

Visiting all four Hawaiian Islands makes for a hectic trip of flights, hotel transfers, and non-stop activities. We usually discourage travelers from such an itinerary, especially those with kids. We adamantly advise against such a trip in our 5 Mistakes When Island Hopping video . 

Our advice did not stop newsletter readers Dave and Mary. Flirting with disaster, they embarked on a 13-day, four-island tour. These audacious travelers came out the other side still married and with some lessons to share. You can find more of Dave’s Hawaii and Europe photos on Instagram @davemcquaid .

Thanks to Dave for being our first guest writer at The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Dave is sharing his itinerary for visiting all the major Hawaiian islands and his lessons learned.

Dave & Mary McQuaid are adventurous travelers and have been to all 50 U.S. states and 17 countries in their 34 years together.

Editor’s Note: Consider taking our Which Hawaiian Island to Visit Quiz or reading Which Hawaiian Island to Visit? before reading this article. Plus check out The Best Hawaiian Island to Visit to narrow down your choices if visiting all 4 is (understandably) too daunting!

SAVE $37! If you plan to visit all four islands or need help choosing which three to visit, use the coupon code VOYAGE to get a FREE Wayfinder Itinerary when you buy 3 itineraries.

Can You Visit the Four Major Hawaiian Islands in One Trip?

Yes, if you plan carefully, and are prepared for a few compromises.

If you’re like most folks who plan a Hawaii trip, you’ve got to balance your visit with available vacation days, family schedules, and other commitments. But you also want to make the most of the cost and time required to fly to Hawaii. So, you want to see as much as possible on your trip. For some, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii vacation. While a four-week Hawaii visit might be ideal (and many international travelers do this), it’s just not possible for many.

The good news is it is possible to visit all four major Hawaiian islands in two weeks if you follow this advice:

• stay flexible
• realize you won’t see everything on every island. 

Here’s how we did it, as well as the fifteen lessons we learned.

Learn more about each Hawaiian island here:

• Maui Travel Guide
• Oahu Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide

Four Hawaiian Island Itinerary

Here is our full 13-day itinerary for visiting the four major Hawaiian islands. It was a whirlwind trip but fun. 

By sharing our itinerary and the trip planning resources below, we hope we can help you plan a similar adventure to Hawaii.

See Jordan and Erica’s Island Hopping Guide to better understand how to travel between the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Day 1. oahu ko olina resorts.

We flew from Los Angeles on the first Southwest flight of the day to Oahu. We picked up our Turo (more on that in the lessons learned below) and drove straight to Aulani Resort by Disney in the Ko Olina resort area , arriving shortly after noon. 

We had rented Disney Vacation Club points for 2 nights, making what would have been a pricey stay more affordable. An afternoon in the pool, exploring the beautiful resort, and riding the lazy river was the perfect relaxing start to our trip. 

We closed out the evening with a sunset dinner at the resort’s ‘Ama’Ama restaurant. The meal was one of two fine dining experiences we had planned, and while expensive, the food and service were amazing. You can also close your evening off with a Ko Olina Sunset Sail or Stargazing in Ko Olina Experience .

Save on your entire vacation with these resources and hacks: How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips The Best Affordable Family Resorts in Hawaii Your Kids Will Love How to Have a Luxury Hawaii Vacation for Less: 12 Ways to Save Visit our sister site bookedwithpoints.com to learn about traveling on points!

Day 2: OAHU DISNEY RESORT

I  left very early for a sunrise hike on the windward side of the island (unfortunately, thwarted by incessant rain and low clouds). At the same time, Mary enjoyed Aulani’s many pools. 

Shortly before 11, we enjoyed a hearty Disney character breakfast (yes, we’re kids at heart) at the Makahiki restaurant.

The showers from the island’s east side were now directly overhead, so we stayed indoors and did some shopping. Although frustrated we couldn’t be a little more active, this forced downtime was probably beneficial with several full days ahead of us.

Editor’s Note: If it rains on your vacation, here is What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains .

The clouds cleared before dinner, so we strolled along the Ko Olina boardwalk to some of the other resorts and watched the sunset from the edge of one of the lagoons before a pizza dinner (with pineapple – because Hawaii, of course!). 

Day 3: OAHU WINDWARD COAST

We checked out of the Aulani and headed across the island to the fabulous Kualoa Ranch for a morning e-bike adventure in the Jurassic Valley, famous for Jurassic World, Lost, and dozens of other Hollywood productions. 

The ranch has a wide range of tours, including bus, horseback, and UTV, which all take you into the valley between lush, majestic peaks. It’s quite an experience, even if you’re not a movie buff. Explore the best Kualoa Ranch tours here . 

After lunch, we headed north up the coast to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the rest of the day. We enjoyed interactive experiences from several different Polynesian islands (including a ukelele lesson, hunting practice, taro farming, and a wedding), before enjoying a festive luau and a night-time Broadway-style show, complete with fire walkers and tribal battles.

There are a lot of things to do at the Polynesian Cultural Center so book the right ticket for your visit: Alii Luau vs Gateway Buffet: How to Decide .

We found it to be a  highly educational experience, even though we felt it was a bit of a theme park vibe. We crossed the island to our new digs for the next 2 nights, an Airbnb condo a block away from Waikiki Beach. 

Related article: Is Airbnb legal in Hawaii? Yes, but it’s complicated

Day 4: OAHU WAIKIKI DAY

We had 6:00 AM reservations to hike the Diamond Head volcano crater (advanced reservations are required), so we set out early and conquered the trail before it got hot. 

The trek up is relatively easy – lots of stairs and some uneven footing, but mostly paved. Strollers can’t go up the rocky trail.  

The views from the top overlooking the ocean and Honolulu are impressive.

But even by 7 am, it was getting crowded at the top. We returned to Honolulu and visited Waikiki Beach for the rest of the morning. While not the most attractive beach on Oahu, Waikiki is iconic – and being a Saturday morning, it was packed. The afternoon was laundry time and shopping along Kalakaua Avenue.

Related articles:

• 10 Best Beaches on Oahu
• Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay?
• 40 Things to Do on Oahu

Day 5: KAUAI HELICOPTER TOUR

We took the first non-stop Southwest flight from Honolulu to Lihue Airport on Kauai. From leaving our Airbnb at 7:20 AM in Honolulu to retrieving our luggage on Kauai at 10:50 AM, the entire trip took only 3.5 hours, giving us a good chunk of the day left.

We had booked a doors-off helicopter tour with Jack Harter Helicopters at 12:45, which was an amazing experience. 

Editors Note: For flying the Napali Coast by helicopter or airplane, check out this doors-off helicopter tour .

Pro tip : Wear layers – we had on long pants and jackets and were still quite chilled! 

Their 65-minute flight took us across the island, along the NāPali coast, and into a number of valleys and cliff cathedrals along the way. The trip was breathtaking, even with a bit of rain mixed in. 

We then retrieved our Turo and drove to our Airbnb near Poipu Beach , one of the best beaches in Hawaii .

• Hawaii Discount Car Rental Options
• Where to Stay on Kauai
• 5 of the Best NaPali Coast Boat Tours

At this point, we learned that the charter boat company we had booked for the next evening’s sunset cruise along the NāPali coast was canceling the sailing due to anticipated rough seas. We knew this was a somewhat common experience in the winter, but thought we’d be clear in May.

After a couple of frantic phone calls, we were able to book the last two seats on a morning trip two days later, the day we would be flying to Maui. We enjoyed the sunset, and a few sea turtles at Poipu Beach before a late dinner.

Day 6: KAUAI SOUTH SHORE DAY

With the canceled sunset cruise having consumed the majority of our day (the cruise was to have left from the harbor around 2 PM, and it was about an hour away), we got what proved to be a welcome respite. 

We spent the morning by the pool and heading into Old Koloa Town for lunch ( Kauai food trucks are the best ) and shopping at the local stores. 

We had an early dinner and stopped for sunset at the Kukuiʻula Harbor Beach. Then we headed back to our lodging to repack our suitcase (by now starting to bulge with souvenirs) for an early departure. 

Day 7: KAUAI NAPALI COAST AND MAUI TRANSFER

We checked out of our Airbnb very early and started the trip to the small boat harbor near Kekaha for our rescheduled NāPali boat tour with Makana Charters . 

Editor’s Note: Watch a video on a Napali Coast Sail and Snorkel tour here to understand sailing the coast.

There are a number of companies that provide charter tours, but we chose this one because their harbor is closer to the tallest portion of the NāPali coast. 

The seas were still quite rough, but manageable while in transit. It was only when the boat anchored for snorkeling and swimming that the pitching and rolling got to be a bit much for some passengers. The crew and captain were outstanding guides and made the cruise, and the amazing scenery, a highlight of our trip.

Editor’s Note: If you’re low on time, check out this popular Kauai Mountain Tubing tour.

Once we docked and got our land legs back, it was a mad dash back across the island in afternoon school traffic along two-lane roads to make our flight to Maui. After a few stressful moments, we arrived in time at the gate, only to find our Southwest flight was delayed because there was no flight crew. 

Fortunately, this was the only flight-related hiccup on our trip, and we still made it to Maui in time to check into the wonderful Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (one of the best beach hotels on Maui ), an affordable but beautiful option.

Explore the Maui Where to Stay directory for hotel and vacation rental options.

Day 8: MAUI ROAD TO HANA

We took the recommendation of this site and booked a Road to Hana tour through Valley Isle Excursions (save 10% with code HVG10 by booking here ). We figured we shouldn’t test the route’s alternate name: Road to Divorce. 

You can find a Complete Road to Hana Guide here .

After a 6:45 AM pickup at our hotel and a light breakfast, we started out on the winding route which took us past waterfalls, lush forests, multicolored foliage, jagged coastlines, black sand beaches, and witty commentary from our guide. 

With stops for banana bread, lunch, and ice cream/shave ice, there was no shortage of food along the way! We returned to our hotel shortly before sunset.

Day 9: MAUI HALEAKALA SUNRISE AND LAHAINA TOWN

At 2:30 AM (yes, AM!) we boarded another bus, this time headed to the top of Haleakalā for sunrise. Valley Isle Excursions came through again and you can get 10% off here with promo code HVG10 . The tour guide Alika (the same guide that Jordan and Erica had , in a random coincidence!) kept us warm, entertained, and informed as we made the drive, while still allowing for plenty of early morning napping. 

Sunrise was beautiful and awe-inspiring, and we enjoyed the robust breakfast at the Mill House. 

We spent the afternoon napping at the pool and beach and strolling along the Ka’anapali Boardwalk. The rain started to roll in, so we headed to Historic Lahaina for dinner , to see the enormous banyan tree, and generally act like tourists. There are a lot of things to do in Lahaina .

Day 10: MAUI UPCOUNTRY TOURS

We booked two farm tours today: the Maui Gold Pineapple Tour and the Maui Chocolate Tour . Maui has a lot of amazing farm tours .

The overnight rains had taken their toll, and while driving to the pineapple plantation we got a call saying the the fields were too muddy to operate the tour. They offered to reschedule, but since we were leaving the next day, we couldn’t.

So, we pulled out our trusty Maui Wayfinder Itinerary and called an audible. 

Since we were in Upcountry Maui , we stopped at the Komodo Bakery in Makawao for malasadas and found a little art and stationery store across the street. 

We then stopped by the Maui Gold company store and picked up a couple of pineapples, packaged as a carry-on. 

We then headed back to Lahaina for the Maui Chocolate Tour (which, thankfully was still operating due to less rain on the west side of the island). 

We got to see cacao being farmed, and a guide led us through a tasting of a variety of chocolates made right there on the island. 

We did another load of laundry, spent some time at the pool and beach, and visited the Honoapiilani Food Truck Park for dinner.

Related Articles:

• 33 Things to Do on Maui
• How to Plan a Trip to Maui
• How to Have an Authentic Hawaii Experience

Day 11: BIG ISLAND TRANSFER DAY

We left the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel after a beautiful traditional kukui nut lei ceremony and headed to the airport for our flight to Kona. 

About 3.5 hours after leaving our hotel, our Southwest flight had landed in the open-air Kona airport right around noon. 

We had originally planned to head up to Mauna Kea for a late-night stargazing tour , but we had canceled a couple of days prior when we began to feel “toured out” and the weather forecast on the mountain looked suspect. 

So instead, we made our way to our Airbnb in Kailua-Kona and spent a little time at the pool. We explored the touristy shops along the coast and watched an outrigger canoe competition before stopping for dinner overlooking the ocean.

Explore the free Big Island Travel Guide to learn more about the island.

Day 12: BIG ISLAND CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR

The Big Island is BIG, as we learned on our Grand Circle Tour today . A luxury coach picked us up near our condo at 7:30 AM, and for 11 hours we circled the island. 

The morning included breakfast at a Kona coffee farm, snacks at Punalu’u Bake Shop, sightseeing at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, lunch, and a tasting at the Volcano Winery. 

The afternoon included multiple stops in Volcanoes National Park, including overlooking the Kīlauea crater and a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, and a trip through Hilo and stops at two waterfalls. 

Overall, it was a wonderful way to survey the whole island in (relative) luxury, with drinks, snacks, hot and cold scented towels, jackets, umbrellas and plenty of narration along the way. 

Dinner, a little souvenir shopping, and repacking suitcases (again!) closed out the night.

Day 13: BIG ISLAND TO HOME

Before our afternoon flight to LA, we drove down the coast to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park , where we saw a reconstruction of the Place of Refuge. 

The park helped illuminate some of what we’d learned about traditional Hawaiian culture in our two weeks on the islands. After a lunch stop for Loco Moco, we headed to the airport to clear Agricultural Inspection and head back to the mainland.

Visiting All the Hawaiian Islands: Things We Learned

Would we do it again? Absolutely! We usually aren’t a go-to-one-place-and-sit-for-vacation kind of family, so a 2-week vacation at a single resort on a single Hawaiian island wasn’t in the cards for us. 

We like to do as much as we can and get an overview of the places we visit. So we thoroughly enjoyed all that we could cram into our 13-day trip. But we learned a few things along the way:

• If you’re going to schedule a whirlwind tour of the islands, be sure to plan a good mix of relaxing and action time. We were actually grateful for a couple of the cancellations that we encountered, as that gave us some much-needed downtime.
• Be flexible. Although it’s paradise, inclement weather still happens, which can mean choppy seas, challenging air currents, and muddy fields. And while we only had one minor airline hiccup in our 7 flights, we recognize that we were fortunate. 
• If you have a tour or attraction you want to experience, book it early in your stay on that island. That way, if the operator needs to reschedule, you’ll have a better chance of re-booking on a subsequent day in your stay on the island. See Tours & Activities for the best local tour operators.

• Turo rental cars are a great idea in theory, but they had some real challenges in Hawaii. If a car you’ve reserved gets in an accident before you arrive, you may be left without a rental, or at least one that doesn’t match the features or condition of the one you reserved. In addition, most of the Hawaii airports have put significant restrictions on where Turos may be left or picked up, which complicates getting your car. We reserved our Turos months in advance, and the cost savings over rental agencies were significant (about 25-30%). However, we did some spot-checking once we were on the islands and found rental agency rates had dropped significantly, all but erasing the Turo advantage.
• Although these are laid-back islands, they are also where people live, work, and go to school. Many of the main arteries on some of the islands are still two-lane roads, which can mean traffic jams. While it’s not LA or New York or London or Tokyo, you might still be stuck behind a LONG line of cars going in the same direction as you. So plan ahead and check Google or Apple Maps timing a few days in advance.
• It is possible to fit in other experiences on an island-hopping travel day if you choose your flights carefully. If you fly Southwest, choose a non-stop flight from island to island. Avoid going through Honolulu, as the layover there will add hours to your trip and effectively waste the day. We found that by reserving early, we could usually get a direct island-to-island flight for $49 or $59. For the Maui to Big Island flight, we chose to fly Hawaiian, as Southwest didn’t have a timely direct flight. See the Island Hopping Guide for more tips .
• If you fly Southwest (as we did for most of our inter-island flights), know that the planes aren’t usually full. That means that it’s not necessary to pay extra for an early boarding group. This was our experience and we traveled in June, a busy time on the islands.
• The ubiquitous ABC Stores can be your friend. They stock foodstuffs, cosmetics, various supplies, and souvenirs, and each store is consistently stocked and clean.
• If you choose to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, the popular ticket to book is the Island Villages experience plus the Ali’i Luau and HA: Breath of Life show. Get there as SOON as the gates open. We ended up missing a couple of attractions since we arrived about an hour after opening. Need help to decide on tickets? See this Ali’i Luau vs Gateway Buffett review .

• Check sunrise/sunset times relative to where you live. We found the sunrise much earlier than we were used to (and the skies were bright FAR before sunrise), and the sunset was a good bit earlier as well. 
• Clear off memory space on your phone before you travel. You WILL take hundreds, possibly thousands, of photos and videos, and you don’t want to run out of space (like I did in a helicopter above the Na Pali Coast!). 
• If you visit Oahu, make time – at least a day – to visit Pearl Harbor . We visited Oahu briefly a few years ago and saw it then, so we didn’t include it on our itinerary this time. But everyone should see it at least once.
• As Erica and Jordan stress, plan your trip well in advance – they’ve got a full set of guidelines here . But also, be aware that the sooner you book something, the more likely it is to change. We had one experience change names, another change itinerary, and another change their operating schedule.
• When flying inter-island, you usually don’t need to endure the airport agricultural inspection. However, when flying to the mainland, you almost certainly WILL have to have your luggage inspected, which takes time. We noticed, especially in Maui, this was by far the longest airport line.
• Consider paying for TSA Pre-Check . At less than $80, we found it money well spent since we had seven different flights getting to, and around, Hawaii. In some airports, the regular TSA line wasn’t that long, but in others, it was a big time-saver. And not having to take off your belt/coat/shoes, or remove your liquids or laptops, is a huge stress saver when you’re going in and out of that many airports!

Have fun! It’s a vacation, not a competition. Miss something? All the more reason to come back!

Check out Erica and Jordan’s Wayfinder Itineraries to help you plan your trip to Hawaii. The Maui Wayfinder Itinerary was a life-saver on this trip.

Cruising Hawaii Guide

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Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

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

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

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

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

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• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• Ice service
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.

Signature Suite

• Whirlpool bath

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

Neptune Suite

• Premium bathrobes, slippers
• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Your Ship: Westerdam

A fascinating destination in her own right, Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues. During the day, rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Head to the upper decks for a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with top-deck views. Catch a performance at the World Stage or spend your evening on the dance floor at Rolling Stone Lounge.

• 1916 Guests
• 936 ft. Length
• 105.8 ft. Width

Dining & Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Meals at Canaletto are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. Room Service is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.

Explorations Cafe

Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.

At Explorations Café, sink into plush chairs and sofas in a comfortable environment. Sip elegantly prepared espresso drinks and nosh on fresh pastries from the coffee bar. You can also take in fantastic views, catch up on your favorite book or browse the web. 

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. 

Crow's Nest

BARS AND LOUNGES

Enjoy cocktails and sunsets in this lounge, featuring panoramic views.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Explorer's Lounge

Elegant and refined, stop by for a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live music.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing.

Gallery Bar

In this art-themed bar, order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu.

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu.

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam  bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Our 7-piece band brings you the best in rock, pop, country and more.

Dance to your favorite songs with one of the best bands at sea. From rock and pop to country and beyond, we provide the perfect playlist live, each and every cruise.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. 

Casino Action

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.

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