Hawaii Cruises

Your Complete Guide to Hawaii Cruises

Hawaii stands alone as a cruise destination — no other voyage offers the same combination of volcanic landscapes, Polynesian cultural heritage, tropical rainforests, and world-famous beaches within a single itinerary. Cruising the Hawaiian Islands eliminates the logistical complexity of inter-island flights and hotel transfers, allowing you to wake each morning at a different island while your floating hotel handles the overnight journey.

Inter-Island Cruising: The Ultimate Hawaii Experience

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America operates the only year-round inter-island Hawaii itinerary, a 7-night roundtrip from Honolulu that visits Maui (with an overnight stay), the Big Island's Hilo and Kona ports, and Kaua'i (also overnight). With no sea days, every moment is spent at or near an island. The ship is US-flagged, meaning it can sail exclusively between US ports — a regulatory requirement under the Jones Act that also means American citizens don't need a passport.

Volcanic Landscapes and Natural Wonders

The Big Island of Hawai'i is dominated by Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two massive shield volcanoes that together form the island's dramatic topography. Kīlauea, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Cruise passengers docking at Hilo can visit the park to walk across hardened lava flows, explore the Thurston Lava Tube, and witness the eerie glow of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at dusk. On Maui, the dormant Haleakalā Crater rises 3,055 metres above sea level, offering sunrise experiences that Mark Twain described as "the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed."

Cultural Experiences and Pearl Harbor

Hawaii's Polynesian heritage infuses every aspect of the cruise experience. Traditional lūʻau feasts showcase hula dancing, fire-knife performances, and imu-roasted kālua pig. Cultural centres on O'ahu and the Big Island offer lei-making workshops, outrigger canoe paddling, and introductions to ancient Hawaiian navigation techniques. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor remains one of the most visited and emotionally resonant historic sites in the United States, accessible via shuttle from Honolulu's cruise terminal.

Maui: The Valley Isle

Maui consistently ranks among the world's best islands. The legendary Road to Hana winds through 620 curves and past 59 bridges, revealing waterfalls, bamboo forests, and black-sand beaches. Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a major whaling port, now buzzes with galleries, restaurants, and the famous Banyan Court Park. From December through April, Maui's waters host hundreds of humpback whales — whale-watching excursions virtually guarantee sightings during peak season.

Planning Your Hawaii Cruise

Compare Hawaii cruise fares and itineraries with our cruise search tool. If sailing from the mainland, check flight deals to Honolulu for pre-cruise positioning. For inter-island cruises departing from Honolulu, a pre-cruise night at a Waikiki hotel helps with jet lag adjustment. Add travel insurance for cancellation protection on these higher-value itineraries, browse our tours and excursions for independent shore experiences at each island, and arrange airport transfers from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to the cruise terminal.