Hawaii Cruises: Your Extraordinary Island Paradise

From the fiery volcanoes of the Big Island to the lush valleys of Kauai and the golden shores of Maui, discover why Hawaii remains one of the most coveted cruise destinations on earth — a place where Polynesian culture, breathtaking landscapes, and aloha spirit come together in one extraordinary voyage.

Your Extraordinary Hawaiian Adventure Awaits

Hawaii is unlike any cruise destination in the world — an archipelago of volcanic islands rising from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, each with its own distinct personality and allure. Imagine waking up to the scent of plumeria on the breeze, watching humpback whales breach against a backdrop of emerald mountains, and exploring ancient Hawaiian temples perched above crashing surf. With year-round temperatures between 75–85°F, trade wind breezes, and a spirit of warmth and welcome found nowhere else, Hawaii promises an experience that transcends the ordinary.

A stunning view of Prague's historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, featuring medieval architecture, historic towers, and colorful buildings at golden hour.
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A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic city center, featuring multiple bridges crossing the Vltava River, surrounded by lush green trees and purple lilac flowers in the foreground.
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A picturesque medieval town with iconic orange-red rooftops nestled in a meandering river bend, showcasing classic Central European architectural charm and landscape.
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A dramatic landscape featuring rugged, snow-covered mountains with sharp peaks against a blue sky, overlooking a black sand beach with golden grass in the foreground. A solitary figure stands in the landscape, providing scale to the immense natural scenery.
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Volcanic Landscapes

From active lava flows on the Big Island to Maui’s towering Haleakalā crater rising over 10,000 feet, Hawaii’s volcanic origins create landscapes found nowhere else on earth.

Ocean Adventures

Snorkeling with sea turtles at Molokini Crater, whale watching off Maui’s coast, and kayaking along the Na Pali coastline deliver unforgettable moments on the water.

Polynesian Culture & Aloha Spirit

Ancient Hawaiian temples, traditional luaus, hula dancing, and the warm embrace of aloha create a cultural experience that touches the soul.

Explore the Hawaiian Islands

Each Hawaiian island has its own personality and allure. Our cruise advisors will help you select the itinerary that visits the islands best suited to your interests — whether you crave adventure, relaxation, culture, or all three.

A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic city center, featuring the Prague Castle complex, colorful baroque buildings, and the Vltava River with the iconic Charles Bridge in the foreground.
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Oahu — The Gathering Place

Key Highlights: Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, North Shore

Known For: World-class surfing, vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, and diverse dining from shrimp trucks to fine cuisine

Ideal For: First-time Hawaii visitors seeking a blend of culture, history, beaches, and city energy

Cruise Port: Honolulu Harbor

A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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Maui — The Valley Isle

Key Highlights: Haleakalā National Park, Road to Hana, Lahaina, Ka’anapali Beach, Molokini Crater

Known For: Spectacular sunrises at 10,023 feet, whale watching (December–April), world-class snorkeling, and romantic resorts

Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts seeking romance and adventure

Cruise Port: Kahului Harbor

Traditional black wooden houses with grass-covered roofs nestled in a lush green Icelandic landscape with mountains in the background. The houses feature stone foundations and white-framed windows.
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Big Island — The Orchid Isle

Key Highlights: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona Coast, Mauna Kea, black sand beaches, coffee plantations

Known For: Active volcanoes, dramatic lava fields, stargazing at nearly 14,000 feet, and world-renowned Kona coffee

Ideal For: Adventure seekers and nature lovers drawn to raw, untamed landscapes

Cruise Ports: Kailua-Kona, Hilo

Compare Hawaiian Island Experiences

Feature Oahu Maui Big Island Kauai
Character Urban energy meets island beauty Romantic and adventurous Raw volcanic power Lush and untouched
Top Attractions Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Haleakalā, Road to Hana, Molokini Volcanoes National Park, Kona Coast Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon
Best For First-timers, history buffs, nightlife Couples, snorkelers, whale watchers Adventure seekers, nature lovers Hikers, photographers, serenity seekers
Cruise Port Honolulu Harbor Kahului Harbor Kailua-Kona & Hilo Nawiliwili Harbor

A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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Our Hawaii cruise travel advisors will help you navigate the islands.

With four major islands to explore and a wealth of experiences on each, choosing the perfect Hawaii cruise itinerary is both exciting and complex. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

On Oahu, you’ll discover the iconic skyline of Honolulu, the historic significance of Pearl Harbor, the legendary surf of the North Shore, and the vibrant energy of Waikiki Beach.

Sail to Maui for breathtaking sunrises atop Haleakalā, the winding beauty of the Road to Hana, world-class snorkeling at Molokini Crater, and some of the best whale watching on the planet.

The Big Island captivates with active volcanic landscapes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, Kona coffee country, and stargazing from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Kauai, the Garden Isle, enchants with the dramatic Na Pali Coast, the colorful depths of Waimea Canyon, and a serene, untouched beauty that feels worlds away from everything.

If navigating all these choices sounds like a lot, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated Hawaii cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond the Hawaiian Islands

Many Hawaii cruise itineraries can be extended or combined with Pacific destinations for an even grander voyage across the ocean.

  • Pacific Coast – Combine Hawaii with stops along the California coastline
  • French Polynesia – Extend your voyage to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea
  • Transpacific Crossings – Epic repositioning voyages between Hawaii and Australia, Japan, or Alaska
  • Mexico – Pair your Hawaiian adventure with the Mexican Riviera for a Pacific double feature
A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Hawaii

Hawaii’s tropical climate makes it a year-round cruising destination, though each season brings its own special appeal.

Peak Season (December – March): Winter is prime time for whale watching as humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters. Temperatures remain comfortable at 75–82°F, and this is the most popular season for mainland travelers escaping the cold.

Spring & Early Summer (April – June): Slightly warmer temperatures, thinner crowds, and excellent value make this a sweet spot for savvy cruisers. Wildflowers bloom across the islands, and the ocean is calm and inviting.

Summer (July – August): Perfect for families, summer brings the warmest weather (80–88°F) and the calmest seas. This is peak family travel season, so booking early is essential.

Fall (September – November): The quietest season on the islands offers the best deals, warm water temperatures ideal for snorkeling and diving, and a more intimate, uncrowded experience at every port.

Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Hawaii Cruise FAQs

Hawaii is a year-round destination with temperatures consistently between 75–88°F. Winter (December–March) is peak season, ideal for whale watching and escaping mainland cold. Spring and fall offer excellent value with fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for families with the warmest temperatures and calmest seas. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you choose the ideal season based on your priorities.

If your Hawaii cruise departs from and returns to a U.S. port (such as a round-trip sailing from Honolulu), U.S. citizens do not need a passport since Hawaii is a U.S. state. However, if your itinerary includes any foreign ports of call — such as Ensenada, Mexico or Fanning Island — or if you are sailing one-way from the U.S. mainland, a valid passport is strongly recommended. Your cruise advisor will clarify the specific requirements for your chosen itinerary.

Several cruise lines offer Hawaii itineraries, each with a distinct experience. Norwegian Cruise Line operates the only year-round inter-island cruise aboard Pride of America, departing from Honolulu. Premium and luxury lines such as Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea offer seasonal Hawaii sailings, often as part of longer Pacific or repositioning voyages. Our advisors will match you with the cruise line that best fits your preferences and style.

An inter-island cruise, like Norwegian’s Pride of America, departs from Honolulu and visits multiple Hawaiian islands over seven nights — maximizing your time in port. A mainland-to-Hawaii cruise departs from the West Coast (typically Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver) and includes several days at sea crossing the Pacific before reaching the islands. Both offer unique advantages, and your cruise advisor can help you decide which style suits your vacation goals.

Inter-island cruises typically run 7 nights, visiting four islands with extended port times including an overnight in Maui. Mainland-to-Hawaii roundtrip cruises generally range from 15 to 18 nights due to the Pacific crossing. One-way repositioning voyages vary from 10 to 14 nights. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you find the perfect duration for your schedule and preferences.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for exploring volcanic trails and scenic lookouts. Bring a light rain jacket for tropical showers, especially if visiting Kauai or Hilo. Evening attire varies by cruise line — from smart casual to formal nights. Your cruise advisor can provide a curated packing list tailored to your specific ship and itinerary. For more packing guidance, check out our packing tips on the Extraordinary Adventures YouTube channel @cruiseandtravel.

Hawaii offers extraordinary excursions at every port. On the Big Island, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see active lava landscapes and explore lush rainforest trails. On Maui, snorkel at Molokini Crater, drive the Road to Hana, or watch for humpback whales. On Oahu, pay respects at Pearl Harbor, hike Diamond Head, and experience authentic Polynesian culture at a luau. On Kauai, helicopter over the Na Pali Coast or hike Waimea Canyon. Our advisors can arrange curated, private touring experiences that go far beyond the standard offerings.

Hawaii is an exceptional family cruise destination. The islands offer something for every age — from building sandcastles on Waikiki Beach and snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring volcanic landscapes and learning about Polynesian history. Norwegian’s Pride of America features dedicated kids’ programs, and the extended port times allow families to experience each island at a relaxed pace. Multi-generational families especially love Hawaii cruises for the diversity of experiences available.

A Hawaii cruise allows you to experience multiple islands without the hassle of inter-island flights, hotel check-ins, and re-packing. You unpack once and wake up at a new island, with your floating hotel taking care of the logistics. Extended port times — often 10 to 15 hours, including overnights — give you ample time to explore each island in depth, making a cruise the most efficient and immersive way to experience the Hawaiian archipelago.

Absolutely. Many of our clients extend their Hawaii cruise with a few extra nights on the islands before or after their sailing. Our White Glove Service can coordinate hotel stays, transfers, private tours, restaurant reservations, and every detail of your extended Hawaiian vacation — creating a seamless journey from start to finish. This premium service ensures your entire trip is as effortless and extraordinary as the cruise itself.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.