Top 8 Hawaii Cruises for Your Ultimate Island Adventure

The islands of Hawaii are popular with families, couples, retirees, groups of friends, and really anyone who enjoys warm weather, tropical scenery, and the Aloha spirit of the 50th state. Each island offers a different climate, attractions, environment, and style, and even on the same island, there are major variations depending on location. For instance, on Oahu, there’s bustling Honolulu on the south shore and the more secluded surfing paradise of the North Shore. The Big Island presents a contrasting climate too, with the Hilo and Puna regions on the east coast being wet and heavily forested, while the Kona region, on the west coast, tends to be much drier. Therefore, a cruise is an excellent way to explore the diverse beauty of Hawaii.

Visitors to Hawaii, especially first-timers, will want to experience as much of the islands as possible, and a cruise is one way to accomplish that. You can embark from a variety of ports on the West Coast (or within Hawaii itself), and the added convenience of not worrying about hotel changes or local transportation is a significant advantage. Below are some of the best cruises to see Hawaii. Dates, prices, amenities, and itineraries vary, so picking a cruise entails thorough planning and research, which is part of the fun. This curated list will inspire you to get started on your Hawaiian cruise adventure.

Holland America: 17-day Circle Hawaii – Round Trip from San Diego

This cruise on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam departs from San Diego and spends five days at sea. The ship arrives in Honolulu early, giving travelers all day to explore. Optional activities include a trip to Pearl Harbor, a whale-watching excursion, a road trip around Oahu, and a scenic drive along the Windward Coast. After an overnight sail to Kauai, the ship docks at Nawiliwili Harbor. Guests can take a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto, tour a coffee plantation, or visit Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Maui is the next island on the itinerary, with options for a luau, a drive or helicopter flight to Haleakala Crater, a scenic drive along the East Maui coast, or an underwater cruise on the Atlantis submarine. The final two stops, Hilo and Kona, are on the Big Island, where options include visits to the Volcanoes and National Park as well as Rainbow Falls. After four days at sea, the Koningsdam stops in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego.

Royal Caribbean: 8-night Hawaii Cruise – Vancouver to Oahu

This trip aboard the 4,905-passenger Quantum of the Seas offers passengers various activities during sea days, including a surf simulator, bumper cars, a skydiving simulator, and a 360-degree observation deck. After departing Vancouver, the ship spends four days at sea before arriving in Lahaina, Maui, for a day of exploring. Options include strolling through the historical town, visiting Haleakala Crater, whale watching, and enjoying Kaanapali Beach. The next stop is the Big Island, where guests can snorkel alongside dolphins and sea turtles, or visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, a site rich in Hawaiian heritage featuring temples, ancient petroglyphs, and centuries-old aquaculture ponds. The final destination is Oahu, where passengers can spend their time exploring Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, or the rest of the island before heading home.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Hawaii Inter-Island Cruise from Honolulu

Spend a week exploring four of Hawaii’s islands during this cruise aboard the 2,186-passenger Pride of America, featuring onboard activities such as basketball, volleyball, video games, theater, hot tubs, spa, and shopping. Departing Honolulu on Saturday evening, the ship heads to Kahului, Maui, for two days, offering options for a scenic drive on the Road to Hana, a catamaran cruise to Molokini for snorkeling, a tour of Haleakala Crater, and more. The next destination is Hilo on the Big Island where guests can see volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and beautiful waterfalls. On the opposite side of the island in Kona, popular activities include snorkeling, fishing, cruising in a catamaran, and reef tours. On Kauai, passengers can enjoy a traditional luau, hike through rainforests, kayak, or appreciate Waimea Canyon. The cruise concludes the following Saturday back in Honolulu, where passengers are free to explore the city, visit nearby Pearl Harbor, or discover Oahu’s North Shore.

UnCruise Adventures: Hawaiian Seascapes

This eight-day cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer begins in Kona, on the Big Island, with a champagne welcome from the captain. The next two days feature a hike up the slopes of Hualalai with a naturalist guide, night snorkeling among Giant Pacific Manta rays, and ample opportunities for swimming or kayaking. In Maui, guests can stroll through historic Lahaina, snorkel among coral reefs and sea turtles, or kayak in a marine sanctuary. The next island, Lanai, allows guests to paddleboard or kayak past the stunning 1,000-foot-high sea cliffs, go snorkeling, or visit the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. On Molokai, guests can learn about taro cultivation, turned into poi, or hike to breathtaking waterfalls in Halawa Valley. A visit to the Molokai Museum includes historical lessons followed by a pa’ina (feast) with traditional music. Passengers disembark the next morning at Kaunakakai, where they can either transfer to Molokai Airport or extend their stay on the beautiful island.

Princess Cruises: 16-day Hawaiian Islands – Round Trip from San Francisco

Aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess, this cruise departs San Francisco in the late afternoon. The ship offers plenty to do during the four days at sea en route to Hawaii, including swimming pools, hot tubs, mini-golf, Discovery at Sea programs, movies, dancing, and various shows. There are also shipboard programs for youths, teens, and families. Upon arriving at the Big Island, guests can opt for ziplining experiences through tropical rainforests or ascend to the top of Mauna Kea, recognized as the world’s tallest mountain. The next stop is Oahu, where activities include Pearl Harbor tours, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and a visit to the only royal palace in the United States. On Kauai, guests enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking adventures, while in Maui, they can sail on a catamaran, Zodiac boat, or submarine. After four days at sea, passengers have a day to explore Ensenada, Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, before the Crown Princess heads back to San Francisco.

Celebrity Cruises: 13-night Hawaii Cruise – Vancouver to Oahu

This cruise on the luxurious 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge departs from Vancouver and makes a brief stop in historic Astoria, Oregon, before continuing onward to Hawaii. During six days at sea, passengers can play blackjack in the casino, take yoga classes, or enjoy cocktails while riding the Magic Carpet that hovers over the ocean. In Hilo, guests may explore waterfalls, volcanoes, wineries, and stunning gardens along the lush coast. The ship subsequently sails to Kona for two more days of snorkeling and other activities onshore. The next two days are spent in Lahaina, Maui, serving as a home base for dolphin and whale watching cruises, plantation tours, or traditional luaus. The final stop is Honolulu, where guests enjoy Oahu at their leisure before heading back to the mainland.

Disney Cruise Line: 10-night Hawaiian Cruise from Vancouver Ending in Honolulu

This cruise aboard the 875-stateroom Disney Wonder is tailored for families and Disney enthusiasts alike. Departing from Vancouver, guests enjoy six nights at sea filled with entertainment from Broadway-style musicals featuring beloved Disney characters to a Marvel-themed superhero academy in the Oceaneer Club for children. The first stop is in Hilo on the Big Island, where guests visit stunning volcanoes, luxuriate in rainforests, or tour the Maunakea observatories. The next day is spent in Honolulu, where options range from Dole Plantation tours to hikes to the summit of Diamond Head for breathtaking views over Oahu. A day in Kauai lets travelers experience pristine beaches, lush jungles, and majestic waterfalls. The last port of call is in Kahului, Maui, providing opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture, enjoy scenic bike rides along the Skyline Trail, or simply relax at Kanaha Beach Park. The following day, the Disney Wonder returns to Honolulu, where passengers have the option to transfer to the airport or extend their stay.

Viking Cruises: Hawaiian Islands Sojourn – Round Trip from Los Angeles

This 17-day voyage from Los Angeles is hosted aboard the Viking Star, an all-veranda small ship that accommodates a maximum of 930 guests. The first highlight is the Big Island, where guests can view Kilauea by helicopter, visit stunning waterfalls, or explore Hilo Bay by kayak. After exploring Oahu, the next stop is Kauai, offering excursions ranging from an ATV tour to snorkeling along the tranquil South Shore. The Maui experience includes Haleakala National Park, whale watching, and exclusive access to the Lona Ridge Estate for a traditional lei making lesson. After enjoying the islands, the ship sails on to Ensenada, Mexico for wine tastings, e-bike tours, and thrilling ATV adventures in the Guadalupe Valley. The Viking Star returns to Los Angeles the following day.