Hawaiian Cruises
Travelling on a cruise offers to Hawaii, the 50th state of the USA and one of the favourite holiday destinations in the world for singles, families and the elderly gives the traveller an in-depth experience of the paradise islands.
Up to 6 islands are visited and there are a wide range of itineraries to choose from that appeal to every traveller, all with a truly laid-back atmosphere. You can choose to kick back and relax on one of the beaches, witness volcanic lava flows or go diving at one of the many world-class dive sites.
The mix of American, European and Polynesian cultures is reflected in its unique culture and variety of cuisines making for lots of variety and sheer indulgence.
About the Destination
As Hawaii is a state of the USA and has been since 1959, visitors can expect a United States standard of health care and other services, while still experiencing the exotic flavours of a Pacific destination.
The population is about 1.4 million people, with the majority living around Honolulu. This includes descendants of the islands' original settlers, descendants of immigrant workers and retirees from all over the world.
English and Hawaii’s own historic Polynesian language, are recognised as the state's official languages. Visitors only need English to get around.
Hawaii's year-round warm weather appeal to most visitors, Sunscreen, swimwear and protective clothing are on sale everywhere. If you are going to visit the volcanoes at higher altitudes, then it will be a good idea to pack some warm clothing.
Main attractions
The list of things to see and do in Hawaii is endless. Most attractions revolve around either spending time on the beach relaxing or having a go at water sports such as surfing, canoeing and body boarding. There’s always time to sip cocktails or even go horseback riding.
- Waikiki beach is one of the most famous beaches and a main tourist attraction. Close to the beach are great hotels, restaurants and shopping. Hike to the top of Diamond Head crater for the best views over the city, or visit the state's premier cultural and historical attractions, and don’t miss out on the Bishop Museum, ‘Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha statue, the Waikiki Historic Trail and the memorials at Pearl Harbour, while in Oahu.
- Nature lovers love Maui best specifically between December and April as there is the chance of spotting magnificent humpback whales on their annual migration. Maui is also the best island for diving and snorkelling enthusiast with its undersea volcanic landscape.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also a popular attraction. Here you will find the Halemaumau Crater. Popular activities include a drive around the Crater Rim, seeing the constant lava flows of Kilauea volcano and taking a journey inside the Thurston Lava Tub.
Cruise lines that sail there
The majority of Hawaii cruises are either around the islands, beginning and ending at Honolulu, round-trip cruises from the American mainland, or cruises from Sydney to Honolulu.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers 1-week cruises of 4 of Hawaii's major islands for fly-in passengers, as well as 2-week round trips from the west coast of the United States and Canada.
Princess Cruises operates trips to and from California; Carnival Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises travel to Hawaii from Los Angeles and Mexico, as well as from Alaska during the summer.
Holland America Line offers 14-day round trips with the option to extend and go onto Mexico, Peru and Tahiti.
When to go
What makes cruising in Hawaii great is that it is an all-year cruise destination. Average temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius in the winter to 29.5 degrees Celsius in the summer.
The best time to cruise therefore depends on what suits you and the type of activities you are planning to get involved in. Whale watching cruises sail from December to May while surfing conditions are best between November and February.
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