Is There a Cruise Line That Goes to Hawaii Explore Top Options

Yes, several major cruise lines sail to Hawaii, offering unforgettable island-hopping adventures with stops at iconic destinations like Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai. Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line lead the pack, featuring round-trip voyages from the West Coast and immersive cultural experiences onboard and ashore.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, multiple cruise lines sail to Hawaii: Choose from NCL, Princess, Carnival, and more.
• NCL offers round-trip voyages: Depart from Honolulu with flexible itineraries.
• Book longer cruises for value: 14-day trips often include airfare and perks.
• Check inter-island options: Explore 4+ islands without returning to the mainland.
• Seasonal sailings available: Winter and spring have the most departures.
• Pack for diverse activities: Bring swimwear, formal attire, and hiking gear.

Why Cruising to Hawaii is a Dream Come True

Imagine waking up to the sight of turquoise waters, lush volcanic mountains, and golden beaches—all from the comfort of your cruise ship. Hawaii, with its idyllic landscapes and rich Polynesian culture, is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But is there a cruise line that goes to Hawaii? The answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a budget-friendly island-hopping journey, there are multiple cruise lines offering unforgettable voyages to the Aloha State.

Hawaii’s appeal lies in its diversity: from the bustling streets of Honolulu on Oahu to the serene beauty of the Big Island, each of the main islands offers a unique experience. Cruising to Hawaii is not just about the destinations but also the journey. Many ships sail from the West Coast of the U.S., allowing you to enjoy days at sea with stunning Pacific views, while others offer round-trip itineraries from Hawaiian ports. In this guide, we’ll explore the top cruise lines that sail to Hawaii, their itineraries, onboard experiences, and tips to help you plan the perfect Hawaiian getaway.

Top Cruise Lines That Sail to Hawaii

Several major cruise lines operate in Hawaiian waters, each offering distinct experiences tailored to different traveler preferences. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, there’s a perfect match for your Hawaiian vacation.

1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – The Island-Hopping Specialist

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular choices for Hawaiian cruising, thanks to its 7-day inter-island itineraries that depart from Honolulu. These voyages are ideal for travelers who want to explore multiple islands without the hassle of inter-island flights.

• Ships: Pride of America (the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship in Hawaii)
• Itineraries: 7-night round-trip from Honolulu, visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island (Hawaii Island)
• Unique Features: All-American crew, no sea days (since it departs and returns to the same port), and daily port visits

Why choose NCL? The Pride of America is designed specifically for Hawaiian cruising. It spends every day in port, allowing you to explore each island thoroughly. The ship offers Hawaiian cultural activities, including lei-making classes, ukulele lessons, and traditional luaus. Plus, with no international waters, the ship can operate under U.S. labor laws—a rare perk for cruisers.

2. Princess Cruises – The Pacific Coast Connection

Princess Cruises is renowned for its longer trans-Pacific itineraries that connect the West Coast to Hawaii. These voyages are perfect for travelers who enjoy days at sea, with stops at iconic ports like San Francisco, Vancouver, and even Alaska.

• Ships: Grand Princess, Royal Princess, and Discovery Princess
• Itineraries: 14-15 days from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver to Hawaii, with stops at 3-4 islands
• Unique Features: “Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific” theme cruises, onboard Polynesian cultural experiences

Why choose Princess? Princess offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration. Their “MedallionClass” ships provide personalized service, and their longer itineraries often include stops in Tahiti or French Polynesia, making it a great option for multi-destination trips.

3. Holland America Line – Elegance and Adventure

Holland America Line combines luxury with adventure, offering both trans-Pacific and round-trip Hawaiian cruises. Their ships are smaller and more intimate, catering to travelers who prefer a refined onboard experience.

• Ships: Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam
• Itineraries: 14-18 days from Seattle or San Diego to Hawaii, with optional round-trip voyages from Honolulu
• Unique Features: Culinary arts center, enrichment programs on Hawaiian history and ecology

Why choose Holland America? If you’re a foodie or history buff, Holland America’s onboard programs—like cooking demos by local chefs and lectures on Hawaiian volcanoes—add depth to your trip. Their smaller ships also dock closer to shore, reducing tender boat usage.

4. Carnival Cruise Line – Fun and Affordability

Carnival is the go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers and families. While they don’t offer dedicated Hawaiian itineraries, their West Coast to Hawaii cruises are a fun, affordable way to experience the islands.

• Ships: Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Legend
• Itineraries: 10-14 days from Los Angeles or San Diego, with stops at 2-3 islands
• Unique Features: Water slides, comedy shows, and kid-friendly activities

Why choose Carnival? Carnival’s lively atmosphere and low prices make it ideal for families or groups. Their shorter itineraries are great for first-time cruisers who want a taste of Hawaii without a long voyage.

5. Royal Caribbean – Adventure and Innovation

Royal Caribbean brings its signature mega-ships to Hawaii, combining cutting-edge amenities with immersive island experiences. Their round-trip and trans-Pacific itineraries are perfect for thrill-seekers.

• Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas
• Itineraries: 10-12 days from Vancouver or San Francisco, with stops at Oahu, Maui, and Kauai
• Unique Features: Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, Broadway-style shows

Why choose Royal Caribbean? If you want adrenaline-pumping activities alongside your Hawaiian vacation, Royal Caribbean delivers. Their ships also feature specialty dining options like Izumi (Hawaiian-Japanese fusion).

Hawaiian Cruise Itineraries: What to Expect

Not all Hawaiian cruises are the same. Understanding the types of itineraries available will help you choose the perfect one for your travel style.

Inter-Island Cruises (Round-Trip from Hawaii)

These are the most common Hawaiian cruises, departing from Honolulu (Oahu) and visiting 3-4 islands. Best for: Travelers who want to explore multiple islands without flying.

• Typical ports: Oahu (Honolulu), Maui (Lahaina or Kahului), Kauai (Nawiliwili), Big Island (Kona or Hilo)
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Example: NCL’s 7-day Pride of America cruise

Pro Tip: Book early to secure a balcony cabin—you’ll want to enjoy the views of each island as you arrive!

Trans-Pacific Cruises (From the U.S. West Coast)

These voyages sail from California, Washington, or British Columbia to Hawaii, often including stops at other Pacific destinations. Best for: Travelers who enjoy sea days and longer trips.

• Typical ports: San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, plus 3-4 Hawaiian islands
• Duration: 10-18 days
• Example: Princess Cruises’ 15-day “Pacific Coastal & Hawaii” cruise

Pro Tip: Pack layers—Pacific weather can be unpredictable. Also, book shore excursions early to secure spots at popular attractions like Pearl Harbor or the Road to Hana.

Round-Trip Cruises (From the West Coast)

These cruises start and end in the same U.S. port, with a week or more in Hawaiian waters. Best for: Travelers who want a mix of sea days and island exploration.

• Typical ports: Los Angeles, San Diego, plus 2-3 Hawaiian islands
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Example: Carnival’s 12-day round-trip from Los Angeles

Pro Tip: Choose a cruise with a late departure from Honolulu to enjoy an extra evening in Waikiki.

Onboard Experiences: What Makes a Hawaiian Cruise Unique

A cruise to Hawaii isn’t just about the islands—it’s also about the onboard experience. Cruise lines go the extra mile to incorporate Hawaiian culture, cuisine, and activities into your voyage.

Hawaiian Cultural Immersion

From lei-making workshops to hula lessons, cruise ships bring the spirit of aloha to sea. For example:

• NCL: Daily Hawaiian language lessons, ukulele classes, and live slack-key guitar performances
• Princess: “Hawaiian Nights” with traditional luaus, fire dancers, and storytelling

Insider Tip: Attend a “Talk Story” session—a Hawaiian tradition of sharing legends and history with crew members from the islands.

Local Cuisine and Dining

Many ships feature Hawaiian-inspired menus, including:

• Fresh poke bowls
• Loco moco (a Hawaiian comfort food staple)
• Kona coffee and pineapple desserts

Example: Holland America’s “Hawaii Regional Dining” nights, where chefs collaborate with local farmers to source ingredients.

Entertainment and Activities

Beyond the usual cruise activities, Hawaiian cruises offer:

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the Pacific is perfect for spotting constellations.
• Volcano lectures: Learn about Hawaii’s active volcanoes from onboard geologists.
• Beach-themed deck parties: Think tiki cocktails and conga lines under the stars.

Planning Your Hawaiian Cruise: Tips and Tricks

A cruise to Hawaii requires thoughtful planning to maximize your experience. Here’s how to prepare.

1. Best Time to Cruise

• Peak season: April-October (warm weather, fewer rain showers)
• Shoulder season: November-March (lower prices, whale-watching opportunities)

Pro Tip: Book a spring cruise for the best weather and fewer crowds at popular sites like Haleakalā National Park.

2. Shore Excursions vs. Independent Exploration

• Book excursions: For unique experiences like snorkeling at Molokini Crater or a helicopter tour over Kilauea.
• DIY exploration: Rent a car in Maui or take a bus tour on Oahu for budget-friendly flexibility.

Example: On the Big Island, book a private lava hike with a local guide for an unforgettable adventure.

3. Packing Essentials

• Sunscreen (reef-safe, to protect coral)
• Water shoes (for rocky beaches like Waikiki)
• Lightweight rain jacket (Hawaii’s weather changes quickly)
• Hawaiian phrasebook (locals appreciate “mahalo” and “aloha”)

4. Budgeting for Your Trip

Beyond the cruise fare, factor in:

• Shore excursions ($50-$300 per person)
• Onboard gratuities (~$15 per person, per day)
• Local shopping (Hawaiian crafts, macadamia nuts, and coffee)

Money-Saving Tip: Look for “free days” at attractions like the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

Comparison of Hawaiian Cruise Lines: Key Features

To help you decide, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top cruise lines sailing to Hawaii:

Cruise Line	Best For	Ship Size	Typical Itinerary	Unique Feature
Norwegian Cruise Line	Island-hopping	Medium (2,186 passengers)	7-day round-trip from Honolulu	All-American crew, no sea days
Princess Cruises	Longer voyages	Large (3,660 passengers)	14-15 days from West Coast	Polynesian cultural programs
Holland America Line	Luxury & enrichment	Medium (2,650 passengers)	14-18 days from Seattle	Onboard culinary arts center
Carnival Cruise Line	Affordability & families	Large (2,124 passengers)	10-14 days from LA	Water slides, comedy shows
Royal Caribbean	Adventure & innovation	Large (4,180 passengers)	10-12 days from Vancouver	Skydiving simulator, Broadway shows

Conclusion: Setting Sail for the Aloha State

So, is there a cruise line that goes to Hawaii? Absolutely—and the options are as diverse as the islands themselves. Whether you’re drawn to the non-stop island-hopping of NCL’s Pride of America, the luxurious trans-Pacific voyages of Princess and Holland America, or the high-energy fun of Carnival and Royal Caribbean, there’s a Hawaiian cruise for every traveler.

Remember, the key to a perfect Hawaiian cruise lies in matching the right cruise line to your travel style. Are you an adventurer seeking volcano hikes and snorkeling? A culture enthusiast eager to learn hula and sample poke? Or a family looking for kid-friendly activities and beach days? No matter your preference, a cruise to Hawaii promises unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and the warm aloha spirit.

Now that you’ve explored the top options, it’s time to start planning. Book early, pack wisely, and get ready to say “Aloha” to the vacation of a lifetime. The islands are calling—will you answer?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cruise line that goes to Hawaii from the West Coast?

Yes, several major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America offer voyages to Hawaii from West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle. These cruises typically last 14–18 days and include stops at multiple Hawaiian islands.

Which cruise lines offer the best Hawaii itineraries?

Top cruise lines for Hawaii include Norwegian Cruise Line (with its “Pride of America” ship sailing inter-island routes), Princess Cruises (known for longer round-trip Pacific voyages), and Royal Caribbean. Norwegian’s 7-day inter-island cruise is especially popular for its extended stays in port.

Can I take a round-trip cruise to Hawaii from the mainland?

Absolutely. Round-trip Hawaii cruises from California or Seattle are available seasonally (often fall and spring) with lines like Princess and Holland America. These cruises usually include four or more Hawaiian ports and scenic Pacific Ocean days.

Is there a cruise line that goes to Hawaii and stays overnight in ports?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is designed for extended stays in key destinations like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Other lines, like Princess, also offer overnight stops on select Hawaii itineraries for deeper exploration.

Are there luxury cruise lines that go to Hawaii?

Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas offer luxury Hawaii sailings with premium amenities and smaller ships. These cruises often feature unique excursions, gourmet dining, and longer port visits compared to mainstream lines.

What is the best time of year for a Hawaii cruise?

The best time for a Hawaii cruise is typically April–October, with fewer rain chances and calmer seas. However, repositioning cruises (fall/spring) often have better pricing, while summer offers longer daylight for sightseeing.