What Cruise Lines Cruise to Hawaii for Your Dream Vacation

Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line are among the top cruise lines offering unforgettable voyages to Hawaii, combining luxury, adventure, and island-hopping convenience. Most itineraries depart from the West Coast or Honolulu, featuring stops at iconic destinations like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island for a seamless dream vacation experience.

Key Takeaways

• Choose major lines: Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America offer frequent Hawaii cruises.
• Seasonal routes: Most sailings operate between October and April—plan accordingly.
• Round-trip options: West Coast departures from LA or San Francisco save flight costs.
• Longer itineraries: 14+ day cruises provide deeper island exploration and fewer sea days.
• Onboard perks: Look for luaus, cultural lectures, and Hawaiian cuisine for authenticity.
• Shore excursions: Book early for must-do activities like Pearl Harbor or volcano hikes.

What Cruise Lines Cruise to Hawaii for Your Dream Vacation

Imagine waking up to the soft glow of a Hawaiian sunrise, the gentle sway of the ocean beneath you, and the distant silhouette of a volcanic island on the horizon. The scent of plumeria in the air, the rhythmic strum of a ukulele drifting through the breeze—this isn’t just a vacation; it’s a sensory immersion into paradise. Hawaii, with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and turquoise waters, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. And what better way to experience the Aloha State than by embarking on a cruise? Cruising to Hawaii offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, all while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a floating resort.

But with so many cruise lines offering voyages to Hawaii, how do you choose the right one? From luxury ocean liners to intimate expedition ships, each cruise line brings its own unique flavor to the Hawaiian experience. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure, a romantic getaway, or a deep dive into Polynesian culture, the options are as diverse as the islands themselves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best cruise lines that cruise to Hawaii, highlighting their itineraries, onboard amenities, cultural offerings, and insider tips to help you plan the ultimate island-hopping journey. Whether it’s your first time visiting the Pacific or you’re a seasoned island hopper, this guide will ensure your Hawaiian cruise is everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.

Top Cruise Lines Sailing to Hawaii: An Overview

Hawaii’s popularity as a cruise destination has grown steadily, with major cruise lines offering seasonal and year-round itineraries. The choice of cruise line can dramatically impact your experience, from the duration of your voyage to the cultural immersion and onboard luxuries. Below, we break down the leading cruise lines that cruise to Hawaii, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel style, budget, and interests.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Island-Hopping Pioneer

Norwegian Cruise Line is a standout for travelers seeking a true Hawaiian island-hopping experience. With its “Pride of America” ship, NCL offers the only U.S.-flagged cruise vessel that sails year-round between the Hawaiian Islands. This unique positioning allows NCL to comply with the Jones Act, meaning it can transport passengers between U.S. ports without stopping in a foreign country—ideal for a seamless island journey.

• Itinerary: 7-night round-trip from Honolulu, visiting Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
• Onboard Highlights: Open dining concept, live entertainment, and Hawaiian-themed activities like lei-making and ukulele lessons.
• Best For: Families, first-time cruisers, and those who want to explore multiple islands without flying.

Insider Tip: Book a balcony room for unobstructed views of the sunrise over Kilauea on the Big Island—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury Meets Aloha

Celebrity Cruises offers a more refined approach to Hawaiian cruising, with itineraries that blend relaxation with cultural depth. Their ships, such as the Celebrity Solstice, are known for elegant design, farm-to-table dining, and wellness-focused amenities.

• Itinerary: 14-night round-trip from Los Angeles or San Diego, with stops in Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui.
• Onboard Highlights: The Lawn Club (a real grass lawn), spa treatments using Hawaiian botanicals, and guest lecturers on Polynesian history.
• Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, and culture enthusiasts.

Insider Tip: Opt for a “Celebrity Edge” class ship for enhanced staterooms with infinite verandas—perfect for stargazing over the Pacific.

Princess Cruises: The Scenic Explorer

Princess Cruises is renowned for its scenic cruising and destination-rich itineraries. Their “Circle Hawaii” voyages are particularly popular, offering extended time in port and opportunities to explore remote areas like Hilo and Lahaina.

• Itinerary: 15-night round-trip from Vancouver or San Francisco, visiting all major islands.
• Onboard Highlights: The “Movies Under the Stars” screen, Discovery at SEA enrichment programs, and Hawaiian luau nights.
• Best For: Retirees, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed pace.

Insider Tip: Attend the onboard “Hawaiian Cultural Ambassadors” program, where local performers teach hula and traditional storytelling.

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Hawaiian Cruises: What to Choose?

One of the first decisions you’ll make when booking a Hawaiian cruise is whether to opt for a seasonal or year-round itinerary. Each has its pros and cons, and your choice will depend on your flexibility, budget, and desired experience.

Year-Round Cruises: The Pride of America Advantage

Only Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America offers year-round Hawaiian sailings. This is a major draw for travelers who want to visit during the off-peak season (spring or fall) when crowds are thinner and prices are lower. The 7-night itinerary is consistent, making it easy to plan and budget for.

• Pros:
  • Flexible travel dates
  • No need to book international flights
  • More authentic island experience (fewer tourists)
• Cons:
  • Limited to 7 nights (shorter than trans-Pacific cruises)
  • Higher prices during peak season (December–March)

Example: A family of four can save over $1,000 by booking a spring cruise instead of a winter one, with comparable weather and fewer crowds at attractions like Hanauma Bay.

Seasonal Cruises: Trans-Pacific Voyages

Most other cruise lines offer seasonal Hawaiian itineraries, typically between October and April. These voyages often begin or end on the U.S. West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Diego, or Vancouver) and include a 3- to 5-day ocean crossing. While longer, these cruises offer a more immersive experience.

• Pros:
  • Longer stays in port (e.g., 24+ hours in Kauai)
  • Opportunity to explore coastal cities like San Francisco
  • More onboard activities during sea days
• Cons:
  • Less flexibility (fixed departure dates)
  • Higher carbon footprint due to longer sailing
  • Potential for rough seas during winter months

Insider Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, book a cabin mid-ship and lower deck for a smoother ride during the ocean crossing.

Hybrid Options: One-Way Cruises

For adventurous travelers, one-way cruises (e.g., Los Angeles to Honolulu) offer a unique opportunity to combine a Hawaiian vacation with a mainland getaway. These are often available through lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line.

Example: A 12-night one-way cruise from Seattle to Honolulu with stops in San Francisco and Lahaina allows you to explore the Pacific Northwest before island-hopping.

Onboard Experiences: What to Expect from Hawaiian Cruises

Hawaiian cruises are more than just transportation—they’re floating cultural experiences. From authentic luaus to stargazing under the Pacific sky, the onboard offerings are designed to immerse you in the spirit of Aloha. Here’s what sets Hawaiian cruises apart.

Authentic Cultural Programming

Top cruise lines go beyond superficial “Hawaiian nights” by offering deep cultural engagement. This includes:

• Hula Lessons: Taught by native dancers, these sessions often include history lessons about the dance’s significance in Hawaiian storytelling.
• Lei-Making Workshops: Learn to craft traditional leis using local flowers like plumeria and orchids.
• Guest Speakers: Historians and anthropologists discuss topics like the Polynesian migration to Hawaii or the impact of tourism.

Example: On Princess Cruises, the “Hawaiian Cultural Ambassadors” program features live demonstrations of traditional crafts like tapa cloth making.

Hawaiian-Themed Dining and Beverages

Food is a cornerstone of the Hawaiian cruise experience. Expect:

• Luau Nights: Buffets with kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, and haupia (coconut pudding).
• Farm-to-Table Menus: Celebrity Cruises partners with local farmers to source ingredients like Kauai coffee and Big Island macadamia nuts.
• Local Beverages: Try a mai tai made with Koloa rum or a fresh coconut from the poolside bar.

Insider Tip: Book the “Hawaiian Luau Dinner” on NCL’s Pride of America—it includes live entertainment and a traditional fire knife dance.

Stargazing and Natural Wonders

The Pacific Ocean offers some of the clearest skies on Earth. Cruise lines like Holland America Line host stargazing sessions with astronomers, while others offer:

• Volcano Viewing: Nighttime sail-bys of Kilauea’s glow (on Big Island itineraries).
• Whale Watching: December–April is prime humpback whale season; ships often slow down to allow passengers to spot them.

Example: A midnight sail past the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, with the ship’s lights dimmed for optimal viewing.

Best Itineraries: How to Maximize Your Time in Hawaii

Not all Hawaiian cruises are created equal. The itinerary you choose will determine which islands you visit, how much time you spend ashore, and the types of activities available. Here’s how to pick the perfect one.

7-Night Island-Hopping (NCL Pride of America)

The gold standard for first-time visitors. This itinerary includes:

• Oahu: 2 nights in Honolulu (Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach).
• Maui: 2 nights in Lahaina (Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise).
• Kauai: 2 nights in Nawiliwili (Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast).
• Big Island: 1 night in Kailua-Kona (snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, coffee farm tours).

Why It’s Great: Balances urban exploration (Honolulu) with natural wonders (Kauai’s canyons).

14–15 Night Trans-Pacific (Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean)

Ideal for travelers who want to “slow travel” and avoid flying. Highlights:

• Extended Port Stays: Up to 24 hours in Maui or Kauai.
• Scenic Cruising: Sail past the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast or the active volcanoes of the Big Island.
• Onboard Enrichment: More time for lectures, cooking classes, and relaxation.

Insider Tip: Book a shore excursion to the Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island—it’s often sold out to non-cruise visitors.

10–12 Night One-Way Cruises (Royal Caribbean, Holland America)

Perfect for combining a Hawaiian vacation with a mainland trip. Example:

• Departure: Seattle (explore Pike Place Market).
• Stops: San Francisco (Alcatraz), Lahaina (snorkeling), Honolulu (Pearl Harbor).
• Arrival: Vancouver (Capilano Suspension Bridge).

Why It’s Great: Lets you explore three destinations in one trip without backtracking.

Insider Tips and Practical Advice for Booking Your Hawaiian Cruise

Booking a Hawaiian cruise requires careful planning to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. From choosing the right cabin to packing essentials, here’s how to optimize your trip.

When to Book: Timing is Everything

• For Year-Round Cruises (NCL): Book 6–9 months in advance for the best cabin selection. Prices spike during winter holidays.
• For Seasonal Cruises: Book 12–18 months ahead for trans-Pacific voyages. Early-bird deals often include free upgrades.
• Last-Minute Deals: Check cruise line websites 2–3 months before departure for unsold cabins at discounts of up to 50%.

Data Insight: According to Cruise Critic, the average price for a 7-night Hawaiian cruise is $1,500–$2,500 per person, but early bookers save 20–30%.

Cabin Selection: Location Matters

• Balcony Cabins: Worth the upgrade for sunrise views of the islands. Avoid aft (rear) cabins—they’re noisier from the engines.
• Interior Cabins: Budget-friendly but lack natural light. Ideal if you’ll be ashore most days.
• Suites: Include perks like priority boarding and private lounges. On Celebrity Cruises, suites come with a personal concierge.

Insider Tip: Book a cabin on the starboard (right) side for the best views of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast during the morning sail-in.

Packing Essentials

• Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics. Include a rain jacket (Hawaii’s microclimates can be unpredictable).
• Footwear: Water shoes for snorkeling, hiking boots for volcano treks, and dress shoes for formal nights.
• Gear: Reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a snorkel set (ship rentals are expensive).
• Documents: Valid ID (for U.S. citizens) or passport (for international travelers).

Example: On NCL’s Pride of America, formal nights are optional—pack a cocktail dress or aloha shirt instead of a tuxedo.

Shore Excursions: Book Early or Go DIY

• Cruise Line Tours: Convenient and reliable, but often crowded. Book 6+ months in advance for popular options (e.g., Haleakalā sunrise).
• Independent Tours: More affordable and customizable. Use local operators like Maui Kayak Adventures or Kauai Sea Tours.
• DIY Exploration: Rent a car in Kauai or take the public bus in Oahu. Download offline maps before disembarking.

Data Table: Shore Excursion Costs

Island	Activity	Cruise Line Price	Independent Operator Price
Maui	Road to Hana Tour	$189	$120
Big Island	Volcanoes National Park	$165	$100
Kauai	Na Pali Coast Kayak	$225	$150

Conclusion: Embark on Your Hawaiian Adventure

Choosing the right cruise line for your Hawaiian vacation is the first step toward an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re drawn to the island-hopping ease of NCL’s Pride of America, the luxury and refinement of Celebrity Cruises, or the scenic exploration of Princess Cruises, there’s a perfect match for every traveler. The key is to align your priorities—whether it’s cultural immersion, onboard luxury, or budget-friendly options—with the strengths of each cruise line.

Remember, a Hawaiian cruise isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the journey itself. From the moment you step onboard, you’re enveloped in the spirit of Aloha—through music, cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the crew. Whether you’re sipping a mai tai as the sun dips below the horizon, learning to hula under the stars, or gazing at the glow of an active volcano, these are the moments that transform a vacation into a lifelong memory. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let the islands welcome you with open arms. Your dream Hawaiian cruise awaits—mahalo for choosing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines cruise to Hawaii?

Major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean offer voyages to Hawaii. These companies provide round-trip itineraries from the West Coast or inter-island cruises departing from Hawaiian ports.

Which cruise lines offer the best Hawaii itineraries?

Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are highly rated for their immersive Hawaii itineraries, including stops at Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Both lines feature extended port stays and cultural shore excursions to enhance your experience.

Do any cruise lines depart from California to Hawaii?

Yes, several cruise lines cruise to Hawaii from California, including Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America. These 10- to 16-day voyages typically depart from Los Angeles or San Francisco and often include scenic Pacific Ocean crossings.

Are there luxury cruise lines that visit Hawaii?

Absolutely. Luxury options like Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer refined Hawaii voyages with premium amenities, smaller ships, and curated excursions. These cater to travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.

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

Yes, many cruise lines cruise to Hawaii with round-trip options from cities like Seattle, San Diego, or San Francisco. Norwegian and Princess are popular choices, offering 14- to 18-day journeys with multiple Hawaiian island stops.

What’s the best time of year to book a Hawaii cruise?

The peak season for Hawaii cruises runs from April to October, with mild weather and calm seas. However, winter sailings (November–March) often have lower prices and fewer crowds, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.