Cheap Hawaii Cruises

Hawaiian Cruise Itineraries

There are three basic types of Hawaiian cruise itineraries. First, some Hawaiian cruises start or end in Hawaii and connect to California, Ensenada or Vancouver. Other itineraries combine Hawaii cruises with French Polynesia. The third and most popular type of Hawaii cruise sails entirely within the Hawaiian Islands, or begins and ends in Hawaii and includes one foreign port, such as Fanning Island, in the itinerary. Hawaii cruises that include French Polynesia are one way, longer than a week, and often include Papeete, Bora Bora, and Moorea.

1. It is possible to cruise Hawaii year-round.
2. Hawaii cruises typically last 7 to 15 nights.
3. In some cases you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, so we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Hawaii cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most lines that cruise Hawaii offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

Hawaiian Cruise Ports

Honolulu, Oahu, HI
The Port of Honolulu at the Aloha Tower Marketplace is located about 5 miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Approximate travel time is 10 - 15 minutes. From the airport, turn right at North Nimitz Highway and travel 4.4 miles. Then, bear right at South Nimitz Highway and travel 0.2 miles. Turn right at Fort Street, then left at Aloha Tower Drive. Cruise ships visiting Oahu dock at the cosmopolitan city of Honolulu. For those seeking sun and fun, snorkeling and diving tours are offered, and Waikiki is just a short taxi ride from the port. The best excursions include a visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Crater. Tourists also enjoy the sunset hula show at Halekulani Hotel.

Hilo, Hawaii, HI
Hilo is located on the lush, windward side of the Big Island, and it is the starting point for excursions to Kilauea Volcano. Drive around the 11-mile rim of the crater or tour the dramatic lava formations of Volcanoes National Park. View breathtaking Akaka Falls, where the water drops more than 400 feet into a pool below, or visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Or, check out the views from the summit of 13,796-foot Mount Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii.

Kahului, Maui, HI
The second-largest of the islands, Maui boasts 32 miles of beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking and sunning. Most ships call on Kahului, but some dock at Lahaina, which offers splendid views of the island of Lanai. The main attraction here is the Haleakala Crater, the world's largest dormant volcano. Helicopter and bicycle tours to the crater are popular, as are snorkeling and tours of Iao Valley State Park.

Kona, Hawaii, HI
The sun shines year-round on the Kona coast of the Big Island. Take a helicopter ride for views of the jagged Kohala Mountains, ride in a semi-submersible over spectacular coral reefs, or join a snorkeling excursion to Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine life refuge. Don't forget to sample a cup of delicious Kona coffee, the local brew of choice. This part of the Big Island also is famous for its macadamia nut orchards.

Lahaina, Maui, HI
The second-largest of the islands, Maui boasts 32 miles of beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking and sunning. Most ships call on Kahului, but some dock at Lahaina, which offers splendid views of the island of Lanai. The main attraction here is the Haleakala Crater, the world's largest dormant volcano. Helicopter and bicycle tours to the crater are popular, as are snorkeling and tours of Iao Valley State Park.

Nawiliwili, Kauai, HI
Quiet and uncrowded, the lush, green island of Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle." It is home to spectacular cliffs and canyons. The most popular shore excursions visit Waimea Canyon (called "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), the Fern Grotto, the Hanalei Coast and the Na Pali cliffs. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and swimming.