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Visiting Hawaii by land also allows you to change up your schedule on a moment's notice. Instead of being tied to a cruise schedule and knowing you must be back on the ship by a certain time (or be left behind), exploring the islands by land allows you the freedom to change plans when you feel like it. Surge pricing can also impact costs with rideshares, especially during peak times.
Tips for Cruising Hawaii on a Budget
The shorter options, such as 10- and 11-night Hawaii cruises offered by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, sail between Vancouver and Honolulu, leaving you to book a one-way flight to or from Hawaii. Longer one-way sailings from upscale brands, such as Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea, will traverse the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti (or another far-flung island) and Vancouver or Seattle. It also visits Maui and the island of Hawaii, as well as the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. Expect lots of water sports and nature-based outings, and daily plans that can change due to the weather or a whale sighting.
Best Hawaii cruise lines
Excursions bring passengers to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin submarine, and USS Missouri battleship to learn more about the devastating attack in 1941. Because of this melting pot of cuisines, Hawaii boasts cuisine unique to the state that is not so commonly found elsewhere in the United States. Poke (raw fish salad), poi (taro pudding), laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), and saimin (noodle soup) are just some of the mouth-watering dishes you can try on a cruise to Hawaii.
THE 12 BEST 7 Day Cruises to Hawaii (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 12 BEST 7 Day Cruises to Hawaii (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:09:06 GMT [source]
The Aloha Spirit Onboard
Land-based visitors also face logistical challenges that cruise passengers don't have to worry about. These can include renting cars, finding places to eat, identifying the best activities to do for your group, booking inter-island flights and so on. When on a cruise, there is always someone to ask for help, food is easily available (and mostly included) and transportation to the various islands is provided. Although a Hawaiian cruise does enable you to see multiple islands in one swoop, it doesn't allow you to get a particularly in-depth experience of any of them.
These rooms offer additional amenities like a window to the sea or a private veranda to relax on. One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the 4-mile roundtrip Kīlauea Iki Trail. Hele-On Bus is the island’s only public bus service, operated by Hawaiʻi County. The No. 11 Red Line runs between Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stopping daily at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park, so you’ll need a car to get around.
Hawaii Cruises
There are a variety of hikes within the national park, from the easy 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail to the challenging backcountry treks up Mauna Loa that can take two days. And having an extra day means you can visit the park’s quieter and less crowded Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. This 116,000-acre former ranchland is about an hour's drive from the Kīlauea Visitor Center and is open to the public five days a week. You can hike to the top of an old cinder cone, trek through a pristine Hawaiian rainforest or bike through scenic pastures with panoramic views of the ranchlands. If you’re a surfer, the winter months from November to March offer excellent swells on the north shores of the islands, especially on Oahu’s famed North Shore. In short, Hawaii is a year-round destination with something to offer every season.
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Hawaii is ideal to visit 365 days per year, whether you're looking to laze on a beach, explore the rainforest explorer or scale a volcano. However, prices and crowds increase when kids are out of school and during Christmas and New Year's. Then savor a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kailua Kona the next. Hawaii offers a tropical twist on the hip travel hobby called "forest bathing." It's all the rage among spiritually minded travelers these days and a great way to see nature close. Do you cruise to Oahu and hit Waikiki — where the people-watching is as good as the tanning — or to the scenic Napali Coast of underrated Kauai?
Find itineraries departing from all the major departure ports that sail to Hawaii. You can cruise to Hawaii out of California from Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco. The Seattle cruise port and Vancouver port also provide a number of different itineraries to Hawaii during the season. We add new itineraries every day so you'll find a variety of options when you find your next cruise to Hawaii with Cruise Critic. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. Explore more while spending less with Hawaii cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.
Lahaina, Maui
On the Majestic with an afternoon cocktail cruise off the coast of Waikiki. The three-deck vessel offers a cocktail lounge, full-service bar, live music and expansive views. Are you ready to embark on a journey to one of the most enchanting destinations on Earth? Hawaii Cruises offer an unparalleled way to explore the diverse beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
THE 5 BEST Cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 5 BEST Cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:44:59 GMT [source]
With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Princess cruise excursions are pure magic, offering luaus, beautiful beaches and glimpses into Hawaii's unique culture. From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess. Transpacific cruises starting in Hawaii and ending in Australia (or vice versa) are generally more expensive than those starting or ending in Vancouver.
You'll leave more footprints exploring dormant volcanoes, rainforests and rainbow-colored canyons. Our Hawaiian cruises offer an intoxicating mix of island adventure and carefree cruising. You'll venture to four dazzling islands — including a full day and late evening in Honolulu to see the sights and experience its famed nightlife.
You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming. UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary. These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap.
The best time to take a cruise holiday to Hawaii depends on the region you want to explore and the specific experiences you’re seeking. Renting a car isn't just about economic freedom; it adds increased flexibility in your day-to-day plans. You're not waiting for two dozen of your fellow shipmates, and you can set and plan your time accordingly, visiting as many attractions and sights -- or as few -- as you prefer. Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it's more than just a pretty face. Your Hawaii cruise will let you counterbalance naps on Waikiki with a tour of the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbour or a visit to Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii's royal family. Take in Hawaii’s serene landscapes from the deck of this perfectly sized Pinnacle-class ship.
Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty, great warrior King Kamehameha chose to make Maui's Lahaina his capital after uniting the Hawaiian islands. Explore breathtaking Haleakala National Park that boasts diverse volcanic and rainforest landscapes, plus a 10,000 foot tall dormant volcano.
Rental cars provide maximum flexibility for getting around Hawaii’s islands. Major car rental companies like Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Avis, and National all have locations across Hawaii. But when weighed against the cost of renting a car, they can still be an affordable ground transportation option in Hawaii for shorter trips and airport transfers. Following some of these guidelines can lead to substantial discounts, making a Hawaii cruise vacation more affordable. Try searching for deals on low-cost carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.
