HAWAII CRUISES
On an Hawaii Island cruise you’ll get the chance to experience the tropical beauty of several islands. Thanks to a variety of shore excursion choices, you’ll also be able to take part in the five best activities that should not be missed in Hawaii – surfing on Waikiki Beach; attending a luau with its traditional dances; exploring volcanoes; hiking in Waimea Canyon; and whale watching.
Options for a Hawaii cruise are varied and many. Cruise lines that offer cruises to Hawaii include:
· Norwegian Cruise Lines whose cruises depart from Honolulu.
· Princess Cruise Lines has cruises from both Honolulu and Los Angeles.
· Royal Caribbean offers Hawaii cruises out of Honolulu as well as Vancouver.
· With Holland America you can take off to Hawaii from San Diego.
· Cunard provides luxury service from Los Angeles to Hawaii.
Four Days at Sea
If you begin your cruise outside of the Hawaiian Islands from a port on the west coast of the U.S., you’ll have four days at sea each way that can be used for relaxing aboard the ship and enjoying all of the amenities that are included with your cruise. Once at the islands, typical ports of call and excursions include:
· Hilo on the “Big Island” – This island has lush botanical gardens, plantations where macadamia nuts are grown, and, perhaps the greatest attraction here, the volcano Kilauea and the lava flows that surround this magnificent peak. Typical shore excursions on the Big Island are hikes around Kilauea and helicopter rides over the crater.
· Honolulu on the island of Oahu – Honolulu is the epitome of the Hawaiian experience with pineapple plantations, surfing, luaus and hula shows, and the excitement of Waikiki beach. Shore excursions here can include tours of the city itself; time to spend at Waikiki beach; a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center; and a quiet stop at the USS Arizona memorial.
· The island of Kauai – Two thirds of the island of Kauai is so thick with vegetation that it is uninhabited making it possible to maintain its natural beauty. There are miles and miles of unspoiled beaches to be enjoyed as well as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon. Besides time spent on the beaches, typical shore excursions are helicopter trips around the island and zip lining at Kipu Falls.
· Lahaina on Maui – Maui is full of beautiful resorts, perfect beaches, world-renown golf courses, and its own volcano, Haleakala. Maui is an excellent spot to view the annual migration of humpback whales. Shore excursions here include trips to the volcano, an opportunity to snorkel with the dolphins, or just exploring the old town of Lahaina.