Popular cruise lines to Hawaii

Did you know Hawaii is the only U.S. state you can visit entirely by a cruise ship? It’s an easy, enjoyable way to visit multiple islands without the hassle of flying between them.

You can find two main types of cruises: inter-island and longer cruises from the mainland. 

Inter-island cruises let you hop from one Hawaiian island to another, allowing you to explore each island’s unique beauty. 

On the other hand, longer cruises, around 15 days, sail from places like California, allowing you to relax at sea before arriving in Hawaii. 

Peak cruising season to Hawaii falls between October and April, with perfect weather for sightseeing and beach activities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the top cruises to Hawaii so that you can make a perfect decision and make your trip memorable.

Factors to check before booking a cruise to Hawaii

Before you book that dream cruise to Hawaii, you should keep a few things in mind to make sure it’s the perfect fit for you. 

Here are some important factors to check:

• Departure port: Cruises to Hawaii often depart from different locations, such as California or Vancouver. Pick the one closest or most convenient for you.
• Weather and season: Hawaii’s weather is generally great year-round, but some seasons may bring more rain. Choose a time that suits the type of weather you enjoy. Find out the best season to cruise. 
• Cruise length: Hawaii cruises vary from a week to two weeks. Make sure it fits your schedule.
• Stops and excursions: Look at the itinerary. Some cruises stop at multiple islands, giving you a chance to explore different parts of Hawaii.
• Onboard activities: If you like relaxation, check for spas and quiet lounges. If you’re more active, look for fitness centers, pools, or dance classes.
• Cabin type: Some cabins offer ocean views, while others don’t. Choose the one that suits your preference and budget.
• Food options: If you have specific dietary needs, check if the cruise offers meals that cater to them.

Want to dive deeper into Hawaii cruise options? Check out our complete guide on everything you need to know about Hawaii cruises for more insights.

Major cruise lines that take you to Hawaii

Undoubtedly, various cruise lines offer a great expedition experience, but each one is unique. 

Here, we have curated a list of top cruise lines that sail to Hawaii and give you world-class amenities.

Norwegian Cruise: People’s Favorite cruise line for Hawaii

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a fantastic way to explore Hawaii with its year-round inter-island cruises, ranging from $800 to $4000.

NCL’s Hawaiian cruises are designed for those who want to experience a variety of islands in a short time. 

Over the course of 7 nights, you’ll visit four major islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.

All NCL cruises to Hawaii depart from Honolulu. 

Cruises set sail every Saturday, giving you a reliable schedule to plan your adventure. 

This consistent departure time ensures you can easily fit the trip into your plans.

Why choose this cruise line?

What sets NCL apart is its exclusive itinerary. 

Unlike other cruise lines, NCL allows you to visit multiple Hawaiian islands in just one week. 

You won’t find sea days on this itinerary; instead, you’ll spend nearly 100 hours exploring ports. 

This extensive time in port means you can dive into local culture, enjoy nightlife, and participate in activities like luaus and tours without feeling rushed.

The Pride of America, NCL’s dedicated ship for Hawaiian cruises, is specially designed with Hawaiian-themed decor and cultural programming. 

You’ll even get to experience overnight stays on Maui and Kauai, giving you extra time to soak in the island’s unique charm.

If you love cruising on the Norwegian cruise line and want to extend your sailing duration, many other cruise ships, like Norwegian Sun, offer a 14-day itinerary to Hawaii. 

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a distinct approach to experiencing Hawaii, blending luxury and relaxation starting from $800 and going up to $1700.

Princess Cruises provides a variety of Hawaiian itineraries, each designed to showcase the island’s diverse landscapes and cultures. 

Their cruises generally span 15 to 17 nights, allowing you to explore more than just a few islands. 

Expect to visit destinations like Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai, with some itineraries extending to further locations like Tahiti or Fiji, depending on the voyage.

Princess Cruises’ Hawaiian journeys often depart from ports on the West Coast of the United States, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. 

These cruises usually set sail several times a month (from April to September), providing flexibility in choosing your travel dates. 

Why choose this cruise line?

One standout feature of Princess Cruises is the opportunity for extended stays in select ports. 

This allows you more time to experience local attractions and immerse yourself in the island culture. 

Whether you’re on a sunset cruise, visiting a volcanic park, or attending a cultural festival, Princess Cruises ensures you have ample time to enjoy each destination.

With its combination of luxury and extensive itineraries, Princess Cruises offers a memorable way to explore Hawaii and beyond. 

It is a great choice for those seeking a deep dive into the beauty and culture of the Pacific.

Not sure what to bring? Discover essential tips in our guide on what to pack for Hawaii to ensure you’re fully prepared for your island adventure.

Holland America

Combining elegance with adventure, Holland America offers a sophisticated and engaging approach to exploring the Hawaiian islands.

Holland America’s Hawaiian cruises sail more than 14 nights, with packages up to $3000.

Their itineraries usually cover four to five islands, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. 

Some voyages also extend to additional destinations in the South Pacific, giving you an expanded journey through the Pacific Ocean. 

This extended duration allows a more relaxed exploration of each island’s unique features.

Holland America’s cruises to Hawaii generally depart from ports on the West Coast, such as Seattle or San Diego. 

The schedule often includes departures during both the high and low travel seasons (especially from November to April), accommodating various preferences and availability.

Why choose this cruise line?

One of Holland America’s notable features is its focus on exceptional shore excursions. 

Their tours, which include guided hikes and historical site visits, are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the islands. 

Additionally, Holland America often includes overnight stays in select ports, allowing you more time to enjoy local attractions and activities.

With its emphasis on elegance and in-depth cultural experiences, Holland America offers a distinguished way to explore Hawaii. 

Other notable cruise lines for Hawaii

While some cruise lines may not offer frequent itineraries to Hawaii, they still provide exceptional experiences when they do. 

The cruise lines listed below focus on luxury, comfort, and unique experiences, giving you a chance to explore the Hawaiian Islands in style. 

Let’s look at what each of these cruise lines has to offer when they occasionally venture to the Aloha State.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern luxury with island immersion

Celebrity Cruises is known for its sophisticated, sleek ships and emphasis on luxury. Their Hawaiian cruises, though less frequent, deliver a high-end experience with well-designed accommodations, gourmet dining, and wellness-focused amenities. 

The itineraries often last 10 to 15 nights, giving passengers plenty of time to explore islands like Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. 

Their wellness programs and curated shore excursions, including visits to volcanic parks and nature walks, make this cruise ideal for those seeking relaxation combined with adventure.

Carnival Cruise Line: Fun and family-friendly voyages

Carnival Cruise Line brings a fun, casual, and family-oriented vibe to its rare Hawaiian cruises. Typically lasting about 10 to 14 nights, Carnival’s itineraries visit key Hawaiian islands while offering plenty of onboard entertainment, from waterslides to live shows. 

Carnival’s Hawaiian cruises often depart from the West Coast and are great for families or large groups looking for an affordable and engaging way to experience the islands.

Looking forward to exploring the islands? Don’t miss our recommendations for the best shore excursions in Hawaii to make the most of your time ashore.

Disney Cruise Line: Magical Hawaiian adventures for families

When Disney Cruise Line sails to Hawaii, it combines the magic of Disney with the natural beauty of the islands. 

While infrequent, Disney’s Hawaiian cruises typically offer 10 to 15-night itineraries that include stops at major islands like Maui and Oahu. Onboard, you’ll find Disney’s signature family-friendly entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and themed activities for kids. 

These cruises also offer enriching shore excursions, perfect for families looking to explore the islands while keeping the Disney magic alive.

Oceania Cruises: Refined elegance with a focus on cuisine

Oceania Cruises offers a more refined and intimate way to explore Hawaii. Known for its emphasis on gourmet dining and smaller ships, Oceania’s Hawaiian itineraries, which usually range from 12 to 18 nights, allow you to visit multiple islands with fewer crowds. 

The culinary focus onboard ensures you’ll enjoy world-class meals, while the shore excursions often highlight the islands’ natural beauty and culture. 

Perfect for foodies and those seeking a more intimate experience, Oceania offers a luxurious, slower-paced exploration of Hawaii.

Royal Caribbean Cruises: Adventure-packed experiences

Royal Caribbean Cruises occasionally offers Hawaiian voyages, featuring their signature mix of adventurous activities and family-friendly amenities. 

Known for their large, amenity-packed ships, these cruises typically last 10 to 18 nights, visiting islands like Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. 

Whether you’re surfing on the onboard wave simulator, climbing a rock wall, or enjoying live performances, Royal Caribbean ensures that there’s plenty to do both on and off the ship. 

Their shore excursions range from hiking volcanoes to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, making this a great option for active travelers and families.

Silversea Cruises: Ultra-luxury with personalized service

Silversea Cruises offers an ultra-luxurious way to explore Hawaii, though their itineraries to the islands are less frequent. 

Silversea’s smaller ships provide an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a personalized and upscale experience. With voyages typically lasting around 15 to 20 nights, Silversea ensures that you’ll have plenty of time to savor the islands. 

Known for their impeccable service, gourmet dining, and spacious suites, these cruises offer a refined way to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture.

Viking Ocean Cruises: Cultural immersion with modern comfort

Viking Ocean Cruises brings cultural enrichment and modern luxury to its occasional Hawaiian itineraries. 

These cruises generally last 14 to 20 nights and include stops at several Hawaiian islands as well as other destinations in the Pacific. 

Onboard, Viking emphasizes learning and discovery, with lectures, demonstrations, and performances highlighting Hawaiian traditions. 

The sleek, Scandinavian-style ships are designed for comfort, and Viking’s shore excursions focus on historical sites and cultural landmarks, making it a great choice for curious travelers.

Azamara Cruises: Destination-focused, intimate exploration

Azamara Cruises, known for its destination-focused itineraries, offers a more immersive way to explore Hawaii when they include the islands in their rare itineraries. 

These cruises, which often last 14 to 18 nights, focus on giving you in-depth experiences at each destination, including overnight stays in ports like Honolulu or Lahaina. 

With smaller ships and longer stays in port, Azamara provides a more intimate and leisurely exploration of the islands, allowing you to experience local culture and nightlife. 

Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed and luxurious, making Azamara a great option for travelers who want to dive deeper into each island’s charm.