Experience Aloha with a cruise to Hawaii.
Just the word "Hawaii" conjures visions of turquoise waves lapping at colourful sand and a rich historical tapestry that's as Polynesian as it is American: a welcoming culture that you can distil into a single word – Aloha. Once you arrive, trace the history of Pearl Harbour on Oahu, where you can tour battleships and see the memorial to that fateful day in 1941. Cruise to Hawaii and head to the Big Island to scale volcanoes like Mount Kilauea and chase waterfalls on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Or enjoy the sun and surf on the remote shores of Kauai and Maui. Discover the magic with a Hawaiian cruise.
Explore more while spending less with Hawaii cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.
Hawaii offers some of the world's best in outdoor exploration. The best Hawaii cruises allow you to trek through the lush Hana Rainforest, or enjoy a more volcanic experience on the Big Island. Marvel at the lava flows of Kilauea, or savour the coffee that grows in the soil made fertile by millions of years of eruptions.
The volcano goddess Pele takes many forms in Hawaii. Hawaii is the United States' most volcanic state, but your experience doesn't have to be death-defying. Daredevils will want to get up close and personal with the active lava flow of Kilauea, but you could instead hike up Mauna Loa, which is extinct.
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.
No trip to Oahu is complete without paying your respects to the victims of Pearl Harbour at the USS Arizona Memorial. However, there's a lot more to Hawaiian history. You should also learn about Hawaii's Polynesian heritage at Honolulu's Iolani Palace, the former home of the long-ruling Kamehameha dynasty.
When imagining Hawaiian drinks, you might think of a fruity drink with an umbrella, but the state is the only permanent coffee producer in the US. Head to the Big Island to tour the plantations where the good stuff is grown, from famous Kona Coffee to craft producer Mount Thunder.
Hawaii's Polynesian past is still palpable today. On Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Centre, where you can tour six different recreations of traditional villages. Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations and learn the old ways of fishing without a net.
Go for bigger, bolder Polynesian adventures filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean® returns to Hawaii with two revolutionary Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas® and Quantum of the Seas®.
Tackle new adventures on Anthem of the Seas®. Ascend to record-breaking heights on North Star®, the tallest observation deck on a cruise ship, and revel in the thrill of weightlessness on RipCord® by iFLY®, a bucket-list-breaking skydiving simulator. Adrenaline-infused vacations are a given on this Quantum Class ship.
Quantum of the Seas® takes you on an epic adventure to the best of Hawaii. Hang ten on Waikiki Beach one minute. Then savour a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kailua Kona the next. And in between, fill your days with endless onboard thrills like RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator, delicious dining options and top-notch entertainment.
1
Plan some slower days during your trip to jibe with the leisure-loving locals. The phrase "island time" isn't a joke.
2
Don't discount mainstream destinations like Oahu's Pearl Harbour and Kilauea on the Big Island – they're popular for a reason!
3
While some best practices (like not walking too close to volcanoes) are obvious, be aware of lesser-known laws. For example, it's actually illegal to hike up Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs.
Seafood is an important part of the Hawaiian diet, but there's so much more to enjoy. Visit Hawaii and prepare for a feast like no other, with nods to Polynesia, Japan and even the American heartland.
Poke bowls are a great way to enjoy Hawaii's renowned ahi tuna. Ahi tuna has become famous all over America, most commonly seared and added to Asian-style salads. The best way to sample this Hawaiian favourite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice.
Taro root is a common food in the Asia-Pacific region, but usually not in the US – outside of Hawaii, at least. The purple paste known as poi is a puree of this much-loved root vegetable, and it pairs well with other Hawaiian staples, such as the aforementioned Kalua pork (dip it!) and fresh fish.