Hawaii Cruises

Sights on the islands during your Hawaii cruise

In the midst of the Pacific Ocean, more than 3,000 kilometres off the Californian coast and 6,000 kilometres off the Japanese coast, you will reach dream islands during a South Sea cruise, often referred to as paradise. Hundreds of islands lie in the turquoise waters and with their long sandy beaches they are the perfect destination for bathing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The capital Honolulu is located on the south coast of Oahu, the largest Hawaiian island. Visit the Waikiki beach and entertainment district with its many shops, bars and the palm-fringed beach. Diamond Head is a unique volcanic tuff that you can climb during a hike. From the top of this landmark you will have a wonderful panoramic view

You may know Pearl Harbour from the film of the same name, but now you can experience this historic port area from the time of the Second World War up close with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial. A leisurely hike will take you along the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Along the steep, green shorelines you reach the lighthouse Oahus, which was spectacularly built into the rocky cliffs. Nature lovers will get their money's worth on the Hana Highway, a winding panoramic road. The road is located on the northern Hawaiian island of Maui, where you dock during a cruise in Kahului.

On a trip out of Hilo you should allow enough time to stop on the way to enjoy the views of waterfalls and coves and the neighbouring islands. Get your cameras at the ready when you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The earth seems to be constantly glowing here. In several places you can see liquid lava. On the Chain of Craters Road you reach the coast. Part of the National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the active volcano Kilauea.

If your cruise takes you to Kauai, look for a good deck space and marvel at the unique formations of the lava rocks that stretch for about 50 kilometres. Up to 1,000 metres high, the jagged black rocks tower into the air. Interspersed with deeply cut, natural bays, the rock masses act as if they have been fanned out. The Pacific breaks wildly on the rocks and you may even see the small fishing settlements that once were the habitat of Polynesian settlers. Today, abandoned temples and taro fields are reminiscent of people's difficult lives.

What is typical Hawaiian?

Do you know the song "Aloha Oé"? It was written by the last Hawaiian queen in the 19th century and is the epitome of the lifestyle that the islands stand for. Aloha is much more than "just" a greeting. The Aloha Tower in Honolulu greets arriving and departing boat travellers and for Aloha-Friday many islanders wear their Hawaiian shirts. Aloha is humility and joie de vivre, gratitude and affection in one. You will quickly feel that when you enter the islands to be greeted by friendly people in basque skirts on the parquet showcasing the hula dance. The rhythms are contagious and you will not be able to resist joining in with the happy sounds of the Hawaiian guitar and ukulele. For your Hawaii cruise, you can look forward to pleasantly warm temperatures, because the island state, which belongs to the USA, is spring-like all year round. Not least because of this, the hibiscus grows here in many colours, whose flowers you will find on the Hawaiian chains.

Popular cruise lines for the destination Hawaii

Royal Caribbean takes you on its family-friendly ships with American-international flair. The culinary palette ranges from Mediterranean specialties, Asian delicacies to the American burger grill. With the diverse entertainment program on board you get your money's worth. On some ships, for example, spectacular viewing platforms are available.

Alternatively experience relaxed travel on the ships of NCL. Eat when you want it and how you want it. Dress up for for selected gala evenings, otherwise, casual clothing is acceptable. 

On board the Holland American Line experience modern cruise ships with classic ambience and generous space.

When is the best time to travel?

All year round, Hawaii has pleasant temperatures. Cruises to the islands of the South Seas are also available throughout the year. In September / October, hurricanes occasionally change the original cruise routes. In addition, many hours of sunshine create a good mood and what could be better than experiencing sunsets in Hawaii.

Travel options to Hawaii

With a stopover in the US you fly to the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu. The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi or private shuttle service to Pier 2 Cruise Centre in the city's harbour area. Various cruise lines offer you the transfer between the port and the airport.