Hawaii Cruises and Tours: Everything You Need to Know

Hawaii opened its door to large cruise ships in January. The increase in U.S. domestic cruise operations means more sailings to the Islands from the West Coast ports such as California. Did you know that due to something called cabotage laws, cruise ships with more than 100 passengers must touch a foreign port before visiting Hawaii? Norwegian Cruise Lines is the exception to the rule, with Pride of America registered as a U.S. flagged ship. Most ships are departing ports in California call Ensenada, Mexico to comply with the law.

This year, Princess Cruise lines with offer Princess Hawaii Cruises will have the largest Hawaii presence, with five ships visiting the Islands, including the 3560-guest Royal Princess. It stops at three ports Kona on the Big Island, Lahaina on Maui, and Honolulu, spending two days there. In addition, the Diamond Princess has been redeployed from Japan and will sail Hawaiian Island itineraries from San Diego.
For the 2022-2023 season, Holland America Line will offer eight cruises to Hawaii on three ships: the Koningsdam, Zuiderdam and Volendam.

The Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Lines resumed its cruises on April 9, offering seven-day cruises visiting five ports on four Hawaiian Islands. UnCruise Adventures is among the few small ship operators offering overnight cruises in Hawaii. The 36-passenger Safari Explorer offers one-week inter-island voyages. Sailings will run from November to April.

Interest in Hawaii cruises has increased considerably, with many travelers wanting to stay within the U.S. but in remote locations. Hawaii is tropical and as exotic as you can get without leaving the U.S. It is warmer than Alaska. Passengers must be willing to sail lengthy itineraries due to cabotage laws. The challenge is the geographic location, with five days sailing to Hawaii and five days back.

If cruising is not for you then consider one of the many Hawaii Tours that we offer. Our most Popular Tour of Hawaii is The Best of Hawaii which is a deluxe 12-day Tauck Tour that takes you to four islands Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. For the more budget conscious Best of the Hawaiian Islands from Globus Tours offers a 10-day tour of Oahu, Maui and the big island of Hawaii. Cosmos tours a budget hawaii tour company offers an 11-day Hawaiian Islands Tour where you island hop from Oahu to Hawaii and Kauai to Maui. If a Hawaii Vacation package and time on your own is more your style then we can help you with that also.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2022 information and has been retained as a useful reference. Cruise itineraries, pricing, and ship deployments change seasonally. For current 4+ year updated availability, pricing, and itinerary details, contact Atlas Travel Center — our advisors track every cruise line’s current offerings in real time. We’ve been booking cruises since 1987 and can find you the best available options today.