Cruises

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Cruising the Hawaiian Islands

Seafaring has been an integral part of Hawaiian history and culture ever since the first Polynesian explorers began arriving on our shores around 750 A.D., guided by the moon, stars, swells and other signs. Today, ocean voyagers of a new era have followed that rich nautical tradition with more than 250,000 cruise passengers visiting Hawaiʻi each year.

A far cry from the double hulled canoes that carried our early settlers, cruise ships are a great way to island hop with ease, comfort and convenience—packing in more once-in-a-lifetime experiences than seems possible in a single vacation. As a cruise passenger in Hawaiʻi, you can kayak through lava tubes, spot koholā (humpback whales) frolicking in the ʻAuʻau Channel or snorkel at an ancient underwater crater. Onshore, our vibrant ports of call are jumping off points for unforgettable land-based adventures of all kinds, from volcano hikes to fire-lit luaus.

As you navigate the options available in the Hawaiian Islands, let our cruise partners help make your cruise vacation smooth sailing, from booking transportation to planning shore excursions before or after you sail.

Ports of Call in Hawaiʻi

Nāwiliwili Harbor – Kauaʻi

A natural channel leads cruise ships into the primary port of Kauaʻi, the Garden Island. Swimming, snorkeling and paddling are popular activities at the area’s sheltered beaches, while multiple shopping centers with shuttle service make Nāwiliwili a popular place to stock up on supplies and souvenirs.

Honolulu Harbor – Oʻahu

Home to two cruise ship terminals, Honolulu Harbor is the largest commercial and passenger port in the Hawaiian Islands. The port is centrally located in vibrant downtown Honolulu near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and world-famous Oʻahu landmarks such as Waikīkī Beach and Diamond (Diamond Head) State Monument.

Mānele Harbor – Lānaʻi

Accessible by a small cruise vessel or by ferry, cruising into Mānele Harbor on the tiny island of Lānaʻi is like going back in time. The untouched coast surrounding the port is home to some of Lānaʻi’s best attractions, including Puʻu Pehe and Hulopoʻe Beach Park, a protected bay that’s popular with snorkelers.

Lāhainā & Kahului Harbors – Maui

Once the national capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom until 1845, Lāhainā is still a thriving port town with a deep history. Tender to shore to explore its history museums, art galleries, scores of unique shops and restaurants on charming Front Street, and picture-perfect beaches such as Kāʻanapali Beach.

Close to Kahului Airport, this deep-water port in Central Maui is a jumping off point for some of the Valley Isle’s most magnificent excursions, including the ʻĪao Valley State Park and Haleakalā National Park.

Hilo Harbor & Kailua-Kona Wharf – Island of Hawaiʻi

Located on the windward (east) side of the island of Hawaiʻi, Hilo Harbor is a short walk or taxi ride from downtown Hilo, with its local shops, famous farmers market and beautiful parks like Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Don’t miss the chance to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, just 45 minutes south of town.

Kailua-Kona is home to more than a few must-see attractions on the sunny west side of Hawaiʻi Island. See Huliheʻe Palace and historic sites in quaint Kailua Village, take a swim at one of the area’s white sand beaches or take a tasting tour of the region’s famed Kona coffee plantations.