To say the Islands of Hawai‘i have long attracted travelers is an understatement. Fifteen hundred years ago, guided only by the stars, Polynesians crossed the Pacific Ocean and first set foot on the islands. Since then, European explorers, missionaries and businessmen discovered the islands in the late 1700s into the 1800s, each arriving with their own agendas. Tourism in Hawai‘i as we know it today began in the 1860s when Kīlauea, an active volcano on the Island of Hawai‘i, was considered a top destination for adventure travelers of the time.

The commonality of all these people? They all arrived in Hawai‘i by boat. In the more recent past, more than 95,605 passengers arrived in the Aloha State by cruise ship between January and September 2023, which makes sense. Cruising offers a terrific way to discover the archipelago comprising eight major and 125 small islands, stretching over 1,500 miles in the Pacific Ocean, or about the distance from Maine to Florida. Of the eight major islands, six are accessible to the public, each with its own distinct personality. Though different, the aloha spirit — calm, tranquility, kindness, generosity, altruism and unity — washes over the islands and those who live on and visit them.

Visiting the Islands of Hawai‘i proves a transcendental experience, and one of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the island way of life is on a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line sails in Hawai‘i year- round, visiting four ports of call on its seven-day Hawai‘i: Inter-island voyage aboard Pride of America. Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, O‘ahu, she calls upon Maui, makes two stops on Hawai‘i and another on Kaua‘i.

The port in Kahului, Maui, is perfectly situated for exploring the island, from driving the iconic Road to Hana, hugging nearly 64 miles of coastline with stunning views around every bend; to summitting Haleakalā, a dormant volcano that soars 10,000 feet above sea level, for sunrise or sunset (Tip: Be sure to wear layers — it’s cold at the top!); and visiting a historical pineapple plantation for a taste of the sweet, golden fruit.

Passengers experience two different parts of the Island of Hawai‘i on this itinerary. On the eastern side of the island, Hilo serves as a gateway to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The park’s 523 square miles — nearly the size of O‘ahu — brim with trails winding through tropical forests, across volcanic craters and along the rugged coastline. One of the true highlights is the chance to see the lava bubble in Kīlauea’s caldron. On the other side of the island, Kona affords the opportunity to visit coffee farms; walk in the footsteps of Hawaiian kings and queens; and snorkel in crystal-clear waters to peek at marine life such as sea turtles, manta rays and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.

PHOTO: © MNSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM

This Hawaiian voyage makes its last stop at the Garden Island, Kaua‘i. The lush island is filled not only with forests and waterfalls but also Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Whether hiking trails or rafting on the river that carves through the canyon’s 14 miles, with walls reaching 3,600 feet in the air, one easily gasps in awe at the gorgeous landscape and its rainbow of colors created by volcanic rock, the rich greens of the plant life and the blue sky.

In addition to its week-long Hawai‘i: Inter-island itinerary, Norwegian Cruise Line calls upon the Aloha State on 27 of its other voyages, such as the 16-day Alaska & Hawaii: Kaua‘i, Kona & Ketchikan that embarks in O‘ahu and makes its way to Alaska before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia; and the 14-day South Pacific: Kaua‘i, Kona & Maui sailing that leaves from O‘ahu and visits the other islands before sailing on to French Polynesia.

CALLING ON HAWAI‘I
Princess Cruises’ 16-day Hawaiian Islands voyage sails roundtrip from Los Angeles, calling upon the four islands and Ensenada, Mexico. A similar itinerary is available from San Francisco. Viking’s 17-day Hawaiian Islands Sojourn also sails roundtrip from Los Angeles and calls upon the four islands. Its new Jewels of the South Pacific extends the journey, sailing 32 days from Los Angeles to Sydney, calling upon O‘ahu and Kaua‘i en route.

Switching things up, Holland America Line offers 16- and 17-day Circle Hawai‘i itineraries that sail roundtrip from San Diego, while several others include the Aloha State in ports of call. And Celebrity Cruises has a handful or so of eight- to 12-night itineraries that sail one way from Vancouver to O‘ahu and vice versa.

Seabourn’s Seabourn Encore makes her maiden call to Hawai‘i in 2025 as part of her 25-day Japan & Hawaiian Islands Pacific Crossing, departing Kobe, Japan, with an overnight in Honolulu and calling upon Kaua‘i before arriving in Long Beach, California. In 2026 Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 21-night Crossing Horizons: Miami to Honolulu transits the Panama Canal and calls upon several South American destinations before arriving in Hawai‘i for a three-island visit.