Hawaii is a dream destination for cruising, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique island-hopping opportunities. The best cruises in Hawaii provide an effortless way to explore this tropical paradise, combining comfort with the convenience of visiting multiple islands without the hassle of arranging flights or accommodations.
We’ve handpicked the best Hawaii cruises to help you find the perfect itinerary, highlighting not only the stunning destinations but also the amazing cruise ships that enhance your journey. From the dramatic volcanoes of the Big Island to Maui's beautiful beaches, each stop offers something unique to discover, all while enjoying world-class amenities and unforgettable experiences onboard.
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Which cruise line is best for Hawaii depends on the adventure you want to take, but if you're seeking a family-friendly cruise experience to Hawaii, Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas has family-focused amenities and modern Hawaiian adventure. This Quantum-class ship departs from Honolulu and includes iconic islands Oahu and Kauai.
In addition to exploring on land, the itinerary includes five fun days at sea, offering families ample opportunities to enjoy the ship's exciting features. The SeaPlex is a favorite, with bumper cars, roller skating, and interactive games. Thrill-seekers can try the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, while others relax by the pool or enjoy family movie nights under the stars. Kids will love the Adventure Ocean Youth Program, with activities tailored to different ages.
In Kailua, families can kayak on turquoise waters or explore white sand beaches ideal for picnics and games. In Kauai, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the coast or hike kid-friendly trails through lush rainforests.
Onboard dining is equally family-friendly. The Windjammer Marketplace offers a variety of options for every palate, while Jamie’s Italian serves delicious meals in a relaxed setting. For a sweet treat, the ice cream station is a hit with kids of all ages.
Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas is one of the best Hawaii cruises for families offering an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and family fun.
As one of the best cruises to Hawaii from California, the Carnival Radiance is a top choice for travelers seeking extended time at each port to fully explore the islands. With day-long stays in ports like Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the island of Hawaii, guests can enjoy authentic Hawaiian experiences. Whether visiting Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, hiking Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast, or exploring Maui’s Haleakalā National Park, the Carnival Radiance ensures you won’t feel rushed.
Onboard, there’s plenty to enjoy between island stops. The adventurous will love the expansive waterpark, featuring slides and splash zones for all ages. Dining options include Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, fresh seafood at the Lido Marketplace, and crowd favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
Evenings are lively, with Broadway-style productions at the Liquid Lounge and live music at the RedFrog Pub. For a laid-back vibe, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat offers a peaceful escape with panoramic ocean views—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
Carnival’s Radiance combines longer port times with exciting onboard experiences, making it one of the best Hawaiian cruises for enjoying the islands on and off the ship.
When it comes to exploring the Hawaiian islands, Norwegian's Pride of America is unrivaled as the best Hawaii inter-island cruise. As the only cruise ship offering year-round inter-island itineraries, it provides a seamless way to experience Hawaii's diverse landscapes without the hassle of multiple flights or hotel changes.
Departing from Honolulu, the ship's schedule gives you nearly 100 hours in ports, ensuring plenty of time to explore Maui's Haleakalā National Park, Kauai's Napali Coast, and the volcanic sights of the Big Island. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the unique destinations without worrying about long stretches at sea—you’ll be spending most of your time discovering the islands firsthand.
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Onboard, the Pride of America immerses guests in the spirit of aloha with cultural experiences such as hula lessons, ukulele classes, and Hawaiian history talks. Guests can relax on the spacious pool deck, taking in stunning ocean views or unwind at the Mandara Spa with its serene treatments inspired by the islands. The Observation Lounge offers a tranquil space to enjoy panoramic views of Hawaii's coastline while sipping a tropical cocktail.
The dining options feature both international and authentic Hawaiian cuisine, from fresh poke bowls at the Aloha Café to upscale dining at Jefferson's Bistro, blending local flavors with world-class service.
If you're looking for the best 7-day Hawaii cruise from Honolulu or just an easy way to see multiple islands, the Pride of America delivers a unique experience with its combination of convenience, cultural enrichment, and stunning scenery.
Princess Cruise Line’s Discovery Princess offers a carefully crafted Hawaiian cruise experience, blending elegance, comfort, and cultural enrichment. Named by the Travel Channel as one of the "Best Cruises to See Hawaii," this ship provides a traditional yet modern way to explore the islands. As one of Princess Cruises' newest vessels, it departs from Honolulu and allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in Hawaii's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
For those seeking the best cruise for Hawaiian islands, the Discovery Princess offers extended port stays at iconic destinations such as Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hilo. Guests can enjoy excursions like exploring Waimea Canyon, attending a traditional luau, or hiking to Akaka Falls. Onboard, Hawaiian-themed programming like live music, hula lessons, and ukulele workshops ensures the island experience continues at sea.
The Discovery Princess features spacious accommodations like the Sky Suites, which have the largest balconies at sea—perfect for whale watching or enjoying Hawaiian sunsets. For relaxation, the Lotus Spa and the adults-only Sanctuary provide serene escapes during sea days.
Dining is a standout experience, with gourmet options such as Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the Crown Grill steakhouse, and Chef’s Table Lumiere. Casual dining options like the World Fresh Marketplace and Salty Dog Grill ensure there’s something for every palate.
The Discovery Princess offers award-winning itineraries and cultural experiences, making it a top choice for a Hawaiian getaway.
Celebrity Cruise’s Celebrity Edge stands out as a top choice for best Hawaiian island cruise, offering a perfect blend of modern design, excellent dining, and sophistication. The ship's innovative outward-facing design creates a real connection with the ocean and destinations. The Infinite Veranda staterooms are a highlight, featuring living spaces that transform into open-air balconies with uninterrupted views of Hawaii's coastlines.
For those seeking extra luxury, the Edge Villas provide two-story suites with private plunge pools and access to The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite guests.
With 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, dining options are abundant aboard the Celebrity Edge. The Magic Carpet stands out as a unique dining venue - it's a cantilevered platform that moves between decks. You'll also find excellent options at Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro for French cuisine, and Oceanview Café.
The entertainment keeps things interesting and engaging. Eden combines performance art, live music, and dining in one space, while the Resort Deck features a pool and Rooftop Garden perfect for live music and outdoor movies. When it's time to relax, the SEA Thermal Suite offers steam rooms, heated loungers, and therapeutic showers.
The Celebrity Edge offers a refined cruise experience that perfectly blends comfort and sophistication, making your journey feel effortless and enjoyable.
Ready to find your perfect voyage? Whether you're interested in the best Hawaii cruises 2025 or looking ahead to the best Hawaii cruises 2026, start planning your Hawaiian cruise today and discover why these floating resorts offer the best way to experience the visual majesty of Hawaii. Discover the best cruise deals to Hawaii with Cruisebound.