Leading Cruise Options
???? Norwegian Cruise Line – Pride of America
- The only U.S.-flagged large ship offering a year‑round, 7-night roundtrip from Honolulu, visiting all four islands with overnight stays in Maui and Kauai.
- Offers ~100 hours of shore time—significantly more than typical cruises.
- Mixed reviews: cabins are compact, and dining quality is considered average, but many hail it as the ideal inter-island experience.
???? UnCruise Adventures – Safari Explorer
- A 36-passenger small-ship expedition cruise, offering a more intimate, nature-focused experience among lesser-known ports like Molokai and Lanai.
- Operates seasonal 7-night “Hawaiian Seascapes” voyages with flexible landings and wildlife-rich itineraries.
???? Princess, Holland America & Royal Caribbean
- These large-ship lines offer 14–18-night round trips from the West Coast and Vancouver, including both sea days and overnight port stops.
- Princess emphasizes seamless multi-island access and luxurious onboard amenities.
???? Luxury & Adventure Cruising
- Lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Viking offer ultra-luxury itineraries spanning 14–21 nights, often combined with longer Pacific or Panama Canal transits .
- Celebrity Edge, Disney Wonder, and Norwegian Sun provide unique onboard features, from family-friendly zones to solo-traveler perks.
Best Times to Sail
- April–October is peak season with dry, sunny weather.
- January–March is ideal for whale-watching, especially around Maui.
What to Do at Shore
- Honolulu (Oahu): Honolulu city tour, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head.
- Maui: Hike Haleakala, drive the Road to Hana, snorkel Molokini reefs.
- Big Island: Explore Volcanoes National Park, black-sand beaches, Kona coffee farms.
- Kauai: Cruise Napali Coast, visit Waimea Canyon, kayak in Fern Grotto.
- Adventure extras: helicopter tours, lava-viewing boat trips, cultural luaus.
Traveler Insights
Reddit users call the Pride of America “an amazing sampler platter of all the islands… great for first-timers,” but note it’s kitschy and suggests booking local excursions independently to save money. One TripAdvisor reviewer mentioned some ports are limited in amenities—like industrial docks—so planning ahead is key .
Choosing the Right Cruise
| Preference | Best Option |
| Short, island-focused trip | Pride of America (7 nights, inter-island) |
| Nature & adventure | UnCruise or expedition lines |
| Family-friendly, large ship | Royal Caribbean, Disney Wonder, Celebrity |
| Luxury & inclusivity | Regent, Seabourn, Viking (longer voyages) |
| West Coast departure | Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean |
Final Takeaway
A Hawaii cruise is a unique and convenient way to experience the islands' diversity—from volcanic landscapes to cultural richness—while unpacking only once. If you want maximum island time in a week, opt for Pride of America. For off-the-beaten-path and nature-connected exploration, UnCruise Adventures is ideal. Larger lines offer a mix of sea days and upscale amenities. Whatever your travel style, Hawaii cruises deliver a memorable “floating resort” experience with a stunning backdrop.