While many cruises start, halt, or conclude in Hawaii, only one covers the Cruising the Hawaiian Islands from start to finish: the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Pride of America. This cruise effortlessly visits four islands in eight days! There is no need for flights, and you only need to unpack once.
Starting from Oʻahu every Saturday, the schedule visits Kauaʻi for one and a half days, the island of Hawaiʻi for two days, then Maui for two days before heading back. For a daily account of the Cruising the Hawaiian Islands experience, read on.
Day 1: Departing Honolulu, Oahu
The aloha attitude can be felt at the port, where pleasant crew members greet visitors with flower lei garlands and live Hawaiian music permeates the air. Don’t miss the Aloha welcome presentation. This presents a chance to discover the island events, history, and culture of Hawaiʻi.
Day 2: Kahului, Maui
Wake up on Maui’s Kahului Harbour. Hiring a convertible is one of the best ways to explore this island. Kahului to Kapalua is one of the more laid-back road trips using the picturesque Honoapiʻilani Highway. Get a rental car and enjoy the views of the mountain and beach park along the journey to Lāhainā. Between December and April, humpback whales play off the coast.
Go along Front Street in Lhain, past the massive banyan tree. Shop, eat on the waterfront, and stop to shave ice. For a cool swim, head to Kanapali Beach; if you want to view Hawaiian green sea turtles, snorkel. Head north to Merriman’s in Kapalua for sunset cocktails on the point as evening falls.
Go back to the ship and have a sophisticated dinner at Skyline Restaurant. Armed with a Drink of the Day, search for the best ship entertainment. Every night is unique; it may be an Eric Clapton memorial, a Karaoke sing-a-long, or a Rock’n’Roll to Soul party.
Day 3: Kahului, Maui
Prepare for an active day ahead by fueling. Popular trips from Maui are snorkeling Molokini and dawn atop Haleakalā; alternatively, why not try waterfall rappelling?
Using the tropical Hāna Highway, the trip drives visitors from the harbor to Maui’s Garden of Eden arboretum. Hiking, abseiling three rockfalls (one down a flowing waterfall), and swimming take place here, deep in the jungle, surrounded by natural splendor. We reward the group for their bravery with cookies, handmade sandwiches, and slices of luscious Maui Gold pineapple.
Anyone registering for the art auction gets a complimentary glass of champagne; tonight Pink’s Champagne Bar transforms into an art exhibition. Continue the excitement with the Lights, Camera, Action! event to celebrate outstanding musicals. Napa Wine Bar offers pre-drinks; Cagney’s Steakhouse is a wonderful late-night dinner choice.
Day 4: Hilo, Hawaii Island (East)
As the ship heads for Hilo Bay on the Island of Hawaii, watch the sunrise. Following a caffeine shot, step off the ship for a full-day exploration of Hilo, Hawaii’s second-largest town. Choose the Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off Hilo Tour Bus instead of the complimentary shuttle to Target and Walmart. View Hilo’s attractions—Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Downtown Hilo, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Hilo Farms Market, King Kamehameha Statue, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and Big Island Candies—conveniently here.
Cruising the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular trip from Hilo. Park conditions are always changing, much like in a volcanic environment. Get updates from nps.gov/havo.
For Teppanyaki, this is a terrific night. This Japanese cooking experience showcases the artistic cooking of meals on an iron plate in front of customers. Wander over to The Wonders! then the Waikīkī Bar for a Lava Flow beverage. A magical journey.
Day 5: Kona Island (West)
After the cruise ship anchors off the coast of Kona on the island of Hawaiʻi, tender boats carry guests to land. Kona is a walking town with a historic palace, the first church in Hawaiʻi, beachfront eateries, bars, and stores. The seas are perfect for water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Hiring a buggy and heading south for about 45 minutes to Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (stop at the Coffee Shack on the way for 100% Kona coffee) is among the hippest activities available. With heiau (temples), hale (thatched buildings), kiʻi (wooden figures), and fishponds, the Puʻuhonua captures old Hawaiian life. Look for honu, or green sea turtles, swimming in the shallow seas all around the edge.
On the ship, cultural events abound; learn about native Hawaiian music in a lei-making, hula-making, or other lesson. The aroma of buttered popcorn draws passengers to the Wild West-inspired sports bar, the Gold Rush Saloon. Listen to live music, watch basketball or football, and sing along to karaoke for a casual dinner.
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Day 6: Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
The sun is rising and shining in Nwiliwili Harbor, Kaua’i. The island interior of Kauaʻi is mostly agricultural and undeveloped. Helicopter-flying adventures would greatly enhance sightseeing. See Kauaʻi’s amazing natural settings like Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park Falls. Set aside an afternoon to send the goods. Visit Island Treasures for Hawaiʻi gifts; Newbury Street Shops for aloha apparel; and Nā Hōkū for exquisite island-style jewelry.
Cruising the Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi hosts Lūʻau Kalamakū, the largest shore excursion on the cruise. At Kilohana Plantation, guests can savor mai tais, a Hawaiian food buffet, and Polynesian storytelling during this Hawaiian festival, feast, and magical stage play.
Day 7: Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
Since the ship leaves today at 2:30 p.m., it is imperative to maximize the morning. To see Kauaʻi’s South Shore, pack a beach bag and grab a rental car. Via the renowned Tunnel of Trees, head for the Poip Beach leisure area. Swim in ocean pools, tan on beautiful beaches, and find Hawaiian monk seal habitat. These endangered mammals are only found in Hawaii, where they can be observed from a safe distance.
The spacecraft hums with activity all the time. On the last day, don’t miss the Officers vs. Guests Water Volley match. Support athletes from Key West Bar with a view of the pool. Known for all-American burgers, go on and slip one in.
The thrill starts building for the climax, a trip from Kauaʻi to Oʻahu past the Nāpali Coast. Return to the lānai (balcony) for a private glimpse of these soaring mountains for guests in Oceanview guestrooms facing the sea cliffs. Get comfortable with everyone else in a deck chair, pool, or bar around the ship’s relevant side.
The warmth of the sun sinking over the Nāpali coast is rather hypnotic. However, the enjoyment is far from over. The Parisian-style formal restaurant Le Bistro is the only finer venue for a goodbye meal. Savour French cuisine and mark this once-in-a-lifetime event on the NCL Pride of America.
Day 8: Returning Honolulu, Oahu
Everything about checking out of the cruise is easy. It’s bittersweet to return to Honolulu, but Cruising the Hawaiian Islands creates memories that last a lifetime.