Top 5 Hawaii Cruises: Find Your Perfect Island Sailing Tour

Dreaming of swaying palms, clear, blue ocean, and a cocktail as you watch the sun sink into the Pacific? Well, who isn’t? A cruise around the Hawaiian Islands might be just the adventure you need! But let’s be honest, with loads of options, picking that trip can feel like looking for a specific grain of sand on a beach, it might be hard. So, anyway, I want to share with you the best cruises and sailing tours Hawaii has to offer. This list is just, like, some ways you could relax. Also, you can easily compare what each trip offers so that you can grab the perfect island escape. So that you are informed and prepared, very.

1. The Pride of America: An Island Hopper’s Dream

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is quite a fun adventure. I mean it skips the annoying international travel days because it goes from island to island. So it is something, that. Starting and finishing in Honolulu, this one makes stops at all four of the major Hawaiian islands: O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua’i. This cruise adventure is ideal if you want to see as much of Hawaii as you can without unpacking multiple times. It is pretty something.

The highlights? Very well, you get almost 100 hours in port, that’s plenty of time for all types of exciting things! How about waking up in Maui to catch the sunrise over Haleakala National Park? Then maybe an exciting afternoon to see waterfalls in the Iao Valley. It gets even better; there is Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, offering everything, almost, from volcanic landscapes to coffee farms. Of course, Kauai gives its wonderful views with the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, there. It sounds nice, very.

Now, let’s talk about ship life. The Pride of America can give a lot of things to do onboard; from multiple dining spots, pools, and live shows. Themed bars and lounges capture different elements of Americana, which, too, adds a touch of patriotism to your journey. Very well, maybe it could have some Hawaiian themes added to the list, actually, but overall it works. But is that not good? Well, keep in mind that because it has to visit those spots, you are spending a lot of time at sea, for example, this. Sea days provide a mix of relaxation and activity choices, too, which can be used for downtime or fun for the entire family.

2. Star Breeze: A Luxurious Small-Ship Experience

Now for a different scene, think of Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze. This one gives a super nice, and fun vibe. Its smaller size allows you to get to small harbors that larger ships have a hard time to get into. I would guess the experience will be a good one. Basically, the ship provides more intimate cruises and more individual experiences. Like your favorite fancy cafe, almost.

Star Breeze’s Hawaii trips often highlight some destinations that aren’t often found on regular trips, maybe for example, places like Moloka’i or Lana’i. Now, the atmosphere can be as relaxing as you can want. Very well, the on-board feeling might include comfy suites, world class food choices, and of course, watersport platforms that deploy right from the back of the ship! Who would not want this? With fewer passengers, too, you get personal care from the crew that might be as familiar as if you were with a small family. How wonderful, in some respects.

However, that can be too good, alright, you have to realize the smaller size can lead to limited show choices and fewer of those exciting onboard things like giant water slides, almost. What you pay for here is the personal service and destination-driven emphasis that has become well-known with Windstar. In fact, many have said how the trips feel as if you’ve jumped onto someone’s fancy personal yacht, too, with some nice island hopping. How fun, virtually.

3. UnCruise Adventures: Get Very Close to the Islands

You know, UnCruise Adventures shows you a trip for anyone craving adventure, almost and deep understanding of all the Hawaiian Islands. With smaller vessels hosting fewer than 100 guests, these tours try to explore more than just regular stops. That makes UnCruise different, basically, is how much they focus on environmental effect and authentic cultural communication, yet. These tours offer many fun activities.

What can you expect? Very well, expect days filled with snorkeling in isolated bays, tours that feature local cultural storytellers, kayaking alongside steep cliffs, almost, plus guided hikes deep in rain forests. That is some adventure. In the evening, though, UnCruise may bring a calm spot for conversations, delicious meals that highlight local foods, actually, and maybe just maybe educational talks from people who really understand Hawaiian history, that.

Because of the focus on eco-travel and respectful connection, you could just realize that UnCruise adventures lack the glitz of large cruise liners. I mean, you probably won’t get casinos or big productions. That is ok, I feel, so the trips often go into lesser-known areas, they also have some limited connection choices such as Wi-Fi. This does not mean anything in terms of beauty. Ultimately, though, what travelers gain in authentic experience and environmental conscientiousness exceeds what is given up, right?

4. Ocean Voyager: Spot the Sea Life!

The cruises aboard the Ocean Voyager are, perhaps, well known by the American Queen Voyages. This journey will take a deep look, too, at four Hawaiian Islands (O’ahu, Maui, Hawai’i, and Kaua’i), almost, plus a visit to Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati. Voyages are generally for 17 days, but these may vary. The small ship cruise includes all suites and staterooms. That will impress someone, usually!

What else do these islands offer? Expect tours, such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on O’ahu or the Maui Pineapple Tour in Kahului. Also, they provide trips through Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, there. You might find fun memories. Then come back to the ship for entertainment, such as the talented Broadway and classical performers, just, and enriching lectures, very, so your brain never gets bored!

Basically, all ship options will ensure you have stunning ocean views. However, they are often more expensive than, like, something you find with Pride of America. I can see you nodding your head! Also, keep in mind that because of the smaller vessels, very, that could possibly reduce some options, though I am sure that will not bring your mood down. Just prepare, ok? With such long itineraries, it does deliver an enjoyable experience as you have an amazing adventure in Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands. Is that what you need?

5. Polynesian Voyaging Society: Traditional Sailing on Hōkūleʻa

Ok, ready to jump off the cruises we’ve just listed, very, for something really cultural? If yes, well the Polynesian Voyaging Society gives a number of interesting trips and instructional sailing sessions on the Hōkūleʻa, a performance canoe that is 62 ft. built to look almost like the canoes that Polynesians have been known to navigate for 1000’s of years. Isn’t that something, truly? Usually, sailing is with some professionals. You can expect cultural awareness from the beginning!

How will sailing happen on Hōkūleʻa be? Very well, the goal will be to use traditional, very, Polynesian techniques, usually and without equipment to tell you the position. How it happens includes following the waves, stars, as well as different signs from nature, generally and usually. Sailors do everything and take part in any operations, really. During breaks on remote Hawaiian coasts, for example, travelers learn Hawaiian traditions through stories with island people, you. Basically, learning happens on land, usually!

Important details! While the Society does welcome tourist participation and educational excursions, be aware, too, that lodging amenities will not be high. That, and the focus could perhaps feel centered towards learning rather than what one would experience while taking some relaxing time in Hawaii, virtually, however it does allow for participation in one of Hawaii’s more profound traditional ways. Did you find this a bit fascinating?