Hawaii is the world’s largest chain of islands (although only 7 of 132 are inhabited). The volcanic islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are some of the most beautiful tropical areas that you’ll ever see. It’s easy to see why millions of people consider the place a top vacation spot. Cruising through the Hawaiian Islands is just as amazing and there are plenty of interesting excursions to check out.
Spend the Day or Night in Maui
One must-see adventure during your Hawaii cruise is Maui. The island has so much to offer that it’s a good idea to book a day-long or even an overnight excursion when possible. Spend the day canoeing around the island’s historic harbors, visit the Haleakala volcano, or go whale watching in a Zodiac vessel. Do you want to relax but take in the scenery at the same time? Rent a car and spend an afternoon taking a long drive down Hana Highway. You’ll be able to see gorgeous forests, lots of coastline, and even a few waterfalls. If you want to be truly luxurious, you can even hire a limo driver to take you along the route. Other options in Maui include food and wine tasting, guided hikes, or windsurfing.
Check Out Pearl Harbor Landmarks
Cruisers can often take a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and Mighty Mo, which are two of the biggest pieces of Pearl Harbor’s history. First, you’ll stop at the Visitor’s Center. From there, you’ll take a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial for 1,177 crewmen. 1,102 of them are still entombed in the ship, which is directly under the floating memorial. From there, your excursion will take you to Ford Island to Mighty Mo (official name USS Missouri). This is where World War II officially ended when a Formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945. This is an excellent excursion for families who want to show kids something educational or for avid history buffs so be sure to book your Pearl Harbor tickets. Keep in mind that visiting Mighty Mo and fully enjoying the trip will require climbing up and down ladders.
Tour Hilo
The port of Hilo is an eastern town on Hawaii’s Big Island. The area is known for active volcanoes, allowing you to get a true view of the activity via a helicopter tour. While you won’t necessarily see lava since the crater has gone quiet since its intense activity in 2018, you’ll still be able to see the crater’s caldera and check out a wide variety of lava tubes during a hike of the area. Other options include exploring the area with a bike tour down Hamakua Heritage Coastline, ziplining through the rainforest, and many more intense adventures. Don’t worry if you want something more relaxing. You can also walk through the gorgeous trees in the Hilo Walk of Fame, check out state parks at your own leisure, or check out some of the area’s amazing cuisine.
Visit the Polynesian Culture Center and Luau
If you want to visit a range of countries all at once, you’ll want to check out the Polynesian Culture Center and Luau. The area authentically recreates villages from Hawaii, of course. However, it also recreates villages from Fiji, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa. You’ll find cooking areas, interactive demonstrations, and vegetable patches that will make your mouth water. Learn how to husk a coconut, watch the floating show Rainbows of Polynesia, and dine on Kalua pork and other local dishes. This excursion is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Polynesia, including families.
Whether you’ve never been to Hawaii or you’ve visited a dozen times, there is something more unique when you take a cruise through the islands. The beauty of the uninhabited islands and seeing it from the perspective of the cruise ship is something that can’t be missed. The wide variety of excursions will make it hard to decide where to start first, but one thing is certain: It will be a vacation that you’ll never forget.