2023 Hawaii Cruises: Explore the Hawaiian Islands & More
March 14, 2023
If you're looking for 2023 Hawaii cruises, no one does Hawaii better than Norwegian. With a Norwegian cruise to Hawaii, you'll be immediately island hopping as your cruise starts and ends in Honolulu. We're the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii and have been voted the best Hawaii itinerary by Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Norwegian's 7-day Hawaii cruises depart every Saturday from Honolulu on board Pride of America. If you're looking for a longer cruise that visits other destinations outside of Hawaii, Norwegian offers several itineraries that include explorations of the South Pacific islands, and even an Alaska & Hawaii combination itinerary. It doesn't get better than that! No matter which route you choose, nobody does Hawaii like Norwegian. Read on and start daydreaming.
Ready to start planning? Explore all Hawaii cruises with Norwegian.
2023 Hawaii Cruise Ports
Get to know Norwegian's award-winning cruises to Hawaii by learning a bit about each port you'll visit.
- Honolulu: Your cruise will start and end in Honolulu (if you book the 7-day weekly cruise). Hawaii's largest city is the perfect starting point for exploring before your cruise begins, with landmarks such Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach
- Hilo: Located on the northeastern side of Hawaii, Hilo has plenty of natural beauty. Some people compare the city to a giant greenhouse with its beautiful tropical flowers.
- Kona: With its crystal clear waters and plenty of underwater adventure, Kona is the perfect spot to explore many of the big island's state parks, coffee plantations, and historical sights.
Hilo, Hawaii.
- Kahului: Kahului is located in Central Maui. Maui is known as "The Valley Isle" and is the second-largest island in Hawaii. Some of Hawaii's most famous sites and natural wonders are here.
- Lahaina: Lahaina is a historic whaling town that was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom in the early 19th century. It's located on East Maui and is known as "Lele," which means relentless sun.
- Nawiliwili: Located in the picturesque port near Lihue on Kauai, Nawiliwili gets its name from the local Wiliwili trees that once lined the harbor. Kauai is the oldest and most northern island. Many consider it to be the most beautiful island in Hawaii.
Nawiliwili, Hawaii.
See More Ports of Call With Longer Cruise Itineraries
Longer Hawaii cruises will take you to far-flung destinations in the South Pacific or north to Alaska. 2023 Hawaii cruises that include the South Pacific visit idyllic islands like Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Tahiti.
Choose a Hawaii and Alaska cruise, and you'll stop at three islands in Hawaii before heading to Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan.
RELATED CRUISES:
12-Day South Pacific Cruise from Honolulu
16-Day Alaska & Hawaii Cruise from Honolulu
Things To See and Do in Hawaii
Cruising around Hawaii is about more than just enjoying the natural beauty of the islands. You'll find a lot of interesting historical landmarks and cultural sites. Here are some of the best things to see and do on our 2023 Hawaii cruises.
Hilo
At Wailuku River State Park, you'll see the 80-foot Waianuenue Falls, also called Rainbow Falls. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only rainforest zoo in the U.S., home to many exotic plants and animals, including two Bengal tigers. Oenophiles might want to book a volcano wine tasting when cruising to Hilo. You'll learn about their unique winemaking process, and how they infuse the wines with local tropical fruits or local tea and honey.
Unsure what to do in Hilo? Consider a "Best of Hilo" tour, or even the Volcanoes and Taste of Hawaii tour that is limited to 12 guests and will take you around Hilo and Kilauea Volcano.
Kona, Hawaii.
Kona
If your cruise stops in Kona, book a shore excursion to taste two of Hawaii's most iconic products — coffee and chocolate. If you want to go out on the water, book a Zodiac whale watching tour, a snorkel trip, or a Kona tour by land and sea.
Cruise guests interested in learning more about Hawaii should consider the Historic Kings Trail tour that discusses the importance of King Kamehameha. You'll follow in his footsteps, walk across hardened lave, dine under a statue of Kamehameha, see an 18th-century temple, and more.
RELATED CRUISES:
9-Day Hawaii Cruise from Honolulu
13-Day South Pacific Cruise from Honolulu
16-Day Honolulu Cruise to Vancouver
Kahului
The famous Hana Highway starts in Kahului and goes along the northern coast for just over 50 miles. When you book a Road to Hana excursion, you won't need to navigate the windy roads on your own and can focus on views of waterfalls, lava cliffs, and lush coastline.
Cruise guests interested in learning more about Hawaii should consider the Historic Kings Trail tour that discusses the importance of King Kamehameha. You'll follow in his footsteps, walk across hardened lave, dine under a statue of Kamehameha, see an 18th-century temple, and more.
Lahaina
Cruising to Lahaina offers plenty of opportunities to visit interesting landmarks. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. Not-to-miss historical stops include Lahaina Prison (Hale Paahao) and U.S. Seamen's Hospital. Consider visiting Haleakala Crater, taking a whale watching tour, paddling in a canoe, and seeing Maui's oldest living Banyan tree.
Nawiliwili
When you visit Nawiliwili, consider visiting Alekoko Fishpond, an aquaculture reservoir that dates back around 1,000 years old. Consider the historic Kauai Museum or Grove Farm Homestead Museum if you enjoy visiting museums.
Honolulu
If you have a few days before or after your cruise, spend some time exploring Honolulu. If you don't have the extra vacation time, Norwegian offers several Honolulu excursions with airport drop-off, including to Pearl Harbor, U.S.S. Missouri, North Shore, and Honolulu City.
Still deciding which Hawaii cruise is right for you? Don't forget to sign up for Norwegian's emails. You'll get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. When you're ready to book your 2023 Hawaii cruise, you know you'll be getting the best deal available.
