Saturday, April 13, 2024

How to Island Hop in Hawaii: Options for All 7 Islands 2024

hawaii island hopping cruise

Hawaii has every activity imaginable, from swimming in waterfalls to laying out on a black-sand beach to snorkeling a volcano crater. Hawaiian culture is vibrant and the music, dance, and Hawaiian dishes are one-of-a-kind. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Cruises are an ideal way to explore Hawaii, and there are plenty of options that fit a broad range of travel styles and tastes.

Cruising: Hawaiian Island Hop - Sail Magazine

Cruising: Hawaiian Island Hop.

Posted: Mon, 03 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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When it comes to the Big Island, Kona on the western side is one of the most popular areas to explore on vacation. Between volcanoes, white-sand beaches, various oceanside villages, and so much more, you’ll find plenty to do on your day in Kona. Start the day by trying some of the region’s world-famous local coffee!

Book a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay if embarking in Honolulu

A Hawaiian cruise is a voyage that takes passengers around the Hawaiian Islands, offering a combination of ocean travel, island exploration, and onboard amenities. This magnificent and beautiful area of the world is nestled in the southern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean. This region stretches between Australia and South America, leading to most of these island hopping Hawaii cruises to be repositioning in nature. Hawaii’s wet season typically falls between November and March, with an upwards of 4 inches of rain per month. Therefore, if you are cruising to Hawaii during these popular months, make sure to fully prepare with a rain jacket and umbrella to fully enjoy your Hawaii island cruise. With so many must-see spots throughout the Hawaiian islands, the most popular months to cruise to Hawaii is during the months of April and May for those looking to snorkel or surf.

Boating Between the Hawaiian Islands

If boarding a ship with thousands of strangers isn’t your idea of a vacation, UnCruise Adventures may be the cruise line for you. UnCruise itineraries are all about connecting with nature and local culture. UnCruise offers a yacht-like experience on board the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. Sail from November through April on a seven-night itinerary that swaps touristy Oahu for Hawaii’s least developed island—Molokai. Because it’s so small, the Safari Explorer can access ports the big ships can’t and help travelers better connect with local communities.

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Molokini is a popular snorkeling locale on Maui many visitors to the island flock to enjoy the pristine water. Island hopping cruise in HawaiiThere are many organisations that offer cruises to and from Hawaii. And while they all offer wonderful experiences and a great way to relax, not all of them allow you to visit multiple islands, generally focusing on one or two.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

hawaii island hopping cruise

If you’re a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port), you do not need a passport, though it’s recommended. However, a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) are necessary. Hawaii offers a wide range of activities including snorkeling, surfing, hiking, luaus, whale watching (during the winter months), and exploring volcanic landscapes.

🤔 When to Consider Mokulele Airlines for Island Hopping

hawaii island hopping cruise

Planning your Hawaii cruise between the months of April and May is a great time for surfers and those looking to get into the water. This is because the weather is excellent, wave heights are manageable, and water temperatures begin to rise. There are a couple sailings running Hawaiian cruises during the majority of the summer from mid-June to mid-December as well, but these are far and few between.

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Explore New Horizons: Holland America's 2025-2026 Panama & Hawaii Cruises - stupidDOPE.com

Explore New Horizons: Holland America's 2025-2026 Panama & Hawaii Cruises.

Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

We partner with select outfitters who share our values and are pros at creating exceptional experiences. There is no fee for our service; we earn our commission from the outfitters we represent, and the cost of your expedition is the same as booking direct. As the Safari Explorer docks at Kawaihae Harbor, you’ll be transferred to the Kona Airport for your return flight home. Today we may snorkel among coral gardens teeming with underwater life and a known sea turtle habitat. Then stretch your legs in Lahaina for an afternoon amble through this historic town or take a leisurely beach stroll. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do.

A Journey Through Culture, History and Natural Wonders

We generally recommend that you spend at least 5 days on each island that you visit. Ideally, you’ll be able to spend a little more time on each island to fully experience it as well as relax. One ambitious newsletter reading couple visited all 4 of the major Hawaiian island in just 13 days, and while we don’t recommend it, we let them write all about it and share their itinerary.

Even in “winter,” temperatures are regularly in the 80s, making it an incredible destination for year-round Hawaiian Island cruises. While rain is common, your small ship captain can navigate to windward and leeward sides of islands to take advantage of unique microclimates and steer you away from rain storms. Taking a Hawaii island hopping cruise can truly ensure you land in the best weather during your vacation. With flight, ferry, cruise and private boating options readily available, getting between the Hawaiian Islands is easier than ever. Now that you know how to go island hopping in Hawaii, the hardest part is deciding which islands to visit. Hawaiian Airlines is the major carrier in Hawaii with multiple daily flights between the islands.

The weather in Hawaii can vary depending on which island you visit, but typically Hawaii’s average daytime high temperatures November – April range from 75ºF – 85ºF. This time of year is also the rainy season, but most of the rainfall is overnight and most showers are short-lived. From the tiniest fish to the widest stretch of coral, it’s all spectacular. Depending on weather and your mood, spend the day in the water or let us do the work, and explore the rugged coastline on a skiff ride.

Our recommendation is this small group Lanai snorkel and landing adventure. There used to be a ferry between Maui and Molokai which served as the only non-flying option for decades. Unfortunately, operations were shut down on October 28, 2021, when the company running the ferry reported a $500,000 loss for the previous year. Of the three non-major islands, Molokai is the most populated with almost 7,500 residents as of 2022. We will cover how to reach the small Hawaiian islands in the next section. As of now, there is no way to island hop in Hawaii by ferry with the exception of services to the small sister island of Lanai from Maui.

By using them, we’ve saved thousands of dollars over the last two years (seriously). They work with national carriers and you don’t need to pay anything in advance to secure your reservation. Yes, you can spend less time on an island but your trip will likely feel rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the features that make each island so unique and spectacular. Expect your travel day to take even longer if you aren’t able to get a direct flight.

To go island hopping, what you’re looking for is a multi-day cruise which docks at multiple Hawaiian ports. A popular choice for tourists is the Norwegian Cruise Line, precisely because it offers just that. Rather than stick to any particular island, they dock at multiple islands, allowing you to experience what makes each Hawaiian port city unique. Another option is UnCruise Adventures, which offers similar extended cruises. You want to plan at least a 14-day cruise to have enough time to really experience each island.

You’ll be welcomed by the gentle, friendly Hawaiian people into a world of deep spirituality, expressed through the Aloha spirit. We are Hawaii travelers who have lived on Maui and Oahu sharing our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. As you continue your Hawaii vacation trip planning, take the easy way out with our cheat sheets. Download free cheat sheets for each of the four major Hawaiian Islands to help you get familiar with the islands.

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