Overview
Why go to Hawaii
Hawaii rewards both the active and the horizontal traveler: hike a volcano crater in the morning, snorkel a coral bay by lunch, and watch the sun sink from a beach bar by night. Each island has a distinct character — Oahu’s history and city energy, Maui’s beaches and the Road to Hana, Kauai’s emerald canyons, and the Big Island’s active volcano and black-sand beaches. Cruising is the easiest way to sample four islands in a week without repacking; Norwegian’s Pride of America is the only ship that does it round-trip from Honolulu. Prefer to go deep on one island? We’ll build a resort-and-flights package instead.
Best time to visit
Year-round. April–May and September–October offer the best mix of good weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. Winter brings big-wave surf on north shores and peak whale watching (Dec–Apr); summer is drier and busier.
Top attractions
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
Walk across a caldera and, when active, see the glow of Kīlauea.
Road to Hana (Maui)
600+ curves past waterfalls, black-sand beaches and rainforest.
Nā Pali Coast (Kauai)
Cathedral cliffs best seen by boat, helicopter or the Kalalau Trail.
Pearl Harbor (Oahu)
The USS Arizona Memorial and a moving day of American history.
Cruises to Hawaii
Norwegian’s Pride of America is the standout for inter-island Hawaii — the only ship sailing round-trip weekly from Honolulu, with overnights on Maui and Kauai. Other lines include Hawaii on longer repositioning or Pacific voyages.
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Honolulu, Oahu
Board and settle in; sunset over Waikiki.
Day 2
Kahului, Maui
Overnight in port — drive the Road to Hana or relax on Kaʻanapali.
Day 3
Maui (day two)
Sunrise at Haleakalā or a snorkel sail to Molokini.
Day 4
Hilo, Big Island
Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls.
Day 5
Kona, Big Island
Coffee farms, manta-ray snorkeling and historic Kailua.
Days 6–7
Nāwiliwili, Kauai
Overnight — Waimea Canyon and a Nā Pali coast cruise.
Recommended hotels
Grand Wailea (Maui)
A Waldorf Astoria resort with the island’s best pool complex.
The Royal Hawaiian (Oahu)
The "Pink Palace" on Waikiki Beach — timeless and central.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Kauai)
Nature-forward luxury on Kauai’s stunning north shore.
Where to eat
Mama’s Fish House (Maui)
An institution — book weeks ahead for beachfront just-caught fish.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Oahu)
A James Beard-honored spot for classic kalua pig and poke.
Travel tips
- For a first trip, don’t try to “do” all four islands by land — either cruise them or pick two.
- Rent a car on port days on the Big Island and Maui; distances are longer than they look.
- Respect the ʻāina: reef-safe sunscreen is law, and many sacred sites ask for quiet reverence.
Packing tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mineral only), a rash guard and sturdy sandals for lava rock.
- A light rain jacket for windward, rainforest sides of each island.
- Layers for the summit of Haleakalā or Mauna Kea — it gets genuinely cold.
Photo inspiration
Hawaii travel FAQs
A cruise — specifically Norwegian’s Pride of America, the only ship that sails round-trip from Honolulu every week with overnights on Maui and Kauai. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new, without inter-island flights.
No — Hawaii is a US state, so US citizens travel with a domestic ID (and Real ID for flights from May 2025 onward). No passport is required, which is part of what makes it such an easy tropical trip.
Maui is the most popular all-rounder — great beaches, the Road to Hana and Haleakalā. Oahu suits history and city lovers, Kauai the outdoorsy, and the Big Island volcano seekers. We’ll match the island (or the cruise) to your interests.