Cruises From Vancouver To Hawaii, Things To Know

With cinematic jungles, colored sandy beaches, and volcanic landscapes, why settle for one Hawaiian island when I could see several? And so began my love affair with paradise, a 12-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii, a cruise offers a chance to see more than one island. But if you’ve researched a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll know that Norwegian’s ‘Pride of America’ is the only ship that has exclusive sailings.

While it offers 7-day roundtrip and 10-day cruise and land itineraries, the cost of this cruise is exceptionally high due to lack of competition. By cruising from the downtown Port of Vancouver, I got the same Hawaiian experience at a fraction of the cost. Plus, I enjoyed a lengthier vacation.

My first cruise to Hawaii allowed me to enjoy four different islands, giving me a teasing snippet of each island’s vibe. Should I choose to take a land vacation in the future, I’d better understand which island to choose.

If staying on one of the islands, island hopping is possible but comes at a high cost. So, a Hawaiian cruise not only makes a budget-friendly adventure viable, but I can appease my desire to see several places in one trip. So, there’s no deciding between Maui or Oahu, or another island.

Cruise Lines Who Offer Cruises From Vancouver To Hawaii

Princess Cruises and Holland America offer roundtrip (15 to 18-day itineraries) cruises from Vancouver and California, for those who live on the west coast and prefer not to fly. These cruises do not sail regularly but at certain times of the year.

If you want to experience Hawaii and don’t mind the one-way flight, other cruise lines offer one-way cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii and vice versa.

Bear in mind that these are only available in April or May and in September or October when vessels are repositioning for the start and end of the Alaska season.

Length Of Cruises From Vancouver To Hawaii

Repositioning voyages from Vancouver to Hawaii generally sail 9 to 13 days. When selecting an itinerary and cruise line, it’s important to note that it takes a full five sea days to cross the Pacific Ocean. So, if you choose a shorter cruise, you will have fewer port days.

I always combine my cruise with a few days on land. That way, I get to explore more of Oahu.

Which Hawaiian Islands?

One-way cruises to Hawaii always end in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is the main port and main airport that serves Hawaii.

Other port days can include Kona on Hawaii (Big Island), Hilo on Hawaii (Big Island), and one of the cruise ports in Maui. Maui currently has one operational harbor at Kahului. The tender port of Lahaina is no longer in use.

Take note that the Big Island of Hawaii is so big that cruise ships stop on both sides of the island at Kona and Hilo. Some cruise lines (not many) also stop at Nawiliwili on Kauai.

Should you book a 12- or 13-day cruise to Hawaii, some itineraries include a port day in Victoria, BC, Canada.

By exploring a group of islands on one trip, there is no need to choose between Kauai or Maui, or Maui and Oahu because you get to experience each island.

Is It Rough On Open Ocean?

When considering a cruise on the open ocean, one of the biggest concerns is seasickness. I’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean four times and was blessed with calm seas every time. However, not all cruisers are fortunate enough to experience a smooth crossing.

In fact, on one of my cruises, the Pacific Ocean looked like a sheet of glass. In the five sea days, I only saw one other ocean vessel, a sea tanker far off in the distance.

If seasickness is of great concern to you, remember to pack motion sickness patches, sea bands, ginger pills, or motion sickness medication to be on the safe side. Stateroom location can also help to minimize the ship’s motion.

Vancouver To Hawaii Cruise Pricing

While Norwegian is the only cruise line that sells a 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Honolulu, its price tag may startle you. From USD 2000+ per person for an interior stateroom, the sticker shock may make you rethink your plans to cruise Hawaii. 

Since repositioning cruises require at least a one-way airfare, cruise lines offer them at lower prices. I have cruised to Hawaii four times from Vancouver for a fraction of the cost.

I sailed a nine-day cruise with Royal Caribbean for a mere USD 560 in a balcony cabin on a Quantum-class ship. While that was a meager price, my other two were great deals too, at around USD 1000 for 12 days. 

The downside of this type of cruise is the number of sea days. It takes a full five days to sail between North America and Hawaii, with the consecutive sea days occurring at the beginning or end of the cruise. 

Hawaii Weather

When sailing one way, ships are repositioned from changing climates. So, the sea days closer to Vancouver will experience cooler temperatures. This won’t be an issue from California.

Be prepared by packing layers for the cooler days at sea. You may not want to use the outside pool during the chilly days, so choosing a ship with an indoor solarium might serve you well. Outdoor amenities may not be available on those days either.

The weather in Hawaii can’t be any more perfect given its proximity to the equator. For example, average temperatures range from 75 to 90 degrees, but with trade wind speeds of 10-20 mph, the temperatures feel cooler. However, don’t be misled by these cooling breezes.

The sun’s rays are still harsh so protect yourself with sunscreen and Rashguard clothing. Being half Asian, I rarely burn, but I have received burns in Hawaii snorkeling for a short time.

Depending on the island or location, the weather can vary greatly. For instance, if you plan to drive to the top of Haleakala Volcano in Maui, the temperature can drop 30 to 40 degrees.

Named the “Rainbow State” for a good reason, Hawaii can experience rain showers but they often fall at night. These rain showers are short-lived though, and often end with a spectacular rainbow.

On occasion, Hawaii experiences tropical storms, with hurricane season running from June to September. I do say “on occasion” because hurricanes and tropical storms are not a common occurrence as they are around Florida.

In general, the windward side or the northeast side of the islands is cooler and wetter, while the leeward or southwest side is hotter and dryer.

Temperature Chart

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Oahu	81	81	82	83	85	87	88	88	88	87	84	82
	65	65	67	68	70	72	73	74	73	72	70	67
Maui	81	81	81	82	84	86	87	88	88	87	84	82
	63	63	64	66	67	70	71	72	70	70	68	65
Kona	82	82	83	83	85	86	87	87	88	87	85	83
	67	66	68	69	71	72	73	73	73	72	71	68
Hilo	79	79	79	79	81	82	83	83	83	83	81	79
	64	64	65	65	67	68	69	70	69	69	67	65
Kauai	78	78	78	79	81	83	84	85	85	83	81	79
	65	66	67	69	70	73	74	75	74	73	71	68

Cruise Attire

Whether roundtrip or one-way, cruises to Hawaii are typical to Aloha style, which is more casual and far less formal. On one formal night, we had the option to dine in colorful Hawaiian clothing.

Men showed up in Hawaiian shirts, and women wore bright floral dresses. Yes, Hawaiian shirts are a must and available at most shops, including the inexpensive ABC Stores and Walmart.

When packing, it’s best to take loose clothing made from breathable, natural fabrics and plenty of pieces to wear in the heat of the day. With warm daily temperatures, most Hawaii port excursions are beach or water-based.

Ideally, it’s best to have two bathing suits, a cover-up, a sun hat, and my favorite item, a Rashguard t-shirt to wear over my swimsuit when snorkeling. Rashguard’s soft, comfy fabrics are comfortable for long periods, offer UPF 50+ protection, and dry quickly.

A dry bag is helpful, especially if excursions are water-related. My water shoes came in handy on many port excursions, and I liked that they took up so little space in my luggage.

Sunscreen is essential, and it’s important to know, that Hawaii has banned the use of sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. These ingredients are toxic to marine life and harm the coral larvae. So, instead, use coral-safe sunscreens such as Sun Bum and Banana Boat.

Ports Of Hawaii

There are eight primary islands in Hawaii, all formed from significant volcanic activity. Cruises from Vancouver stop at three to four islands, depending on the itinerary.

The most commonly visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Big Island (Hawaii), and sometimes Kauai. Honolulu on Oahu is the major cruise port and services both one-way cruises and roundtrip itineraries on Norwegian’s Pride of America.

Hawaii or the Big Island is the most prominent and youngest island. Due to its size, cruise ships visit two ports, Kona and Hilo, and sail past the impressive Kilauea volcano. Cruises around Hawaii can also stop at Kahului on Maui, and Nawiliwili on Kauai.

Of the Hawaiian cruise ports, passengers must tender in Kona. Should you choose a cruise of 12 or 13 days, the itinerary may include two days in one port.

Kona

• Island: Hawaii Island or Big Island | Population: 15,000+

While cruise ships stop at Kona, this is actually a region and not a city. Kona is located on the western side. When arriving in Kona, ships anchor in Kailua Bay, and passengers tender to the Kailua Pier.

The tender boats go to the heart of Kailua Village, so there is no need for ground transportation.

The western side of the Big Island is blessed with lots of sunshine and warmer temperatures. It seldom rains in Kona, so this region is perfect for surfing, snorkeling, or a lazy day at the beach.

Kona is fertile with the rich volcanic soil nourishing the best coffee, vanilla beans, and cocoa (chocolate). Its delicious and addictive coffee makes an awesome Hawaiian souvenir for family and friends.

Throw away the traditional dark roast because Kona Coffee comes in flavors like vanilla macadamia, toasted coconut, chocolate macadamia, and hazelnut. For premium roast lovers, the peaberry coffee is the champagne of all coffees.

The macadamia nuts are equally flavorful with variations such as honey coconut, frosted, wasabi, Maui onion, and hot & spicy.

Kona’s Best Excursions

A port day in Kona is all about being outside. The snorkeling and watersports are top-notch, with chances to see spinner dolphins in Kealakekua Bay (and also the Captain Cook monument).

For the fearless, a night snorkel or dive with the huge manta rays in Manta Village is a must. I was thrilled that after four Hawaiian cruises, I got to scratch that off my bucket list.

Nothing is more enchanting than standing atop the world’s tallest volcano, Mauna Kea. At over 33,000 feet, the mesmerizing views from this volcano are heavenly.

If being above the clouds isn’t your thing, consider visiting Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. At the park, visitors can relive the history of the Hawaiian culture.

Extend your day with a stop at Hulihe’e Palace. The Royal Palace is a beautifully restored museum once used by Hawaii’s royal family as a summer home. Located on Ali’i Drive, it’s an easy walk from the tender pier.

I found Kona to be more upscale than Hilo, with a great selection of high-priced restaurants, local breweries, and trendy boutiques.

With a rental car, visitors can explore the colored sand beaches. Being a volcanic island, the tiny fragments of lava make up the black sand found at Punalu’u Beach. Black sand retains its heat, and because of this, sea turtles choose this sand to bask in the midday sunshine.

Papakolea Beach glistens in a beautiful shade of green. Its color comes from the thousands of Olivine crystals formed from an eroded volcanic crater. Due to its remote location, Papakolea Beach sees fewer tourists.

Hilo

• Island: Hawaii Island or Big Island | Population: 46,000+

Nestled on the windward or eastern side of the island, Hilo is the polar opposite of Kona, with old lava fields, few beaches, and lots of rainfall. Interestingly, it is the wettest city in the United States with over 120 inches of annual rain.

Due to the frequent showers, it’s lush with foliage, has plenty of waterfalls, and overflowing with natural beauty. The vibe in Hilo is slower-paced than in Kona, but its small-town feel is charming.

Walking distance from the cruise terminal, some of the best views of Hilo Bay are from the meticulously kept Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. This stunning Japanese garden is eye-candy with picturesque pagodas, stone bridges, and meandering pathways through swaying palm trees.

A short distance away is Banyan Drive, an incredible canopy of banyan trees named after famous people.

Hilo’s Top Port Excursions

Close to the cruise terminal, Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot-tall attraction on the Wailuku River. It’s a favorite stop amongst cruise passengers since it charges no fee and is wheelchair accessible.

Fifteen miles north of Hilo, I visited the more spectacular Akaka Falls. There’s a small fee to access the park for waterfall viewing. Inside the park, it’s a bit of a hike, but the falls are a must when in Hilo.

Without a doubt, the most popular port excursion includes a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. While some port tours include Rainbow Falls, Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, and an Orchid Farm, the day’s pinnacle is seeing the mighty Kilauea Volcano.

I have visited Kilauea three times and have been amazed at the caldera changes and its level of activity. If you plan to visit Kilauea, be sure to check if the park is open before you plan a visit. 

I rented a car during one of my visits and took a humbling drive to the Puna district and Pahoa. Here, the black lava engulfs an entire fishing village. Another time, I visited the Hōlei Sea Arch.

Kilauea demonstrated its fury during that visit as molten lava flowed through Pahoa’s town, swallowing everything in its path.

Without a doubt, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm and Factory is a crowd-pleaser with its complimentary samples. Driving up to the factory, travelers can view avocado trees and thousands of nut trees planted in manicured rows.

Nawiliwili

• Island: Kauai | Population (Lihue): 7,000+

Of the cruises between Vancouver and Hawaii, not many include Kauai in their itineraries. Out of my four Hawaiian cruises, only one, a 12-day cruise, ported in Kauai.

Located on the southeast coast of Kauai, Nawiliwili Harbor is the gateway to a beautiful Garden Isle. While Nawiliwili is not a town itself, it’s located a short distance from Lihue.

Kauai is sometimes called the “green” island. The Napali coastline consists of emerald green ragged mountains that reach for the sky from the aquamarine waters. With 50″ of annual rain, the deep crevices in the landscape are home to the most spectacular waterfalls.

In fact, the cinematic landscape scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed there. So, in Kauai, you can re-live moments of the movie minus the dinosaurs, of course.

Most of Kauai’s landscape is inaccessible by land, so take to the skies on a helicopter tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like none other. Alternatively, boat excursions are also available to view the magnificent cathedral peaks.

Kauai’s Top Tours

One of Kauai’s most popular tours is a trip to the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Waimea Canyon’s jaw-dropping peaks and valleys left me mesmerized. Its beautiful green vegetation and rust-colored rock are genuinely a baby Grand Canyon, painted in different hues.

But what’s with that red dirt? Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest cousin and with millions of years of weathering, the soil no longer contains rich minerals and nutrients. As a result, the remaining ground is rusty-colored or red dirt. Be warned, the earth is stubborn and stains shoes and clothes.

One of Kauai’s most accessible waterfalls is Kailua Falls. Made famous by the show “Fantasy Island,” the dramatic falls tumbles an incredible 80 feet into a 30-foot-deep pool. The double falls don’t require a hike as the viewpoint is next to the parking lot.

For the adventurous, take to the mountains on a tubing excursion. Once home to numerous sugar plantations, the Hanamaula ditches brought water to the sugar cane. With the farms gone, the waterways allow visitors to float on innertubes through a tropical rainforest.

Without a shore excursion in Nawiliwili, renting a vehicle is best. There isn’t much to see and do within a short walk of the commercial port.

Kahului

• Island: Maui | Population: 32,000+

Kahului is on the northern side of Maui and is not considered a tourist destination. The commercial port is located close to the airport, so car rentals are easily accessible, and I’d recommend one to access Maui’s top attractions like the road to Hana.

Kahului offers plenty of shopping, from the big box stores to the more intimate boutiques. Weekly swap meets and local markets allow for sampling the fresh local produce and buying Hawaiian souvenirs.

Port Excursions In Kahului

My pick for the shore excursions is a visit to Haleakala National Park and the highway to the little town of Hana. If you suffer from motion sickness, you may want to give the Road to Hana a miss or use a motion sickness patch.

The road is narrow and has 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are one car wide. While the roller-coaster road put my wits to the test, it did offer amazing views.

I’ve visited Haleakala several times, and the drive is as incredible as the views above the clouds. Driving through different climate zones allowed me to examine a variety of flora. These ranged from the lush rain forest to the barren desert cactus at the peak.

Should you have the time and enthusiasm, I highly recommend the downhill bike excursion from the summit. What better way to enjoy Maui’s panoramic views than on the longest downhill bike tour in the world?

Where else can you coast on a bicycle from the top of a volcano to the ocean? This is a Hawaiian adventure like none other; just do it!

Alternatively, take to the skies in a helicopter and get a bird’s eye view of the incredible landscape. Try the “doors off” excursion for unobstructed views of Maui’s lush rainforest, scenic waterfalls, and unforgettable coastline.

Honolulu

• Island: Oahu | Population: 375,000+

Honolulu is the capital and largest city in Hawaii. It’s located on the island of Oahu. When cruising to Hawaii, your cruise will end in there or begin here should you be sailing the reverse itinerary.

On debarkation day, the airport is just 5-miles away from the cruise ship terminal, and easy to get there by taxi or airport shuttle. Should you be embarking in Oahu, Honolulu has two cruise terminals.

The first is at the Aloha Tower and the second at the Port of Honolulu located at 521 Ala Moana Blvd, although most cruise ships sail out of the latter. It’s about a 20-minute drive to the terminal by shuttle, taxi, or Uber from the international airport.

Of all the ports in Hawaii, Honolulu is the only one that resembles a metropolitan city because it is.

But even though it offers the comforts of large chain franchises and big-name restaurants, it still emits a touch of intimacy with its torch-lit streets and abundance of beachside patios to watch the glowing sunsets.

Should you extend your stay in the downtown Waikiki area, a taxi ride will cost you approximately USD 25. While it’s only 3.1 miles or 4.9 km from the Honolulu cruise terminal to Waikiki, the slow traffic makes it seem longer.

Staying at Waikiki Beach can be expensive, with hotels charging resort fees and additional amounts to park a rental car. The Waikiki area is a hub of activity with fantastic dining venues, shopping, and a good starting point for other excursions.

What To Do In Oahu

The Waikiki area is one of the most famous tropical playgrounds in the world. With endless sports like stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and bodyboarding, who would want to leave the beach?

One of the best places for snorkeling is Hanauma Bay which is close to Waikiki. While the region around Waikiki remains a tourist hotspot, it isn’t for everyone.

Traveling around Oahu, there are awe-inspiring trails to hike like Diamond Head, Lanikai Pillbox, Koko Crater, or Stairway to Heaven, also known as the Haiku Stairs.

If hiking isn’t adventurous enough, try surfing the big surf on the north shore or getting some GoPro action in a shark cage (something I intend to do on my next trip!)

No trip to Hawaii is complete without learning its incredible history. Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum provide a great starting point. Also, a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center is necessary to discover the regions that make up Polynesia.

Without a doubt, the most popular port excursion is a humbling tour of Pearl Harbor. Here, I learned about the events that led to the sorrowful attack on Pearl Harbor and those that gave their lives for their country.

While it takes a day to see the Arizona Memorial, battleship, submarine, and museum, you can see parts of the exhibit if you have a plane to catch. 

As an army brat, my visit to Pearl Harbor was not complete without a solemn visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This stunning cemetery at Punchbowl Crater memorializes all men and women who perished while serving in the United States Military.

Volcano Cruising

One of the highlights for everyone cruising around Hawaii is seeing the mighty Kilauea in action. Cruising by Kilauea usually happens between the Kona and Hilo port days.

It’s important to note that while the cruise lines list “cruising by Kilauea” on the itinerary, it’s not the spectacular event I imagined. Cruise ships circle the Big Island far from the coastline, so even if Kilauea is exercising its fury, the red lava is a speck of a glow in the far distance.

During the sail by, the captain will announce the red glow (should there be any). However, no matter how expensive your camera is, passengers cannot capture it digitally due to distance. Also, cruising past the volcano happens around midnight, when most have retired for the night.

Final Thoughts

For those that have the time and the money, a back-to-back cruise extends the fun in the sun by continuing to Australia. The extended cruise stops in Tahiti, the Society Islands, and New Zealand and includes a few sea days.

While cruising to Hawaii from Vancouver, Canada makes for a fabulous vacation, it isn’t for everyone. First of all, you have to like cruising and not mind the five consecutive sea days. If you don’t feel like you see enough of Hawaii, extend your vacation with some days in a hotel.

Have you cruised to Hawaii? What was your overall experience? I’d love to hear from you.