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Adventure Cruises in Hawaii
Breathtaking scenery and nature, both on land and in the water - Hawaii is truly unforgettable.
Hawaii is an island state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about 3,000 kilometres (2,000 mi) from the U.S. mainland. It is made up of 137 volcanic islands spanning 2,400 kilometres (1,500 mi). The eight main islands are Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi, after which the state is named; it is often called the "Big Island" or "Hawaii Island" to avoid confusion with the state or archipelago. The uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands make up most of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the United States’ largest protected area and the third-largest in the world.
Small ship cruises in Hawaii offer travellers an unmatched way to experience the beauty of these Pacific islands. These intimate voyages provide passengers with a front-row seat to the natural wonders of the islands, as well as the opportunity to explore remote areas that are inaccessible by larger cruise ships.
Best Hawaii cruises and areas to visit
Big Island
Hawaii, also known as “the Big Island”, is the largest island in America's Hawaiian archipelago and home to 2 active volcanoes - Kilauea & Mauna Loa. The Big Island has some amazing snorkelling sites, such as Hapuna Beach with its beautiful colored sand beaches; lush rainforests are waiting for exploration just outside Volcanos National Park, where you can find many tropical plants and animals. The earthy black sand at Punalu'u Beach is breathtaking with its vivid colour, while green sand decorates the Papakolea shoreline. Within Volcanoes National Park, there are also 2 other noteworthy landmarks: Hapuna Beach, which has seen some major development recently with hotels built around its scenic coastlines; Kahalau'U beach park offers excellent snorkelling opportunities offshore from where guests can see turtles swimming underwater.
The sunny Kona District is a stretch of land on the West side, where you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. Maunaloa shields south Kona’s clear waters from the wind, making them ideal for snorkelling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and Hawaiian green sea turtles, locally known as Honu. One of Kona’s most memorable experiences is going on a manta ray boat tour, scuba diving, or snorkelling with these gentle and graceful sea creatures.
Maui
Maui is the second most popular island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and it is for good reason that it is a National Park. You can enjoy 30 miles of golden beaches with crescent-shaped Kapalua as well as towering peaks like Hana Highway that provide visitors with incredible views. One such beach that stretches for miles along Haleakala National Park's south-facing coastline is Ohe’o Gulch pools, with their waterfalls tumbling down lush green cliffs into clear blue ocean waters below.
O’ahu
O’ahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and home to a diverse population. From the bustling city life of Honolulu, or laidback surf towns like Makaha Ali’i on Oahu's North Shore. There’s something for everyone when visiting O'ahu whether it is a tour near Waikiki Beach, which offers stunning views overlooking the ocean, or visiting attractions such as the Diamond Head volcanic cone. The island has three major seasons: lush green hills in the summertime when they’re covered by groves; warm golden days that bring on fall colors like reds or oranges depending on where you are located across this diverse region known as "Theillelo"; then finally, cool frosty conditions at winter's end which make it perfect timing before the next long hot season begins.
Kauai
Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island, also known as "the Garden Isle" thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. The landscape is breathtaking, with emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs surrounded by tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls, some of which are only accessible by air or sea. The cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have been the backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are great hiking destinations. Popular tourist activities include kayaking the Wailua River, snorkeling on Poipu Beach, hiking the trails of Kokee State Park, or ziplining above Kauai's lush valleys.
Molokai
Molokai is the fifth-largest island in the Hawaii archipelago, only 61 kilometers (38 mi) long and 16 kilometers (10 mi) across at its widest point. Home to the highest sea cliffs in the world as well as an incredible strip reef that extends for over 30 kilometers (19 mi), this remote destination offers visitors both outdoor adventures like exploring Kalaupapa National Historical Park or taking one of many guided tours along scenic roads winding through secluded valleys between mountainsides covered by lush tropical jungle forests--but also allows them to spend time on beaches filled with white sand dunes overlooked annually during side water conditions because they're so large.
Lana’i
Lana'i is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, just 14.5 kilometres (9 mi) from Maui. The island has luxurious resorts but also rugged back roads fit only for 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Long Polihua Beach has scenic views of nearby islands as well as an offshore wreck that's home to some interesting marine life, including green turtles. There are hiking trails through lush tropical jungle landscapes filled with fields of flowers. On the northern side of the island, Shipwreck Beach attracts sun lovers and fossil collectors who come to explore its offshore wreck of a WWII tanker. It also offers views into Molokai and Maui islands from sea level while green turtles swim nearby or humpback whales appear near shore during their annual migration route through Pacific waters.
