Experience Hawaii on an Island Hopping Community Cruise

You probably already know that Hawaii has breathtaking natural beauty, amazing cultural experiences, thrills and adventures, and a relaxed island vibe. All of these things make Hawaii a great group vacation destination. But did you know that every island also has its own vibe? A Hawaii cruise offers your group the flexibility to island-hop so you can experience more of these vibes. This means you can stay longer on certain islands or even skip some entirely, depending on your preferences. It's like having a customized island-hopping vacation!

Surfers enjoying the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii

Hawaii has something for everyone in your group

No matter what your community is passionate about, Hawaii has a unique experience they will love.

History. Make sure you sure you plan a stop to pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial and learn about the historical significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor

Outdoors. Visit Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness active volcanic activity and learn about the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands. Explore Waimea Canyon, a dramatic canyon landscape with stunning views. Or hike to the top of the iconic Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views of Honolulu.

Adventure. Plan a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, and get an aerial perspective of the islands, including volcanic landscapes and coastlines. Or experience Hawaii’s undersea world in an environmentally safe submarine.

Helicopter Tour over Kauai

Culinary. Take a Pineapple Plantation Tour with Dole or Maui Pineapple Tours and discover the process of growing pineapples on a working plantation. Tour a coffee farm where you’ll learn about the history of Kona coffee, see the coffee plants growing, and have the opportunity to sample different varieties. Greenwell Farms, Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm, Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee, and Hala Tree Coffee all offer tours. Or visit a macadamia nut farm on the Big Island where you can take a guided tour and learn about the growing process, see the trees, and even sample some fresh macadamia nuts.

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Animals. Stop by the Lanai Cat Sanctuary , a safe haven for over 600 spayed and neutered cats, and spend your day playing with these cuties. Book a whale watching cruise and experience the thrill of seeing a majestic humpback whale breech and land on its side with a magnificent splash.

Breeching Humpback Whale

Hawaiian & Polynesian Culture. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, which offers immersive experiences like traditional luaus, canoe rides, and demonstrations of Polynesian crafts and arts. Take a cultural tour or visit a local museum to learn more about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, history, and traditions. Or attend a Hawaiian luau to experience traditional Hawaiian music, dance, food, and storytelling.

Hula dancer on the beach

Tropical Beaches. Relax on Hawaii’s pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Your crew can also take up other water activities like scuba, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, waterskiing, or jet skiing.

Makena Alanui Beach in Wailea-Makena, HI

Best Time to Take a Hawaiian Cruise

There is no bad time to cruise to Hawaii, but you’ll want to keep these pros and cons in mind when planning your group trip.

Spring (March-May) has pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but some islands may still experience occasional rain showers. It is a fantastic spring break destination!

Summer (June-August) has warm weather, long days, and plenty of sunshine, but it is peak season, which means higher prices and larger crowds.

Fall (September-November) has pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and beautiful fall foliage on some islands. It is, however, still hurricane season, although the risk is relatively low for cruise ships.

Winter (December-February) is whale watching season - when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed and calve. During this time, you can often see these majestic creatures breaching, spouting, and playing in the ocean. There is a festive atmosphere, but it is a peak season with higher prices and larger crowds. There is also potential for snow on the higher elevations of the Big Island!

Unique Hawaiian Cruise Itineraries

Many cruise lines have programs and experiences dedicated to immersing your group in Hawaiian culture, even while onboard. This may include a luau and other events that feature delicious food, live music, hula dancing, and cultural performances. They are a great way to bring your crew together to experience something new and create lasting memories.

The NCL Pride of America is the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship. Pride of America sails year-round from Honolulu, so you can sail the Hawaiian islands when convenient for your group. You’ll visit four Hawaiian Islands and five ports in seven days while you cruise through paradise in style.

Paddle boarding in front of Pride of America in Hawaii

Princess Cruises has several ships that sail the Hawaiian Islands, including Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, and Royal Princess. Each includes the Aloha Spirit enrichment program, which offers island-inspired activities and entertainment, specially curated Hawaiian dishes in the eateries, and award-winning cultural and scenic shore excursions - immersing your crew in Polynesian culture.

Princess cruise ship docked in Hawaii

Holland America’s Koningsdam cruise ship offers a variety of experiences to make your group’s Hawaii cruise unique. These cruises visit multiple Hawaiian islands, including Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kona, and Nawiliwili, and include an overnight or late-night departure from Honolulu. They have food and wine tastings and cooking demonstrations, so your group can bond while learning new Hawaiian techniques. Every cruise offers opportunities to learn about Polynesian culture at visitor centers, such as the Polynesian Cultural Center north of Honolulu. And you can support Maui’s recovery through their fundraising program, On Deck for a Cause.

Holland America Koningsdam at Sea

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about a group cruise to Hawaii, we would highly recommend it! You’ll immerse your crew in natural beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed island atmosphere both onboard and on the Islands, with many opportunities for shared experiences and magical memories. Hawaii has something to offer everyone.

Untethered Voyages provides a full range of travel planning support for group cruises. If your group is ready to head off on a Hawaiian adventure, let us take care of the planning and booking details so you can focus on building memories.