A Hawaiian cruise is an unforgettable journey through paradise. While the allure of the open sea is undeniable, many visitors find the island excursions incredibly fulfilling, allowing them to explore all of the Hawaiian islands. Our guide will take you through the best cruise excursions available across the six islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, the Big Island, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. Each island offers something unique. The opportunity to enjoy each for what it has to offer creates lasting memories for you and your family.
Top Hawaiian Cruise Excursions by Island
Maui Cruise Excursions
Maui offers a diverse range of cruise excursions, catering to all interests in your group. You’ll find that cruise lines offer their own excursions, which allow for ease of convenience and transportation, but many reputable independent tour operators also offer excursions. Given Maui’s expansive landscape, selecting an excursion that aligns with your desired activity level is important to get the most out of your excursion.
When visiting Maui, we recommend:
- Driving the Road to Hāna
- Watching a sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā National Park
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
- Hiking ʻĪao Valley State Park
- Visiting us at the Maui Ocean Center!
Hawaiʻi (Big Island) Cruise Excursions
When your cruise ship visits Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, you’ll experience two different sides of the island: the more wet eastern coast and the drier western coast. This dual access offers diverse excursions, ranging from mild activities to more adventurous. With so much to do, you’ll want to maximize your time on the island.
When visiting the Big Island, we recommend:
- Exploring Rainbow Falls & ʻAkaka Falls
- Touring the Kona Coffee Plantation
- Experiencing the Historic Kailua-Kona Village & Huliheʻe Palace
- Ziplining through the rainforest canopy
- Stargazing at the Maunakea Summit
Oʻahu Cruise Excursions
Oʻahu is a wonderful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once you dock, you’ll find plenty of excursion options, whether booked directly through your cruise line or with independent operators. Many tours offer pickup and drop-off directly at the Honolulu Cruise Port, while others may require a short transfer to a central meeting point. If you decide on the short transfer option, be sure to factor that time in.
When visiting Oʻahu, we recommend:
- Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Tour
- Oʻahu Circle Island Tour
- Diamond Head Crater Hike
- Kualoa Ranch Tours
- Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore
Kauaʻi Cruise Excursions
When visiting Kauaʻi, cruise passengers arrive at Nāwiliwili Harbor in Lihue. Excursions range from a few hours to full-day adventures, carefully timed to match up with your ship’s arrival and departure schedule. Most cruise lines and independent tour operators provide round-trip transportation directly from the pier, but always double check in advance, especially with popular tours.
When visiting Kauaʻi, we recommend:
- Exploring Waimea Canyon State Park
- Kauaʻi Movie Sites Tour
- Kayaking on Wailua River and hiking to Secret Falls
- Walking through Kōloa Old Town and Poʻipū Beach
- Taking a boat or catamaran tour of Nāpali Coast
Molokaʻi Cruise Excursions
Molokaʻi is characterized by its natural beauty and deep cultural roots. It differs from the other islands in that it isn’t as busy, allowing you to experience a slower, more authentic pace. You’ll likely be taken to Molokaʻi through smaller, expedition-style cruises or by ferry from Maui. This often means that shore excursions are pre-arranged and smaller, providing more intimate cultural encounters and nature exploration.
When visiting Molokaʻi, we recommend:
- Exploring Kalaupapa National Historical Park
- Hiking through the Hālawa Valley
- Touring Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
- Immersing yourself at Molokaʻi Museum and Cultural Center
- Learning to make leis at Molokaʻi Plumerias
Lānaʻi Cruise Excursions
Cruise excursions to Lānaʻi often involve unique logistical considerations because the island doesn’t have a cruise dock to handle larger vessels. Many Lānaʻi excursions are offered as day trips from Maui as a result. This does mean there’s a little more planning involved with travel times to always confirm transportation details, check-in times, and any parking instructions. Despite more logistics, your reward is an incredible experience on Lānaʻi.
When visiting Lānaʻi, we recommend:
- Snorkeling and swimming in Hulopoʻe Bay
- Visiting Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia)
- Hiking or biking Munro Trail
- Exploring Lānaʻi Adventure Park
- Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
