Cruising to Hawaii: Why Flying to Honolulu First Makes the Most Sense

 

Cruising to Hawaii: Why Flying to Honolulu First Makes the Most Sense

Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, and cruising around the islands is a fantastic way to see multiple islands without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. But not all Hawaii cruises are created equal—and in my experience, the best way to experience the islands is to fly into Honolulu first and then set sail with a Hawaiian cruise line like Norwegian Cruise Line. Here’s why.

The Challenge with Traditional Hawaii Cruises

Many Hawaii cruises depart from the West Coast—Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle—and while the idea of a longer voyage might seem relaxing, it often means:

• Too many days at sea: You can spend 4–6 days just crossing the Pacific before even reaching your first Hawaiian port. That’s a lot of time onboard without exploring Hawaii itself.

• Limited time on the islands: By the time you arrive, you often only have short stops at each island, leaving little room to truly explore the beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and cultural sites that make Hawaii so special.

Why Fly to Honolulu First

Flying directly to Honolulu changes the game:

• Maximize your island time: You can start your Hawaiian adventure right away, spending a few days in Oahu before cruising. This gives you the chance to explore iconic sites like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and the North Shore.

• Shorter sea days: When you board a cruise from Honolulu, the distances between islands are much shorter, meaning more time on land and less time just watching the ocean go by.

• Flexibility in itineraries: You can choose cruises that focus on specific islands or combine them for the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Sample Norwegian Hawaii Itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line offers some fantastic options for travelers flying into Honolulu:

1. Oahu to Maui, Kauai & Big Island (7–10 nights)

   • Ports: Honolulu → Hilo → Kona → Lahaina → Nawiliwili → Honolulu

   • Highlights: Volcano National Park, Road to Hana, pristine beaches, and charming towns on Kauai.

2. Round-trip Honolulu (5–7 nights)

   • Ports: Honolulu → Maui → Big Island → Kauai → Honolulu

   • Highlights: Perfect for a shorter trip without missing any must-see Hawaiian destinations.

3. Extended Island Hopper (10+ nights)

   • Ports: Honolulu → Maui → Big Island → Kauai → Molokai → Lanai → Honolulu

   • Highlights: For travelers who want a deeper exploration of lesser-visited islands and hidden gems.

My Recommendation

If you want the ultimate Hawaiian experience, spend a few nights on Oahu first to get a taste of the island before cruising. Then hop aboard a Norwegian cruise to visit Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island at a relaxed pace. This way, you avoid long stretches at sea, get more quality time on each island, and still enjoy the luxury of cruising.

Hawaii is too beautiful to spend half your trip staring at the horizon! By flying in first and cruising the islands, you’ll return home with more memories, photos, and aloha spirit than you ever imagined.