Why Cruising is a Fantastic way to see Hawaii!

Those who know me well will know I have a thing for the Hawaiian Islands (in 2022 I will reach double digit visits) and I may have cruised it a few times (4 times to be precise). 

The first time I ever cruised anywhere, was around the Hawaiian Islands on the brand new Norwegian Star back in January 2002, I was 21 years old and she was 4 weeks brand new. She was emaculate and had all the new car feels, but in the shape of a 91,000 tonne ship. I didn't know what to expect, I had never stepped foot on a ship before, but what an introduction to cruising, on a spectacular brand new ship and in the Hawaiian Islands, no wonder I became addicted very quickly. 

Over the years, I cruised a second time on the Norwegian Star, then onto the Pride of America and Pride of Hawaii (before she changed name to the Norwegian Jade). From my first trip to Hawaii and my first cruise, it was an instant love of both.  It might be a 10 hour flight from Sydney but it's worth every minute, for the rush of heat as you step off the plane, to the swaying palm trees and crystal clear waters.  

The Pride of America is the only cruise ship registered in the USA, so it can sail a whole week around the Hawaiian Islands, without having to go to an international port, the closest being a day and a half sail away (Republic of Kiribati - I sailed there twice on the Norwegian Star).

The food onboard Pride of America was surprisingly good, with 19 restaurants onboard, including Cagney's Steakhouse which easily rivals some amazing land based steakhouses, East meet West Asian Restaurant, the Liberty and Skyline main dining rooms, the Cadillac Diner which gives you the experience of a traditional American diner (including classic car seating and all) and my favourite Jefferson's Bistro, which I have dined at many a time, there is nothing like the elegant interiors and crisp white linens that make this French themed restaurant, c'est magnifique! So whether you stick to the Complimentary Restaurants and blow your budget on Blue Hawaii's, Lava Flows or Mai Tai's or splurge a little on the Speciality Restaurants you will never starve and be happy with your choice.

The Pride of America departs Honolulu late every Saturday Night, which gives you the whole day to explore what gems Honolulu has to offer, as its recommended to fly in a minimum of 1 day before, you don't want to miss the ship and have to book your own flight to Maui for embarkation the next day. 

On your first morning Day 2, you will arrive into Kahului, Maui which is on the north-eastern side of the Island, located close to Maui's main airport. Kahului is approximately 40 minutes drive from the beaches and resorts of Lahaina, known for its golden beaches, amazing discount outlet shopping and Front Street which is adorn with local vendors and tourist shops to pick up Maui souvenirs or visit the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, based off the classic american movie 'Forrest Gump' 

Day 3, get up early to watch the sunrise from the top of Mt Haleakala, then head to upcountry to visit the Organic Vodka Distillery and Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm or head out to explore the Road to Hana, one of the most scenic drives along an American Coastline with a stop on the way back at the historic village of Paia for some amazing Pizza at the Flatbread Company. 

Day 4, you will awake in Hilo which is on the north-eastern side of the Big Island of Hawai'i, this is the second largest city in the islands and to be honest, there isn't much to the city itself but it is the best location to firstly head up to the Volcanoes National Park to check out Mt Kilauea, the most active of Hawaiian Volcanoes, and she has been quite angry in the last few years. You can also head up Mauna Kea which is the tallest mountain in the world, from its base on the seafloor to its peak.  Did you know that the Big Island of Hawaii is the only place on earth that you can play in snow and surf on the same day!  You don't want to book into dinner too late tonight because, the Pride of America does a sail around the southern tip of Hawai'i and if you are lucky, you can see Kilauea's Lava spewing into the ocean. 

Day 5, you will head around to the west side of Hawai'i to the small town of Kona. Here you can visit the deep black lava fields or swim with sea turtles. 

Days 6 & half of Day 7 you will spend in your final port of Nawilwili, Kaua'i, this island would have to be the least-developed of the Hawaiian Islands that the ship visits. You can head out to discover the breathtaking Waimea Canyon or journey along the Wailua River and visit tropical rainforests, Kaua'i is full of remote trails to cascading waterfalls!  On the last afternoon of your cruise, you will sail along the Na Pali Coastline, which is known for its sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs formed over centuries.

On your last morning, either get up early to see you sail past Waikiki or sleep in to enjoy the last moments of the motion of the ocean, either way whether you love cruising or not, this is the best way to experience America's 50th state, it's so worth the adventure!