Many love to go to Hawaii. Since Hawaii is made of up many different islands one has to consider how they are going to experience this beautiful place.
There is only one cruise line that actually begins and ends in Hawaii. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only U.S. flagged ship that is able to do this; all other cruise lines either begin or end at a destination that is not Hawaii because they are not flagged as U.S. vessels. Here are some pros and cons to cruising the islands of Hawaii.
Pros to cruising:
- Unpack one time. The ship is your hotel and takes you from island to island.
- Visit more islands in one week with overnights on certain islands. If you think you might only go once in your life, this is a great option to have you see a lot of the main islands of Hawaii.
- No inter-island flights. You travel by sea.
- Cruise the famed Napali Coast.
- Year round cruise itineraries available.
- All-inclusive- all food and activities are included (many of which are based on many Hawaii customs and cultures.)
Cons to cruising:
- Shorter time in ports of call. You need to be back on your ship when it leaves, yes it will leave you. However, not sure that is such a horrible thing to be left behind in Hawaii.
- Glimpse of the land, you might have overnights in some ports of call depending on your itinerary, but over all this is a good sampling of Hawaii and all she has to offer.
- Regimented times, must stay in the parameters of the cruise line arrival and departure times.
- Land tours are another option you can take advantage of in Hawaii. Globus and Tauck are very good in Hawaii and clients give great feedback after they return. Land touring can be combined with the cruising option for a longer stay or some may include it in there itineraries. Here are the pros and cons for land touring.
Pros to land touring:
- All-inclusive with some companies. Dependent on what you choose and what you can afford you can be pampered from the time you land to the time you depart. These companies are terrific at they do and want you to go home with an experience of a lifetime.
- Local experiences. Authentic, cultural immersion.
- Hotels and accommodations right in the heart of Hawaii’s cities and beautiful locations to give clients the best experiences.
- More flexibility for free time and guests can enjoy the destination on their own.
- Local guides and hosts, that live there and know what is going on, giving expert advice to guests.
Cons to land touring:
- Could be locked into only one island, carefully consider your tour or package that is built for you. Each island in Hawaii is so different. Try to make the most of the time you have and make sure the highlights you want to see are on that island.
- Inter-island flights, this will take time out of your touring.
- If you are island hopping, you will have to unpack multiple times at each destination.
- Tours have certain departure dates & may have only so many days at an island, this may not be good if you want more of a leisurely stay.
- If not in an escorted tour, which is another option too, you will have to plan for transfers, car rentals, etc. More work on your end of the travel. Great for independent travelers, but not for those that are really wanting to stop and enjoy the scenery without the work of getting there.
Hawaii is the trip of a lifetime for many. I hope these will bring to light some things you may not have thought about previously. This bucket list destination is one that should be planned with your considerations and values in mind.
Give yourself a day to get there and a day to get back. It is a long flight, however the reward is amazing. I highly recommend more than a week if you can swing it. I also recommend highly, whether you go by land or by sea, you go.
-Leigh Ann Arnholt
Owner, Carson Travel
