The Hawaiian islands are so amazing that even just whispering the word, Hawaii, evokes a warm breeze and waft of plumeria. The Aloha State is so popular that the islands receive around 10 million visitors per year.
I have vacationed in Hawaii many times, arriving there both by airplane and by cruise ship. Does either option offer an advantage? Read on to discover if you’re better off cruising around or flying to the Paradise of the Pacific.
Why fly?
Time Efficiency
You get to the islands much faster, thus your tropical vacation begins immediately. This is a big draw if your vacation is a week or less.
Also, unless your journey starts on the West Coast, you need to take a flight to a West Coast port in order to board a cruise ship to Hawaii. At that point perhaps it’s better to just keep flying westward.
Seeking Solitude
If getting away from the masses is a key objective of your holiday, then flying is a faster way to get to your quiet place on the islands.
Why not?
Flight Delays and Cancellations
Weather may affect your flight, even if the weather events are far from your location.
One time I was flying to Hawaii from California and should have been sinking my toes into the sand during sunset. The flight was super delayed and we didn’t reach Oahu until well into the night.
My family was trying to fly home from Kauai recently and bad weather in Seattle meant cancelled flights and extra nights in Hawaii. A holiday extension is usually nothing to complain about, but last-minute hotel nights in Hawaii can run $500 USD per night! My family ended up missing Christmas at home and forked over a lot more money than anticipated.
Cruises can see some embarkation delays but the navigation crew can often make up those hours over the several sea days. And the greater staffing on the bridge means, unlike flights, cruises are never cancelled because the crew was sent to a hotel to catch up on sleep.
Why cruise?
Relaxation
If you love relaxing on boats, then this is the itinerary for you. There is a five-day crossing, each direction. That is ten sea days to soak up the sun poolside, with or without a fruity cocktail.
Island Hopping
Although Hawaii is an archipelago, there is currently only one ferry between the islands (Maui to Lanai). All other interisland travel requires flights, and the inconvenience of airport security. A cruise ship gives you the opportunity to visit multiple islands on one trip, with the typical itinerary taking you to the Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui.
Lodging
Hawaii is not known for economical lodging: even the older hotels are still expensive. A cruise ship provides both your transportation and your room. Cruise deals come up often so the cost is likely to be cheaper than the flight/hotel combination.
Fun Activities
Cruise lines typically offer enrichment activities like language lessons, wildlife lectures, etc. There is an opportunity to dive into a knowledge base not typically offered at a beachy resort.
Princess Cruises offered free hula dancing and ukulele lessons on our recent cruise. At the end of the cruise, the students put on a show!
Luggage
Pack as many shoes and hats as your heart desires. The cabins can be small on ships but they don’t limit your luggage allowance!
Flexibility and Acts of God
The Hawaiian Islands experience natural disasters that can upend vacations and wreak havoc for locals and holiday makers. Tsunamis, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions can happen at any time. Cruises are quite flexible and can modify schedules for safety concerns.
The tragic wildfires that devastated the city of Lahaina, Maui caused the reeling residents to request a pause on tourism. The cruise port facilities were destroyed, and there is no telling when West Maui will again be ready to receive tourism.
Because a cruise ship is mobile, it can substitute ports as needed. On our recent cruise, the Maui port was replaced by Hilo on the Big Island. We were still able to have four Hawaiian ports of call, while leaving the residents of Maui to heal and repair.
Why not cruise?
Limited Time
With ten sea days and four port days, most of your vacation will not actually be spent in Hawaii.
Also, due to the island hopping schedule, guests are limited by time in each port. All-aboard times will vary, but some days you will need to be back onboard by 4 or 5 PM.
Sea Sickness
This may seem obvious but it will be important if it affects you! Hawaii is an ocean crossing on a cruise ship not specifically designed as an ocean liner. The seas are likely to be rougher than cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean. If the thought of maneuvering through 12-foot swells (or bigger!) makes you feel a little green, a cruise is probably going to fill you with regret.
Cruise Vibes
Cruises can feel gimmicky and crowded. And it just may not be your thing. That’s okay. If buffets and pool games make you cringe, consider jet-setting versus making waves.
To Sum It Up
Hawaii is a tropical paradise that delights all the senses. Cruises are a fun way to experience the islands but it may or may not be best for you. Hope this post helps you decide if you would enjoy a Hawaii cruise.
