When considering the best time to go on a cruise, there are multiple factors that have to be accounted for — namely the region you want to sail. The best time for a Caribbean cruise isn’t going to be the same as the best time for a northern Europe or Alaska voyage, for example. Other factors like cost, weather, and crowds might also be things you take into consideration.

To help you figure out when you should best aim for taking a cruise, we’re breaking down our recommendations by region.

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How to Pick the Best Time to Go on a Cruise

Caribbean and Bahamas

There isn’t necessarily any “bad” time to cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas, with the region welcoming cruise ships all year-round. However there are things to take into consideration, such as hurricane season which runs from June through November. Prices tend to be a bit cheaper from September through November, because of this and because kids are back in school.

Weather and crowd-wise, we recommend taking a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise in the January to mid-May time period, not counting school break weeks. The weather is more mild this time of year, it’s not hurricane season, and crowds shouldn’t be quite as heavy when school is in session.

Alaska

The Alaska cruise season generally runs from mid-April through September; cruise ships don’t sail in the region when it’s at its coldest throughout the winter. Of the cruising season, there isn’t a clear-cut answer when it comes to when is “best.”

To avoid crowds, choose a voyage during the shoulder season in April, May, or September. The least rainy month is May, while the warmest (and busiest) will be July and August. Certain times of the Alaska cruise season also increase your chances of seeing wildlife and/or the Norther Lights.

Mediterranean

Cruise ships sail in the Mediterranean all year long, but the primary season runs from April into early November. For more mild weather and less crowds than during the busy summer season, aim for a Mediterranean voyage in early May or September.

For the lowest crowds, look for one of the few voyages sailing in the winter or early spring. If you’re looking for warmth and sunbathing weather, June and July are good bets — avoid August if possible due to the hottest temperatures and highest crowd levels.

Mexican Riviera

There isn’t really a “bad” time to cruise to Mexico’s west coast, as the weather ranges from balmy to hot the majority of the year, and cruise ships sail there year-round.

For warm weather that isn’t too hot and the best chance at no rain, look to visit the Mexican Riviera during the winter and into early spring. As long as you avoid time periods where kids are off from school (Christmas break, winter break, spring break, etc.), you’ll also encounter fewer crowds during this timeframe.

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Bermuda

The Bermuda cruise season generally runs from late March into early November. For mild weather, cheaper cruise fares, and fewer crowds, try to sail right at the beginning of the season in April or May. If you don’t mind spring break crowds, Good Friday and Easter is a fun time to visit Bermuda as there are lots of fun treats to eat and a Good Friday kite flying event at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

If enjoying the fanfare of a yacht racing event is more your speed, try to plan your cruise for the end of April at the beginning of the Bermuda International Invitational Race Week.

Northern Europe

Though cruises are available in northern Europe year-round, you’ll find the largest amount of voyages during the warmer months in spring, summer, and the beginning of fall. The best season to take a cruise in northern Europe weather-wise is in the summer from June through August. If you’re okay with cooler weather and want fewer crowds, opt for a sailing in September or October.

Canada/New England

The best time to visit Canada and New England is highly subjective based on what your goal is in going there. If you want the warmest, sunniest weather to explore quaint coastal towns and cities on the northern Atlantic seaboard, July and August are your best bets.

But many travelers head to this region specifically to see the dazzling fall foliage, in which case the best time to visit is October. September can be a good middle ground, because crowds will thin out (as school is back in session) but the weather will still be warm. There’s also a chance to see the start of the leaves changing towards the end of the month, though it varies from year-to-year and is never guaranteed.

Australia/New Zealand

Cruises sail Down Under year-round, and there is no cut-and-dry answer as to when the best season is to sail. Different parts of the region experience different weather in relation to the seasons, and it comes down to what’s most important to you.

For sunny skies and hot days in many parts of the continent where cruise ships sail, take a cruise during the austral summer. Since the seasons are flipped for the northern and southern hemispheres, that means during our winter season, from around December through March.

Waiting until at least February or March is a good idea for avoiding crowds, as Australian and New Zealander kids’ summer break generally runs from mid-December through January. For a voyage in northern Australia, consider March or later, as the cyclone season runs through February.

Hawaii

Like many other regions, there isn’t really a “bad” time to visit Hawaii. Certain times of year are preferable than others based on one factor, but another time of year will be more desirable based on another factor.

If you want more mild weather that isn’t in the rainy season, consider April to May or September to October. For the least chance of a rain shower (but the hottest temperatures), take a cruise to Hawaii in June, July, or August. For the best prices, look into voyages that sail in November and early December.

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What’s your best time to go on a cruise? Which of these regions have you visited on a cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share what time of year you like to vacation.

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Are you looking to cruise without a passport? For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. While we do recommend having a passport just in case, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one.

Can you cruise without a passport?

Yes, you can cruise without a passport (in certain situations). For U.S. citizens, a passport is not required for closed loop cruises. A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port.

For a closed loop cruise, a birth certificate and a government issued ID are the only forms of documentation required. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. A photocopy will not be permitted.

Keep in mind that these requirements are for U.S. citizens only. For all other nationalities, a passport is generally required to cruise.

Of course, if you are traveling internationally, U.S. citizens will need a passport. A passport is required for all international flights and for any cruise that embarks or disembarks in a foreign country.

Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations (open loop cruises).

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Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport?

You can cruise without a passport to the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations, and the good news is that you can cruise the Caribbean without a passport. Many of the newest mega-ships from contemporary cruise lines visit popular islands in the Caribbean region. There are also several U.S. departure points for Caribbean cruises.

The Caribbean offers that picturesque tropical vacation of which you are dreaming. With itineraries generally divided into Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean routes, you will have plenty of choices when it comes to a Caribbean cruise.

Which islands are visited does vary slightly by the cruise ship and cruise line. However, all islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours. There will also be adventure activities like zip lining and off-road tours at most ports of call.

Again, do keep in mind if you decide to cruise without a passport, you might not be able to get off the ship in certain locations. For example, the Caribbean island of Martinique requires that all cruise passengers have a valid passport to go ashore.

You can cruise to the Bahamas without a passport

The Bahamas is another popular cruise destination that you can visit without a passport. Normally, these cruises depart from the East Coast of the United States, primarily from Florida homeports. If you are looking for a shorter duration cruise or just a quick getaway, then a Bahamas cruise is definitely for you.

While you are probably familiar with Nassau, Bahamas, this region is also home to many cruise line private destinations. These private islands offer exclusive access for passengers sailing with the cruise line. These islands usually offer included food, beach access with loungers, and other amenities.

For instance, MSC Cruises has a brand new Bahamian paradise at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Virgin Voyages has its new Beach Club at Bimini. Additionally, who could forget Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. There is also Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, Carnival Cruise Line’s Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays.

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You can cruise without a passport from Seattle to Alaska

For many, the seasonal cruise destination of Alaska is high on their bucket lists. An Alaskan cruise even lures those who wouldn’t necessarily consider a cruise. These vacations are more about the destination than the cruise ship. Cruises to Alaska appeal to nature lovers, photographers, and explorers. On an Alaskan cruise, you can set off in search of glacial vistas, wildlife encounters, and some of the freshest seafood.

Most major cruise lines offer sailings in this region. The most popular U.S. embarkation port for Alaska cruises is Seattle. Though, there are also roundtrip cruises from Vancouver and one-way itineraries.

These itineraries usually include port stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, Alaska. These itineraries can visit Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia as well. These ports of call offer a variety of shore excursion options from helicopter rides over glaciers, to whale watching, bear sightings, salmon bakes, and historic gold route tours.

Keep in mind that even though you are not required to have a passport to cruise to Alaska, some excursions like the White Pass Railway in Skagway may require a passport.

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Do you need a passport for Hawaii?

The accessibility of the Hawaiian islands makes it a popular cruise destination especially for those looking to stay within the United States.

Most Hawaiian cruises depart from the island of Oahu, visiting the Big Island and Maui. Some cruises also visit the island of Kauai. With attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and a selection of luaus, Oahu definitely requires a couple days to explore either pre-cruise or post cruise.

The Big Island‘s landscape is very diverse with volcanoes, mountainous terrain, beaches, rainforests, and everything in between. One of our favorite excursions was a helicopter ride over the island.

An over-night visit to the island of Maui is common on a Hawaiian cruise as well. Some of Maui’s most popular attractions include the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater.

Several cruise lines normally have ships making stops in the region. As the only ship sailing in Hawaii year-round, NCL’s Pride of America is an easy choice. This Americana-themed ship usually sails a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Honolulu offering a comprehensive Polynesian experience.

You can cruise without a passport to Bermuda

If you are looking to cruise without a passport, Bermuda is another popular choice. This British territory is home to some of the friendliest people and arguably the best beaches and natural landscapes in the Atlantic. 

Given that the island is further north than many of the other popular tropical destinations, the weather is a bit more seasonal here. Therefore, cruises to Bermuda generally occur from April to October. Still, that is almost half of the year to find some vacation time to enjoy all that Bermuda has to offer.

Many of the major cruise lines usually have ships that visit Bermuda. Most even offer two or three day stays to enjoy this beautiful location. You can use this time to explore Kings Wharf and other popular stops like St. George’s and Hamilton.

A Bermuda cruise might be the perfect choice for those living in the Northeastern United States as there will be no flying involved. Most Bermuda cruises leave from New York or Cape Liberty, New Jersey. A few also depart from Boston, MA, Baltimore, MD, and occasionally some southern ports like Florida.

You can go on a Mexican Riviera cruise without a passport

For those living on the West Coast, the Mexican Riviera might be the perfect destination to which to cruise without a passport.

Ports in the Mexican Riviera, like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, offer amazing beaches, immersive cultural and historical experiences, and a festive atmosphere day and night. The Mexican Riviera is much like the Caribbean for West Coasters.

Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean.

Mexican Riviera cruises most often depart from California homeports from brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas also sails this region.

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Do you need a passport to cruise Canada and New England?

Last but not least, you can also cruise without a passport to Canada and New England. Canada/New England cruise itineraries are seasonal, running from May to October with the majority of sailings occurring during the Fall.

As native New Englanders, we sometimes take the fall foliage for granted. However, this seasonal change is a sight to behold for many.

Popular ports of call include Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; Portland, ME; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John, New Brunswick. Each of these ports offers its own historic and coastal charm.

In our homeport of Boston, you can learn more about the founding of the United States by trekking the Boston Freedom Trail. You can dive into the history of the Titanic when in Halifax. Or, you can see the Victorian era architecture and historic homes of Portland and visit Arcadia National Park in Bar Harbor.

Our local cuisine is another great reason to cruise to Canada and New England. Portland is home to the one and only Maine Lobster, but the waters off these coasts are home to other seafood delights as well. You can enjoy a rich and creamy cup of New England clam chowder or some Rhode Island style calamari. There are also plenty of sweet treats including maple syrup, whoopie pies, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream from nearby Vermont.

Like Bermuda cruises, popular embarkation ports for Canada/New England cruises are in the Northeast. New York, Cape Liberty (NJ), Baltimore, and Boston are the most popular.

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You might be surprised as to how many regions of the world have tropical climates, which are defined as high year-round temperatures and wet/dry seasons. The tropics are officially located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The tropics include the Equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Thus, if you are looking for the perfect beach escape, look no further than one of our top tropical cruise destinations.

Top Tropical Cruise Destinations

Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most popular tropical cruise vacations. Nearly 35% of all cruises sail the Caribbean.

The Caribbean offers that picturesque tropical vacation of which you are dreaming. Sprawling beaches, turquoise waters, rainforests, and umbrella drinks all await you. Which islands you visit does vary slightly by the ship and cruise line.

However, all Caribbean islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours. There will also be adventure activities like zip lining and off-road tours at most ports of call. 

Itineraries in this region are generally divided into Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean routes. These itineraries can range from 4 or 5 days to traditional 7-day cruises.

Longer itineraries also exist including 9 or 11 days to even 14 days or more!

Related Post: Top Caribbean Cruise Tips

You won’t have a problem finding a tropical cruise to the Caribbean, as cruises to the Caribbean are offered year-round. There are also a variety of ships from all brands at various price points. In fact, many of the newest ships from the major cruise lines visit popular islands in the Caribbean region. 

Some of the more common stops include Jamaica; St. Thomas; St. Maarten; Tortola, BVI; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Aruba; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and more.

Mexico

Another region that is a top tropical cruise destination is Mexico. While Western Caribbean itineraries often include visits to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, there are many other great locales in the Mexican Riviera.

More cruise lines are beginning to shift some of their latest and greatest ships to the West Coast to offer cruises in this region.

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Ports in the Mexican Riviera, like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Acapulco offer amazing beaches, immersive cultural and historical experiences, and a festive atmosphere day and night.

The Mexican Riviera is much like the Caribbean for West Coasters.

Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean.

While there are less ships sailing this region than the Caribbean, you will still have options from popular brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

Hawaii

The accessibility to the Hawaiian islands makes it another popular tropical cruise vacation. Most Hawaiian cruises depart from the island of Oahu, visiting the Big Island and Maui. Some cruises also visit the island of Kauai.

With attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and a selection of luaus, Oahu definitely requires a couple days to explore either pre-cruise or post cruise.

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The Big Island of Hawaii is very diverse. Its landscape ranges from volcanoes, mountainous terrain, beaches, rainforests, and everything in between.

A Hawaiian cruise itinerary is likely to include a stop at Hilo which is on the east side of the island as well as Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the island. One of our favorite excursions was a helicopter ride over the island to marvel at the volcanoes, lush landscapes, and rugged coastline.

Further, an over-night visit to the island of Maui is common on a Hawaiian cruise. Some of Maui’s most popular attractions include the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater.

Several cruise lines have ships making stops in the region. As the only ship sailing in Hawaii year-round, NCL’s Pride of America is an easy choice. This Americana-themed ship sails a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Honolulu offering a comprehensive Polynesian experience. So, why not start planning your 2022 trip now?

Bahamas

Another top tropical cruise vacation, especially for cruises of shorter duration, is the Bahamas. Normally, these cruises depart from the East Coast of the United States. In fact, a majority of these cruises leave from Florida.

While you are probably familiar with Nassau, Bahamas, this region is also home to many cruise line private destinations.

These private islands offer exclusive access for passengers sailing with the cruise line. These islands usually offer included food, beach access with loungers, and other amenities. These destinations have come a long way over the years.

MSC Cruises just debuted its brand new Bahamian paradise at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, and Virgin Voyages is set to debut its brand new Beach Club at Bimini.

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently updated its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, as well. Then, who could forget Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, featuring the tallest waterslide in North America, a large lagoon style pool, and an exclusive beach club.

There is also Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, Carnival Cruise Line’s Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays offering the perfect beach escapes.

Related Post: Guide to Budgeting for a Cruise

All major cruise lines offer Bahamas getaways ranging in length from 3 or 4-day cruises to more traditional 7-day cruises. These cruises also vary in price to accommodate all budgets.

French Polynesia

When many envision tropical cruise vacations, places like Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Fiji might come to mind. If the turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and over-water bungalows are calling your name, you might want to splurge on a cruise to the French Polynesia.

Besides luxurious beach days, these South Pacific islands offer other popular activities as well. Cruisers can explore the area on volcano hikes, snorkel excursions, 4×4 adventures, and so much more.

Of course, you will also want to experience the history, culture, and cuisine while visiting this tropical locale.

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises do offer sailings in this region. Typically, they are roundtrip sailings departing from Australia. However, some brands also offer select one-way itineraries that include this region.

For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line offers one-way itineraries from Hawaii to French Polynesia. Princess Cruises even offers select South Pacific crossings from Australia to the West Coast United States/Canada and occasional round-trip Tahiti cruises.

Related Post: Beginner’s Guide to Cruise Planning

If you are looking for a more intimate experience, brands like Windstar Cruises, Paul Gaugin Cruises, Oceania, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas offer a small ship experience that is perfect for visiting these South Pacific islands.

Central America

Most major cruise lines offer Panama Canal cruises. If cruising through this engineering marvel is not enough, these itineraries also visit tropical cruise locales in Central America. Ports of call like Panama, Costa Rico, and Colombia are often coupled with either Caribbean stops or Mexican Riviera stops along the way.

Panama Canal cruises are usually one-way trips from East Coast to West Coast (or vice versa), though they can be round-trip sailings as well. Brands like Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line all offer trips from Florida to either California, Washington, or Vancouver, BC.

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During your Central America cruise, you must explore the rainforests of Costa Rica. From eco-tours to ziplining excursions, there are so many ways to discover this beautiful topography. There are also wildlife reserves with sloth sightings, UNESCO World Heritage sites, native cultural performances, Mayan ruins, coffee estates, and more to explore in the tropical ports dotted along Panama Canal cruises.

Related Post: What Should I Book Before My Cruise?

Australia

Another bucket list tropical cruise vacation is Australia. It’s no wonder why as this region offers beautiful weather, iconic landmarks, sprawling beaches, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

While the northern part of Australia has a tropical climate, you will find the most selection of cruises to this region during the months of October to May.

Being such a vast continent with such varied landscapes, it is difficult to know where to begin planning a cruise Down Under. However, Australia’s beautiful coastline makes a cruise the perfect way to explore this region.

So, we suggest you do a bit of research on ports of call before choosing your itinerary.

Most of the major cruise lines typically offer sailings in Australia. Sydney is the most popular embarkation port. Though, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle also serve as embarkation ports for some ships.

The length of these itineraries can also vary greatly. From short 2, 3, and 4 day getaways, to typical 7 day cruises, to longer 12-17 day routes, and even select 28-32 day itineraries.

Related Post: What to Wear: Cruise Packing List

Beyond the urban city centers, there is so much to explore in Australia and neighboring New Zealand. From well-known attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, wineries, beaches, wildlife, and the famous Great Barrier Reef, there will never be a lack of things to do during your visit.

While you can’t cruise the region right now, it’s never too early to start planning that dream trip.

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Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations. These islands offer amazing beaches, unique flora and fauna, and of course, volcanoes. While visiting the Big Island on a cruise, one of the best ways to see everything is from the air. That is why on our Celebrity Solstice Hawaiian cruise, we ventured off to explore as much as possible with a helicopter tour. See why you should too with our Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular tour review.

Tour Review: Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular

A Big Celebration

While we cruise to the Bahamas and Caribbean often, we wanted to do something special to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary.

So, when we spotted a great deal on a repositioning cruise stopping in Hawaii, we didn’t hesitate to book it. This sailing on Celebrity Solstice originated in Oahu, and had two stops on the Big Island, as well as two days in Maui.

Booking 8 months in advance, we had plenty of time to review all of the different shore excursion options. At the top of our list was a helicopter tour over the volcanoes. One of our most memorable excursions to date was our helicopter tour and glacier walk at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau on an Alaskan cruise.

We decided that our day at Kailua-Kona was ideal for such a tour. As we were visiting on a cruise, most tour companies indicated that we had to book directly with the cruise line. That didn’t really matter, as the prices were exactly the same.

So, we reserved two tickets for the Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular tour.

Preparing for Take-Off

One benefit of booking with the cruise line was the transportation to and from the ship. The meeting time for our tour was 10 am.

It was a solid 45 minute ride from the cruise terminal to the heliport in Waikoloa. This scenic drive was the perfect way for us to begin to get acquainted with the western side of the island.

We were docked in Hilo the day before which is certainly the lusher, greener region of the island.

Our tour bus was the only group of visitors when we arrived at the heliport. While the company does offer different flight tours on its website, our Celebrity Solstice group were about to gear up for the two hour, all encompassing, Big Island Spectacular.

The friendly staff checked everyone in and then reviewed the safety procedures. This included a short video, similar to the pre-flight overview flight attendants give on commercial flights. After verifying our weight, our larger group was divided into groups of six and given seat assignments.

Touring the Island’s Largest Volcano

Making our way to a new EcoStar Helicopter, we were introduced to our pilot Matthew. Doubling as our tour guide for the day, he was a wealth of information. Not to mention, a good pilot.

Double checking some of the safety procedures, it wasn’t long until we were buckled in for our flight. The helicopter took off just before 12 pm.

During the first leg of the tour, we headed towards Mauna Loa and some of the island’s other volcanoes. At the time of our tour (May 2019), there were no active lava fields, but still, we were able to see quite a bit, including the aftermath of the 2018 Kilauea eruption.

Ascending up to 8,000 feet, we passed high plains areas which receive less than 10 inches of rain a year. Scattered between the arid landscape were the bright purple Jacaranda trees popping up every once in a while.

We arrived to our first volcano sighting, the Hualalai Volcano, about 10 minutes into our flight. As we climbed, we could see the large lava flows that stretched a full 27 miles from the volcano’s last eruption. About 10 minutes later, we were directly over the fissures and eruption site of Mauna Loa’s massive eruption from over 150 years ago. This volcano last erupted in 1984.

Along the way, Matthew pointed out other landmarks, including an air and weather research station and a Mars training ground. As he described, the red planet couldn’t look much different than this landscape.

Returning to the Volcanoes National Park

As the helicopter continued flight, it was amazing to see the dramatic changes in topography mere miles apart. Continuing southeast, we were heading towards Kilauea. During our tour of Volcanoes National Park the day before, we viewed this volcano at ground level.

Today, we were getting a completely new perspective from the air with our Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular helicopter tour.

It took about 40 minutes to reach one of the most impressive sites on this tour, the caldera at the Kilauea summit.

It is here, the lake of lava that was sitting in this shield volcano imploded. Over the course of several months, from May 2018 to August 2018, this lava erupted from 27 fissures south of the caldera, destroying hundreds of homes.

This eruption also added 800 square acres of new island, and close to five miles of new coast. That is just crazy to hear! There were no longer any active lava flows or red rivers to view during our visit. Still, this massive crater is now five times larger than it was prior to 2018.

It is certainly a marvel to witness from the sky.

We then approached another Instagram-worthy volcanic feature, the Pu’u ‘O’o Vent of the Kilauea volcano.

Actually, this section is the most active part of Kilauea and started erupting in 1983. Circling this smoldering site, we could smell the sulfur gas that was emitting from vent, even though we were thousands of feet above it.

Heading Up the Coast

After a solid hour of passing over these amazing volcanoes, we headed towards the Hamakua Coast.

In comparison to the volcanoes of the west and south, this part of the island was certainly greener. In fact, Hilo receives the most rainfall of any city in the United States. While we toured the city the day before, you could certainly see the profound difference from the air, with groves of macadamia nut trees and lush hillsides and valleys abound.

This part of the trip took us along the eastern coast, with amazing rugged sea cliffs and picturesque waterfalls. The dramatic change in scenery and coastal structure is due, in part, to a section of the island breaking away hundreds of thousands of years ago and falling into the ocean.

These views alone were worthy of the shore excursion’s price tag. You can’t appreciate the dynamic beauty of the Hawaiian islands until you can see it from high above ground level.

While part of the island used to be home to sugar plantations, the last one closed in the 1980’s. Now, a variety of agriculture and small villages dot the coast.

The highlight of this leg of the trip was flying into Waipi’o Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings. Legend has it that King Kamehameha was raised on this part of the island. The valley is also home to ancient burial caves located in the walls of the cliffs.

Inside this massive area is the equally impressive Hiilawe Falls, dropping 1200 feet to the ocean. Not far away were the series of cascading falls known as Keyhole Falls. Again, the size and beauty of these landscapes are something you can truly appreciate from this helicopter flight.

Exiting the valleys, we flew by the state park in the Waimea Valley, which is known for hiking and other recreational activities.

Coming in for Landing

Rounding the northern point of the island around 90 minutes into our flight, we could begin to see the landscapes changing again. Still there were other sights to take in during this Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular.

Among them were the Pololu Valley Beach, a public black sand beach. This drier side of the island also provided impressive views of large gulches forged from volcanic activity deep underground.

It was soon after that we could see the heliport off to our right. Our journey of exploring this dynamic island was coming to an end.

After landing, we were one of the only people to purchase the video recording of the trip! It’s too bad that the company didn’t advertise this a bit better, as it is an amazing souvenir that will help us remember this unforgettable flight.

It was also a nice aide to help with this blog post!

Being among the last of our group to return to the van, it was then another 45 minute ride back to the ship.

Recap of Our Blue Hawaiian Big Island Spectacular Tour

Whether you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii on a cruise, or vacationing on your own, we highly recommend this flight with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

While it is a bit expensive ($599 a person), it is a once in a lifetime experience. Then again, we already agreed that we would certainly book another helicopter tour during a future visit to Hawaii.

There are other options too that are less costly, such as tours of just the volcanoes or the eastern coast. The company also offers tours on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui in addition to the Big Island.

The company did an excellent job of organizing and scheduling tours. Even back on land, the crew were there to answer additional questions.

Overall, the shore excursion was well managed from start to finish. We never felt rushed, and Matthew was an excellent tour guide. He answered everyone’s questions and was honest about his experiences as a newer pilot in this area. Even he had missed the Kilauea activity of 2018.

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For our Celebrity Solstice cruise to Hawaii, our ship’s first port of call was Hilo on the Big Island. While there are a variety of things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii on a cruise, we opted to explore as much as possible on an island tour. We reserved this comprehensive excursion through a third party tour operator which included stops at many of the city’s popular attractions, as well as Volcanoes National Park. See why we highly recommend this tour in our Best of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park Review.

Best of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park Review

All Checked in and Ready to Go!

If you have been following the blog for a while, you know that we are all about seeing as much as possible during our adventures. This meant making the most of our time at each port of call, especially since it was our first visit to Hawaii.

Reviewing our options, this tour included everything that was part of a basic city tour, along with close to two hours at the national park. So, without hesitation, we booked the Best of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park.

Upon arrival in Hilo, we were down the gangway and in the terminal building by 10:30 am. We quickly spotted our tour company, C Big Island Tours. It was a bit crowded and chaotic here, but we were assigned groups and told to wait a few minutes.

Finally, one of the tour operators began dispersing the mass of people to the small vans that would be our rides for the day. That was when we were introduced to Steven, our driver, tour guide, and resident Hawaiian know-it-all.

By 11 am, we departed for our close to 7 hour exploration of the Big Island.

Getting Up Close and Personal with the Big Island

Only about 5 minutes into the drive, we pulled up to a small beach that offered an amazing view of our cruise ship docked at the Hilo pier.

Here, Steve provided a bit more personal information about his family’s history and Hawaiian heritage. I could tell right away that Steve was going to be a great tour guide. He was certainly not reading a script.

Following this personal narrative, it was a very short drive to our first official stop, the Liliuokalani Japanese Garden. This gorgeous landscape is the largest, authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. While the tour description indicated a “drive-by” narration, Steve stopped for a short walking tour.

We actually spent about 20 minutes exploring this 24-acre park. Steve pointed out some of the more unique plants and features, including the paper trees, while also allowing us time to take photos.

Throughout the day, Steve would find ways to interject his own life experiences into many of the island’s landmarks. These authentic accounts certainly gave me a greater appreciation for many of the day’s stops.

City Highlights of Hilo

Leaving the park, we headed towards our second stop, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. Steve spent the approximately 30 minute drive pointing out some of the city landmarks.

While we knew this ahead of time, Steve did also provide an update on the multiple closures at the Volcanoes National Park due to the eruptions in 2018. Arriving at the nut farm, we had about an hour on our own.

The Mauna Loa factory included a visitor center, a self-guided tour of the production plant, and a store to purchase some tasty souvenirs. This also counted as our “lunch stop” for the day. This was perhaps the biggest let down, as the lunch options were nothing more than cafeteria food.

We opted to purchase some macadamia nuts, enjoy the outdoor weather, and stroll the grounds while many others actually ate lunch.

Our next stop was the Akatsuka Orchid Garden. After about 30 minutes of drive time, we arrived ready to examine the dozens of varieties of orchids. This was again a self-guided tour where we could see why Hilo is considered the “flower capital of the world”.

Steve was there to highlight some of the different varietals. Chief among them is the garden’s prized $20,000 orchid that is recognized by the American Orchid Society for its shape and symmetry.

Next, it was on to the highlight of the day, Volcanoes National Park.

A Partially Opened Volcanoes National Park

We made a few stops along the Crater Rim Drive tour during the roughly two hours that we spent at the park. Our first stop was at the Kilauea Iki Crater look out, where we got an up-close look and beautiful pictures of the crater. We spent about 15 minutes here, with Steve happily taking everyone’s photos and providing some basic facts about the volcano and the park itself.

With the recent eruptions, there were some detours and tourist areas along the drive that were closed during our visit.

Our second stop was at the Kilauea Visitor Center & Exhibits. We had approximately an hour here for self-exploration. With several areas off limits, the park rangers were busy providing information and updates. There was also an informational video playing about the dramatic recent events.

The small visitor’s center was quite busy. So, we briefly reviewed these exhibits which were informative but crowded.

On the advice of our tour guide, we crossed the parking lot for the short walk to the Volcano House on the rim of the Kilauea caldera. This hotel and restaurant offers another vantage point to capture some photos of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Several other members of our tour, along with Steve, also headed in this direction.

Back on the bus, our next stop was the Steam Vents & Sulphur Banks (Ha’akulamanu). This was a short walk on a path from the parking lot. Visitors do need to be careful, as only a small rope roughly waist high separates you from the crater below. In fact, there was an individual who fell over the ledge some 80 feet the day that we were there.

This stop was about 20 minutes. While the steam vents were a bit underwhelming to view, it was interesting to learn how magma below the surface heats the rocks in the ravine to such a temperature that ground water essentially evaporates, creating a constant cloud of steam that emits.

Across the way are the Sulphur Banks, which emit water vapor and volcanic gases giving the hallmark rotten eggs smell.

Exploring More of Hilo

Leaving the park, we traversed back through areas that we traveled earlier in the day. We were both starting to get a little tired at this point.

Close to an hour later, we arrived at our next destination, Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is conveniently located in Wailuku State Park in the town of Hilo. This waterfall cascades 80 feet into a natural lava rock pool. While only a modest height, this fall is known for the rainbows that are cast in its mist.

While quite lovely, this dainty waterfall was not exactly what we expected after having visited some of the powerful and extraordinary waterfalls in Iceland. Still, we took a moment to admire the landmark and grab some photos.

Back on the bus, we passed the turn off to return to the ship on our way to the final destination, a black sand beach. Richardson Ocean Park is the closest black sand beach to Hilo. Even though it was later in the day, the area was still quite busy with locals and tourists alike.

We strolled the beach and came across some massive green sea turtles, who were also enjoying the warm sun. This was perhaps one of the best ways to end an all-encompassing tour of the Big Island during our visit to Hawaii.

Recap of the Best of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park Review

This comprehensive tour took us to all the major landmarks and attractions on the Hilo side of the island. Our tour guide Steve was friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to answer questions. You could tell that he enjoyed being a tour guide and had a true passion for his history and island.

Unfortunately, there were several restrictions at the Volcanoes National Park during our visit. We knew this ahead of time, and Steve did his best to provide insight and additional information at the stops that we were able to make in the park.

The Best of the Big Island and Volcanoes National Park excursion is certainly a fast paced tour. While we did not book directly with C Big Island Tours, we would certainly consider another tour with them on a return trip to Hawaii. If you choose, you can book this tour directly on the company’s website. If you want to see as much as possible during your stop at Hilo on a cruise, this tour is perfect for you.

Overall, it was a beautiful day getting to experience the island’s highlights from a local guide who made the day fun and enlightening.

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Have you taken an island tour of the Big Island of Hawaii? Have you visited Volcanoes National Park? Drop us an anchor below with your experiences cruising to Hawaii.

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The landscape of the Big Island in Hawaii is very diverse, ranging from volcanoes, mountainous terrain, beaches, rainforests, and everything in between. If you are taking a cruise to Hawaii, the itinerary is likely to include a stop at Hilo which is on the east side of the island as well as Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the island. Both ports of call offer a variety of options for exploring all the island has to offer. After a recent visit, we have put together our list of the Top Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii on a Cruise.

Top Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii on a Cruise

Visit Volcanoes National Park

When you think Hawaii, volcanoes are probably one of the first things that you picture. That is why a visit to Volcanoes National Park should be on the top of your list when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see two of the world’s most active volcanoes, as well as craters, steam vents, and sulfur banks.

You should start your trek at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center. Here, you can view interactive exhibits, learn about the recent eruption and resultant dramatic changes in landscape, and interact with park rangers. Most cruise lines will offer different guided tours, but there are also several trails for self-guided explorations. If you are venturing out on your own, be sure to grab a map for current conditions, closures, etc.

Along the Crater Rim Drive tour, you can score amazing views from the Kilauea Iki Overlook, where you can see Halema‘uma‘u and Mauna Loa in the distance. The Jaggar Museum and Thurston Lava Tube, two other previously popular stops in the park, remained closed during our visit last year. If you are up for a challenge, you can even take a 3-mile hike to visit the vast craters and caldera collapse that were created from the 2018 eruptions.

Get a Bird’s Eye View with a Helicopter Flight

There is no better way to see the Big Island than with a helicopter flight. We booked the Big Island Spectacular flight ride during our visit to Hawaii and cannot say enough good things about this excursion. While it is a bit pricey, it is certainly an awe-inspiring experience.

With this tour, you will get an up-close view of the Kilauea volcano, learn about the 2018 eruption, and see some of the devastation caused by it. You will also fly over beaches, dramatic coastline, lush forests, and the deep valleys of the Kohala Mountains with cascading waterfalls during your 1.5 to 2 hour journey. During the flight, your pilot will provide narration and answer questions. Be sure to have your cameras ready as this is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.

There are also shorter (and less expensive) helicopter tours available. The Circle of Fire is another popular option which focuses the 45 minutes of flight time over the Kilauea volcano. Whichever helicopter tour you choose, you are sure to agree that it ranks as one of the top things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Reach New Heights at the Mauna Kea Summit

The dormant volcano, Mauna Kea, is the highest point in Hawaii. If you are looking for a bit of adventure during your visit to the Big Island, you should make the trek to the summit at 13,796 feet above sea level for some breathtaking views. You can also earn the bragging rights of visiting the only place in the Hawaiian Islands where it actually snows! Today, the mountain is the world’s premier site for astronomy.

For your summit adventure, you will journey in a 4×4 vehicle along the lava landscapes slowly acclimating yourself to the altitude changes. Your first stop will be the Onizuka Visitor Center located at 9,000 feet. Then, continue the journey above the clouds to the summit for some amazing panoramic views, including Mauna Loa which is the largest volcano in Hawaii. You will also visit the Keck Observatory which contains two of the most valuable telescopes in the world.

Related Post: Celebrity Solstice Hawaiian Cruise Review

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Among all the beautiful photos that you’ve see of Hawaii, you’ve probably also seen many spectacular waterfalls. Two of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island are Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls.

Rainbow Falls is conveniently located in Wailuku State Park in the town of Hilo. This waterfall cascades 80 feet into a natural lava rock pool. While only a modest height, this fall is known for the rainbows that are cast in its mist. Legend states that the goddess of the moon, Hina, lives in the lava cave behind the falls.

The larger of the falls is Akaka Falls which is located north of Hilo in Akaka Falls State Park. A short hike will take you through the rainforest to admire the stunning 442-foot waterfall plunging into the gorge below. You can also catch a glimpse of the Kahuna Falls from the park.

Go Nuts for Macademia

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and Visitor Center is a popular stop on many island tours from Hilo. The company is the largest producer on the Big Island harvesting some 35 million pounds of macadamia nuts each year. On your tour, you will drive through a 3-mile stretch of nut orchards on your way to the visitor center. While here, you can witness the stages of growing, harvesting, processing, and packaging. You can also explore the gift shop to enjoy some free samples and purchase a tasty souvenir of your visit to the island. If you are on the Kona coast, you can visit the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company for a similar experience.

Explore the Flora

With such fertile volcanic soil, there are plenty of beautiful gardens to be explored on the Big Island. Liliuokalani Park and Garden in Hilo is one of the largest ornamental Japanese gardens outside of Japan. While the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden has more than 2,000 different plant species to discover, and Nani Mau Gardens does not disappoint either with its own various species of tropical flora.

If you love flowers, you will want to visit the Akatsuka Orchid Garden to see why Hilo is considered the “flower capital of the world”. This retailer has over 500 blooms on display including a $20,000 orchid!

Pana’ewa Rainforest Gardens & Zoo is considered the only rainforest botanical garden and zoo in the United States. It showcases animals from rainforest climates as well as several varietals of palms, orchids, and bamboo.

From Kona, you will want to visit the Cloud Forest. This dense forest and botanical garden is located 3,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of a dormant volcano, Hualalai. You can stroll beneath the evergreen canopy while you learn about this endangered ecosystem.

Visit a Black Sand Beach

You can’t go to Hawaii and not step foot on a black sand beach. If you are searching for one of the best-known black sand beaches in the world, look no further than Punalu’u which is located south of Hilo. You can admire the beauty of the rugged coast, walk the shoreline, or check out the Hawaiian turtles while here.

Richardson Ocean Park is the closest black sand beach to Hilo. As the water tends to be calmer here, it is also a good place for snorkeling on the east side of the island. This protected area is a marine sanctuary with seals and green sea turtles frequenting the area.

While in Kona, you can make your way to Pololu Valley to admire the coastal scenery and hike down to one of the island’s most scenic black sand beaches. Waipio Valley, though remote, has its own black sand beach as well.

Indulge in the Island Delights

You’ve heard of Kona coffee, but did you know Kona is also known for chocolate and signature ales? While visiting the Big Island, why not indulge in all the island delights on one tour?

The Mountain Thunder coffee plantation, Greenwell Farms, and Kona Joe’s Coffee are popular spots to tour, learn how the coffee is grown, harvested, and processed, and sample several varieties of this highly popular coffee. Of course, there are also numerous cafes on the island if you just want to grab a cup to go.

For chocolate lovers, the Puna Chocolate Company specializes in creating “tree-to-bar” chocolate grown in Hawaii. The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is another chocolate lover’s paradise. At either of these stops, you can take a tour to learn about the process of making chocolate as well as sample some of the factory’s more unique flavors.

After you’ve fueled up on coffee and chocolate, round out your day with a stop at the Kona Brewing Company for some “liquid aloha”. You can sample some of the signature ales with hints kona coffee, coconut, and more.

Get Up Close with the Sea Life

Kona is a popular spot for snorkeling and whale watching. The waters of the protected Kealakekua Bay are home to spectacular coral, tropical fish, dolphins, manta rays, green turtles, and whales depending on the season. A variety of snorkeling excursions, zodiac adventures, and glass bottom boat tours are available to get up close and personal with this friendly sea life.

If you are looking for something a bit different, you could visit the Seahorse Farm. That’s right, it’s the only one of its kind in the United States. At this oceanfront farm, you will see the world’s largest collection of living seahorses and sea dragons. This sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and breeding endangered seahorses. You can learn all about these creatures (like how it is the only animal in which the male has a pregnancy) and even interact with them.

Discover Some Historical Sites

Puuhonua O Honaunau is one of Hawaii’s most sacred places. This well-restored national historic park was once an ancient Hawaiian religious site and a place of refuge for lawbreakers. You can explore the ancient Hawaiian artifacts, the Royal Grounds, and be sure to grab a photo of the ki’i wooden figures guarding the temple.

Kealakekua Bay is a large marine sanctuary but it is also of historical significance as this is where Captain James Cook first landed on the island in 1778, and subsequently where he was also killed. Today, there is a large moment that stands in his honor at this location.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park has preserved treasures of ancient civilization depicting how native Hawaiians survived and made a living in this environment. You can explore fishponds, thatched roof houses, early temples, and even petroglyphs to admire the ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Hulihee Palace, built in 1838, is located in the heart of Historic Kailua Village. This palace was once the summer home for Hawaiian royalty but has since been converted to a museum showcasing artifacts from the era of King Kalakaua ad Queen Kapiolani.

St. Benedict’s Painted Church is an important historical site but also still functions as an active catholic church in Kona. Built in 1842, this church was later moved to its current location. It is known as the painted church because it features vibrant paintings of biblical scenes on its walls and ceilings.

Comments

Have you visited Hilo or Kona, Hawaii? Do you agree with our list of the top things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii on a cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your Hawaiian cruise experiences.

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If you are cruising to Hawaii, you must attend a luau in at least one of your ports of call. This traditional Hawaiian feast, accompanied by music and cultural performances, is something all visitors to the islands should experience. Depending on your cruise ship’s itinerary, you will have a number of luau options at the various Hawaiian Islands. If you are wondering where to start, we have put together this list of the Best Luaus in Hawaii that are consistently highly recommended among cruisers.

Best Luaus in Hawaii in 2020

Paradise Cove Luau (Oahu)

If you are spending a few days pre-cruise or post cruise in Oahu, you will have your pick of luaus on this island. During our visit, we chose the Paradise Cove Luau which is located about 45 minutes away from the Waikiki Beach area. Located at the Ko Olina Resort, you can enjoy some pre-dinner Hawaiian activities like lei-making and spear throwing, followed by an island buffet, and the Hawaiian revue show.

Paradise Cove offers a few different package options that include either a shell or fresh flower lei upon arrival, a complimentary mai tai punch, and dinner. The deluxe package which is the most expensive will give you prime seating locations, a table service meal instead of a buffet, and a souvenir photo.

Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu)

For a day full of Hawaiian history and culture, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Located about an hour away from Honolulu, this interactive experience allows you to explore 6 different island nations through cultural presentations and exhibits. There is also Polynesian food, an authentic luau, the one of kind Ha Breath of Life show, canoe rides, and so much more.

The center offers various tiered ticket packages depending on what you want to accomplish during your visit. The most expensive package which is called the Super Ambassador Luau Package includes a guided tour of the villages, your choice of a Ali’i Luau Buffet or Prime Rib Buffet, prime seating at all shows, and a reserved canoe ride.

Related Post: Top Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii

Germaine’s Luau (Oahu)

Germaine’s Luau is also another popular option in Oahu. This luau is again located about 45 minutes from Waikiki Beach. At Germaine’s, you will feel the spirit of Aloha while experiencing the “original backyard-style Hawaiian Luau”. The menu here is buffet-style as well offering Hawaiian-American fare like roasted pig, teriyaki beef, Hawaiian chicken, island fish, and plentiful side dishes and desserts.

Pricing includes three different tier options with the most expensive being the Plumeria Luau Package. This package includes front row seating, table service, an entrance photo, and 3 drink tickets in addition to the standard offerings. Following dinner, the evening show will take you on a journey to the islands of Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and the romantic hula of Hawaii.

‘Aha ‘Aina Royal Hawaiian Luau (Oahu)

If you are looking for something a bit closer, the Royal Hawaiian hotel located right on Waikiki Beach has its own Royal Luau. The ‘Aha ‘Aina is Waikiki’s only oceanfront luau and dinner show. The evening begins with traditional Hawaiian activities, followed by a feast of various Polynesian flavored dishes. After dinner, the story of Helumoa begins featuring hula song and dance. Follow the cultural timeline from ancient history, to the opening of the Royal Hawaiian, to contemporary island music and dance.

The menu consists of a poi and poke station, fresh fruit, salad, huli huli chicken, Korean BBQ ribs, a pig carving station, dessert, and more. Pricing includes standard and premium seating, as well as cocktail seating which is for two drinks and the show only.

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui)

If your cruise ship is in port late or even overnight, you might want to attend an authentic luau experience while in Maui. The Old Lahaina luau is one of the most popular options, located on the oceanfront right off of Front Street. Here, you can enjoy a buffet of popular Polynesian dishes along with a sunset view.

Your evening will consist of a traditional lei greeting and island demonstrations before dinner, followed by a musical journey through the history of Hawaii and its people after dinner. The buffet menu includes Hawaiian pork, beef, chicken, and vegetarian dishes with accompaniments. Reservations can be made for either a table and chairs set-up or a traditional low table and cushion set-up for a more authentic feel.

Feast at Lele (Maui)

The Feast at Lele is a more upscale experience that is also located nearby on Front Street. This option provides a 5-course meal with gourmet cuisine and wine pairings. The menu features courses from the Pacific Islands of Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaii. The cuisine shares the spotlight with exotic music and dance as the evening unfolds.

The evening begins in Hawaii with some hula and a first course of dishes. Then, you will journey to New Zealand for your second course which will be accompanied by a traditional war dance. Next up is the romance of Tahiti. Your third course will be paired with a sensual dance performance. Finally, you will travel to Samoa for an energetic dance and your fourth course of the meal. But, the night isn’t over until you have some dessert and witness the famed fire dance.

Myths of Maui Luau (Maui)

Another popular luau choice is the long-running Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort located along Ka’anapali Beach. Showcasing the cultural and culinary spirit of the island, this luau features a traditional lei greeting, unearthing of a pig, a Hawaiian feast, and a musical journey through Polynesian culture culminating with a fire knife finale.

Stunning sunsets, the oceanfront backdrop, and complimentary cocktails will further enhance your evening. Yes, admission includes an open bar, so you can enjoy a Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii, or one of the many other drinks on the menu! This luau offers general admission, VIP seating, and show only tickets. The menu consists of buffet-style roasted pig from the in-ground oven, local fish, teriyaki chicken, salads, sides, desserts, and more. With a combination like this, it’s no wonder this luau continues to wow audiences after all these years.

Drums of the Pacific Luau (Maui)

The Drums of the Pacific Luau is located at the Hyatt Regency just steps away from Ka’anapali Beach with beautiful sunsets setting the scene for a magical evening in Maui. Like many of the other options, this luau includes a lei greeting, Polynesian crafts, an Imu ceremony (unearthing of the pig), and a dinner buffet. This luau option also includes an open bar.

This show has been entertaining guests for almost 40 years! It includes performances of authentic songs and dances from old Hawaii, Tahiti, the Tuamotus, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa. Be prepared for hip shaking, drum pounding, spear thrusting, and fire twirling. There are three tiers of ticket pricing with the most expensive being VIP seating. This ticket includes an orchid lei, priority buffet, and front row seating.

Luau Kalamaku (Kauai)

The Luau Kalamaku provides an authentic Hawaiian experience on the island of Kauai. Located on the Kilohana Plantation, you can arrive early to stroll the grounds before the evening of feasting and dancing begins. There are three different experiences available to book. All include the award winning show which tells the story of an “epic voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia”. Traditional hula dances and Tahitian rhythms are combined with a state-of-the-art media system and an interactive stage design for a truly immersive show that culminates with fire poi balls and traditional fire knife dancing.

The Hawaiian Luau package includes a buffet style feast and open bar, along with the show. The exclusive Plantation Owners Experience begins with a champagne toast and a four course dinner at Gaylord’s Restaurant featuring a unique menu with ingredients right from the Kilohana Plantation. This package also offers premier seating for the luau. Or, guests can choose to just attend the luau which includes reserved seating and a welcome drink.

Smith Family Garden Luau (Kauai)

The Smith Family luau has been in operation for over 50 years and spanning four generations. It continues to honor the spirit of aloha with traditional Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances, and the Samoan fire knife dance during the Rhythm of Aloha show. Guests can also feast on roasted pig along with other dishes inspired by family recipes. 

Upon arrival, guests will have the option of taking a narrated tram ride or a leisurely stroll around the 30 acres of lush gardens. Then, guests will learn the traditional Hawaiian cooking method of kalua during the imu ceremony before indulging in a luau feast. The buffet features authentic pork, beef, chicken, and fish dishes along with delicious accompaniments and desserts. Ticket prices even include an open bar. 

No matter which luau you choose, you will certainly enjoy an evening of traditional fare, exotic cocktails, and the Polynesian culture.

Comments

Have you visited Hawaii on a cruise? Have you attended any of these Best Luaus in Hawaii? Drop us an anchor below to share your favorite activities in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. 

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While Maui certainly has several noteworthy places to visit, high on our list during our Celebrity Solstice Hawaii cruise was the Haleakala Crater. Famous for its early morning sunrise tours, the Princess could not convince me to wake up at 3 am for this excursion after 7 straight days of sightseeing and touring. So, we opted for a day time excursion that visited this massive volcano. Still, it was mesmerizing to ascend to the summit even if the sun was already high in the Hawaiian sky. If your cruise is venturing to Maui, you should not pass up the chance to reach new heights on a Haleakala Crater Tour.

Why You Should Visit the Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii

Comparing options, we decided to book a tour of the crater directly through the cruise line. If you want to be more adventurous, car rentals are available allowing you the chance to drive up the crater for yourself and explore at your own pace. There is a small entrance fee to the park of $25 per car for up to three days.

This was our second day in Maui. After a long day riding the Road to Hana yesterday, it was another early morning. Our meeting time onboard the ship was 7:45 am in the theater.

Tendering took a bit longer today due to some rough seas. Disembarking our tender once ashore, we were quickly loaded onto a bus to begin our journey to the other side of the island. Unfortunately, this was a pretty standard coach bus, so we were grouped with a number of other travelers.

The total drive time from the Lahaina Harbor to the National Park was about 75 minutes. During this time, our tour guide pointed out some landmarks along the highway. Many of these we had already seen the day before though.

Unfortunately, our guide was not very knowledgeable about the area, admitting that she was new to the job. On the bright side, the weather was sunny and warm…at least for the time being.

Starting to Ascend

Upon arrival at the Haleakala National Park, we began our 37 mile journey from sea level to summit. This is one of the greatest elevation gains in the shortest distance in the world!

It was at this point that our guide began playing a recorded narration about the volcano, unique flora and fauna, and the history of the national park.

While I am usually not a fan of such video explanations, I appreciated the geological background and other facts and folklore about the area.

For instance, we learned that there are over 850 species of plants within Haleakala National Park, including the silversword. This particular species can live up to 90 years, yet its flowers bloom only once in its lifetime.

Haleakala means “house of the sun”. It is sacred to Native Hawaiians and is still used for cultural practices to this day. In Polynesian folklore, the demigod Maui is said to have climbed to the top of the mountain to lasso the sun, forcing it to travel more slowly through the sky.

Like all Hawaiian volcanoes, Haleakala is a shield volcano. The shape of Haleakala means that only about 5% of this massive structure is above sea level. It is the world’s largest dormant volcano that last erupted in 1790. The vast crater is over 7 miles across and 2 miles wide. It has a depth of nearly 3,000 feet.

Traversing the winding road while listening to this narration, it wasn’t long until the bus arrived at the Headquarters Visitor Center, located 7,000+ feet in elevation above the park entrance.

While here, we were able to take a peek at some of the informational exhibits, use the restroom, and explore the surrounding grounds. If you are visiting Haleakala on your own, this is also the place to get information about hiking trails and current conditions.

On to the Summit

Grabbing proof that we had made it to the top, our stop at this visitor’s center lasted only twenty minutes. Now, it was onward to the Haleakala Visitor Center located 9,750 ft in elevation.

Wow! We were not prepared for the wind and considerably colder temperatures. It was easily 15 to 20 degrees cooler up here. There were also wind gusts of over 40 MPH.

We certainly did not pack appropriately! The only additional layer we had were our thin rain coats.

The Haleakala Visitor Center is a small building at the edge of a cliff. It is staffed with park rangers and exhibits that provide information on the development of the volcano over time. Our tour spent 45 minutes here. With the weather conditions, this was just enough time.

Finding the right vantage point was difficult with the wind, but we were able to take in the crater’s beauty and sheer massiveness. There was also a feeling of peace and tranquility. Of course, we also took plenty of photos.

If it had been less windy, we would have probably explored a bit more, as there is a walking trail located nearby.

The actual summit (10,023 ft) was closed given the current weather conditions. Still, from our current location, we were able to garner a new appreciation for Mother Nature.

The Return Trip Home

Meeting back at the bus for our designated time, we began the descent. Apparently, the tour included a lunch stop. We were both taken by surprise, as we did not remember that being part of the online description.

The lunch break was in the small town of Makawao at Casanova restaurant. Oddly enough, lunch was a pasta buffet at an Italian restaurant. While the food was fine, we were expecting something a bit more Hawaiian.

Finishing lunch quickly, we walked around some neighboring streets. We were able to find a local coffee shop for some much needed caffeine.

Back at the bus for 2 pm, it was a little over an hour drive before we returned to the pier.

We initially had plans to do some quick shopping before taking a tender back. However, we were greeted with a massive line of fellow passengers. With the all aboard time approaching and the length of the line, we made the decision to skip shopping.

Recap of Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii Tour

We highly recommend taking an excursion out to see the Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii.

For ease and convenience, we booked with the cruise line this time. When we return, we would probably book a sunrise or sunset excursion with a local tour company for a more personalized experience. You could even venture off on your own with a rental car. Regardless of which option you choose, it is certainly worth the drive out to this massive crater.

We recommend at least 3 hours at the park, including travel up and down the main road. If you are spending an overnight at the island and do not need to worry about getting back to the ship, there are several hiking trails and additional sites that can easily fill a full day.

The small Hawaiian cowboy town of Makawao was nice to visit if you need a pit stop for a coffee or snack. Honestly though, we would have preferred more time at the crater, skipping the lunch portion completely.

As the largest dormant volcano, the Halekala Crater is certainly one landmark that you do not want to miss during your Hawaiian cruise. You can see this massive and tranquil landscape from almost anywhere on the island, but you cannot fully appreciate the extent of it until you make your way to the top.

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Have you visited the Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii? What are some of your top landmarks to visit on a Hawaiian cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your review of this popular shore excursion in Maui.

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If you are taking a cruise to Hawaii, odds are you will be visiting Maui. Many ships dock in Lahaina harbor on the west side of the island, while NCL’s Pride of America docks in Kahului on the east side. These two ports are approximately 45 minutes away from each other. Regardless of where your ship docks, all of the island’s most popular attractions are waiting for you to explore. Wondering what you should do during your visit to this Hawaiian island? We have put together our list of the Top Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii on a Cruise.

Top Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii on a Cruise

Road to Hana

Yes, you could rent a car and set off on your own adventure to Hana. Or, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as a guide navigates this famed winding road for you. Along the journey, you will marvel at waterfalls, bamboo forests, lush hillsides, the rugged northern coastline, and so much more.

There will be plenty of photo stops along the way at various lookout points and state parks. You may even stop at one of the many roadside stands to sample some fresh made banana bread. Wai’anapanapa State Park is a popular stop with a black sand beach and caves. Our tour reversed direction in Hana, but if time allows, you can continue further to the Seven Sacred Pools. Be aware that this is a long tour with lots of time spent driving.

Attend a Luau

If your cruise ship is in port late or even overnight, you will want to attend an authentic luau experience while in Maui. The Old Lahaina luau is one of the most popular options, located on the oceanfront right off of Front Street. Here, you can enjoy a buffet of popular Polynesian dishes along with a sunset view. The Feast of Lele is a more upscale experience. This option provides a 5-course meal with gourmet dishes and wine pairings.

Other popular luau choices include the long-running Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort and Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency. No matter which luau you choose, you will certainly enjoy an evening of traditional fare, exotic cocktails, and the Polynesian culture.

Haleakala Crater

No trip to Maui would be complete without a visit to Haleakala National Park. Depending on when your cruise is in port, various tours are offered including sunrise and sunset visits. As you journey from sea level to the summit at 10,000 feet, you can admire the panoramic island scenery, catch a glimpse of the unique plant and animal life, and of course, marvel at the crater itself.

Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, last erupted in 1790. You can see this massive and tranquil landscape from almost anywhere on the island, but you cannot fully appreciate the extent of it until you make your way to the top. The vast crater is over seven miles across and 2 miles wide. It has a depth of nearly 3,000 feet. Yes, the entire city of Manhattan could fit into it! Be sure to grab plenty of photos from the crater visitor center viewing area, but be warned that the temperature and wind conditions can be drastically different at the summit.

Related Post: Celebrity Solstice Hawaii Cruise Review

Snorkel at Molikini Crater

Molokini is a tiny crescent-shaped island just 3 miles off the southwestern coast of Maui. This island has been rated as one of the top snorkel sites in the world. It is all that remains above sea level of a volcanic crater that erupted some 200,000 years ago. The crescent shape helps protect the area from waves and is home to a lush reef with colorful coral, many species of fish, and visibility as deep at 150 feet. This area has also been deemed a protected Marine Life Conservation District and Bird Sanctuary.

Most snorkeling tours will transport you from Maui via a catamaran or zodiac boat, including a cruise along the scenic coast. If weather conditions permit, some tours will also include a visit to Turtle Town for more snorkeling. Here, you can set out to discover Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Make it a Beach Day

Perhaps your idea of vacation is just relaxing on the beach. Well, along the shores of Hawaii, you’ll find everything from white, black, and red sand beaches. Some beaches are renowned for surfing while some are great to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. Kaanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular strips of coastline, stretching across 3 miles of the island’s northwest coast. Another popular beach option in this area is Kapalua Beach, which is known as one of Maui’s best beaches for snorkeling. Also in the area is Napili Bay. If you want to venture a bit further away from Lahaina, Wailea Beach is on the southwest part of the island and is known for its luxurious, upscale resorts.

Maui Highlights Tour

The Iao Valley State Park, Maui Tropical Plantation, and Maui Ocean Center are often combined to make up a “Best of Maui” tour. This tour will pass through Maui’s “Valley of the Kings” to Iao Valley State Park. Here, you can admire the unusual geological formations, lush greenery, and the Iao Needle, a 2,250 foot green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor. At the Maui Tropical Plantation, you can enjoy a tram tour through macadamia nut orchards, agricultural villages, sugar cane fields, and flower gardens.

Finally, the Maui Ocean Center offers a variety of ways to get up close and personal with the island’s unique marine life including sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. This state of the art aquarium has one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals, presentations by marine naturalists, interactive touch pools, and an acrylic tunnel beneath the Open Ocean exhibit. This tour is a good option for families.

Maui Pineapple Plantation Tour

When in Maui, be sure to discover Hawaii’s rich agriculture by visiting a pineapple plantation. Located about an hour away from Lahaina, the historic farm of Hali’imaile is the only place in the United States where you can explore a working pineapple plantation. On the plantation tour, you will explore the fields and learn how the pineapples are harvested, packed, and shipped. You will also get to sample diverse varieties of freshly-picked Maui Gold pineapples. An optional add-on to this tour is a visit to a local distillery to see how it uses Maui Gold pineapple to create award winning spirits, followed by a tasting.

Whale Watching

Each winter (December through May), Pacific humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Alaska to breed in the warm waters of Hawaii. It is one of the favorite mating and birthing grounds for humpbacks. This is because of the water’s ideal temperature and the scarcity of killer whales, which are the young humpbacks’ most feared natural predators.

Most cruise lines will offer whale watching tours by both catamaran and zodiac vessels, where you can join a marine naturalist for an opportunity to experience these mammals up close and personal. As you cruise around the scenic waters off Maui, you can marvel at these creatures putting on a show. From breaching the surface or tail slapping to “singing” to attract mates. You can also witness “bubblenet” feeding, which involves working as a group to capture schools of herring. What’s not to love about a whale watching excursion?

Sunset Sail

If your cruise is spending the night in Maui, you should take advantage of the time to hop onboard a sunset catamaran sail. These 2-hour trips will set off along the western coast of Maui for plenty of Instagram-worthy scenery. You will experience breathtaking views of neighboring islands Molokai, Kaholawe, and Lanai. There is also the possibility for spinner dolphins, flying fish, and humpback whales sightings. This relaxing sail will also include hors d’oeuveres and cocktails to make the evening extra special. Just imagine your hair blowing in the wind, a glass of champagne, and an amber evening sky as you coast the majestic waters of Hawaii with that special someone.

Downtown Lahaina

If you’d prefer a less structured day in Maui, perhaps you don’t book a shore excursion at all. The town of Lahaina, once a whaling village, is now popular for boutique stores and restaurants along the vibrant Front Street. Many historical sites are also within walking distance so you could set out on your own historical walking tour.

Some popular stops include the Baldwin Home Museum which is one of the oldest buildings in Lahaina, the Old Lahaina Lighthouse, and the Pioneer Inn. There is also Banyan Tree Park which is home to the 140-year old tree that covers an entire acre of land, the Courthouse, the Fort, the Old Prison, the Wo Hing Chinese Museum, the Seaman’s Hospital, and more. If you are going to take a self-guided walk, we suggest printing out a map of the historic sites ahead of time.

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Have you visited Maui? What are your tops things to do in Maui, Hawaii on a cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your favorite experiences on this popular Hawaiian island.

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If you are tired of the chocolates and roses on Valentine’s Day, why not get that special someone a gift of a lifetime- a cruise! We are not just talking about a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas; instead, spend some quality time with your loved one as you sail to some of the most captivating ports of call. Where you might ask? Well, we have put together our top Most Romantic Places to Visit on a Cruise.

Top Most Romantic Places to Visit on a Cruise

Maui, Hawaii

The Pacific Islands of Hawaii are among the most beautiful destinations in the world. While you can’t go wrong with a romantic expedition to any of them, Maui stands out for its lush jungle and postcard-worthy beaches. Offering plenty of history, adventure, and some seclusion, the island is just the right size for those in love to enjoy each others company. Take a drive along the scenic coastline or visit the largest dormant volcano in the world, perhaps at sunrise, if you are up for the adventure. Beautiful waterfalls, traditional Polynesian food, and hula dancers are all part of the experience while visiting this slice of paradise.

As the only ship sailing year round in the region, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the perfect vessel to sail these waters. Leaving from Honolulu, Oahu, you will enjoy an overnight in Maui with 36+ hours to do as you please. Not to mention, there are stops at some of the other Hawaiian islands as well. With the cruise line’s “freestyle” approach to cruising, you can plan as little or as much as you want, offering over a dozen dining options, nightly entertainment, and plenty of sights to behold during your seven night cruise.

Related Post: Top Things to Do in Oahu on a Cruise

Florence, Italy

The capital of the spectacular Tuscany region of Italy, Florence is an art lover’s paradise. Home to priceless works of art, including Michelangelo’s David, medieval churches and museums, city squares and markets, and centuries of old charm, you can spend countless hours gazing at the city’s beauty. Not to mention, the rustic, Northern Italian cuisine and wine are plentiful. You are also a stone’s throw away from the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. What more of a picturesque backdrop could you find as the setting to a perfect Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

While February is off season for sailing to the Mediterranean, one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the region has cruising visiting Florence and Pisa, along with other equally impressive locations like Monte Carlo, Rome, and Barcelona, beginning in March. On Viking Ocean Cruises, you will be wrapped in luxury as these cruises include a guided tour at each port, complimentary specialty dining, beer and wine at meals, specialty coffee, ship-wide WiFi, and access to the thermal suite. Viking will have you and your sweetie pampered from head-to-toe as you cruise the Mediterranean in style.

Related Post: What’s Included on Viking Ocean Cruises

Charleston, S.C.

While the Bahamas may not be the epicenter of romance, your departure point, Charleston, S.C., will make you feel like you are in the middle of a Nora Roberts novel. Home to “Gone with the Wind”, the beauty of this historic city remains largely in tact, down to the cobblestone walkways and gas-lit street lights. During a pre-cruise stay, you can gaze at the Victorian architecture, historic homesteads, and even enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride. This is the antebellum South at her finest but with a modern flare. You will find plenty of fine dining restaurants, shops, and art galleries from the 21st century as well.

Carnival Cruise Line offers regular departures from Charleston on the “new” Carnival Sunshine. These four and five day Bahamas cruise takes you to Nassau and one of the company’s private islands Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay, along with a couple of sea days. The Sunshine is equipped with an adults-only Serenity retreat deck as well as plenty of bars and lounges to celebrate your love. For a more intimate experience, you can wine and dine at the Chef’s Table onboard or enjoy a mimosa at Carnival’s Seaday Brunch.

Sydney, Australia

The iconic Sydney Opera house is the back-drop for romance Down Under. Of course, dinner with a view of this amazing backdrop is mandatory, and there are numerous restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world along with picture perfect views of the harbor. After dinner, enjoy a show at the Opera House or one of the open air movie theaters. If you visit during the day, treat one another to a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The several themed gardens will certainly give your sweetie her fill of flowers on this romantic trip. If you want to spice things up, how about a bungee cord leap from a bridge?

If you are going to trek all the way down to Australia, you better make it worth your while. Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas might be the perfect choice. As one of the largest ships in the region, Ovation of the Seas is also one of the most innovative. Featuring the North Star aerial gondola rising over 300 feet above sea level to give you stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as the onboard sky-diving simulator and a bar tended by robots, this is not your typical cruise ship. Top that off with eclectic dining options including the experimental Wonderland, and this will be trip for the record books. Royal Caribbean also offers select round-trip Sydney sailings on Radiance of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Head to the home of the tango, the dance of love, and be captivated by a city that has Italian heritage, Latin flare, and mixes the historic with the modern. At the Buenos Aires Rose Garden, you can explore exquisitely maintained gardens with both Western and Eastern influences. Spend some time learning more about the region by viewing the 19th and 20th century art at the National Museum of Fine Arts, or enjoy high tea at the Alvear Palace Hotel, one of the world’s most elegant hotels. No visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without a trip on one of the gondolas found along the city’s waterways. At night, it is time to get down and dance. Before you do, you can tempt your taste buds at one of the fine restaurants scattered throughout the city.

Head to the southern most points of South America on one of Celebrity Cruises’ round-trip cruises on Celebrity Eclipse. These journeys include overnight stays in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro among other ports, coupled with some relaxing sea days. On Celebrity Eclipse, you can enjoy a sunset and great conversation at the Sunset Bar, relax on the lawn, enjoy a day in the thermal suite, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two at the french-inspired Murano. The variety of activities both onboard and ashore will certainly keep your love alive.

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Have you visited any of these ports of call? What is your pick for the most romantic place to visit on a cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your special moments cruising.

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