Waikīkī, with its iconic beaches and vibrant atmosphere, was home for a few days before our Hawaiian cruise adventure truly began. We packed in all the classics: shopping, hiking, a fantastic dinner, and a trip to the North Shore for some cliff jumping. This set the stage for an unforgettable family vacation across the Hawaiian Islands, an experience that defied all our expectations.
A Taste of Waikīkī Culture and Surf
Our Waikīkī itinerary kicked off with a visit to the Ala Moana shopping mall, a shopper’s paradise. Then, it was an exhilarating hike up Diamond Head, offering panoramic views of the coast. Dinner at Duke’s was a must, a spot renowned for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. For a change of scenery and some thrills, we ventured to the North Shore, where Waimea Bay beckoned with its stunning beaches and epic cliff-jumping opportunities.
Seeking a touch of local culture, we immersed ourselves in the Nā Lei Aloha Show at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī. From our balcony, we enjoyed a breathtaking sunset view over the beach. The seafood buffet was truly exceptional, and the performance itself was captivating. We learned that the lei, a symbol of endless love, truly is a beautiful tradition. The highlight? A heartwarming family photo, destined for Nana Carole’s cherished wall of memories.
The next day, Waikīkī Beach, a stunning backdrop of mountains and swaying palms, transformed into a personal surfing school for our kids. They joined dozens of eager surfers, catching waves and embracing the island spirit. I’d pre-booked a canoe ride for six of us with the Waikiki Beach Boys at the Royal Hawaiian. It was an absolute rush, gliding through the surf on a giant waka, with the head Beach Boy shouting “heads up” to our paddlers, navigating around the other surfers. Hawaii truly is a surfer’s paradise.
The Royal Hawaiian
Setting Sail: Our Hawaiian Cruise Begins
Soon after, it was cruise time. The ship, which had just arrived that morning from its previous journey, was a hive of activity. Despite the quick turnaround for over 700 crew members, the check-in process for 2500 guests was incredibly smooth, thanks to staggered arrival times. Our vessel, the Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line, was celebrating its 20th anniversary, a significant milestone for any ship.
As we sailed away, watching the sun dip below the horizon of downtown Waikīkī and the vast ocean stretch before us, I knew this week was going to be special. I quickly realized, or would have if I’d properly reviewed the itinerary, that this was going to be a jam-packed adventure. Visiting four Hawaiian Islands meant we’d be on the move almost daily, docking at a new port each time. While the pace was ours to set, we were eager to explore every corner of each island.
Maui: Beaches, Turtles, and Rebuilding Hope
Our first stop was Maui. We rented a car and drove about 30 minutes to Makena, a fantastic beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming on a hot day. Afterward, we headed to Wailea for lunch at Monkeypod, a popular Hawaiian restaurant chain. Our waitress proudly informed us that the fish on the menu had been caught just that morning.
Driving past Lahaina, the town devastated by fire, was a sobering experience. Even after two years, the rebuilding efforts still have a long way to go. We stopped in Ka’anapali, a resort town with a vibrant and trendy atmosphere, which was a nice contrast. With another day in Maui, we ventured east to the beautiful Twin Falls waterfalls and then to Ho’okipa Beach. There, we were absolutely captivated by dozens of majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles swimming in the shallows.
Back on the boat, the food experience deserves a special mention. For our four teenagers, the “Aloha Buffet” was their absolute favorite. It perfectly balanced quantity with quality, ensuring everyone found something delicious. And with six specialty restaurants onboard, the dining choices felt endless.
Hawaii’s Big Island: Volcanoes, Coffee, and Ocean Life
Stop two brought us to the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, you can delve into Hilo and explore the famous volcano, though our focus was on Kona. Kona, with its charming fishing village vibe and beautiful beaches, was an instant hit (and yes, we indulged in plenty of Kona coffee!). While the kids and my husband surfed at Kahalu’u Beach, I went snorkeling. The vibrant marine life just below the surface was incredible. I quickly shared the snorkels around, wanting everyone to experience the wonder.
Kauai: Waimea Canyon’s Grandeur and More Sea Turtles
After a night’s sail, we woke up in Kauai, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The Waimea Canyon lived up to its name; its breathtaking colors, with vivid red and brown cliffs dropping dramatically, were truly a sight to behold. We then headed to Poipu Beach, where the kids rented surfboards and spent hours riding the waves. As night fell, we were once again mesmerized. We watched, transfixed, as the cherished Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles slowly made their way ashore.
Our final evening onboard was spent together on the sunny back deck, sipping cocktails and mocktails. We tried our best to capture that perfect family cruise ship photo, one that Nana Carole would surely cherish. Looking back, the cruise ship proved to be an excellent way to travel between the islands.
A Week That Exceeded Expectations
In all, it was a week that truly defied expectations. Our days were packed with activities, yet we always had the freedom to choose our own pace, satisfying our desire for independence. There’s a distinct luxury in not having to worry about luggage or flights when traveling between islands. And despite a large number of people onboard, the ship never felt crowded; there was always ample space for our family of nine.
Aside from the fantastic food, our family survey revealed that the staff were the second favorite aspect of the cruise. Their genuine kindness and attentiveness truly stood out, indicating a strong and positive ship culture. The newly added Starbucks onboard was also a big hit. And for a truly comfortable journey, the beds were a unanimous third favorite. As the kids enthusiastically put it, they were “comfy as.”
FAQs
What were the highlights of the Waikīkī portion of the trip?
Highlights included shopping at Ala Moana, hiking Diamond Head, dining at Duke’s, and a North Shore trip for beach time and cliff jumping. We also enjoyed the Nā Lei Aloha Show at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī and a thrilling canoe ride with the Waikiki Beach Boys.
What was the dining experience like on the cruise ship?
The cruise ship offered a fantastic dining experience, with the “Aloha Buffet” being a family favorite for its quantity and quality. There were also six specialty restaurants, providing a wide variety of choices to suit all tastes.
Which islands were visited during the cruise?
The cruise visited four Hawaiian Islands: Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai.
What were some memorable experiences on Maui?
On Maui, we enjoyed Makena Beach, had lunch at Monkeypod, and explored Ka’anapali. A particularly memorable experience was seeing dozens of majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach.
What activities were enjoyed on the Big Island of Hawaii?
On the Big Island, we loved Kona, a charming fishing village. The kids and my husband surfed, while I snorkeled at Kahalu’u Beach, marveling at the vibrant fish life just below the surface.
What made Kauai so special?
Kauai, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” amazed us with the breathtaking colors of Waimea Canyon. We also spent hours at Poipu Beach, where the kids surfed, and watched as Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles came ashore at night.
What were the top three favorite things about the cruise, according to a family survey?
According to a family survey, the top three favorites were the food (especially the Aloha Buffet), the genuinely lovely staff, and the incredibly comfortable beds.
References
Hyatt Regency Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ready to discover your own Hawaiian adventure?
If our journey through the stunning Hawaiian Islands has sparked your imagination, perhaps it’s time to plan your own unforgettable trip. Whether you dream of surfing Waikīkī’s famous waves, exploring Maui’s pristine beaches, or marveling at Kauai’s majestic canyons, Hawaii offers an endless array of experiences. Consider starting with a few days in vibrant Waikīkī to immerse yourself in island life, then embark on a cruise to effortlessly explore the diverse beauty of multiple islands. From the thrill of cliff jumping to the serenity of watching sea turtles, every moment promises to be a cherished memory. Begin planning your Hawaiian escape today and create your own collection of incredible stories and family photos!
