Hawaii Feature

Cruising has become extremely popular in Hawaii. For first-time visitors, it's an excellent way to get a taste of all the Islands; and if you fall in love with one or even two Islands, you know how to plan your next trip.

Cruising to Hawaii

Carnival Cruises. They call them "fun ships" for a reason—Carnival is all about keeping you busy and showing you a good time, both onboard and onshore. Great for families, Carnival always plans plenty of kid-friendly activities, and their children's program rates high with the little critics. Carnival offers itineraries starting in Los Angeles, Ensenada, Vancouver, and Honolulu. Their ships stop on Maui (Kahului), the Big Island (Kailua-Kona and Hilo), Oahu, and Kauai. 888/227-6482. www.carnival.com.

Holland America. The grande dame of cruise lines, Holland America has a reputation for service and elegance. Holland America's Hawaii cruises leave from and return to San Diego, California, with a brief stop at Ensenada. In Hawaii, the ship ties up at port in Maui (Lahaina), the Big Island (Hilo), Oahu, and Kauai (Nawiliwili). Holland America also offers longer itineraries (30-plus days) that include Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Marquesas, and depart from or return to San Diego, Seattle, or Vancouver. 877/932-4259. www.hollandamerica.com.

Princess Cruises. Princess strives to offer affordable luxury. Their prices start out a little higher, but you get more bells and whistles (affordable balcony rooms, nicer decor, more restaurants to choose from, personalized service). It's not the best line for small children, but they do a great job of keeping teenagers occupied. Golden Princess, Sapphire Princess, and Star Princess sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day round-trip voyage with calls at Hilo on the Big Island, Honolulu, Kauai, and Lahaina on Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. There are also 15-day cruises out of San Francisco. In addition, the line offers longer cruises—up to 29 days—that include stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific. 800/774-6237. www.princess.com.

Cruising within Hawaii

American Safari Cruises. Except for the summer months when its yachts cruise Alaska, American Safari Cruises offers round-trip, eight-day, seven-night interisland cruises departing from Lahaina, Maui. The Safari Explorer accommodates only 36 passengers; its smaller size allows it to dock at Molokai and Lanai in addition to a stop on the Big Island. The cruise is all-inclusive, with shore excursions, water activities, and even a massage included as part of the deal. More adventurous, less inclusive interisland cruises are offered on a 76-passenger boat. 888/862-8881. www.innerseasdiscoveries.com.

Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian is the only major operator to offer interisland cruises in Hawaii. Pride of America sails year-round and offers seven-day itineraries within the Islands stopping on Maui, Oahu, the Big Island (Hilo), and overnighting on Kauai. The ship has a vintage Americana theme and a big family focus with lots of connecting staterooms and suites. 800/327-7030. www.ncl.com.