WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE CRUISING IN HAWAII
Hawaii has a long history of being a top cruise ship destination. For more than 100 years visitors have flocked to the island by cruise ship to experience a taste of paradise. In fact, the original hotels in Waikiki were built with the support of cruise companies transporting wealthy Americans.
Sure cruising island to island is a great way to experience the entire State of Hawaii. But when you step onto dry land make sure to book the shore excursion that allows you to see the best of each island. Roberts Hawaii offers conveniently timed and affordable shore excursions that fit your cruise schedule and include pick up and drop off right at your pier!
Here are some of our island excursions that are a shore thing!
Oahu
After cruising across the open ocean for a few days, you will probably want to spend some time in the city! Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, has many historic sites including Iolani Palace, a statue of King Kamehameha the Great, and beautiful architecture. The city also boasts great shopping and lots of popular island eateries. Or you can book a Roberts Hawaii tour which includes a stop at Pearl Harbor to visit the historic Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the 1945 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Rather sink your feet in the sand? Sign up for Roberts Hawaii’s Scenic Coastal Tour and experience Oahu’s breathtaking beaches. The volcanic origins of the islands make for some seriously scenic coastline views like the world-famous Diamond Head and Koko Head Crater. For a cultural experience head to Oahu’s countryside and check out the North Shore and Polynesian Culture Center tour. On this tour you will make waves at some of the world’s most famous surf spots including a stop to shop in historic Haleiwa town. This tour includes a visit to the world’s largest maze at Dole Plantation as well as a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, an interactive museum of Polynesia.
Maui
The Valley Isle wows, with everything from vast sugar cane fields to waterfalls and snorkeling. Depending on how much time your ship spends on Maui, you can experience it all!
Embrace the ocean you have been traveling over and go under the sea on the Maui Snorkel Cruise! On this tour, you’ll take a boat out to Molokini, a small islet three miles from the main island that boasts schools of sea life! Soak in the tropical fish and brightly colored coral as an underwater photographer swims alongside, snapping photos of you and your group. The tour will also make a second snorkel stop meet and greet with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, or honu. To experience sea life without actually getting in the water, take the Best of Maui Tour. This tour starts off at a tropical plantation and includes a lush garden walk in Iao Valley, and ends at the Maui Ocean Center where you can visit the Living Reef and the Turtle Lagoon. All without getting your hair wet.
Looking for something more relaxing? Spend the day at Kalama Beach Park on the Beach Day in Maui excursion. Another great tour for families or seniors is the Haleakala Crater excursion. Take a bus up through sugar cane and paniolo country to the top of the crater. Haleakala means “House of the Sun” and the former volcano’s crest offers an unforgettable view of the valley isle.
Kauai
Discover why Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle with one of Roberts Hawaii’s five shore excursions. Visit the famous Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific where sweeping views are enough to take your breath away, and Waimea Valley, which is known as one of the wettest spots on Earth and overflowing with waterfalls. You’ll also want to head upstream to see the Wailua River and romantic Fern Grotto.
Hawaii, particularly Kauai, has long served as a backdrop for many popular Hollywood films including Jurassic Park, Blue Hawaii, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Descendants. Roberts Hawaii’s Hawaii Movie Tour provides guests with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus that makes stops at numerous well-known locations you will recognize from the silver screen.
Kauai also hosts one of Roberts Hawaii’s most popular activities, the Island’s Best Luau! Here, you’ll experience a traditional Hawaiian celebration with ono (delicious) food and Polynesian dance.
Big Island
The Big Island, or Hawaii Island, is the only island in the state with an active volcano. While at port on the Hilo side of the island, take a trip to Volcanoes National Park to take in the views from the top of Kilauea. You will also have a chance to take a stroll through the Thurston Lava Tube as well as the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum. Roberts Hawaii’s volcano tours also includes a stop at Rainbow Falls, a roaring tropical falls, as well as visits to orchid farms, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and the Pane’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.
On the Kona side of the island, Roberts Hawaii offers excursions for adventure seekers as well as history buffs. The Historic Kona tour will take your group to the Captain Cook monument where your guide will explain the rich history of Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This tour also includes a stop at the Kona Coffee Factory where you’ll have a chance to see where some of the world’ most well known brews are grown. For those looking for the thrill of adventure, the Rafting and Snorkeling Excursion is spot on. Catch a small motorboat along the Kona coastline for some snorkeling and cave exploration. Just looking for a beach day? Hit up Kahaluu Beach Park on the Tidepool and Reef Exploration Tour. Sunbathe the day away with some snorkeling and a chance sea turtle sighting.
Check out further details on our Shore Excursions. *Excursion availability is dependent on each cruise ships docking times.