Hawaii
Hawaii by Hawaii Cruises
Hawaii is a wonderfully unique place on earth. Home to one of the world's most active volcanoes and the world's
tallest sea mountain. The birthplace of modern surfing, the hula and Hawaii Regional Cuisine. A former seat of a
royal kingdom and home to the only royal palace on United States soil. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological
formations in the world and the youngest state of the union (United States). One of Hawaii's most unique feature
is its aloha spirit: the warmth of Hawaii's people that wonderfully complements the Islands' perfect temperatures.
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island.
You'll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities and sights.
Mark Twain called Hawaii, "That peaceful land, that beautiful land... the climate, one long delicious summer
day, and the good that die experience no change, for they but fall asleep in one heaven and wake up in another."
We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha with a Hawaii Cruise. eHawaiiCruises.com wants to help you find your
own heavenly Hawaii Cruises experiences.
About Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Isle,” which is an entirely accurate
description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain
spires and jagged cliffs, aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking
rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your
imagination.
Beyond Kauai’s dramatic beauty, the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities. Kayak the Wailua River. Snorkel
on Poipu Beach. Hike the trails of Kokee State Park. Even go ziplining above Kauai’s lush valleys. But it is the island’s
laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns and along its one-lane bridges that make it truly timeless.
Make your escape to Kauai and discover the undeniable allure of Kauai.
The oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Outdoor adventures and
romantic escapades flourish on Kauai. Explore the beaches of the Coconut Coast, see Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of
the Pacific," or take a boat ride to marvel at the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.
Kauai Highlights:
Wailua River –Hawaii’s only navigable river.
Napali Coast – Spectacular sea cliffs on Kauai’s north coast.
Poipu Beach Park – Voted one of America’s best beaches.
Waimea Canyon – Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
About Oahu, Hawaii
Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people.
It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.
The clear blue waters of Kailua Beach meet the metropolitan cityscapes of Honolulu. The historic architecture of Iolani
Palace meets the timeless memorials of Pearl Harbor. The big city of Waikiki meets the small town of Haleiwa on the North
Shore. Whether you’re hiking atop iconic Leahi (Diamond Head), enjoying some of Hawaii’s best shopping, or simply unwinding
on the sands of the island’s beautiful beaches, you’ll find variety at every turn on Oahu.
Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural
wonders with the modern arts, entertainment and amenities of the 21st century. See pro surfers charge the big winter
waves of the legendary North Shore, relive American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor, or soak up
the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.
Oahu Highlights:
Waikiki – Iconic gathering place for visitors from around the world.
Pearl Harbor – Explore the historic sites recounting the Pearl Harbor attack.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – One of Hawaii’s premier snorkeling sites.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout – Historic spot with fantastic mountain views.
North Shore – Legendary birthplace of big wave surfing.
About Molokai, Hawaii
Imagine the Hawaii of the past. Unspoiled country and
untouched beaches. No skyscrapers or stoplights. The chance to truly live as the locals do. That’s Molokai today.
Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point. Molokai is home to the
highest sea cliffs in the world along its northeast coast (3,600-3,900 feet) and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef
(28 miles) off Molokai’s southern coast. On foot, by bike or by 4-wheel drive, this is an island of outdoor adventure. Take
the road less traveled and get red dirt in your shoes whether you’re hiking along the 1,700 foot cliffs leading to Kalaupapa
National Historical Park or discovering Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s biggest white sand beaches.
With a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry, Molokai is place where Hawaiian culture thrives. The
people of Molokai continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land, or aloha aina, and you can feel
this aloha from small town Kaunakakai to sacred Halawa Valley. Hawaii’s past comes alive on Molokai.
With almost half of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry, Molokai is an island that has preserved its
connection to the past and its love for the outdoors. Step back in time to the sleepy town of Kaunakakai, view the
verdant flora in Halawa Valley, or learn about the works of Saint Damien at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Molokai Highlights:
Kaunakakai – Molokai’s main town and seaport.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park – Historic seaside settlement.
Papohaku Beach – One of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.
About Lanai, Hawaii
You won’t find a single traffic light here and that’s exactly how the people of Lanai like it.
Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf at the Challenge at Manele and The Experience
at Koele. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back-roads in a 4-wheel drive exploring off the beaten path treasures like
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) and Polihua Beach. In fact, only 30 miles of Lanai’s roads are paved.
The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. From the stunning views atop the pine-lined
Munro Trail to watching the acrobatic spinner dolphins from romantic Hulopoe Bay, Lanai is a special place where you’re sure to find
serenity, adventure and intimacy. If you want to get away from it all, get away to Lanai.
Without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway for luxury, romance and privacy away from crowds. Get
away from it all at Lanai’s opulent resorts in Hulopoe Bay and Lanai City, see the rock formations at Keahiakawelo,
or 4-wheel drive amongst the pine trees along the Munro Trail.
Lanai Highlights:
Hulopoe Bay – Once named America’s Best Beach.
Lanai City – Central town with local shopping and dining.
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) – Otherworldly barren landscape.
About Maui, Hawaii
Stand above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala. Watch a 45-foot whale breach off the coast of Lahaina.
Lose count of the waterfalls along the road as you maneuver
the hairpin turns of the Hana highway. One visit and it’s easy to see why Maui is called “The Magic Isle.”
The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who
are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island.
From the scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a
visit to the Magic Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to
believe it.
The second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. The waters off of Maui are also
some of the best places in the world to whale watch every winter. Wake up early to catch the Haleakala sunrise, stroll
through the historic hot spot of Lahaina town, or drive the long and winding road to Hana for spectacular scenery.
Maui Highlights:
Lahaina – Whale watch, shop and dine in this historic hot spot.
Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) – One of Maui’s largest beaches.
Iao Valley State Park – Historic site home to the iconic Iao Needle.
Haleakala National Park – Scenic home to Maui’s highest peak.
Hana – Famous for the scenic drive to this small, charming town.
About Big Island, Hawaii
It’s easy to feel small on Hawaii’s Big Island. From the molten magma flowing from
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast
to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii’s Big Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what
an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be
intimidating. You’ll find all but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On
this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest
local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary
church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small
pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.
Larger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, or Hawaii's Big Island, is vast enough to hold 11
of the world’s 13 climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. See waterfalls, rainforests and botanical
gardens in Hilo, explore the calm and clear water off of Kona, or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes,
in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii's Big Island Highlights:
Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) – Historic seaside hot spot.
Coffee Plantations – Get a rich taste of fresh Kona coffee.
Downtown Hilo – Discover local treasures in the island’s capital city.
Hamakua Coast – See waterfalls on this spellbinding scenic drive.