Cruises to Hawaii – great way to explore the islands
Cruises to Hawaii represent the opportunity to get to know these wonderful islands from a different perspective. So what is so interesting there? First of all it’s the nature of the only island US state with surprisingly comfortable mild climate. The islands are of volcanic origin with lush rainforests and snow white beaches neighboring black volcanic shores and mountains, creating a unique landscape. In addition, the fact that Hawaii is so far away from the intense rhythm of life of the continent, it provides an opportunity for the visitors to relax and wind down. Like any archipelago, Hawaii is best seen as a part of a sea cruise – you will get a varied experience and vivid contrasts. A cruise in these waters focuses on the joy and beauty of life. People who live here are wonderful and responsive, and you inevitably start to look at the world through different eyes. Lazy waves crashing the sand invoke contemplation, relaxation and enjoyment of the moment. Exotic flowers, scents, birds, palm trees and magnificent sea with rich marine life only increase the effect. There are 32 islands in total, but only six of them are major ones – Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai – all are very different from each other.
Big Island of Hawaii is a perfect place for a beach holiday and for shore excursions during your Hawaii cruise. The local feature is a magnificent park of volcanoes, where you can see unique landscapes, created by lava. The most massive volcano on the planet, Mauna Loa is located here. Nowhere else on the planet, in an area this big, can you see essentially all the varieties of volcanic activity and such unique topography. The island is a strange mixture of volcanic rock, waterfalls and exotic tropical vegetation. If your cruise ship happens to linger on this island for an extra day, you will have a chance to go on a sightseeing tour or simply take walks and swim in the ocean and feel the eternal celebration of beauty of nature around you. The Big Island is one of the most interesting ports during your sea cruise in the region.
Next on the cruise route is Oahu, which the natives call the “meeting place”, perhaps because it is the intersection of many roads. The island is the home of the capital of the archipelago, Honolulu, as well as the famous Pearl Harbor. Without exception, all cruises to Hawaii start or stop here. Just like any big city, Honolulu is very lively with a vibrant nightlife; also, there are excellent beaches and shopping. This will be the most “civilized” part of the cruise. Polynesian Cultural Center is located on Oahu. North Shore is a recognized surfing Mecca.
Continuing the trip along the archipelago, the liner will visit the island of Kauai, or “Garden Island” – with the most vivid and rich vegetation of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is the embodiment of the tropical romance with its mysterious grottos, cozy lagoons, tropical waterfalls and geysers. Very impressive are Waimea canyon state park that stretches for sixteen miles – it is also known as the Great Pacific Canyon, Kauai Lagoon wildlife sanctuary and Botanical gardens. Kauai is essentially the most humid place on the planet with annual 11.7 meters of precipitation. Centuries of showers formed the islands vast valleys.
The next gem on your route is the island of Molokai. It has the largest percentage of native population. Molokai is one of the most prominent representatives of the Hawaiian Islands with deserted beaches, ancient temples of pagan gods, very good dirt roads and almost no cars. This island is also famous for the world’s highest cliffs. There is also the longest coral reef in the US, so do some snorkeling if you have a chance. Although there is almost no tourist infrastructure and very few tourists, the nature is clean and the scenery – stunning.
The island of Maui is called by the natives the “Island of the valleys”. It has everything that the tourist who plan their cruise or a visit to Hawaii dream about – more than 600 varieties of palm trees, the whitest sand, orchids and colorful birds. In a word – a paradise. Besides, there are superb hotels and excellent infrastructure. It as a very, very nice place to stay. The island can be explored as a part of a shore excursion from your cruise ship or you can simply take a walk and enjoy this beach paradise.
The last island, most frequently visited by cruise liners as part of cruises to Hawaii is Lanai. It is a small, quiet and beautiful island, consisting of pristine rain forests and pine apple plantations. It is known as a place for a quiet and quality recreation for a few that choose to come here. There is only a handful of hotels and everything necessary to enjoy the peace and beauty of tropical luxury. The underwater world here is also quite noteworthy if you get a chance to go snorkeling during your time on the island.
