Overview of This Hawaii Cruise and Shore Excursion Guide
This video documents a complete Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, visiting all the major islands over approximately one week. The traveler books seven distinct shore excursions across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii's Big Island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai, mixing water-based activities like snorkeling and whale watching with land tours and an aerial adventure. If you're an active traveler seeking variety—combining wildlife encounters, geological exploration, and breathtaking scenic views—this real cruise experience shows exactly what to expect and helps you decide which excursions are worth the money.
The Pride of America is described as a fairly small ship with cozy cabins featuring ocean views and balconies where you might spot whales from your room. The itinerary is ideal for adventure seekers who want hands-on experiences rather than passive sightseeing, though the video's honest assessment of each excursion also reveals which ones deliver genuine value and which may disappoint.
Key Moments
Highlights from the Seven Hawaii Excursions
- Swimming with hundreds of massive sea turtles at Waikiki Beach, Oahu—an affordable ($84) pre-cruise activity booked independently
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater, Maui, where dolphins raced the boat and humpback whales breached in the distance
- Close-up whale watching in Maui waters during the December–April humpback breeding season, with a 100-yard legal approach limit
- Helicopter tour over Kauai's waterfalls and Jurassic Park filming locations, with savings of $300 by booking directly with the operator instead of the cruise line
- Snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument, Kona, known for abundant tropical fish
- Visiting an active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, though time constraints limited full enjoyment
What You Need to Know Before Booking Hawaii Cruise Excursions
- Book the helicopter tour directly with the operator rather than through the cruise line to save approximately $300
- Maui is the best location for whale watching December through April, when humpback whales migrate to breed; they do not eat during their six-month Hawaii stay and survive on fat reserves
- The volcano excursion at Hilo costs around $229 and may not provide enough time to fully experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—consider it less worth the price than water-based activities
- Kona requires tendering (small boat transfer) to shore, which adds time but is described as a fun experience itself; arrive early to secure a time slot
- Snorkeling conditions can be choppy at Molokini Crater, especially on rougher days, affecting water clarity
- Pre-cruise excursions booked through GetYourGuide (like the Waikiki turtle swim at $84) offer good value and let you explore before boarding
Frequently Asked Questions About These Hawaii Cruise Excursions
Which excursion offers the best value for money?
The Waikiki turtle snorkeling ($84, pre-cruise) and Captain Cook Monument snorkeling in Kona both deliver excellent experiences at reasonable prices. The video creator notes that the Hawaii Volcanoes tour ($229) felt overpriced relative to the time spent exploring the park.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Hawaii?
December through April is peak season for humpback whales in Hawaii waters, particularly around Maui. During these months, mothers bring calves to breed in safe, warm waters away from orcas, and you have the highest chance of close sightings within the 100-yard legal approach limit.
Should I book excursions through the cruise line or independently?
The video demonstrates that booking directly with operators—especially for the Kauai helicopter tour—can save significant money (up to $300 in this case). However, cruise-line booking offers convenience and coordination with ship schedules, which matters if you're short on time or uncomfortable arranging pickup logistics independently.
How much time do you get at each port?
The video shows two nights in Maui and two nights in Kauai, allowing for multiple excursions per island. Single-night ports like Hilo receive less exploration time, and the volcano excursion there felt rushed. Longer port stays clearly enable better experiences.
What is tendering, and does it add significant time?
Tendering is a small-boat transfer from ship to shore used at ports without direct docking (like Kona). The video describes it as a fun experience in itself; however, arriving early and securing an early time slot helps you maximize your time ashore.
