The Best of Family-Friendly Cruising in Hawaii

Cruises Editor

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When Mark Twain cruised among Hawaii’s islands in 1866, he described them as the “loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean”. The reporter, who would become one of the world’s most celebrated authors, was travelling aboard a coal-powered steamer. These days, you can follow in Twain’s wake surrounded by comfort and luxury.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the only line with a ship based in Hawaii. It offers year-round Saturday departures from Honolulu on Pride of America, which was refurbished in 2013. The family-friendly ship offers family rooms (inside or with balcony) and interconnecting rooms that can sleep up to eight. Over seven days, passengers visit four islands: Oahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai. From Honolulu, the ship sails east to Maui – an island so beautiful that many celebrities (such as Willie Nelson and Mick Fleetwood) have homes here.

 

Maui has a dry western side – that’s where the sunny beach resorts of Lahaina and Wailea are located – and a lush eastern side that’s buffeted by moisture-laden trade winds much of the year. One of the most popular shore excursions is the Road to Hana – a scenic drive around Maui’s crinkle-cut north-eastern coastline that traces some 620 curves and travels over 59 moss-covered narrow bridges while passing waterfalls and black-lava beaches. Those prone to motion sickness should bring medication or ginger lollies to help deal with the drive’s twists and turns.

 

The winding road skirts the base of the Haleakala volcano that dominates Maui’s geography. It’s also possible to take an excursion to the Haleakala crater or, if you don’t mind an extremely early start, head up to watch the sun rise through clouds hovering below the peak.

 

On the Big Island, there are two ports of call: Hilo and Kona. Lush Hilo, in the east, is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Kona, in the west, is synonymous with coffee. Sip the iconic brew while on a tour of historic Kona or head out onto the water on a catamaran where you may spot pods of dolphins.

 

Many people say the Garden Island of Kauai is the state’s most stunning island. Absorb the spirit of “aloha” – an almost indefinable notion of love, compassion, mercy and grace – while attending a luau. Dine on traditional Hawaiian fare such as poi (a purple paste made from taro) while watching energetic fire dancers and graceful hula dancers.

 

Princess cruises to Hawaii on 15-day round-trip itineraries from ports including Los Angeles (2016 departures include January 9 and December 20) and San Francisco (April 2). Learn to dance the hula or play the ukulele through Princess’s on-board Aloha Spirit program.

 

Carnival also cruises to Hawaii from Los Angeles (it has a 15-day trip departing January 16). Carnival Miracle offers children’s menus, kids’ clubs and a spiral waterslide. Camp Carnival activities include singalongs and face painting for younger kids and discos, PlayStation and talent shows for older children. There are also activities for the whole family such as ice-cream eating competitions, scavenger hunts and cookie decorating.

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