Choosing a Cruise or a Land Vacation in Hawaii
When it comes to deciding between a Hawaiian cruise or a land vacation, there is no right or wrong answer – it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for and what your budget looks like.
Cruises offer convenience and variety when it comes to visiting multiple islands in one trip while land-based holidays allow travelers more time on each island and access to more site-seeing and immersing yourself in the culture and its people.
When you work with Wanderland Escapes to plan your ideal Hawaiian vacation, we will take into account key considerations such as your budget and the time you have available. With proper research and talking over the pros and cons, (which we will outline in this blog post) travelers can plan an unforgettable Hawaiian holiday that suits their needs perfectly.
A Hawaiian Cruise
A Hawaiian cruise is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience multiple islands in a short amount of time. Cruises usually depart from either Honolulu (on the island of Oahu) and typically include stops to Maui, Big Island (Hilo & Kona), and Kauai. If you want to make an even longer trip out of it, you could also choose to cruise out of several cities in California.
Pros:
Convenience of Visiting Multiple Islands
Taking a cruise makes it easy to visit multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip. Many cruises feature multiple stops in different locations over the course of a week (if departing from Honolulu) so you can experience a variety of activities and attractions without having to worry about inter-island travel, which is only accessible with flights.
Variety of Activities
Cruises often include onboard activities such as hula classes, cooking classes, and live music performances. Plus, you have the option to do things onshore, such as snorkeling and other guided tours.
Cost-Effective
Cruises are often more cost-effective than land-based vacations because they include meals and entertainment in their package prices. This is a plus since there are no all inclusive resorts in Hawaii.
Cons:
Limited Time in Each Port
Cruises are designed to visit multiple islands in a short amount of time, so you may not get to spend as much time in each port as you would if you took a land-based vacation. You are also limited with options of getting around and exploring which sometimes leaves you with only guided tour options.
While cruises offer plenty of activities onboard, they generally don’t offer the same variety of land activities as you do when you do a land based vacation.
Sea Sickness
Some people may be prone to sea sickness due to choppy waters or other factors, which could ruin their vacation experience.
A Land Vacation
Land-based vacations are ideal for travelers who want to spend more time exploring the island and experiencing more of its unique culture and attractions. With a land vacation, you have the flexibility of moving at your own pace and staying a little longer at the beach if you choose. You also have the option of renting a car to be able to reach hiking trails, and explore some deeper areas of the island.
Pros:
More Time to Explore Each Island
With a land-based vacation, you can spend more time exploring each island at your own pace without being confined to a ship schedule. This gives you more flexibility to plan your own activities while still having time to relax and experience the beauty of Hawaii’s various islands.
Access to More Land Activities
Land vacations generally offer more of a variety of activities than cruises do, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and time to do the road to Hana or a luau. Plus the food! So many amazing places to eat everywhere!
Variety of Accommodations
Land vacations offer more variety when it comes to accommodations, from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly condos and everything in between.
Cons:
Expense of Inter-Island Travel
Taking a land vacation means that if you plan to travel to more than one island, you’ll have to pay for inter-island travel expenses. The only way to travel between islands is to fly, so you’ll also have the inconvenience of going to the airport each time. (Even though the flights are literally 45 mins or less) This could add up quickly depending on how many islands you want to visit.
Picking and Choosing Which Island to Visit
Taking a land vacation also means that you’ll have to choose what islands you want to see and how many days you want to spend on each. If you only have a week, you’re going to be limited to two islands to have the best experience.
Potential for Crowded Areas
Depending on the time of year you visit Hawaii, some islands may be more crowded than others due to the influx of tourists who flock to the islands during peak seasons such as Christmas.
Advice From Your Travel Specialist
When deciding between a cruise or a land vacation in Hawaii, there are several key considerations we recommend taking into account:
Budget
How much money do you have available for your vacation? A cruise might be more cost effective than a land-based holiday if you’re on a tighter budget but still want to experience multiple islands in Hawaii.
Time
How much time do you have available for your vacation? A cruise allows you to experience multiple islands in a week but may leave less time for exploring each island than a land vacation would allow. But if you only have a week, you’ll be limited to realistically only seeing two islands.
Activities
What kind of activities do you want to do while in Hawaii? If you’re looking for more variety when it comes to land activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling trips, or hiking, then a land vacation would be the better choice for you.
If you have the time, you could take advantage of both experiences by combining them into one trip if possible. For example, you might take a cruise around the Hawaiian islands followed by a few days on one island so that you can explore it more at your own pace before heading back home. This allows you to experience both the convenience of cruising around multiple islands and the pleasure of spending more time getting to know one island up close and personal.
Which Option Do You Prefer?
No matter whether you want a cruise or a land vacation, (or both!) Rebecca of Wanderland Escapes, can help. With her experience and expertise of Hawaii, she can help you plan an itinerary that allows you to make the most out of your Hawaiian vacation no matter which type of holiday you choose. Plus, if you’re unsure about which island is a good fit for you, she can also help you narrow down that too. Each island offers a different experience, so you definitely want her help to make sure you pick the right island for what you want to experience.
Contact Rebecca today to start planning your Hawaiian getaway!
