Hawaii is a sightseeing paradise. Wherever you turn there is something to see or do, whether it’s on land, on the water or in the air. On your Hawaiian Cruise you will have the possibility to embark on several shore excursions and we have provided a brief overview of some of the major sights and attractions on the Hawaiian Islands.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Oahu
While in port on your Hawaiian cruise, be sure to check out the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The 7th of December 1941 marks a day that will live in the minds of Americans and people worldwide forever. It is he day that the US fleet was surprise attacked by the Japanese, crippling its naval fleet. This day would only mark the beginning of the hostilities that followed between the US and Japanese.
Located North of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the memorial commemorates the fallen men and women of the pearl harbour bombing. You can take a tour of the visitor centre, which is located above the sunken USS Arizona and find out more about what happened on this day. This is an experience and is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions and a must do on your Hawaiian Cruise itinerary.
USS Arizona Memorial
Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
Another top rated tourist attraction popular with Hawaiian cruise travellers is Diamond Head on the island of Oahu. Diamond Head is widely recognised as the symbol of Hawaii and it’s most well known landmark. It is commonly known in Hawaiian as Le’ahi, which translates to “Brow (le) of the tuna (‘ahi)”. Named because of it’s resemblance of the forehead of a yellow fin tuna, visible from its western appearance. It’s more familiar name came from 19th Century British sailors who mistook calcite or basic crystals located in the soil for diamonds.
Diamond Head is a now dormant volcanic crater known as the Diamond Head crater. The crater is famous for its particular section and appearance from the beaches of Waikiki (especially at sunset). Those keen enough to hike to the summit will get a stunning view over Oahu and the city of Honolulu. Be shore to take a flash light to help you navigate through the many tunnels and passageways. Diamond Head is located on Diamond Head Rd, east of Waikiki, Honolulu on the Island of Oahu. Definitely mark this down on your Hawaiian Cruise Itinerary.
Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii’s volcanoes national Park
Hawaii’s volcanoes national Park is a once in a lifetime experience and must be included in your Hawaiian Cruise Itinerary. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hawaii. The park is located on Hawaii’s “Big Island” and was originally established in 1916. The volcanoes national park consists approximately of 1348 km² of land and offers tourists a range of amazing landscapes from sea level to the summit of the world’s largest volcano “Mauna Loa”. It is also home to the world’s most active volcano “Kilauea”.
The volcanoes national park encompasses hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity and provides an insight into the creation and evolution of the Hawaiian Islands and their ecosystems. There are a number of activities available in the volcanoes national park ranging from scenic drives, hiking, camping and a number of ranger led tours. For an excellent day trip don’t miss the scenic drive along Crater Rim drive which will provide stunning views of some extreme volcanic landscapes. Be sure to drop into the Kilauea visitor centre to get more information regarding sights and tours within the volcano park. Alternatively your Hawaiian island crew should be able to point you in the right direction.
Volcanoes national Park
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
Hanauma Bay nature preserve is situated on the south east coast of Oahu, east of Honolulu and is a must see sight for all you ocean lovers. The name stands for sheltered bay with “Hana” meaning bay and “uma” meaning shelter in Hawaiian translation. Hanauma Bay was once overrun with tourists with one year recording over 3 million visitors. At one point explosives were used on a portion of the coral reef to increase the area available for swimming. This overuse eventually led to which led to deterioration and neglect.
In 1967 the bay was declared a marine protection area underwater park. Plans laid out in 1990 have seen the bay restored to a pristine condition with the amount of visitors being controlled. Several fees and charges have been adopted for visitors which assist in the ongoing maintenance and protection of this pristine ecosystem.
The bay features a large network of coral reef which is easily accessible from the shore and is great for snorkellers of all experience. The bay is protected by the reef and the surrounding land mass, which lessens the impact of strong currents and large swells. Marine life is in abundance and you will be astonished as to what you can see so close to the shore. Be sure to call into the visitor centre before you get in the water and grab a fish id card so you know what you are looking at.
This is a must see attraction if you pass by on your Hawaiian cruise.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Haleakala National Park, Maui
Haleakala National park is a nature reserve dedicated to the preservation of the volcanic area found on the island of Maui. Haleakala National Park consists of two areas, firstly the Summit which includes the Haleakala Crater. The summit offers breathtaking scenery and unbelievable views across the island of Maui. The crater is well known for it’s size, it is 11.25 km (7 mi) across, 3.2 km (2 mi) wide, and some 800 meters (2,600 feet) deep.
The second part of Haleakala National Park is the Kipahulu section. This part of the national park is not directly connected to the summit area although can be accessed via a scenic coastal road. The valley of Kipahulu offers completely different scenery to the summit with a lush forest lining, water holes, pools and beautiful water falls. Visitors can even swim in these natural pools if they wish.
Haleakala National Park
These are just some of the more popular sights of Hawaii. If you are taking a Hawaiian cruise you will have plenty of time for shore excursions so if any of the above sites interest you, be sure to mention it to the staff aboard your cruise ship and I’m sure they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Get out there and see Hawaii on a Hawaiian Cruise
Jul 14 2009
