10 Best Hawaiian Cruise Ship Tours and Activities

Wherever you sail with Carnival, you’re bound to have the time of your life. As tempting as it might be to stay aboard and experience everything our ships have to offer, though, a handful of memorable cruise ship tours will make the experience even more remarkable, especially when sailing to a tropical paradise like Hawaii.

To help you get a head start on planning your cruise to Hawaii, we put together a list of ten tours and activities to make sure you have the best Hawaii cruise possible. From excitement and thrills to relaxation and exploration, these Hawaii cruise excursions have something for everyone, no matter your interests and passions.

So start packing those bags because ocean breezes, rich history and culture, and perfect, endless beaches await your arrival.

1. North Shore Adventure

Few places on Earth are as stunning and inspiring as Oahu’s famous North Shore. To immerse yourself in everything that makes the destination so special, the North Shore Adventure excursion takes you through lush green forests, along the base of towering mountains, and to beautiful and renowned Sunset Beach.

Along the way, you’ll see sea turtles, sample the local cuisine, visit a pineapple plantation, and soak in the culture that makes the North Shore so unique.

2. Wonders of Haleakala

If Mother Nature in her grandest form puts a bounce in your step, then the Wonders of Haleakala excursion on Maui is perfect for you. Feel like you’re on a different planet as you gaze out at the Haleakala Crater, the largest dormant volcano in the world. At almost 10,000 feet elevation, we challenge you to find a better view of the islands than the one from the observatory.

3. Molokini & Turtle Town Zodiac Snorkel Adventure

While there’s obviously quite a bit to take in while touring the beautiful landscapes in Hawaii, there’s another world waiting for discovery just beneath the sea.

On the Molokini & Turtle Town Zodiac Snorkel Adventure excursion, you’ll snorkel amongst tropical fish within the Molokini Crater and pay a visit to what’s lovingly called Turtle Town, where you’ll get up close to Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

4. Amazing Waterfalls Swim with BBQ Lunch

Few things in life are as spectacular as a set of waterfalls hiding within the lush confines of nature. The Amazing Waterfalls Swim with BBQ Lunch is one of the Hawaii excursions you’re bound to describe to anyone that will listen when you get back home.

Thick rainforests, two of Hilo’s most famous waterfalls, and plunging beneath a private and secluded waterfall are just some of the moments to expect while on this wondrous excursion.

5. Zippin Volcano

Thrill seekers have plenty of ideal Hawaii excursions to choose from as well. And speaking of thrills, how does ziplining across eight separate lines and 160 feet over incredible tropical river gorges sound? As if that wasn’t enough, the Zippin Volcano excursion ends with a tour through the Kaumana Cave Lava Tube system where your inner explorer will have the time of its life.

6. Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour

Since we’re on the topic of exploration, the Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour is another awe-inspiring excursion that lets you explore the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, also known as Waimea Canyon, from aboard a riverboat.

Tour Waimea River, learn about the area’s unique history and culture, and let local musicians serenade you with some of Hawaii’s most famous and enchanting songs.

7. Mudbug Waterfall Off-Road Adventure

For cruisers that don’t mind a getting a bit dirty while thrill-seeking, the Mudbug Waterfall Off-Road Adventure is an ideal opportunity to mix some excitement, amazing scenery, and a little bit of mud along the way.

From behind the wheel of your all-terrain vehicle, you’ll wind through trails spread throughout the south shore of Kauai, and absorb the scenery that makes it one of Hawaii’s undiscovered gems.

8. Kona Coast Helicopter Tour

Maybe you’ve seen pictures of the famous Kona Coast, or even glimpsed it in a movie or on TV. Whatever you know about it, we promise you it doesn’t do it justice. Get to see the immense valleys and hypnotizing waterfalls like few others with the Kona Coast Helicopter Tour, a rare opportunity to soak up the majestic coastline from a vantage point that will forever be one of your favorite memories.

9. Kona Historical Tour

As we said, there are Hawaii cruise excursions for everyone, not just adventure seekers and nature lovers. Hawaii’s deep sense of history and culture is put on full display on the Kona Historical Tour, a chance to gain insights into the folklore and ancient legends that have helped shape Kona’s endearing and enduring culture over hundreds of years.

Along the way, you’ll visit an ancient temple, view Keauhou Bay and the birthplace of Kamehameha III, and experience sacred sites that still resonate with locals and visitors alike.

10. Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials

The Call to Duty: Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials excursion is an opportunity to experience another side of Hawaii’s rich history. You’ll feel transported back to the 1940s with a tour of many of the infamous locations from World War II, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the USS Missouri.

With sites from the beginning of the Pacific theater of war to the end, you’ll gain a new perspective on those harrowing days and walk away with a greater appreciation for the sacrifices, battles, and triumphs all centered around Hawaii.

A cruise to Hawaii is so much more than the excitement and fun you’ll experience while aboard the ship. These ten cruise ship tours and activities are a wonderful way to take full advantage of the sights, sounds, and culture that make Hawaii one of the most beautiful, intriguing, and inspiring places on the planet.

There’s no time like the present to pick your favorite excursions, find your beachwear, and prepare yourself for a Hawaiian vacation you’ll never forget.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.