Visiting Hawaii can be a really expensive vacation. Hopping from island to island adds to an already pricey destination, but this is where cruising can help you see more for your money. After pricing a vacation by air around Hawaii, we realised that we could cruise and see more at a leisurely pace. And for a group trip, it turned out to be a fantastic option. We chose the NCL Pride of America for our Hawaii cruise, and here’s our review of the whole experience.
The Ship: NCL Pride of America
Pride Of America belongs to Norwegian Cruise Lines. It is an older ship, it was originally built in 2005 making it 18 years old when we sailed. It does not provide a large variety of specialty dining and entertainment as some of the ships currently sailing. We were aware of this ahead of time and found it to be the best priced option for our group trip to Hawaii.
The Pride of America has various swimming pools, in addition to lei-making classes and an arcade. The ship is not ultra fancy and modern but provides a great way to see Hawaii. This route is provided all year round.
The Pride of America has a US history theme. Each restaurant is named things like ‘Jefferson’s Bistro’ and ‘Cadillac Diner’, each with a different theme. While it isn’t the most modern or the most inventive, we were so busy off ship, it didn’t really matter!
Hawaii Cruise Stops
Embarkation from Honolulu
Embarkation happens in the afternoon, so you are able to fly into Honolulu on the morning of your cruise if needed. However, due to delays and various complications of air travel that can arise, we recommend you arrive 1-2 days before. This allows you to explore Honolulu, or even further afield around O’ahu.
After landing at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, our group stayed for one night at Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk. We enjoyed a dinner at The Yard House which was within walking distance.
The next day, we took a double-decker trolley to Pearl Harbor. It was a very chilling and moving experience to visit such a location. So much history in one location. After lunch, we embarked on the NCL Pride Of America.
Kahului, Maui (2 days)
Most of Maui’s tourist areas were damaged by the wildfires that happened not long before we visited the island. Our cruise ship almost didn’t stop there. Lucky for us, we were able to visit and enjoy the local hospitality.
Most of the group split up and enjoyed sightseeing at leisure. There are many ways to enjoy the island – by motorcycle, by tour, or by hire car.
During our visit, we ate authentic shave ice and enjoyed a nice lunch at Paia Fish Market. We also visited Paia Secret Beach to see the Sea Turtles before heading back to the boat. They were all just lying around, sunbathing or eating in the shallows – it was such a treat!
Hopefully Maui and the people will recover from the fire soon, and may such an event never happen again there.
Hilo, The Big Island
From black sand beaches to peaceful waterfalls, we visited all kinds of landmarks in Hilo. We took a tour to see the highlights of Hilo, which was a great way to see a lot in a short time.
And, of course, we couldn’t forget an afternoon treat – Big Island Candies was home to all sorts of homemade candies, in addition to coffee and ice cream. We brought back lots of souvenirs from here, which made great gifts.
Kona, The Big Island
Nestled along Hawaii’s Big Island, Kona is a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures. From snorkelling at Kahaluu Beach Park, exploring Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, or taking in a coffee tour at Kona Coffee Living History Farm – there is lots to do in Kona. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Kona due to some tender issues.
Instead, we stayed on the boat to enjoy a nice relaxing day with our friends. We enjoyed lots of pool time and good food. Some people in our group managed to get to shore and loved it – so I would encourage it if you can.
Nāwiliwili, Kaua’i (2 days)
Kilohana Plantation & Lūʻau
We arrived in Nāwiliwili in the evening and visited the Kilohana Plantation. Our plantation tour included a train ride to visit the animals, learn about the history and to see all of the produce grown on the Kilohana Plantation.
Back at the main center we were able to browse booths set up by local vendors and pick up gifts to bring back home. Dinner was served buffet style before the luau was performed. The show was fantastic and priced much better than the Maui options. After the show, we were transported back to the ship.
Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i
The next day, our boat remained docked in Kauai. We decided to do a tour of Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn Blow Hole, and the Fern Grotto – the Best of Kaua’i. It was truly a highlight reel, with such incredible landscapes on show.
Waimea Canyon is referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, it is very impressive. After a visit to the Spouting Horn Blow Hole, we took a riverboat tour down the Wailua River and were serenaded by a traditional Hawaiian wedding song in the Fern Grotto.
Kauai was filled with so much natural wonder – it’s called the Garden Isle for a reason!
Review of the Pride of America
The NCL Pride of America was merely a vessel to transport us from island to island each night. The food was decent, the cabins were comfortable and it was ideal for our group trip situation. If you are looking for the latest and greatest ship, this would not be a good option. If you are looking for a comfortable budget-friendly way to see multiple islands in Hawaii it is a great choice.
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My husband and I have taken this NCL Hawaiian cruise twice and have found it just as the writer said…great way to hop from island to island. We also did the Luau and it was the best we have been to. I recommend the cruise if only to see so much all in the price of the cruise.
My husband and were looking at a NCL cruise to Hawaii however after just returning from NCL trip to Iceland, walking distances is a real issue for him. At 80 he is not into beachs or scuba diving. We like history and nature, are excursions available to cover these interests?
We’re did you do the luau?
Thanks
Hat island was the luau
Where was the luau? Did you book it through the ship?
Luau Kalamaku is is Kilohana, and we booked it through the ship
I’m glad that I found this post. My husband and I are planning to do this cruise in 2025.
Thank you!
We just got back. It’s definitely the way to do Hawaii. Cabins are small for balcony pricing. Ship food very mediocre. Not a lot of variety. Breakfast at Cadillac if you want eggs or omelets. Fine dinning doesn’t have a great variety, it’s ok tho. Brazilian steakhouse is a must do if you like your meat. Tepanyaki is another great option.
Let’s go, I planned one already August 2025, a group cruise.
My wife & I went September 7th – the 15 th,,,50th anniversary trip!A great experience.Well worth the $$ to go on this trip
We just booked for Mar 1 2025
I traveled on the Pride of America may 2024. As is stated it’s a cheap way to see the islands. The itinerary is fantastic. It is certainly not for anyone expecting an entertaining ship experience. There is very little entertainment at night. The highlight was a comedian and karaoke. The food in the specialty dining and dining room is very good. The buffet is mediocre at best. All food hot and cold was lukewarm. The service staff lackadaisical certainly not NCL caliber. Rooms are small but adequate. Don’t look for any cute towel animals on your bed, we never had one but all in all if you want a cheaper way to see the islands then enjoy
I was on the inaugural trip of this ship from San Fracisco to the islands. That was about 20 yrs ago. I have been on about 10 cruises since then and the Pride trip was THE BEST one of all. The ship was gorgeous, the staff wonderfully attentive and the excursions and ship activities were great! It certainly got me hooked on cruising!
Three of my friends and myself did this tour last May 2024. It was a great way to see all of the islands. The excursions were great The rooms though small , were comfortable. The buffet was rather cool at times, but we chose to eat our meals and the dining room for all of our meals and everything was very good and very warm. The staff in all of the restaurants were just amazing and so accommodating as were the staff for the rooms I would highly recommend this Cruise. The other thing that is nice is that the ship Will add your airline to the cruise to make it easier for you and they pick you up at the airport. The drink package was nice as I got to try different drinks that otherwise I wouldn’t have.
We are taking this cruise in a week. It is our first cruise and we have no clue of what to expect. If this is a value trip, we can never take an expensive one.
Before even sailing, Norwegian we found that we were nickel & dimed for everything imaginable.
We found it to be a value option in relation to doing the same island-hopping by plane and other transport. But you are right, it isn’t the cheapest area to cruise in!
Taken it twice. Pre and post pandemic. As expected pre was better, but overall, both trips were worth the money for Hawaii. No issues came up, but for sanities sake, go a day early
Thanks for your feedback! When we priced that option, it was going to be considerably more than the cruise price. We decided to take the cruise to start with, and once we had a taste, we could choose to go back and spend more time on the islands at a later date.
I was on the innaugural sailing of the Pride of America about 20 yrs. ago. I have cruised many, many time on many different ships since then. The Pride is still the best and most beautiful ship I have ever been on!
We cruised from San Fran to the islands. After that the Pride has just cruised the islands. It was the BEST !!!!
Three times now. After living on Maui, we found it the best way to see all of the Islands. Now we live on the mainland, we had planned a relaxing vacation this last May on Oahu, but couldn’t resist hopping on the Pride of America to visit the other Islands. We see something different each time. The warm welcome back on board will keep us coming back again and again. Aloha 🌸 everyone.
I just got off this cruise last Saturday. I was not impressed by the ship, but to be fair it is an older one. Not impressed with the buffet food, it was super basic and blah. We did a NCL land tour 3 days before the cruise which was fun, but exhausting, it was great way to see the highlights of oahu.
Just did the cruise. Ship is easy to navigate once on. Food was fine. The balcony room is small. The bed location and room design is fair. Worse balcony room we have had but given the smaller ship size it is what it is. As for tours we did 5. They were fine but 6 and 7 hours on a small tour bus is a lot of road time. You may want to explore local tour options when you get off the ship but please make sure you get back sooner than later to the ship. Overnight Islands give you a time safety net the first day in the those ports. The dock ports are not great for shopping and really ports for cargo.