It’s a well-known fact in the office that I adore Hawaii and want to my share my love for the glorious destination to anyone who will listen – 10 trips there and I’m still wanting more! Therefore, I’m excited to introduce an amazing cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas that cruises from Honolulu through the Hawaiian islands to Vancouver. With a three night stay in Waikiki before your cruise leaves, here are my suggestions on how to spend your time.
There’s one way I always like to start my holiday off with, and that’s by climbing Diamond Head (the dormant volcano that is always in the background of photos of Waikiki Beach) for a bit of exercise, but more so for the stunning 360 degree views of Waikiki and beyond. It costs just US$1 to enter and I recommend doing this first thing in morning as it does get warm quickly. Afterwards, come back into Waikiki and enjoy a buffet breakfast with a view at Duke’s at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.
Head to the beach with an acai bowl or smoothie and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves, some epic people watching and a swim in the turquoise waters. Perhaps try your hand at surfing, or hop on a catamaran cruise – they depart frequently from multiple locations up and down the beach.
As the sun sets, get yourself to the Moana Surfrider Hotel which was the first hotel built in Waikiki, and sit under the Banyan Tree by the beach, listen to some Hawaiian music and enjoy a Mai Tai while watching the spectacular Hawaiian sunset – the perfect way to end a day!
If shopping is your scene – there are plenty of options available. Visit the world’s largest open-air shopping centre - Ala Moana - to find all the brands and shops you can think of. You may even come across a hula show on the Centerstage. For a bargain, visit the Waikele Premium Outlets – there is a shuttle that you can take to get there as it’s about half an hour out of Waikiki. Otherwise, stay local, as Waikiki’s main strip - Kalakaua Avenue - is a shopping haven. Designer stores, surf shops, souvenirs, it’s all there!
For history buffs (or anyone, really), a trip to Pearl Harbor is essential. There are several memorial sites and museums to visit and pay your respects, such as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park & Aviation Museum. For movie lovers – a trip to the Kualoa Ranch is a must – and a place you’ll most certainly recognise. The gorgeous valley has been home to many movie sets over the years.
Otherwise, if you want to sit back and see the island’s highlights by the comfort of a coach, a circle island day tour is perfect, which will take you around the island to places like the famed North Shore and Dole Pineapple Plantation (the pineapple whip ice-cream is divine).
Of course if you just stay in Waikiki, you’re missing out on the full Hawaiian experience, so I’m so glad that the Serenade of the Seas cruise visits some of the outer islands – Maui, Kauai & Hawaii – The Big Island. Here are my top five things to do when you’ve got time to explore during your cruise.
On Maui
- The Road to Hana – a long driving day, but absolutely worth the journey.
- Haleakala Volcano Downhill Bike Adventure.
- Wander down the main street of Lahaina and peruse through the art galleries.
- Enjoy a coastal view and a burger at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Lahaina.
- Go on a snorkelling adventure at Molokini Crater.
On Hawaii, The Big Island
- Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo.
- Walk along Punalu’u Beach, a black sand beach and spot sea turtles.
- Stargaze from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.
- Go night snorkelling with the manta-rays in Kona for a unique experience you’ll never forget.
- Relax at Kona Brewing Co.’s Pub & Brewery in Kailua-Kona for some great food and beers.
On Kauai
- Take a helicopter tour of the island for magnificent views of the whole island including Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.
- Head up to the north shore surf town of Hanalei for lunch & shopping - try the acai bowl at Aloha Juice Bar.
- Go horse riding at Poipu Beach.
- Go on a Napali Coast Cruise – there are opportunities for swim & snorkel spots – look out for the dolphins!
- Take a tour of the Coco Palms Resort where Elvis Presley filmed Blue Hawaii.
Your 17 night cruise & stay package from Hawaii to Canada departs Honolulu on 2 May 2021 and begins with a 3 night stay in Waikiki, before jumping on board Serenade of the Seas to cruise around the Hawaiian islands with port calls on the islands of Maui, Kauai & Hawaii – The Big Island over 11 nights en route to Vancouver, where you’ll have 3 nights to see as much or as little as you like of the Canadian city. Click here to find out more.
- Dani
