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The 10 Best Hawaiian Shore Excursions

The 10 Best Hawaiian Shore Excursions

  1. Kilauea Volcano Hiking Adventure
  2. Explore the Land of Frozen Fire
  3. Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour
  4. Call to Duty: Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials
  5. Maui Ocean Center
  6. Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure
  7. Wild Dolphin Swim
  8. Explore & Taste Oahu’s North Shore
  9. “Sense-Sational” Kona
  10. Maui Pineapple Tour

 

A cruise to Hawaii is one of the best ways to take in all this island paradise has to offer. From fun sightseeing adventures to historic landmark visits, there are enough Hawaiian shore excursions to please any type of traveler. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of the exciting shore excursions you won’t want to miss, look no further than the ideas below!

Have an Epic Adventure

If you’re not sure what to do in Hawaii, why not plan an outdoor adventure? The islands are the perfect setting for the following Hawaii excursions, ones a daring traveler certainly wouldn’t want to miss. Whether you want to explore the lava tubes of a volcano or fly high over the islands, we have you covered.

1. Kilauea Volcano Hiking Adventure

It isn’t every day you get to walk through a lava tube, but our Kilauea Hiking Adventure in Hilo lets you do just that. Experience both the rainforest and the crater walls as you hike through the area, and check out a museum dedicated to Hawaiian geography.

group of tourist exploring a lava tube in kilauea volcano hawaii

2. Explore the Land of Frozen Fire

Kilauea’s multiple eruptions in the town of Hilo have created this Land of Frozen Fire. Experience Lava Tree State Park, volcanically-heated springs, lava tubes, and blow holes on this excursion. You’ll also get the chance to walk over the dried lava and witness an active volcano in the distance. A fun jaunt to a local nut factory rounds out this unique adventure.

dried lava on the big island of hawaii with one small tree growing in the background

3. Kauai’s Grand Helicopter Tour

Soar over the Garden Isle in a state-of-the-art helicopter, getting a bird’s-eye view of canyons, waterfalls, cliffs, and more on your tour. Take in the view of the sparkling blue waters of Hanalei Bay and finish with a stunning dip into Mt. Waialeale, the island’s breathtaking shield volcano.

blue helicopter flying over the lush green mountains of hawaii

Of course, the state of Hawaii has also played an important role in world history. The events of Pearl Harbor that sparked the United States’ engagement in World War II happened on Oahu, near Honolulu. Our Call to Duty shore excursion serves as an informative ode to the area’s unique history.

4. Call to Duty: Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials

The unique Call to Duty shore excursion takes you on a local journey to revisit the key moments of the historical events at Pearl Harbor. Beginning with an orientation video, guests get to board a navy shuttle to the battleship site. Memorials, museums, and parks round out the experience and tell the story during this full-day tour.

tourist exploring the uss bowfin submarine ss287 during a museum tour in hawaii

Learn About Marine Life

When you cruise to Hawaii, you’ll certainly want to check out the wide array of shore excursions that celebrate sea life. From family-friendly museums to getting up close and personal with dolphins, there are many ways to explore the local marine life.

5. Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center, with five acres of aquarium space, is the perfect shore excursion for marine life lovers. Both outdoor pools and indoor exhibits showcase the local fauna, including a shark tank that’s sure to please both the young and young at heart.

hallway in maui ocean center made of glass to so tourist can see the underwater animals

6. Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure

Ever wanted to experience sea caves and lava tubes while getting the chance to explore a marine sanctuary? The Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure Hawaii excursion will have you doing just that, all under the safe eye of a knowledgeable and trained instructor off the Kona coast.

man and woman taking a selfie as the snorkel in hawaii

7. Wild Dolphin Swim

One of the highlights of any Hawaiian cruise is the chance to swim with majestic and playful dolphins. After a brief training, you’ll be able to float near the pod in the open ocean as the dolphins stop by to say hello. It’s truly an unforgettable experience like nothing else!

wild dolphins swimming off the coast of hawaii

Get a Taste of Hawaii

If you’re a foodie, our shore excursions will be sure to appease your appetite for the local Hawaiian food and drink. With the chance to explore the world of the famous Kona coffee to a taste of tropical fruit fresh from the source, there are many delicious experiences to have when you cruise to Hawaii.

8. Explore & Taste Oahu’s North Shore

This tasty shore excursion allows guests to take in lunch at a local shrimp truck in between trips to local temples, beaches, and more. With transportation provided between each adventure, it’s a great way to experience the island of Oahu.

byodo-in temple in hawaii with lake full of orange koi fish

9. “Sense-Sational” Kona

The coffee that comes from Kona is some of the most renowned in the world, featuring a unique and distinctive Hawaiian flavor. Visit three separate farms and experience local chocolate and coffee, as well as soap products made with locally-grown ingredients.

10. Maui Pineapple Tour

Like tropical fruit? Then you’ll love our Maui Pineapple Tour, featuring a tour of a working pineapple plantation and a farm-to-table lunch on the slopes of a volcano. The highlight of the tour is certainly the taste of fruit fresh from the fields.

guide cutting up a slice of fresh pineapple from the plantation and giving it to the tourists

There’s never been a better time to travel to Hawaii. Whether you’re bringing the family along to explore the local marine life or looking for a daring adventure with a friend, our shore excursions certainly give you the chance to “choose fun.” Bon voyage!

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