Cruise Advice
Duration
15 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from United States
Ports
10 Ports
1 August
Setting sail from Honolulu
If the word Honolulu makes you think of deserted beaches and dusky maidens, think again! Despite its remote location in the North Pacific, Honolulu is busy busy, in particular the boisterous, touristy Waikiki beach. If you prefer to get away from the crowds, tour the rest of the island, or choose one or two of the other islands in this volcanic and contrasting island group for a change of scenery and a completely different pace. Asian influences are strong here, as you might imagine - the perfect stopping off point en route from the Far East to America.
Our tip
We would always recommend spending some time exploring the Hawaiian Islands: choose Kauai for dramatic natural beauty, Maui for great hotels and beaches, and excellent golf, or the Big Island for the amazing volcanoes.
2 August
United States: Nawiliwili
Nawiliwili is the main port on Kaua’i, the oldest of the Hawaiian islands. This lush landscape of spectacular waterfalls and jungle-clad mountains is criss-crossed by the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, and has been used as a backdrop in films including ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Jurassic Park’.
3 August
United States: Lahaina
The former whaling town of Lahaina is one of Maui’s biggest tourist draws, with its lively harbour, souvenir shops and plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s also an excellent spot for whale watching between January and March, and a base for exploring Maui's beaches and verdant volcanic hills.
4 August
United States: Kailua-Kona
The Kailua-Kona region, on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is known for its idyllic beaches and fantastic climate, notably sunnier and drier than the eastern side of the island. This is where you’ll find some of the island’s top resorts, and the surrounding waters are home to turtles, manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales.
5 August
United States: Hilo
Hilo is located on the east coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, a lush region of verdant rainforests, botanical gardens and gushing waterfalls. In the 1800s this was an important centre for the sugar industry, and the surviving plantation-era architecture gives downtown Hilo its uniquely quaint appearance.
6-9 August
At sea
10 August
French Polynesia: Nuku Hiva
Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas, an island of towering basalt peaks, cliffs and canyons, carpeted with verdant jungle. From the pretty little capital, Taiohae, you can strike out into the unspoilt countryside in search of the island’s many archaeological sites.
11 August
At sea
12 August
French Polynesia: Rangiroa
The Rangiroa atoll is one of the biggest in the world, a ring of over 400 motu (islets) surrounding a vast lagoon. This stunning area is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, and the waters are home to marine life including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
13 August
French Polynesia: Uturoa (Raietea Island)
14-15 August
French Polynesia: Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the very definition of idyllic, a diminutive Polynesian island dominated by rainforest-clad volcanic peaks, overlooking an electric blue lagoon ringed by coral reefs. The beaches and over-water bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners, and the clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkelling.
16 August
Arriving in Papeete
If you are in search of paradise, don't expect it to be easy to get there! It's a long old haul to get to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. And once you are there, Papeete itself is by no means the most magical spot - you need to venture forth to see the other islands, and luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, rugged mountain peaks and coral reefs. Expensive and remote, these islands have maintained their uncommercial magic, with excellent hotels and a warm Polynesian welcome everywhere you go.
Don't miss
The island of Raiatea – extraordinary scenery, like being in Jurassic Park.
Your home from home
Small enough to operate fascinating port-intensive itineraries, but with the space for dining options, comfortable accommodation and more, sister ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena are for many the perfect size.
What we love
These four boutique style sister ships carry just 684 guests apiece, with a comfortable, relaxed country house style and plenty of intimate corners. We love the alternative restaurants - Oceania is rightly renowned for great food - and the pretty little library up on deck 10.
| Capacity | 684 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 400 International Staff |
| Style | On Oceania it's all about the time spent ashore, so back on board it's relaxed and unpretentious, with no dressing up. Open seating throughout creates an atmosphere which is friendly and sociable. |
| Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Hawaii
Very difficult to choose from the fantastic resort hotels on offer, but we think the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island edges in front.
Recommended tours in Hawaii
If you grew up on a diet of Hawaii Five-0 (we can hear the music now!), then take the tour!
Extend your stay in French Polynesia
For the ultimate eco-hotel experience, go for the Brando! Eye wateringly expensive, but a bit special.
Explore the islands
If you are visiting Bora Bora tour the island by open bus - Le Truck.
