5 of the Best Small Ship Cruises to Hawaii

Once you understand the limitations of what's possible with a Hawaii cruise, you do still have some very appealing options with some of our favourite small ship cruise lines.

Which Cruise Lines go to Hawaii?

1. Seabourn

Seabourn is a fantastic option for longer voyages and their combination sailings represent great value if you're looking for an extended escape. The 29-day 'Splendours Of Hawaii & Polynesia' voyage on board Seabourn Quest in March 2026 spends ten days island-hopping in French Polynesia before sailing to Hawaii with time in scenic Maui, Hawaii's state capital Honolulu, and the laidback seaside town of Kona on the island of Hawaii.

If you're looking to get away this year, the 17 December 2025 departure on board Seabourn Sojourn spends Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Honolulu as well as days in Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili, and Kona on a round-trip voyage from Los Angeles, with plenty of days at sea to relax and end the year in style.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

A new entrant to the luxury cruising market, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brought their elegent luxury style to the high seas for the first time in 2022 with the launch of their first yacht, the 298-guest Evrima. In winter 2026/27 Evrima enjoys a season in the South Pacific, predominantly sailing the islands of French Polynesia, but with two itineraries also incorporating Hawaii: 3 December 2026 and 2 March 2027. Sail between Papeete and Honolulu with time in Kona, Hilo, and Kahului; plus enjoy the benefit of the yacht's onboard marina and water toys.

3. Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises are known for their port-intensive itineraries offering plenty of long days in port and overnight calls. Choose the 1250-guest Riviera and combine the natural wonders of Hawaii and Alaska during the 19 September 2026 departure, sailing from Vancouver and finishing in Honolulu. Enjoy an overnight call in Kahului in northern Maui, plus days in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. You might also choose to combine this voyage with the following sailing to create a month-long adventure incorporating Alaska, a week in the Hawaiian Islands including calls in Nawiliwili, Honolulu, and Hilo, and French Polynesia.

4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises have the benefit of a fantastic array of included excursions, perfect for exploring these tropical islands. Hawaii generally features on Regent's World Cruises but you can choose to take on just a sector, such as the 1 February 2026 departure on Seven Seas Mariner from Honolulu to Papeete, enjoying an overnight in Nawiliwili, plus days in Kailua-Kona and Hilo.

Excursion offerings include a Wailua River cruise, witnessing the picturesque Opaeka'a Falls, and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you're planning ahead, the 6 January 2028 voyage on Seven Seas Splendor sails from Los Angeles enjoys four days in the Hawaiian Islands, exploring Kahului, Nawiliwili, Hilo and Honolulu.

5. UnCruise Adventures

Last but not least, a rare exception to the rule is UnCruise Adventures, a small American cruise line that is able to operate voyages focusing solely on Hawaii without violating cabotage rules due to the fact that its ships are US-owned, staffed and flagged. The UnCruise experience is designed to take guests off the beaten track and explore the islands during unique small-group adventures and excursions.

The petite 36-guest Safari Explorer will be your home from home and operates 7-night itineraries between Molokai and Kailua-Kona, visiting four different Hawaiian islands over the course of the week. Highlights include hiking up Hualalai volcano, enjoying an evening feast and jamming session with locals in Molokai, and searching for dolphins, whales and other sea life in the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary. Multiple departure dates are available between November and April every year.