🌺 Aloha Adventure: Cruising from Vancouver to the Hawaiian Islands 🌴

If you’ve ever dreamed of trading city skylines for palm trees, a cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii might just be your perfect escape. Our journey aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam, took us across the Pacific to five beautiful Hawaiian ports — Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Kona, and Nawiliwili — each one offering its own slice of paradise. Along the way, we soaked in natural wonders, walked through history, and tasted the spirit of Aloha in every breeze.

🚢 Setting Sail from Vancouver

There’s something magical about watching Vancouver’s skyline fade into the mist as your ship glides out (and you share a smooch) under the Lions Gate Bridge. With a couple of relaxing sea days ahead, we had time to settle in, enjoy sunset views over the Pacific, and indulge in shipboard luxuries — spa treatments, gourmet dining, and a nightcap under the stars.

🌋 Hilo: Gateway to Volcanoes

Our first Hawaiian port was Hilo, located on the Big Island’s lush eastern coast. Our first stop was Sig Zane Designs, offering a distinguished selection of authentic Aloha shirts that reflect Hawaiian culture and artistry.  Next, we took an unforgettable excursion to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to the legendary Kīlauea Volcano. Standing near the caldera, surrounded by steaming vents and ancient lava flows, was surreal — a rare chance to witness the earth still shaping itself.

On the way back, we stopped at Lili’uokalani Gardens, a serene 30-acre Japanese-style garden dedicated to Queen Liliʻuokalani. With koi ponds, pagodas, arched bridges, and lush tropical flora, we enjoyed waling along peaceful oceanfront paths, a tranquil escape blending Hawaiian and Japanese cultural beauty in perfect harmony.

Of particular note were the birds here, including Yellow-billed Cardinals and Safron Finches.

🌺 Kahului, Maui: Waterfalls and Whimsy

Next stop: Kahului, Maui’s main port. We rented a jeep and headed down to Wailea Beach where we rented an umbrella and couple of beach chairs for an unforgettable three hours of beach, surf and peace.

We then hopped back in the jeep and took the Road to Hana — a winding journey past waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rainbow eucalyptus trees. Every bend brought a new photo op!

🏙️ Honolulu, Oahu: History and Heartbeat

In Honolulu, we explored the somber and powerful Pearl Harbor Memorial, standing aboard the USS Arizona and reflecting on the lives lost that day. It’s a deeply moving experience and a must for anyone visiting Oahu.  We also toured the USS Bowfin, a World War II-era submarine now permanently docked at Pearl Harbor, serving as a museum.

Utilizing UBER, a cost efficient and convenient method of transportation on most of the islands of Hawaii, we headed into Honolulu for a lūʻau, a traditional Hawaiian feast that combines food, music, and hula dancing.  It was absolutely wonderful and a must-see spectacle for anyone visiting Hawaii.

Our second day in Honolulu was spent relaxing on Waikīkī Beach. Golden sands, rolling waves, and the iconic view of Diamond Head made for a dreamy beach day. If you love city vibes with an island twist, Honolulu delivers.

🌞 Kona: Coffee and Coastlines

In our next port, the ship tendered to a buoy and we took the life boats ashore - an enjoyable adventure unto itself! 

Kona, on the Big Island’s sunny west coast, greeted us with warm breezes and rich aromas — this is coffee country, after all. We visited a coffee outlet, sampling Kona coffee and purchasing a few pounds to bring home.  We also visited a market garden, made up of a number of shops selling native Hawaiian clothing and gifts, where we purchased a made-in-Hawaii Ukelele for our son.

Kona is charming and walkable, with art galleries, shaved ice stands, and waterfront cafés to please everyone’s tastes.

🌴 Nawiliwili, Kauai: The Garden Isle

Our final port, Nawiliwili in Kauai, felt like stepping into a tropical dream. We visited the island’s famous McBryde and Allerton Gardens Tropical National Botanical Gardens, where towering palms, exotic flowers, and cascading waterfalls created a jungle-like escape.

With time to spare, we spent our last few hours in this island paradise, enjoying Kalapaki Beach, just a short walk to our ship.

🌊 Sailing Home

Leaving Hawaii was bittersweet, but the days at sea gave us a chance to reflect on all we’d seen and experienced. From volcanic power to pearl-white beaches, this cruise offered a little bit of everything: adventure, culture, relaxation, and natural wonder.

If you're considering a cruise to Hawaii from Vancouver, we can say this — go for it. It’s more than just a trip. It’s a journey across ocean and imagination, where each island greets you with open arms and the soft scent of plumeria on the wind.