One of the reasons I chose the Norwegian Pride of America is the incredible opportunity to explore four Hawaiian Islands in just one week. As a retiree, my travel funds are limited, even more so as a solo traveler. I simply can’t afford standalone tours, hotels, meals and transport on each of the islands. I knew that this cruise was the most affordable way to go.
There is so much I wanted to see and do, so choosing the right excursions was important. And because they are on the expensive side, I wanted to have several options from which to choose.
When choosing my excursions, I will first look for the best tours offered by the cruise line, then I will check my favorite tour operators, Viator, Get Your Guide and Shore Excursions Group. I believe they offer the best excursions for seniors, and I know they have a guarantee return to ship and their guides are very professional. Compare prices and the length of the tour. If you have mobility issues, make sure to see if the excursion is suitable for you.
Here are my favorite shore excursions on each island.
Best Excursions in Honolulu, Oahu
Your cruise will start in Honolulu. As always, I recommend you arrive a day early. My flight from Texas was about 9 hours, so I appreciated a good night’s rest before setting out to explore Honolulu. Although I was tired when I arrived, I was determined to find fun things to do in Honolulu, and I settled on a Waikiki Beach Sunset Sail on a Catamaran. To watch the sunset over Waikiki Beach while sipping a cocktail was definitely on my bucket list!
The ship doesn’t leave until 7 pm, so you have a full day to explore. I decided to take a city tour and a whale watching tour which gave me plenty of time to get to the ship. The port is a short 10-minute taxi drive away. I left The Pear Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial for a post cruise excursion since it takes about 6 hours to complete. This is more than excursion; it is such a moving experience that I wanted to give it as much time as possible.
Kahului, Maui: Road to Hana Tour
Maui is all about breathtaking natural beauty. The best Maui shore excursions are the famous Road to Hana, one of Hawaii’s most scenic drives, expect to see waterfalls, rainforests, coastal viewpoints and black sand beaches. These can last anywhere from 5 – 8 hours. Since the ship will spend two days in Maui, you have plenty of time to choose several excursions or take another excursion to Haleakala National Park to experience the Haleakala Crater.
Big Island (Hilo): Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is my top recommendation for first-time visitors. Another great excursion that takes about 6 hours. On the road to the magnificent Volcanoes National Park, you’ll see the lava tube, waterfalls and Rainbow Falls. The park highlights two of the worlds most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa and you’ll have breathtaking views of the dramatic volcanic landscapes.
The park provides a fascinating look at the volcanic forces that continue shaping the islands today.
Kona: Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
One of my favorite Kona tours for seniors is snorkeling in the stunning Kealakekua Bay. You’ll get a chance to see Hawaii’s famous sea turtles, whales and dolphins. This excursion frequently appears on travelers’ Hawaii bucket lists. Tiki Wood-Carving is also another fun cultural experience.
Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Wailua River
Waimea Canyon & Wailua River: Another great choice, the Waimea Canyon offers spectacular views. You’ll board the flat-bottom riverboats and meander down Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. An easy and fun excursion.
Pearl Harbor Memorial, Oahu
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of Hawaii’s most powerful and moving historical sites. Standing above the sunken battleship USS Arizona, you can’t help but be touched by the lives lost during the attach on Dec. 7, 1941. The memorial offers a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience ofthose who served and honors the memory of the heroes who never returned home.
How to Save Money on Shore Excursions
Cruise line excursions offer convenience, but they’re not always the best value.
I often compare options through my preferred shore excursions group, which frequently offers smaller groups, lower prices, and unique experiences not available directly on the cruise line. Always compare excursion times carefully to ensure you return to the ship well before departure.
Stay Connected During Port Days
Many travelers are surprised by how much they rely on mobile data while exploring Hawaii.
Whether you’re using maps, ride-share apps, restaurant reviews, or sharing photos with family, having reliable service can make your day much easier.
For cruises and overseas travel, I personally use an eSIM that activates before departure and works seamlessly when arriving in port. These are the Best eSIMs for Cruises & International Travel I’ve Tested.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
The Norwegian Pride of America cruise around the Hawaiian islands is a considerable investment, as are the excursions, they represent a significant part of your Hawaii cruise budget.
Travel insurance can help protect your investment if illness, flight disruptions, or unexpected circumstances affect your trip. Here are my recommendations for the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors.
Happy Travels! Evie
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