Hawaii Cruise
Our four-island cruise tour is the best way to discover Hawaii. Visit Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai to see how diverse this tropical paradise really is! Cruise in style and comfort from island to island instead of losing precious vacation time in airports each day. Enjoy panoramic views from the deck of your ship that can’t be seen from any other perspective. Explore a taro farm and learn how their flood irrigation works. Experience a real working macadamia nut farm that also grows spices and tropical fruits. Inspect a pineapple farm and learn its use in a rum recipe at the nearby distillery. Visit USA’s largest coffee farm, with over 4 million trees covering 3,100 acres. Enjoy the award-winning traditional Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, spend two nights at a Waikiki Beach hotel and treasure other included tours of Volcanoes National Park and Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial. We’ve included the best so you’ll always have something fun to do!
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January 11 - 21, 2024SOLD OUT -
February 8 - 18, 2024SOLD OUT
Itinerary
Day 1: Honolulu Arrival / Free Day
Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii’s State Capital, and transfer to your Hotel, which is only steps away from the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Depending on your flight arrival time, the remainder of your day is free to visit Honolulu’s cultural, architectural, and artistic past while traveling on the Waikiki trolley bus, or by just strolling along the beautiful sandy beach. Whatever you choose, Waikiki offers limitless options to brighten your day. (In-flight Meal Service available for purchase)
Day 2: Honolulu Full Day Rupiper Tour Included
Wake up refreshed in this tropical paradise and learn about the cultures and traditions of the native people of Hawaii with a visit to the Bishop Museum. Learn how the locals live and work; focusing on the importance of the land and nature in daily life. Enjoy a variety of exhibits that enlighten you about the real Hawaii. Make our way across the island to the north, where we stop for lunch. We continue traveling to Waimea Valley, which is a world apart form Waikiki. Take in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to take-in the lovely Waikiki Beach area. Make the most of your time in paradise! (L)
Day 3: Honolulu Rupiper Morning Tour Included / Board Ship
Today, we head downtown to tour the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the USA and once royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, Iolani Palace tells of a time when their majesties walked the grand halls. And next - the main event - we board Norwegian’s luxury liner, the Pride of America. Her colorful island décor brings the Aloha spirit to every deck of the ship. Enjoy awesome views from the restaurants, pools, lounges, and balconies, and check out the onboard Kumu Cultural Center for real Hawaiian history. Throughout the cruise there are many entertainment options: Broadway and Vegas-style shows, comedians, singers, and acrobats. If you like, you may dance the night away in one of the many fabulous night clubs, or enjoy a nightcap in one of the ship’s romantic lounges. With so many options and fun things to do, no matter what your preference, you will find ways to enjoy yourself! (L, D)
Day 4: Kahului (Maui) Rupiper Shore Excursion Included
This morning we depart for an included tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm. Famous for its extra sweet flavor and low acidity, the Maui Gold variety 73-50 was developed in the 70s by the Pineapple Research Institute, and it still boasts being the best tasting pineapple. Explore their 300+ acres of pineapple fields, see the harvest, taste a ripe pineapple, and tour the packing facility. This is the real deal when it comes to Hawaiian pineapple production. Next we head next door to the Halimaile Distilling Company, where we see how they use Maui Gold Pineapple to create their award winning spirits. Enjoy a tour of the distillery, before trying samples of their locally produced liquors; Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Whiskey. This evening we enjoy a special dinner and show at the Old Lahaina Luau. Its authenticity, intimacy, hospitality, cultural integrity, and sheer romantic beauty have made this Maui’s top Luau. The Old Lahaina Luau reflects the taste, tradition and the rich culture of the Hawaiian Islands along with its history. Try a frozen daiquiri or piña colada, as premium spirits and beer are included in tonight’s program. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kahului (Maui) Free Day
Bordered by the Maui Mountains to the west and Haleakala to the east, there is something impossibly romantic about Maui. Central Maui is home to Maui’s largest town, Kahului, and its neighboring town of Wailuku. Spend the day enjoying the fragrance of the plumeria, orchids, hibiscus, and sweet ginger that grows wild throughout the island. Meander the streets of Maui, browse the shops and restaurants, and lavish in the Hawaiian sunshine. If whale watching intrigues you, there’s an opportunity to view North Pacific whales that migrate to Hawaii during the winter. Choose your daytime adventure and enjoy free-style dining on board the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Hilo Rupiper Shore Excursion Included
Our day begins on the Island of Hawaii, in the main port of Hilo. Also known as the Orchid Island, Hilo features a wealth of gardens and greenhouses, from which masses of orchids are shipped to the mainland. On today’s included tour, we visit Volcanoes National Park. Learn about two of the world’s most active volcanoes and how the Hawaiian Islands were formed. Kilauea is an active volcano which has been erupting continuously since 1983. The volcano is estimated to be between 300,000 and 600,000 years old. In Hawaiian myth Kilauea is home to Pele, the goddess of fire, and many of their songs and dances tell of eruptions that were caused by the fierce and angry Pele.
Proceed to Rainbow Falls State Park and watch the Wailuku River rush into a stunning pool of turquoise waters. The gorge is blanketed by lush, dense, and tropical foliage, while the pool is surrounded by beautiful wild ginger. Our final private tour today includes a visit to OK Farms, a Hawaiian family farm. We take you through the fields and explain how each crop is grown and harvested. This 500 acre farm specializes in macadamia nuts, coffee, oranges, tangerines, tangelos, limes, lemons, and pineapple, as well as tropical fruits such as lychee, longans, lambutans, apple bananas, and rainbow lemons. OK Farms also grows a variety of spices. Test your knowledge by guessing which of the leaves are from the clove, nutmeg, cinnamon or all-spice trees as we walk through the orchards. Hawaii is known as the macadamia nut capital of the world, growing nearly 95% of the world’s macadamia nuts. Our gracious hosts have samples for us! (B, L, D)
Day 7: Kailua-Kona Free Day
Once a small Hawaiian fishing village, Kailua grew to become the political, social, and commercial center of Kona in the 19th century. When King Kamehameha chose Kailua to be his final home, Kailua became the capital of Hawaii for many years. Historic structures such as Hulihe`e Palace, Moku`aikaua Church and St. Michael’s Catholic Church indicate Kailua’s importance as a favorite royal residence and center for early missionary activity. Spend the day walking through this quaint little village and immerse yourself in their history, or enjoy the amenities of the ship! There are always fun activities around the pool! (B, L, D)
Day 8: Nawiliwili (Kauai) Rupiper Shore Excursion Included
Sailing through the night, we arrive in Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai. Many visitors are tempted to call Kauai their favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which averages 485 inches of rain each year. This makes the island a lush, verdant paradise. Residents here embody the true “Aloha Spirit”. This morning on our included tour we travel to the largest coffee farm in the United States, with over 4 million coffee trees grown on 3,100 acres - Kauai Coffee Plantation. We begin with a demonstration of the roasting process before heading out into the fields. Every coffee bean is grown and roasted right here. No foreign or imported beans are ever used, giving their Hawaiian coffees a truly unique flavor and an unmatched character. Which flavor is your favorite? This is your opportunity to find out for yourself! (B, L, D)
Day 9: Nawiliwili (Kauai) Free Day
Nawiliwili is really the name of the harbor rather than the name of a town. The port lies outside of Lihue, the main town on Kauai. While the port resides in Nawiliwili Bay, so does Kalapaki Beach. You may want to drive around to the north shore of Kauai making stops along the way. The Wailua River boat trip to the Fern Grotto is something first time visitors enjoy. There is great shopping at the Coconut Plantation, just beyond the river, and as you make your way around the island, the scenery just gets better and better. The town of Hanalei (just beyond the first one-lane bridge that is only accesible by car, is a wonderful little community with eclectic boutiques, shops, and small wonderfully rustic restaurants. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Honolulu Full Day Rupiper Tour Included
Arriving in Honolulu this morning, say goodbye to the Pride of America cruise ship. We make our way to our motor coach before we drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the “Punchbowl”. The crater’s Hawaiian name is Puowaina, which is most commonly translated as “Hill of Sacrifice”. Punchbowl is indeed a hill of sacrifice showcasing hundreds of graves representing the service and sacrifice of brave soldiers for our nation. Enjoy a tour of Pearl Harbor’s famous Battleship Row. Listen to a narration of the dramatic air attack of December 7, 1941, and visit the USS Arizona and the Memorial dedicated to the 1,102 men still entombed there. While visiting the museum you will learn about Pearl Harbor Day, the Japanese strategy, their military craft, and the individuals involved in the attack. While at Pearl Harbor you also have included admission to the Battleship USS Missouri and Bowfin Submarine. There is a lot to see and do on-site, and you want to take advantage of your time here to honor and learn about these significant pieces of American history. This afternoon enjoy your last day in paradise. Savor your final moments in Honolulu before your farewell dinner and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B, D)
Day 11: Arrive Home
Fly through the night, arriving on the mainland in the early morning. Connect with your flight home and bring with you fond memories of your Island Getaway.
Rupiper Tours reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary if necessary.
What's Included
Two nights Pre-cruise hotel near Waikiki Beach
Luxury Ocean Cruise Transportation • Professional Tour Manager
Most Meals Included (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Port Charges • Cruise Taxes & Fees • Airport/Ship Transfers • Lei Greeting
All Gratuities for Included Rupiper Land Tour Drivers & Step-On Guides
Mandatory Ship Staff Gratuities of $139 per person
We will help book your airfare to accommodate meeting the group. Or if you have travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles, you may book airfare on your own - Your choice
Special Events and Sights
Included Land Tours
Macadamia Nut, Spice, & Fruit Farm • USA’s Largest Coffee Farm
Bishop Cultural Museum • Maui Gold Pineapple Farm • Lahaina Shopping
Waimea Valley • Pineapple Spirits Distillery
Authentic Hawaiian Luau • Volcanoes National Park & Visitor Center
Rainbow Falls • Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) Photo Stop
Battleship USS Missouri Memorial
Testimonials
Testimonials from 2018 Hawaiian Cruise Tour Participants
“The entire trip was fantastic. Well planned, could not have been a better experience. We were celebrating our 50th anniversary and taking one of the trips on our bucket list. We liked the get-together dinners, they allowed us to know each other better.”
- Gary & Linda B. (Virginia)
“The ship was very nice. The tour manager did a great job of keeping things on schedule and organized. They were friendly and professional. We really liked the time spent at Pearl Harbor.”
- Mark B. (South Dakota)
“I enjoyed all the island, everything was great. Time at each location was good. Staff were excellent.”
- Gail H. (Ontario)
“We had a wonderful time. I learned so much about the natural and farming elements of Hawaii. Not the usual “touristy” info and locations, but I so enjoyed the variety. My husband past suddenly and this trip was so very important because it was our 25th anniversary, and Jim got to Pearl Harbor as he had dreamed, and Hawaii was our last trip together. Thank you for everything.”
- Victoria S. (South Dakota)
“I thought the time spent at each destination was just about right. I wouldn’t do anything differently. Karla has celiac’s, and she was treated with respect and taken very good care of at each stop on our journey. Thanks for treating us to a wonderful journey. Hopefully we can travel with Rupipers again.”
- Jim & Karla M. (Kansas)
“Enjoyed it all. Thanks for the DVD of pictures! Wayne loved visiting with the farmers at OK Farms. We loved the people we met on the tour – we had lots in common and now are keeping up our friendship. Hopefully we can go together on another Rupiper Tour!!”
-Wayne & Julie B. (Iowa)
“Really enjoyed the Luau, Volcano Park, and OK Farms. Thanks for the video. The tour managers were very nice, and I could tell they really tried to please everyone.”
- Dan & Mona S. (Iowa)
“All our tours were interesting, informative, and our tour guides were very friendly and accommodating. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and frequently have told friends how pleased I was with your tour to Hawaii.”
- Renee B. (South Dakota)
“All Good, I rate the tour a 5 out of 5!”
- Nancy N. (South Dakota)
“We had a great time. The staff were always friendly and helpful. Returned all calls promptly.”
- Brian & Cindy S. (Iowa)
“Pride of America staff were wonderful and helpful! Ok Farms was great – I bought 10 bags of macadamia nuts! Annie is the best tour manager – Thanks for the wine! We love and appreciate the DVD. You are special. We came home with wonderful knowledge of Hawaii and beautiful people! Thanks from “the Honeymooners” at 80 years old!”
- John & Laura G. (Wisconsin)
“Excellent job! Tour manager was always there when we needed her. Really enjoyed Pearl Harbor. The DVD of trip was great!”
- Paul & Jo G. (Indiana)
Testimonials from 2017 Hawaiian Cruise Tour Participants
"All your tour guides were top notch. Always very informative and honest. Loved hearing little details about the area. Great support planning for the trip. Everyone was very helpful. Loved the video!"
- Bruce & Karen G. (Nebraska)
"We had a lot of fun. Everyone was very friendly. There was ample free time to explore on our own. We enjoyed the DVD - brought back wonderful memories."
- Roger & Kathy A. (Nebraska)
"Thank you for the "GREAT" trip to Hawaii. My 50th state with an itinerary and group that would be hard to beat. So nice to get to know you. I was happy with all that was included."
- Betty S. (South Dakota)
"Thank you for a wonderful trip and the experiences of being on a cruise. Thank you so much for the DVD. It was wonderful. I really enjoyed the farm and lavender fields."
- Kenneth & Nancy L. (Wisconsin)
"There is nothing we could have expected that would have made this trip any better. Top Quality. All Good!! Thanks for the DVD. Well done and better than anything we could have done."
- Jerry & Joni F. (Indiana)
"All was good. Our favorite sites were Pearl Harbor and OK Farms. Food on the ship was excellent!"
- Don B. (Iowa)
"No complaints! Have bragged about the tour to all of my friends! The guides were great - Made jokes, were friendly, and knew about their culture. Rupiper's staff were wonderful and helpful."
- Brenda & Walter L. (Missouri)
"The tour manager was a lot of fun - full of energy and smiles - always knew what she was doing. Rupiper Tours hasve never disappointed us. Our experiences have always been positive. Thanks for everything! PS: We loved the video!"
- Yaro & Mary C. (Iowa)
"I really enjoyed all the sites we visited. It was always convenient where the drivers would let us off to visit places. The tour manager did a great job. I was so thankful she could help when we had flight delays. I was thankful to be able to go with my son and daughter-in-law. We really enjoyed the video of our trip. I took lots of pictures, but this made my trip more complete. I thank you much for sending that to me."
- Darlene R. (Iowa)
"Some day we would like to do this trip again with you. Had a great time and the guides were the tops. All very good."
- Darrell & Arlene H. (Nebraska)
Testimonials from 2016 Hawaiian Cruise Tour Participants
"Everything was just great. We had very good information whatever was asked. It's hard to say what we liked best, everything was great. Thank you."
- Larry & Linda K. (Iowa)
"We always knew where to be and what was the plan. We really enjoyed all the farms. Always helpful. Thanks."
- Kerry & Bonnie S. (South Dakota)
"Suzi and Bill were accommodating and friendly and knowledgeable. We were never bored and there were no problems. It's nice to have an all inclusive trip paid in advance!"
- Anonymous
"We had a great time - enjoyed our visit to Hawaii. Would travel with Rupiper again. Suzi was friendly and always helpful. We really enjoyed Pearl Harbor and the Luau."
- Gene & Sharon K. (Texas)
"I always enjoy a cruise ship tour. I enjoyed the DVD and seeing places we visited and all the people in our tour group. I thought Suzi and Bill did a great job. They were always available if I needed something. All the guides did an excellent job."
- Faye T. (Pennsylvania)
"I enjoyed the whole trip, everything was great. Bill & Suzi did an awesome job. Thank you."
- John O. (Pennsylvania)
"Excellent way to go - no packing and unpacking so time was able to be used more wisely. Did not take long to get into a routine. I really liked the idea of tips being included in the package. The tour manager was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, well-organized and gave good advice prior to experiences."
- Bill & Karen P. (Nebraska)
"We really enjoyed ourselves - this was our first cruise and first time to Hawaii. We would go back in a heartbeat. We also really enjoyed the DVD. It captured the overall trip very. Suzanne was an excellent tour manager. She was very well organized on our tours. She let us know what to expect and was very informative. Any problems, she took care of it right away. Loved her to death:)"
- Tim & Robin F. (Ohio)
"Great job. Answered every question."
- Don & Doris C. (Illinois)
"We enjoyed the history tour before the cruise. Nice balance of planned and free days. All the guides did well. Our favorite sites were the farms and Pearl Harbor."
- Mary Jo & George B. (Iowa)
"Well satisfied, the tour manager and guides did a good job and made us feel comfortable. We really liked the farms and Pearl Harbor. Thanks for the DVD. We appreciate all your efforts."
- Sam & Mary M. (Illinois)
"Everything was excellent! I liked talking with the farmers at their farms. Your staff were always helpful."
- Cliff B. (Ohio)
"The tour manager seemed to be organized and had interesting tours. Something for everyone. All the drivers were informative and fun. They had different takes on their island and the area we were going through."
- Cheryl C. (Pennsylvania)
Testimonials from 2015 Hawaiian Cruise Tour Participants
“We would recommend going on any one of your tours to our family and friends. We saw so much and it was so nice to have everything so organized. We enjoyed every day and time seemed to go too fast. Thanks for all your hard work, it truly was a fascinating and rewarding experience. Oh and we loved the DVD, it captured everything and really put the finishing touches on the vacation. Thanks! So!! Much!!”
- Dan & Dorothy B. (Nebraska)
“First time we have traveled with Rupiper, and we were very impressed with everything! We would recommend it to anyone. The tour manager was very knowledgeable about every island. Always very organized and also had a smile for you every time you asked a question. Thank you.”
- Ken & Joanne V. (Minnesota)
"We enjoyed the tour very much and the people who were on the tour with us were great. Bill and Suzi were exceptionally good guides and kept us all up to date as to what was happening and when we were to meet, etc. We really enjoyed Ok Farm and the Taro Farm. Enjoyed receiving the DVD, it is a wonderful keepsake! Thanks.
Jim & Margaret Anne H. (Manitoba, Canada)
“This was our first trip to Hawaii. Was on our “bucket list”! We are very glad we went! Beautiful Country! Enjoyed every minute! Saw a lot, and did a lot! Which we wouldn’t have seen going on our own. Rupiper Tours does a “great” job scheduling the tour and taking care of us!”
- Tom & Diane A. (Nebraska)
“We enjoyed the entire tour and all that it included. We are farmers so that was all that we could certainly relate to. We enjoyed and will definitely recommend to our friends. Thank you!”
- Allen & Blanche V. (South Dakota)
“This was our second Rupiper Tour, and we will be back. Great service.”
- Byron & Cheryl K. (Wisconsin)
“Superior in all areas. All tour guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Had a wonderful time – encountered others that have done multiple tours with Rupiper and were very satisfied. Planning another with you folks, but unfortunately can’t fit in Alaska this year – prior plans.”
- Roger O. (South Dakota)
“A great group to travel with. I like the dining as a group experience. The island cruise is a great way to see Hawaii for the first time. The quality of product and everything included makes Rupiper Tours worth it. Hope to travel with Rupiper again.”
- Stan & Luanne M. (Indiana)
“It was a wonderful tour / cruise to Hawaii. I appreciated and thank Suzanne for all she did for us and worked very hard the entire time.”
- Sarah V. (South Dakota)
