Hawaii Cruise EVENTYRET BEGYNNER HER
Oahu (Honolulu) , Hawaii | Maui (Lahaina) , Hawaii | Hawaii (Kailua Kona) , Hawaii | Hilo , Hawaii | Kauai (Nawiliwili) , Hawaii | Vancouver , British Columbia
RADIANCE OF THE SEAS
Get to know your ship
RADIANCE OF THE SEAS
FROM GLACIER GAZING
TO BAR RAISING THRILLS
LEARN MORE
FEED YOUR
INNER EXPLORER
LEARN MORE
ELEVATE
ENTERTAINMENT
LEARN MORE
Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii
SAY ALOHA TO ADVENTURE
Tropical beaches, historical sights and distinctive flavors are what Hawaii's capital is all about. Stop by a local bakery or food truck for malasada, a regional classical of sugar-dusted fried dough. Next, head out to Pearl Harbor to see a slice of U.S. history firsthand. Later, stretch out on a white sand beach — if you're feeling adventurous, grab a surfboard and hit the waves.
Tropical beaches, historical sights and distinctive flavors are what Hawaii's capital is all about. Stop by a local bakery or food truck for malasada, a regional classical of sugar-dusted fried dough. Next, head out to Pearl Harbor to see a slice of U.S. history firsthand. Later, stretch out on a white sand beach — if you're feeling adventurous, grab a surfboard and hit the waves.
in Oahu (Honolulu)
Ride a Wave
Vibrant Waikiki is known for its world-class beaches, designer shopping and restaurants focusing on Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Grab a surfboard and hit the gentle waves. Then, find an oceanside spot to indulge in pau hana, the local answer to happy hour and small plates.
Don Your Learning Cap
Head to Pearl Harbor to learn more about what it was like on that fateful day of December 7, 1941. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, which starts with a quick but informative documentary viewing followed by a memorable boat ride out to the historic ship.
Swim With Sea Life
Below Honolulu's crystal-clear waters lies a coral reef that's home to thousands of species of colorful and tropical marine life. Book a snorkeling tour and explore what's beneath the sea with your cruise to Honolulu. You can often see fish right from the snorkeling boat.
Local Cuisine
Cool off at midday with some shave ice, a cold treat covered in flavored syrups. Try a traditional Hawaiian meal, such as laulau, a dish of pork and fish steamed in a taro leaf. Seek out Hawaii Regional Cuisine, a distinctive modern style that combines ingredients and techniques from the Pacific Islands, Asia and California.
Shopping
Waikiki is a shopper's paradise, with high-end stores as well as boutiques selling local signatures. At Ala Moana, the world's largest open-air shopping center, you'll find everything from designer fashions to purveyors of specialties, like fine coffees and traditional handmade quilts.
Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii
HOT SPOT
Lahaina is an old whaling village turned tourist spot that retains the flavor of an old South Seas town. Your Lahaina cruise leaves you near Front Street, perfect for meandering down for its shops and art galleries, checking out the block-long banyan tree and enjoying the spectacular ocean views. Take a hiking tour with local guides at Hike Maui or fall asleep to the sound of breaking waves as you camp on the beach with Camp Maui-X.
Lahaina is an old whaling village turned tourist spot that retains the flavor of an old South Seas town. Your Lahaina cruise leaves you near Front Street, perfect for meandering down for its shops and art galleries, checking out the block-long banyan tree and enjoying the spectacular ocean views. Take a hiking tour with local guides at Hike Maui or fall asleep to the sound of breaking waves as you camp on the beach with Camp Maui-X.
in Maui (Lahaina)
Beneath the Banyan
Lahaina's famous banyan tree was imported from India and planted next to Lahaina Harbor in 1873, and now it's one of the largest banyans in the country — the size of an entire city block. Check out the art exhibits and other events beneath its shady branches.
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach, just north of Lahaina, has been called America's best beach. It has three miles of crystal-clear water and perfect white sand, and its shallow waters are good for snorkeling. During winter, you often see humpback whales off the coast.
House of the Sun
The 30,000 acres that make up Haleakala, or "House of the Sun," National Park have stunning landscapes, amazing hiking trails, and guided horseback rides. Experience another side of Maui here. You can see the 10,000-foot Haleakala Crater from almost every point on Maui.
Local Cuisine
No matter your taste, you'll be satisfied in Lahaina. You can find everything from the finest Hawaiian Regional Cuisine to a local-style plate lunch with two scoops rice, mac salad and an entree such as teriyaki. During your Maui cruise, try a Hawaii-style shave ice dessert with tropical flavor syrups and azuki beans.
Shopping
Check out local arts, crafts and other Hawaii souvenirs such as t-shirts, Hawaiian music CDs and macadamia nuts along Front Street, Lahaina's main drag. For more commercial items, head to Old Lahaina Center, the Lahaina Cannery Mall and Lahaina Gateway.
Hawaii (Kailua Kona), Hawaii
ERUPTING WITH HISTORY
Whether you're looking for the perfect beach experience or fascinating Hawaiian history, Kailua Kona is the right place. Hike over lava rocks to pristine, secluded Makalawena Beach, where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Back in town, learn about the Hawaiian monarchy at 19th-century Hulihee Palace. Or see how early Hawaiians lived among the thatched-roof houses and lava-stone walls at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park.
Whether you're looking for the perfect beach experience or fascinating Hawaiian history, Kailua Kona is the right place. Hike over lava rocks to pristine, secluded Makalawena Beach, where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Back in town, learn about the Hawaiian monarchy at 19th-century Hulihee Palace. Or see how early Hawaiians lived among the thatched-roof houses and lava-stone walls at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park.
in Hawaii (Kailua Kona)
Ancient Sanctuary
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, considered one of Hawaii's most sacred sites, is a 40-minute drive south from Kailua Kona. The site was formerly royal grounds and a "place of refuge" for ancient lawbreakers. Take a self-guided walking tour amidst the restored, centuries-old temple and fishponds alongside the ocean and soak up the history.
Read the Rocks
Visit the 223-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve and see more than 3,000 ancient kii pohaku, Hawaiian petroglyphs. Some of these images carved into lava rock date back to 1200 AD. It's thought the carvings of people, canoes, turtles and various symbols represent births and other important events.
Vacation Like Royalty
Hulihee Palace, built in 1838 as a summer vacation getaway home for Hawaiian royalty, stands right in the heart of Kailua-Kona. You can wander through the restored palace, which now operates as a museum with beautiful koa furniture and other ornaments and artifacts from the late 19th century, when King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani ruled.
Local Cuisine
Kona cuisine is all about fresh fish — try the poke (pronounced po-kay), a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine. Traditional forms include aku (an oily tuna) and he'e (octopus). You can also find modern takes on the traditional flavors and products with your Hawaii cruise, like wok-charred local ahi tuna with wasabi soy sauce or roasted lamb from nearby Kahua Ranch.
Shopping
Walkable downtown Kailua-Kona has many boutiques and galleries where you'll find unique jewelry, Hawaiian quilts, carved koa wood bowls and other unique and handcrafted items by Hawaii artisans. At the Kona Farmers Market (Wednesdays through Sundays), you can find macadamia nuts, local honeys and jams, Hawaiian crafts and Kona coffee.
Hilo, Hawaii
OLD HAWAII VIBE
The quiet, relaxed town of Hilo on Hawaii Island, set alongside lovely Hilo Bay, has a feel of "old Hawaii." Wander its picturesque downtown, then head to the town's lively farmers market to pick up some fresh mangoes. Then, see the area's unique beachfront at Richardson Ocean Park, where turquoise waves crash against black-sand shoreline surrounded by shady coconut trees.
The quiet, relaxed town of Hilo on Hawaii Island, set alongside lovely Hilo Bay, has a feel of "old Hawaii." Wander its picturesque downtown, then head to the town's lively farmers market to pick up some fresh mangoes. Then, see the area's unique beachfront at Richardson Ocean Park, where turquoise waves crash against black-sand shoreline surrounded by shady coconut trees.
in Hilo
Park by the Bay
Liliuokalani Gardens is a 24-acre Japanese garden alongside Hilo Bay — the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. It's where local families go to play or relax. Enjoy its lovely landscaping, arching bridges that pass above fishponds, walking paths, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse.
Waterfalls and Rainbows
Visit the accessible, 80-foot-high Rainbow Falls around 10 a.m., and you may see rainbows in the mist. Further upriver, you'll find Peepee ("pay-ay-pay-ay") Falls feeding the terrace pools called Boiling Pots, which bubble as if boiling. Just take in the view, though — it's not safe to swim here.
Swim With Turtles
Take a picnic lunch with you and visit a local black-sand beach such as Richardson's Beach Park, popular for swimming and snorkeling. You may see honu (green sea turtles), dolphins and — in the distance at certain times of the year — migrating whales.
Local Cuisine
Everywhere in Hilo, you'll find the local-style "plate lunch," with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and an entree of teriyaki chicken or beef stew. Cruise to Hilo and try other traditional Hawaiian staples, like laulau: fish and pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. Cool off with shave ice — it's a cousin to the snow cone, but fluffier.
Shopping
When you walk into Hilo from the dock, you'll come across Basically Books, which offers classic Hawaii-style books. Big Island Candies has high-end, gorgeously packaged chocolates. Stroll down Kamehameha Avenue downtown, and stop into one of the galleries and boutiques selling local handicrafts, including jewelry, art and handmade pottery.
Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii
GROW ON YOU
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island and has some of the archipelago's most dramatic scenery, with deep lush valleys and sharp, jagged mountain cliffs. Discover crescent-shaped Hanelei Bay, with its white sands set beneath lush 4,000-foot mountain peaks. Kayak down the Wailua River, surrounded by dense jungle. Or take a drive along Kauai's North Shore, stopping off at secluded Secret Beach or 'Aina Kai Botanical Garden.
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island and has some of the archipelago's most dramatic scenery, with deep lush valleys and sharp, jagged mountain cliffs. Discover crescent-shaped Hanelei Bay, with its white sands set beneath lush 4,000-foot mountain peaks. Kayak down the Wailua River, surrounded by dense jungle. Or take a drive along Kauai's North Shore, stopping off at secluded Secret Beach or 'Aina Kai Botanical Garden.
in Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Marvel at the Falls
Wailua Falls, just north of Lihue, is easily accessible. You can view these falls from the road, with no hiking necessary. You may recognize them from the opening credits of the long-running TV series "Fantasy Island" as you see them cascade 80 feet in two separate streams.
The Legend of Menehune
Not far from Nawiliwili Harbor, you'll find Alekoko Fishpond, a nearly 1,000-year-old example of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Legend says the Menehune people built the pond in one night by lining up and passing stones hand-to-hand for 25 miles.
Grand Canyon of the Pacific
See the rocky red walls of Waimea Canyon, which stretches 14 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. You'll find numerous hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers, which will take you past dramatic panoramic views of the canyon.
Local Cuisine
Try some of Kauai's local food, such as saimin, a noodle soup dish that became popular during Hawaii's plantation era. Cruise to Kauai and embrace the local culture with the quirky dish Spam musubi, which consists of a grilled slice of Spam atop rice and wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). Cool off with a sweet shave ice topped with coconut cream.
Shopping
You'll find unique made-in-Hawaii items on Kauai, including Aloha wear, Hawaiian jewelry, fine art and other souvenirs. For products specifically made in Kauai, look for shirts made from the island's red dirt and shirts with sporting Hawaiian-style designs, or seek out handmade soaps and candles scented with local plants and herbs.
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
CRUISING
FOR FOODIES
Things to Do
CRUISING
SHOW STOPPERS
Things to Do
CRUISING
LIGHTS OUT NIGHTS OUT
Things to Do
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
Vancouver, British Columbia
CHARMER
Kick off the afternoon lunching on xiaolongbao buns in Chinatown. Then explore the city’s cultural offerings at the Bill Reid Gallery or Vancouver Art Gallery. Get into some active adventure, whether it’s water-biking False Creek or mountain-biking the North Shore. Evenings are best spent dining and drinking in Yaletown’s hip warehouse district.
Kick off the afternoon lunching on xiaolongbao buns in Chinatown. Then explore the city’s cultural offerings at the Bill Reid Gallery or Vancouver Art Gallery. Get into some active adventure, whether it’s water-biking False Creek or mountain-biking the North Shore. Evenings are best spent dining and drinking in Yaletown’s hip warehouse district.
in Vancouver
BUBBLING WITH ADVENTURE
Walk the cobbled streets of Gastown, admiring 20th-century brick buildings and taking a selfie with the whistling Steam Clock. Explore Maple Tree Square, site of ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton’s first tavern, and then stroll under the elaborate Chinatown Millennium Gate. Eat Asian delights— or escape the bustle amid Dr. Su Yat-Sen’s peaceful gardens.
FULL OF FRESH AIR
Breathe in the 1,000-acre greenspace of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop.
COLONIAL CHARISMA
Take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Get lost in the romance of its English-inspired traditions with proper tea at the Empress hotel. Wander Butchart Gardens’ gorgeous topiaries and admire Craigdarroch Castle’s Victorian architecture. Victoria Public Market is an excellent dining and shopping spot.
LOCAL CUISINE
Vancouver’s cultural diversity is the key ingredient to its unique culinary scene. Dozens of food trucks, street food carts and farmers’ markets offer something for every taste. Farm-to-table dishes feature Fraser Valley duck and spot prawns. Enjoy an assortment of Asian cuisine, from Chinese dim sum to Japanese ramen. Then sip Okanagan Valley wine or Granville Island beer from Canada’s first microbrewery.
SHOPPING
Head to Robson Street for mainstream chain stores, or hit the quirky indie shops of Gastown, Main Street and Commercial Drive. Lonsdale Quay Market is home to 80 unique shops, while Granville Island’s art studios sell First Nations carvings and jewelry— plus its public market is known for gourmet goods.
© 2019 Royal Caribbean International
{{GTKYSModal.data.subtitle}}
{{GTKYSModal.data.description}}
{{GTKYSModal.data.experiencessubtitle}}
INSIDER TIP