Honolulu is the beating heart and state capital of Hawaii, situated on the third largest island of the Pacific Archipelago. An island of contrasts, Oahu lures visitors with its pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes, world-renowned surf, rich cultural heritage and intriguing – at times dark – history. An eternal summer and the island’s genuine Aloha makes Honolulu the idea cruise destination year-round.

Kailua-Kona, famous for its coffee farms, rugged coastline and historic landmarks straddles the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The village was once the retreat for Hawaiian royalty, today welcoming hordes of cruise visitors with its staggering natural beauty, watersports and architectural heritage. A must-see landmark is the beautiful former royal vacation home Hulihee Palace, which is the perfect place in Kailua Bay to watch the sunset.

Once a fishing village in the early times, Hilo is the only city on the Island of Hawaii. Hilo’s vibrant town is based on a crescent-shaped bay where a collection of well-preserved centuries-old wooden storefronts have been converted into art galleries, gift shops, and cultural sites. Just a few miles south of Hilo is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, occupying over 333,000 acres of hiking trails, volcanic craters, scorched deserts, rare rainforests and home the Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Kahului is located in Central Maui and serves as one of the main gateways for those visiting this island. Kahului’s ideal location allows visitors to explore some of the most acclaimed attractions of the island such as Iao Valley State Park, a stunning 4,000-acre area of tropical forest with incredible panoramic views and home of the iconic Iao Needle.

Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island of Hawaii. The affectionally nicknamed ‘Garden Island’ for best-known for its luscious, centuries-old rainforests, sharp mountain spires, staggered cliffs and spectacular waterfalls, some of which are only accessible by air or sea. Nawiliwili is a port village southeast of Kauai and serves as the cruise gateway to the island.

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Ketchikan is a small fishing town in southeast Alaska known as the “salmon capital of the world.” All five species of native Pacific salmon can be found here, and visitors won’t want to pass up the opportunity to dine on fresh-caught fish, crab and oysters in one of its many restaurants. The area also boasts a rich cultural history of Alaska Natives, housing the world’s largest collection of totem poles and the opportunity to learn about local tribes at the Totem Heritage Center. Adventurous travelers will relish the opportunity to make an excursion into the rugged Alaskan wilderness by land, by sea or by air.