If you’re planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, you might be wondering: What is the best way to see Hawaii? With so many beautiful places to visit, it’s important to find a way to travel that fits your style. Some travelers like to relax and let someone else plan the details. Others like to explore on their own.

The two most popular ways to see Hawaii are by cruise or by flying between islands and renting a car. Both are great options. The best choice depends on what kind of vacation you want to have.

In this guide, we’ll help you decide which way works best for you. We’ll break down each option, highlight the top islands to visit, and share tips to make your Hawaii trip easy and fun.

TL;DR

The best way to see Hawaii is by cruise if you want to relax and visit several islands without worrying about traveling between them. Cruises include meals, fun activities, and guided tours. If you want more freedom, fly between islands and rent a car to explore at your own pace. Both options offer great ways to enjoy Hawaii’s beauty and culture.

Why a Cruise Might Be the Best Way to See Hawaii

Taking a cruise around Hawaii is one of the easiest and most popular ways to see more than one island. Most cruises start in Honolulu, Oahu, and visit islands like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Here’s why many travelers choose cruises:

1. You Get to Visit Multiple Islands

Hawaii is made up of several islands, each with its own personality. With a cruise, you can explore a few of them without the hassle of flying and switching hotels.

Maui: Known for beautiful beaches and the Road to Hana.

Oahu: Visit Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and surf the North Shore.

Kauai: Explore lush green mountains and waterfalls.

Big Island: See volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Instead of booking flights or packing every few days, you stay on the ship and wake up somewhere new almost every morning.

2. Cruises Are Convenient

Once you’re on the cruise ship, everything is simple.

No need to plan hotels or meals, they’re included.

Enjoy pools, shows, spas, and fine dining on board.

Guided excursions take you to popular sights and give you time to explore safely.

It’s a stress-free way to see Hawaii with everything in one place.

3. Saves Time and Energy

Cruises are made to give you a lot of experiences without wasting time. You don’t have to worry about airport lines or changing hotels. Ships often stay in port for full days or even overnight, so you get plenty of time on each island.

Some excursions might include:

A visit to Pearl Harbor on Oahu

A helicopter ride over Kauai

Snorkeling trips in Maui

A volcano tour on the Big Island

Many families and first-time Hawaii travelers say a cruise is the best way to see a lot with less effort.

An Independent Option: Flying and Driving

If you like more freedom and want to build your own schedule, flying between the islands and renting a car might be right for you.

1. You Set the Schedule

This travel style gives you full control. You can choose which islands to visit and how long to stay on each one. You might spend 4 days on Oahu and 3 on the Big Island, or even skip one island altogether.

This method is great if:

You’ve already been to Hawaii and want to explore new areas.

You enjoy driving and finding hidden beaches or small towns.

You want to stay in different hotels or vacation rentals.

2. Renting a Car Is Key

Many of Hawaii’s best places are easier to reach by car. Public transportation is limited on most islands, so driving gives you the freedom to explore.

With your own car, you can:

Stop along scenic drives like the Road to Hana in Maui

Visit secret beaches and waterfalls

Try local food trucks in small towns

Flying between islands usually takes about 30–45 minutes, so travel days are short.

3. Things to Think About

While this option gives you freedom, it also means more planning. You’ll need to:

Book each flight between islands.

Rent a car on each island.

Reserve separate hotel stays.

Pack and unpack each time you move.

If you enjoy trip planning and don’t mind the extra steps, this could be the best way to see Hawaii your own way.

Cruise vs. Fly + Drive: Which Is Better?

Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you compare:

Feature	Cruise	Fly + Drive
Visits to multiple islands	Yes	Yes
Unpack once	Yes	No
All-in-one price	Yes	No
Freedom and flexibility	Some	Full
Requires planning	Low	High
Best for	First-time visitors, families	Repeat visitors, explorers

There’s no wrong answer. It all comes down to what you enjoy most.

Top Islands to Include in Your Hawaii Trip

Each Hawaiian island is different. Here’s a quick look at what makes each one special.

Maui

Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers

Highlights: Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise, whale watching (Dec–April), snorkeling at Molokini

Vibe: Laid-back, scenic, fun

Oahu

Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, surfers

Highlights: Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Diamond Head hike, North Shore surf

Vibe: Lively, full of history, and city life

Kauai

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers

Highlights: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay

Vibe: Quiet, green, peaceful

Big Island

Best for: Adventurers, stargazers, science lovers

Highlights: Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatory, Kona coffee farms

Vibe: Wild, diverse, dramatic

Each island has something unique. Many travelers say seeing two or three islands gives the perfect mix.

Tips for a Smooth Hawaii Vacation

Here are some helpful tips, no matter which travel style you pick:

Book early, especially if traveling during school breaks or holidays.

Travel in spring or fall (April–June, September–early December) for better prices and fewer crowds.

Pack light: Swimsuits, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Try local foods like poke, loco moco, malasadas, and shave ice.

Respect nature: Stick to trails, don’t take lava rocks, and wear reef-safe sunscreen.

So, What’s the Best Way to See Hawaii?

If you want a smooth, all-in-one vacation where you can sit back and enjoy the view, go with a Hawaiian cruise. You’ll visit multiple islands without worrying about flights, hotels, or transportation.

If you want full control and don’t mind doing a bit more planning, flying and driving is a great way to explore each island your way. You’ll get to see places that most cruise passengers might miss.

Both ways are amazing, and both let you enjoy Hawaii’s beauty, culture, and aloha spirit.

Let Lemon Lane Vacations Help You See Hawaii Your Way

Whether you want to cruise through paradise or take the wheel and explore on your own, Lemon Lane Vacations can help you make it happen.

We take care of the planning, booking, and support, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we help travelers across the U.S. create unforgettable trips to Hawaii and beyond.

Let us help you pick the best way to see Hawaii based on your travel style, budget, and dream experiences.

Let’s make your Hawaii trip easy, fun, and unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning your Hawaii vacation!

What Is the Best Way to See Hawaii?