11. Aloha from Hawaii: Life as a Cruise Ship Crew Member
- Esther
- Nov 12
- 5 min read
When I was working as Cruise Staff — and later cruising as a passenger — I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii many times. It quickly became one of my favorite destinations. It’s a bit of a pity that, due to maritime law, all non-U.S.–flagged ships must stop in another country during each sailing. This means that cruises to Hawaii usually include a visit to Vancouver or Mexico, to hit another country. As a result, every Hawaiian itinerary also includes four or five sea days.
As Cruise Staff, our mornings in port usually started with a few hours of duty, assisting guests with their shore excursions and helping them disembark until around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. After that, we were off for the rest of the day until evening activities began. That free time gave us the perfect chance to explore the ports, and since I had visited these places so often, I got to know them very well. After a while, it almost became part of my routine.
The Islands we visited during an Hawaiian cruise
Honolulu
Lahaina Maui (overnight)
Kilau Kona
Nawiliwi Kuaui
Hilo
My favorite island was definitely Lahaina, I made so many wonderful memories there. Unfortunately, this beautiful place no longer exists, due to the devastating fires. I’ve never been back since, and it feels like such a loss.
My Experience of Crew Life in Hawaii
Honolulu Oahu
In Honolulu, it was always turnaround day, the end of one cruise and the beginning of a new one. We usually docked next to the Aloha Tower, just a short taxi ride from the famous Waikiki Beach. I often visited the Ala Moana Shopping Mall, a beautiful mall surrounded by lots greenery, a truly amazing place to spend some time. In Waikiki, I loved visiting the shop with the aquarium inside and, of course, relaxing on the beach.
One of my favorites restaurants was Yanagi Sushi, just a short taxi ride from the ship. Their sushi is incredible, so good, even Michael Jackson once dined there!
I also made time to visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre, about an hour’s drive from Honolulu. It’s absolutely worth the trip. And, of course, no visit to Honolulu is complete without a stop at Pearl Harbor.
On the North Shore of Oahu, you can see all the pineapple fields from Dole. Driving past these vast fields, filled with rows of ripe pineapples, was truly a fantastic sight.
Lahaina Maui
Lahaina was always a tender port, and we would stay overnight , which made it amazing to explore the town in the evening.
When visiting Lahaina, a whale-watching tour is an absolute must. The tours all depart right near the tender docks, and I’ve seen so many whales here during the season, truly unforgettable! Front Street is charming, full of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of the pier. And who didn't try a burger at Cheeseburger in Paradise? With the best stunning views of the sea.
For dinner, I often went to Pacifico, a romantic beachfront restaurant. Next to it, there was always a lively Luau. Sadly, this restaurant no longer exists due to the fires, which is such a loss.
I also visited Kaanapali Coast by bus many times. It’s a village a little further up the road, home to a newer shopping center at the time and lined with big hotels. On other days, I rented a car to drive to the North Shore and the famous Road to Hana, enjoying the incredible surfers, apparently one of the best surfing spots in the world.
One of the more adventurous tours I tried was to Haleakalā Crater at night to watch the sunrise. Honestly, it wasn’t really my thing, it was freezing up the mountain, and we had to wait for hours to see the sun peek over the horizon. There was also a downhill biking tour from the crater, which I never tried, but I’ve heard it’s an incredible experience for those who love adventure.
We rented some Harley Davidsons with a few collegues in Maui and made a nice island drive. Also we went up to the Haleakalā Crater.
Kailua-Kona
In Kona, we always had to tender, which could be a bit stressful for the guests, especially when there were only a few hours to explore the port. As Cruise Staff, we helped manage the tender procedures. Guests had to take a number from the lounge and wait until it was called to go to the tender loading area. Of course, ship-organized tours were always prioritized, and this process could sometimes take hours.
There were days when I couldn’t even be bothered to get off the ship. But on other occasions, I had the chance to head out myself and see the sea turtles at Kahalu’u Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling spots in Kona. Swimming alongside these magnificent creatures was unforgettable.
Just up the hill from the tender docks, there were shops, restaurants, and even places for a relaxing lunch or a manicure/pedicure, perfect for a few hours of leisure before heading back to the ship.
Nawiliwili, Kauai
On Kauai, the nature is absolutely breathtaking, hiking and exploring are a must. I remember the Sheraton resort with its golf course, and the island’s landscapes have been featured in movies like Jurassic Park and an Elvis film. Tours are available to visit the exact locations where these films were shot.
I went on some incredible hikes here and discovered a few remote beaches. Kauai truly makes you feel at one with nature. One of the highlights for me was a helicopter ride into the crater of an old volcano. The views were stunning, landscapes, cliffs, and even rainbows appearing over the scenery.
By far, Kauai felt the most untouched and undiscovered of all the islands, quiet, unspoiled, and not touristy at all. It’s a place where you can really connect with the natural beauty of Hawaii.
Hilo Big Island of Hawaii
If you ever visit Hilo, a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must. Here you can see the active Kīlauea volcano, a truly unforgettable sight. The ship even passes by at night, allowing you to see the lava flowing into the sea, an incredible experience not to be missed.
Hilo is also home to several macadamia nut farms, which are well worth a visit. Sampling fresh macadamia nuts and learning about their production is a fun and tasty way to explore the island.
When we didn’t go hiking or to the volcanoes, we often visited Walmart to stock up on snacks for the cabin. There was also a small shopping center, including Hilo Hattie, where you could buy the best Hawaiian shirts, even matching ones for couples. These shirts became a staple for our Hawaiian-themed nights on board, and everyone would dress up in the evening wearing them.
The evening after Hilo, we always had our theme night, called Hawaiian night.
Hilo combines natural wonders with local charm, making it a unique and memorable stop on any Hawaiian cruise itinerary.
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