Hawaii sits right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean and is one of those destinations that is tailor made for a cruise holiday.
There can be few better ways to explore the isolated network of islands than on a cruise ship that travels from one island to the next, with a number of lines operating trips that visit the major islands
One of the main ports of call is the state capital Honolulu on the island of Oahu, where you can spend time visiting a range of historical and cultural sites.
Chief amongst them is Pearl Harbor, the site where a surprise attack by the Japanese during the Second World War led to the United States becoming involved in the conflict.
It remains one of the major attractions for visitors to Hawaii, with many taking the chance to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Accessible only by boat, the memorial straddles the hull of the sunken battleship and honours the 1,177 people who were killed in the attack.
Elsewhere on the island, you can visit the restored Iolani Palace, which dates back to the 1800s and served as the royal residence, explore the living museum that is the Polynesian Culture Centre or take in stunning views from the summit of Diamond Head.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to do some shopping or to sample Hawaiian cuisine, whilst Oahu is home to various beaches including Waikīkī – which is one of the most famous of the lot.
Amongst the other islands that you might look to visit on a Hawaiian cruise, a stop on Maui provides the chance to marvel at stunning volcanic landscapes; most notably when you venture into the Haleakalā National Park.
There are numerous beaches, many of which feature volcanic black sand, an aquarium and ocean centre and the opportunity to visit a traditional village to see how the locals live.
Lovers of outdoor adventures will be firmly at home on the island of Kauai, where you can hike through the jungle, zip line through the trees, snorkel off the coast or take a trip along the Wailua River to visit the impressive Fern Grotto – a large natural amphitheatre that is regarded as one of the most romantic destinations on the island.
There are further chances to explore volcanic landscapes if you visit the Big Island, whilst you can also take the short hike to Rainbow Falls, explore the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens or marvel at the stunning scenery of the Waipi'o Valley.