If you're strapped for time here's the quick answer: Absolutely! It's perfectly feasible to fly to Hawaii and then embark on an interisland cruise. Most cruises depart from Honolulu on Oahu, so you can simply book a flight to Honolulu and then join your cruise ship there.

Yes, flying to Hawaii and then boarding a cruise is a popular way to explore the archipelago without the need for multiple inter-island flights. The most famous option in 2026 is Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, which is the only major U.S.-flagged cruise ship that sails round-trip from Honolulu year-round. Because it is U.S.-flagged, it is not required to visit a foreign port, allowing for a 7-day itinerary that maximizes time in Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kona (The Big Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Most travelers fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) a day or two early to explore Oahu before embarking. Other major lines like Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity also offer Hawaii cruises, but these typically originate from the West Coast (Vancouver, San Francisco, or Los Angeles) and involve several days at sea. For a true "fly-and-cruise" inter-island experience, NCL remains the primary choice, offering a seamless way to see four islands in one week while only unpacking your suitcase once.