23/06/2025
Aloha! Did you know that Hays have exclusive trips such as the Hays Exclusive Hawaiian Island Paradise cruise with Princess Cruises? I did this one in March 2025 for £1,899pp for 18 nights, great value, great experience and I’d love to share that with you.
First of all, we were greeted at London Heathrow by the Hays Travel staff who gave us our Hays wristbands and helped us with check in for our direct Virgin flight to Los Angeles. We were a large group and we were all seated together so we started getting to know each other right away. Most of the people on the flight were on the same cruise.
We had a really pleasant flight, arriving in Los Angeles early afternoon and we were immediately whisked to the 4* Crowne Plaza hotel on 3 coaches. Group check-in was arranged by Hays staff while we enjoyed a drink and got to know each other at the bar. Later various groups wandered downtown for an LA style meal before heading to bed after a 30 hour day.
Next morning breakfast at the hotel then immediately on to our coaches taking us to the port – once again a very smooth journey. We boarded the Grand Princess for our 16 night cruise
We start with 5 days at sea making the most of the great weather, the chance to relax, read our books, enjoy the facilities of the ship and be entertained. Did you know about the Princess Medallion? Its a device to wear around your neck that allows keyless entry to your cabin, you can track fellow passengers and even message them on board and last but not least you can book dining. Its so handy all cruise lines should do similar.
There were 2 formal nights but if you don’t fancy getting dressed up you can always head to one of the many other dining options. There were shows, cocktail bars, specialty dining restaurants, night club and a Hays Special event with music, finger food and cocktails.
Day 8 Hilo, the Big Island. We had a great day visiting Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls. The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Day 9 Honolulu was great for Pearl Harbour, Diamond Head Crater and Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's last royals. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches and Kilaua crater rim and of course the world famous Waikiki Beach.
Day 10 Nawiliwill, Kauia Island
The fourth largest island in the Hawaiian group this once isolated island was the site of the first meeting between Europeans and Hawaiians. On January 19, 1778, Captain James Cook anchored his ships off the mouth of the Waimea River, becoming the first in a long line of enthusiastic visitors. We just hired some sunbeds and enjoyed the great weather and scenery.
Day 11 Kona, Big Island. We could not dock at Lahaina (Maui Island) on our expected date so instead we went to Kona and it was by far the best day in Hawaii. Fabulous beach, great shopping for jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, such a cute little place that is famous for Kona coffee, mantra rays and its many waterfalls.
Days 12 - 16 at Sea
Day 17 Ensenada, Mexico. With its warm climate, friendly atmosphere and great beaches you can spend the last day on land on a city tour, horseback riding, geyser tours, wine tasting, there is even a zip-line for the adventurous.
Day 18 Back to Los Angeles for a day at Muscle Beach then Santa Monica Pier then our return flight.
