How are your travel plans shaping up for 2026? Is it a land vacation, rail travel, river cruise or ocean cruise? There are so many places in which to travel. Currently I am sailing back from Hawaii. It is 16 days roundtrip from San Francisco. We visited four islands. While for some this may be too many sea days, however there is a lot of Hawaiian Cultural immersion aboard.

We booked this cruise because our favorite piano player is aboard and what better way to enjoy this talent each evening for 16 nights? Also the Hawaiian ambassadors are aboard. That means hula lessons, lei making, ukelele leasons and every evening great live Hawaiian music. There is plenty of things to do while at sea.

We visited all four islands. Honolulu is a big modern city but the Waikiki area remains the quintessential Hawaiian vibe. The Pearl Harbor exhibit remains high on many people’s must visit list.

Kauai is my favorite island. We were here six years ago (to the day) and took a zodiac boat along the NaPali coast. This year we took a plane over the entire island and Waiamai Canyon. Wow, just wow is all I can say. Two different perspectives but each spectacular.

Hilo or Kona on the Big Island offers several opportunities. You can visit Volcanoes National Park, whale watch or snorkel some beautiful areas.

Finally there is Maui. We visited the summit of Haleakala at 10,000 ft and could see three other islands. This time of year is prime time for whale watching. The humpbacks come into the sheltered bay to mate or give birth while evading predators.  

There are two ways to see Hawaii and that is either by ship or land packages that include air. For cruising you have two options, NCL Pride of America does a roundtrip from Honolulu for seven nights or you can take ships from the west coast roundtrip. There are some luxury lines that begin in Tahiti and end in California. Anything is possible, but it all starts with a plan.

Are you dreaming of a destination but don't know where to start? I can help! I do more than cruises too. If you have a land destination or tour that interest you, let me know and I can make recommendations.

Don't forget to follow me, kathyhayscruises page on Facebook! There are plenty of suggestions for travel destinations. Share this email with family and friends. I can gladly assist.

Cheers,

Kathy Hays