Things to Do

San Francisco

Marvin SantiagoMust See

Fisherman's Wharf

Bustling waterfront with sea lions at Pier 39, clam chowder in sourdough bowls, and street performers. Easy walking distance from cruise terminals. Marks, chocolates, and souvenirs abound.

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Jitesh PatilMust See

Golden Gate Bridge

4.8 (85,552)

Iconic red-orange suspension bridge offering breathtaking views from viewpoints or a walk across. Cruise passengers can drive or bike across for photos. Best experienced on clear days with Alcatraz in sight.

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Michael MarthMust See

Alcatraz Island

4.7 (44,122)

Former federal prison with audio tours revealing infamous escape stories. Ferries depart frequently from Pier 33, fitting port schedules. Cells and gardens provide chilling history lessons.

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Claire ChunPopular

Chinatown

Largest outside Asia with dragon gates, temples, and dim sum spots. Wander Grant Avenue for lanterns and fortune cookies. Authentic vibes in a compact area for short visits.

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Luke VaughanPopular

Coit Tower

4.6 (15,532)

Art Deco tower with murals depicting 1930s California life and panoramic city views. Elevator to the top is quick for cruise hop-on-hop-off tours. Pioneer Park surroundings add charm.

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Christian LaurenzPopular

Cable Car Ride

4.6 (4,537)

Historic clanging cars climbing steep hills through neighborhoods. Board near terminals for an authentic San Francisco experience. Hold on tight for the fun inclines.

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RaPopular

Lombard Street

4.6 (3,202)

World's crookedest street with eight hairpin turns lined by colorful flowers. Short cable car ride or walk from wharf areas. Perfect for quirky photos during limited port time.

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michael atsbhaHidden Gem

Embarcadero

Waterfront promenade with street art, ferries, and farmers markets. Stroll from wharf to Bay Bridge views. Cupcake or bike rentals enhance the vibe.

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Liung “SunnyCalifornia” LingHidden Gem

Palace of Fine Arts

4.8 (25,746)

Elegant Greco-Roman rotunda and lagoon from 1915 World's Fair. Serene spot for photos amid swans and cypress trees. Lagoon walks are peaceful escapes from crowds.

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Hilo

SamMust See

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

4.8 (13,183)

Active Kilauea caldera, steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube. Guided tours essential; chain of craters road. Earth's power.

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Rainer SimonMust See

Mauna Kea Summit

4.9 (2,046)

World's best stargazing at 13,800ft observatory site. Coach excursion; thin air thrill. Cosmic views.

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ella SteeleMust See

Rainbow Falls

4.6 (1,584)

Cascading falls with rainbows in mist; short rainforest hike. Swim hole below. Iconic photo.

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JoshPopular

Akaka Falls State Park

4.6 (8,349)

420ft bamboo-lined waterfall loop trail. Lush tropical hike. Scenic wonder.

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Michelle EwingPopular

Liliuokalani Gardens

4.7 (3,667)

Japanese garden park with ponds, bridges, pagodas. Serene stroll near port. Cultural tranquility.

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A EstardaPopular

Nahauleo Falls

4.7 (3,017)

Lesser-visited double waterfall in jungle; moderate hike. Pool swims. Wild beauty.

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ShuichiHidden Gem

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

4.7 (8,287)

Turtle spotting on jet-black sands; shave ice nearby. South excursion. Unique shore.

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J VyasHidden Gem

Hilo Farmers Market

4.4 (5,522)

Fresh poke, fruits, crafts Saturdays. Local flavor dive. Vibrant eats.

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Kona

Lisou BMust See

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park

4.7 (6,162)

Place of Refuge with ancient temples; 45-min drive. Cultural demos. Historical sanctuary.

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Michelle PorterMust See

Kailua Bay Beach

4.5 (229)

Snorkel with turtles in calm bay steps from tender pier. Pristine sands. Easy water access.

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dinoking ChuPopular

Magic Sands Beach

4.6 (5,187)

White sands vanish at high tide; bodyboarding fun. Central Kona. Lively beach.

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Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm ToursPopular

Kona Coffee Farms

4.9 (2,801)

Tour farms for tasting world-famous beans; roadside stops. Pick and learn. Sensory delight.

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Alexandre DebargisPopular

Captain Cook Monument

4.6 (1,203)

Hike to bay where explorer died; snorkel en route. Kealakekua history. Scenic trail.

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Hulihe‘e PalacePopular

Hulihee Palace

4.5 (690)

Royal summer residence museum; town center. Hawaiian monarchy artifacts. Quick history.

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Frank KuszajHidden Gem

Kekaha Kai State Park

4.7 (2,294)

Remote beaches with tide pools; 4WD access via tour. Unspoiled sands. Secluded.

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Paniolo AdventuresHidden Gem

Paniolo Adventure Center

4.9 (694)

Cowboy culture demos; ranch visit. Hawaiian paniolo heritage. Unique twist.

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Bill MHidden Gem

Honokohau Harbor

4.5 (47)

Ancient fishponds and petroglyphs; short drive. Cultural preserve. Peaceful ruins.

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Honolulu

Husnain SadiqMust See

Waikiki Beach

Iconic surf spot with Diamond Head views. Walk or trolley; people-watch, swim. Classic Hawaii.

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Christopher WilkinsonMust See

Pearl Harbor

4.8 (26,400)

USS Arizona Memorial, museums on WWII attack. Book timed tickets; shuttle from port. Poignant history must.

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G.A.B. Relu B.Must See

Diamond Head Crater

4.7 (48)

Hike to rim for 360° views. Moderate trail inside volcano. Sweaty but rewarding.

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Fork DetectivePopular

Dole Plantation

4.2 (37,343)

Pineapple maze, train ride, shave ice. 45min north. Tasty kitsch.

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Sabrina LöselPopular

Ala Moana Center

4.5 (26,253)

Huge open-air mall for shopping, food trucks. Near port. Retail therapy.

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Mike LongPopular

Iolani Palace

4.6 (5,846)

Only royal palace in US, Hawaiian monarchy history. Guided tours. Cultural dive.

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Hanauma Bay Snorkel AdventuresPopular

Hanauma Bay Snorkel

3.7 (332)

Protected reef with fish, turtles. Reserve ahead. Underwater wonder.

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Jayati DasHidden Gem

Byodo-In Temple

4.7 (7,406)

Replica Japanese temple in valley. Koi, gardens. Serene escape.

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Eric LamHidden Gem

Bishop Museum

4.6 (5,373)

Polynesian artifacts, planetarium. Deep Hawaiian culture. Underrated.

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yoshinori negishiHidden Gem

KCC Farmers Market

4.4 (3,052)

Fresh poke, fruits Saturday mornings. Local flavors. Foodie find.

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Kauai

Oskar Ztl.Must See

Waimea Canyon

4.9 (6,866)

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this vast canyon offers stunning vistas from multiple lookout points reachable by bus tour. Ideal for cruisers wanting panoramic photos and short walks on paved paths. Shuttle services from the port make it convenient.

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carlos campsMust See

Na Pali Coast

4.8 (2,037)

Take a boat tour along the dramatic Na Pali Coast, featuring towering cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls accessible only by sea. Perfect for cruise passengers with limited time seeking breathtaking views without a strenuous hike. Morning departures align well with port schedules.

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Gregory NemethPopular

Kilohana Plantation

Explore this historic sugar plantation with rum tasting, train rides, and gardens. A relaxed stop for lunch and shopping, just 20 minutes from the port. Offers insights into Kauai's plantation history.

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Oceanrain SKPopular

Wailua Falls

4.5 (1,037)

View these twin 80-foot waterfalls from the roadside overlook, a short drive from the port. Easy access makes it great for a quick stop en route to other sites like the Fern Grotto. Swimming is possible below but slippery.

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A VPopular

Spouting Horn

4.5 (442)

Watch seawater shoot up to 50 feet from a natural lava tube at this iconic blowhole on Poipu's coast. Combine with beach time or shopping nearby; it's a quick 45-minute drive from Nawiliwili. Family-friendly with interpretive signs.

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Hidden Gem

Hanamaulu Garden

Wander lush Japanese gardens with koi ponds and teahouses, a 10-minute drive from port. Quiet alternative to busier attractions, ideal for tea and tranquility. Entry includes garden tour.

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Courtney HuyHidden Gem

Fern Grotto

4.4 (883)

Cruise up the Wailua River to this fern-draped cave, once a wedding chapel site. A gentle boat ride with Hawaiian music suits all ages and fits short port stops. Romantic and serene.

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Kauai MuseumHidden Gem

Kauai Museum

4.6 (718)

Discover Hawaiian culture and history through exhibits and artifacts in Lihue. Quick indoor visit great for rainy days, walking distance options from terminal. Affordable and educational.

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_Suz 89Hidden Gem

Lihue Lighthouse

4.0 (6)

Climb or view this historic 1918 lighthouse on Kalapaki Beach for ocean panoramas. Less crowded than major sites, perfect for a peaceful photo op near the cruise terminal. Combine with beach time.

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