{"id":79979,"date":"2024-03-04T08:01:06","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/?p=79979"},"modified":"2024-03-04T16:55:39","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T00:55:39","slug":"experience-the-wonders-of-hawaii-panama-canal-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/travel-inspiration\/experience-the-wonders-of-hawaii-panama-canal-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience the Wonders of Hawaii & Panama Canal Cruises"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you ready to say \u201caloha\u201d to Hawaii<\/a> or witness the marvels of the Panama Canal<\/a>? With Holland America Line, you can see the world from your doorstep, soaking up sights of spectacular landscapes, wildlife and historical landmarks around the globe. Each destination has its own cultural traditions and spirit that make it unique, and you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all of it. Here\u2019s a glimpse of what it means to enjoy the wonders of Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises with Holland America Line.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Experience the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Synonymous with paradise, there\u2019s no denying the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Stunning beaches. Polynesian culture. Sacred historical sites. The list of memorable experiences is endless. And in Hawaii, \u201caloha\u201d doesn\u2019t just mean \u201chello.\u201d It\u2019s a way of life for those who call Hawaii home. Here are some of the ways you can experience the aloha spirit on a Hawaii cruise:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Enjoy a luau in Hawaii.<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Explore the Wonder of Polynesian Culture<\/em><\/h4>\n

Stop by local visitor centers for enrichment opportunities to understand the history and beauty of Polynesian culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center<\/a> north of Honolulu is one example. Here you can learn more about the people of Hawaii, as well as Samoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. They also host shows honoring these cultures with costumes and native dances.<\/p>\n

Fall in Love with Luaus<\/em><\/h4>\n

Another thing Hawaii is known for is its lively luaus, with incredible music, performances and mouthwatering flavors. \u201cLuau\u201d actually originated as a nickname for such feasts, referring specifically to the taro leaves of popular dishes. Though many may associate luaus with Hawaiian culture, today\u2019s luaus reflect many Polynesian cultures.<\/p>\n

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/em><\/h4>\n

Did you know Hawaii is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world? At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/a> \u2013 a UNESCO World Heritage site \u2013 you\u2019ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants.<\/p>\n

Every year, nearly two million people visit the park to witness these volcanic giants in person. Located on \u201cthe Big Island,\u201d Hawaii\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the summit and section of the southeast flank of Mauna Loa and nearly a third of Kilauea. In their entirety, these two volcanoes make up the greatest volcanic area on the planet. They are also sacred to Native Hawaiian culture.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Marvel at the Wonders of the Panama Canal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the best parts of a Panama Canal cruise is experiencing an incredible wonder in the modern world, where three distinct locks shift ships up or down according to the level of water you\u2019re about to sail through.<\/p>\n

The Miraflores Locks are the closest to Panama City and the Pacific Ocean. You\u2019ll feel their two chambers raise the ship 54 feet above sea level to Lake Miraflores, watching the cement walls rise as the water falls away beneath you. At the next stop you\u2019ll find the Pedro Miguel Locks. Their chamber will raise the ship 31 feet up to Lake Gatun. Finally, you have the Gatun Locks, which are closest to the Atlantic Ocean. Their three chambers will lower the ship 85 feet back to sea level.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Soak up the sights of a Panama Canal cruise.<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Throughout your Panama Canal cruise, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to dive deeper into its destinations with shore excursions<\/a>. For example, at Gatun Lake, you could enjoy a water-level view of the locks or kayak around the Gatun Islands, watching for monkeys, toucans and sloths. In Guatemala, explore ancient Mayan ruins. In El Salvador, bask in the beauty of its beautiful beaches or national parks.<\/p>\n

Combining the locks experience with beautiful sights along the way, from lush forests to enchanting wildlife, makes for a unique cruise experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Immerse yourself in the history of ancient Mayan ruins in Guatemala.<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:<\/strong><\/h3>\n