The perfect getaway as far as cruise holidays go, Australia's love affair with Hawaii is taking off.

According to the 2010 Australian Cruise Industry Statistics Overview, cruises to the Americas, including Hawaii and the Caribbean, attracted just five per cent of the market, or 21,233 passengers for the year.

Hawaii may want to stock up on the leis and get the Pineapple Iced Teas ready, though. The number of Australians taking a cruise to these two regions rose by 71 per cent from 12,381 to 21,233 travellers last year, according to the figures.

The most popular cruise destination for the year for Aussies was the South Pacific, with 37 per cent of the market (or 171,857 passengers).

The number of Australians taking any cruise holiday in 2010 reached a record 466,692 - a 27 per cent jump on the previous year's figure of 366,721.

According to www.cruisecritic.co.uk, a "critically acclaimed interactive community comprised of avid and first-time cruisers" Hawaii is a "survivor when it comes to tourism's ups and downs".

"One thing's for sure: Hawaii will continue its reign as one of cruising's hottest destinations, whether it be for longer, more traditional voyages or week-long all-American journeys," they said.

A Hawaiian holiday is likely to take in Oahu (Honolulu), Maui, the Big Island (ports of Kona or Hilo) and Kauai.

Many tourists are now opting for a repositioning cruise between the US and Far East or Australia and New Zealand. The itinerary for these generally includes Oahu, home to famous Waikiki Beach, and Maui, which boasts some of the world's best whale-watching, but also the French Polynesian islands.

Longer Hawaii cruises may take in the Big Island, which offers the opportunity to see the active volcano Kilauea. These cruises only take place twice a year, when the liner is moving between home ports, date options are limited.

The Celebrity Cruises Century, which leaves on November 9 from Sydney, takes in Oahu and Maui but also Tahiti and Bora Bora, popular with stars including Nicole Kidman and Eva Longoria. Their ship offers a variety of luxurious rooms on-board. The cruise deal includes flights to and from Sydney.

The South Pacific is now also such a major cruise destination that some companies are looking far beyond the horizon. In June, Cunard Queens began taking bookings for 2013 voyages on the historic Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth liners, including a new 91-day journey through the South Pacific and New Zealand.

"Our ships are welcomed warmly around the world with many arrivals attracting thousands of welcoming boats and onlookers," said the company's president and managing director Peter Shanks.