In my opinion in order to avoid exorbitant high priced boring private yacht type ships. Why not consider a mid size cruise ship? Holland America has mid size ships cruising Hawaii, leaving from San Diego and Seattle. Their ships usually carry 1400 to 1600 passengers, offer all the amenities of a larger cruise ship, and never seem crowded. Check out these two cruises below, and see if they fit your needs.
Ship: ms Oosterdam
Embark Port: San Diego, California, US
Disembark Port: San Diego, California, US
Departure Dates: Nov 12, 2011, Dec 10, 2011
Ports of Call: San Diego, California, US; Hilo, Hawaii, US; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; Nawiliwili Kauai, Hawaii, US; Lahaina, Hawaii, US; Ensenada, Mexico
Ship: ms Rotterdam
Embark Port: San Diego, California, US
Disembark Port: San Diego, California, US
Departure Dates: Dec 21, 2011
Ports of Call: San Diego, California, US; Kona, Hawaii, US; Lahaina, Hawaii, US; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; Hilo, Hawaii, US; Ensenada, Mexico
Ship: ms Oosterdam
Embark Port: San Diego, California, US
Disembark Port: San Diego, California, US
Departure Dates: Nov 12, 2011, Dec 10, 2011
Ports of Call: San Diego, California, US; Hilo, Hawaii, US; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; Nawiliwili Kauai, Hawaii, US; Lahaina, Hawaii, US; Ensenada, Mexico
Ship: ms Rotterdam
Embark Port: San Diego, California, US
Disembark Port: San Diego, California, US
Departure Dates: Dec 21, 2011
Ports of Call: San Diego, California, US; Kona, Hawaii, US; Lahaina, Hawaii, US; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; Hilo, Hawaii, US; Ensenada, Mexico