The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii (Clouds, Crowds, and Cost)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .
Share with your friends!
It’s true – Hawaii is beautiful any time of the year. The breathtaking landscape, sun-soaked beaches, and lively culture make it an excellent destination for travelers. But if you’re planning a cruise to the islands , there is the best time to cruise Hawaii.
The best time to cruise Hawaii is the shoulder season of September and October. September has the nicest weather and the fewest crowds. October is also a good time to visit, although the ocean can be more unpredictable with rougher surf for snorkeling or swimming.
Read on for more details, including the best Hawaii cruise deals, to decide on the best time to cruise Hawaii for your schedule!
Knowing when to go for cheap deals, fewer crowds, and endless days of sunshine can greatly enhance your Hawaii cruise experience. On top of that, there are only a few months out of the year when cruise ships cross the Pacific, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to book a trip to Hawaii.
If you want to make the most of your vacation to paradise, then you’re in the right spot! We’ll share the best time to cruise Hawaii and what you can expect during your trip.
Looking for more great Hawaii cruise resources? Learn about all of Hawaii’s cruise ports so you know what to expect at each stop. Check out the best shore excursions on each island to make the most of your limited time on land: – 14 Incredible Honolulu Shore Excursions (cruise ship ready) – Can’t Miss Big Island Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise – Best Maui Shore Excursions – 11 Incredible Kauai Shore Excursions For even more shore excursions, the low down on transportation, the best restaurants, self-guided excursion days, and more grab the Cruising Hawaii Guide .
When Cruises Sail to Hawaii
Tropical voyages to Hawaii are only available at certain times of the year (except for one cruise line). We have no affiliation with the below cruise lines.
Norwegian Cruise Line
There is currently only one company that offers year-round cruises to Hawaii – Norwegian Cruise Line . NCL’s Pride of America travels to four different Hawaiian Islands in just seven days, never leaving the state. Starting on Oahu, you’ll also visit Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.
The Pride of America is a great option for two reasons. Not only do you get to see a lot in a short amount of time (leaving from Oahu means you won’t have to waste time sailing the Pacific from the mainland), but you also have more flexibility in terms of dates. It sets sail every Saturday throughout the year , so you can pick a date that fits your schedule.
On top of that, the ship docks overnight at Maui and Kauai’s ports. That means you can take advantage of early morning or evening shore excursions, which you wouldn’t be able to do on other ships.
Holland America
Leaving and returning from San Diego, Holland America’s Hawaii cruise makes an epic journey across the Pacific for this Hawaiian cruise. There’s a total of 10 days at sea (5 days each way), which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Once you do arrive in Hawaii, you’ll be visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. There is one overnight stop in Honolulu, which is great if you want to see a luau or book an early morning excursion. There’s also a pit stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on the way back to San Diego, so don’t forget your passport!
Holland America has two ships for this cruise (the Koningsdam and Volendam), with departures in January, April, and November .
Celebrity Cruise Line
When you book a trip with Celebrity Cruise’s Hawaii Cruise , you’ll have six different itineraries to choose from.
Trips are between 9 and 11 days and are scheduled to visit Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui (unfortunately, they do not offer a Kauai stopover). All cruises either start or end in Vancouver, BC, meaning roughly half your trip is spent at sea, while the other days can be used for excursions.
Because these one-way sailings are to reposition the ship, dates are limited to April, May, or September . Passports are also required, as you’ll be leaving or entering Canada!
Royal Caribbean
Similar to Celebrity Cruise, Royal Caribbean’s Hawaii Cruise also has multiple one-way journeys to and from Vancouver for those interested in visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Based on the Alaska cruise season, each of the 8 Hawaiian itineraries is only available once a year in April, May, September, or October .
Depending on how many days you’re on the boat (they offer anywhere from 8 to 13-night cruises), you’ll be visiting two, three, or four islands.
Princess Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Lines has over a dozen cruises that visit the Hawaiian Islands. However, only a couple of them are Hawaii-focused. Many others depart from the mainland and make stops along the coast before ending in Honolulu.
If you want to see more than one island during your trip, we recommend one of their 15- or 16-day Hawaiian cruises. With multiple departure ports (Vancouver, BC, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles) and travel dates from December to April , there are plenty of options to choose from.
Carnival Cruise Line
If you have more than two weeks to spare, you can book your trip with Carnival Cruise Line Hawaii Cruise . They have a handful of 14 and 15-day cruises leaving from the west coast. You’ll arrive in the Hawaiian islands on day 6, with ample time on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island.
There are quite a few dates to choose from between September and April .
The Best Months to Cruise to Hawaii
When deciding when to go on your cruise, there are many factors to take into account. We like to go by the three Cs – clouds, crowds, and cost – to determine the best time to go to Hawaii. Hawaii has spring and fall shoulder seasons. These are the low season for visitors so you can find the best deals here, especially last-minute deals as the cruise line tries to fill cabins.
Using that information, we consider the shoulder season the best time to cruise Hawaii. Specifically September and October. September has the nicest weather and the fewest crowds, so you’ll be able to enjoy your time on land to the fullest. October is also a good time to visit , although the waters can be rougher and not as good for snorkeling or swimming.
If the autumn shoulder season doesn’t suit your schedule, then going in spring in April and May shoulder season can also be a good choice. Not only is the weather still warm, but it’s also way less crowded (and therefore less expensive) compared to the busy summer months.
Related reads: The Best Snorkeling in Hawaii by Month (plus snorkeling spots!) What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, & Big Island Activities
The Cheapest Time to Cruise to Hawaii
Hawaii is not a budget destination, especially if you’re going on a Hawaiian cruise. However, the time of year you travel can influence how much money you spend on vacation.
If you’re looking for a few more ways to save, check out how we book our Hawaii travel for tips that work no matter how you get around the islands.
Cruise Cost
The exact cost of your cruise will depend on the cruise line, length of trip, and room category. But generally speaking, the cheapest Hawaiian cruises are usually during the shoulder season.
Because of school breaks and Christmas holidays , cruise prices are at their peak. However, you can find some good deals between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as the demand for travel isn’t as high. You may also want to avoid traveling during school spring break, which can fall somewhere between March and April.
If you’re flying to Hawaii for your cruise we break down Hawaii travel costs so you can get a full picture of your trip expenses aside from the cruise itself.
Rental Car Costs
Booking a rental car can be a great way to explore the island during your stopover. They are cheaper than relying on taxis and Uber and provide flexibility to see sights and attractions at your own pace. See our discount car rental information here .
While a rental car may not be the biggest expense on your trip, prices can still fluctuate throughout the year. Daily rates are their most expensive in summer due to the high number of tourists on the islands. Therefore, the shoulder season is a good time to travel if you want to save on costs for a rental.
Not sure where to rent a car? Our Cruising Hawaii Guide has insider tips on the best transportation deals (along with lots of other info about what to see during your visit).
Shore Excursions Costs
Unlike other experiences on your vacation, the cost of booking a shore excursion at a port of call does not change throughout the year. These prices are fixed. Although booking directly with a tour operator can be cheaper than those offered by the cruise line, you can still expect to pay the same amount no matter when you go.
Hotel Costs
It might be unusual to discuss hotel costs when talking about a cruise. If you’re sleeping on the ship, why do you need to book a hotel? However, it is worth noting that many Hawaiian cruises (like NCL and Holland America) dock overnight at specific ports, giving passengers the opportunity to spend the night on land if they so desire.
There are so many accommodation options to choose from in Hawaii. From 5-star resorts on the beach to cozy vacation rentals in local towns, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place.
Of course, the type of place you stay in will impact how much you spend for an overnight stay. But you can find better deals on hotels during the shoulder season when there aren’t as many tourists on the islands.
Because hotel prices increase with demand, we don’t recommend traveling in summer or winter. Many annual travelers stay in vacation rental or timeshare properties in the winter, which drives up the prices of accommodation. Summer is also incredibly expensive, as many families come here during their school breaks.
Check out our where to stay database if you plan to stay on land during your cruise.
The Best Weather to Cruise Hawaii
Hawaii is known for having year-round sun and warm weather. But that doesn’t mean it is immune to rain showers and cooler temperatures. As with everywhere around the world, the weather does fluctuate depending on what time of year you go.
But before we dive into specifics, it’s important to know that Hawaii has two seasons – summer and winter. Summer is between May and October, and winter is from November until April. Chances are you’re traveling from somewhere with 4 seasons and more notable differences in temperature. In Hawaii, the weather is typically between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Of course, the exact temperatures and weather conditions vary between islands and even which side of the island you’re docked on! For example, the leeward side of the islands has less rain and more sunny days compared to the windward side.
But generally speaking, you can expect at least some sort of sprinkle throughout the day during the rainy season from November to March .
See our Best Time to Visit Hawaii article for more graphs and tables full of weather data!
To help you decide when to go on your cruise, here’s an overview of the annual weather patterns at some of Hawaii’s popular ports of call:
Honolulu, Oahu: Summer temperatures are in the mid to high 80s, and winter temperatures are in the mid to high 70s. Lower rainfall compared to other cities, with occasional showers from November to March.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: Summer temperatures are in the mid to high 80s, and winter temperatures are in the mid to high 70s. Occasional showers from November to April, but nothing compared to Hilo (on the windward side).
Hilo, Hawaii: Summer temperatures are in the low 80s, and winter temperatures are in the mid-70s. Frequent rain showers from November to March.
Kahului, Maui : Summer temperatures are in the high 80s, and winter temperatures are in the high 70s. Some rain from November to March.
Lihue, Kauai: Summer temperatures are in the mid to high 80s, and winter temperatures are in the high 70s. Some rain from November to March.
It’s also important to know that Hawaii does have a hurricane season that lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November. However, hurricanes are rare, with only three major hurricanes causing damage to the islands in the last 40 years.
If there is a hurricane warning while you’re on your trip, there may be some disruptions or excursion cancellations. So, while it’s something to be aware of, it shouldn’t deter you from booking your cruise during this time.
Learn more about each island with our free comprehensive travel guides : Maui Travel Guide Oahu Travel Guide Hawai’i (Big Island) Travel Guide Kauai Travel Guide
Skip the Crowds When you Cruise Hawaii
It can be hard to completely avoid any crowds while you’re on a cruise. After all, you’re traveling with one or two thousand other people who are eager to get on shore! But there are certain times of the year when there are fewer tourists on land, which will make it easier and more enjoyable to explore the islands.
It’s no surprise that summer is the busiest time in Hawaii. Because of school summer break, June , July , and August can get upwards of 1 million visitors, making this one of the worst times to travel. December and March can also be crowded. This is likely due to school breaks again, as many people travel during spring break and the holiday season.
Therefore, the best time to go for small crowds is in January , February , September , and October . This is when Hawaii has the fewest amount of tourists.
Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii: Whale Season!
Every year, from November to April, thousands of humpback whales can be seen around Hawaii as they migrate from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian islands. It is believed that anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 whales come during this period, making it a must-see experience for cruise passengers.
For the highest chance of seeing these majestic creatures, we recommend booking your cruise from December to March. This is when the whale population is at its largest. In fact, most whale-watching tours don’t even start until mid-January, which is when the official whale count starts.
One of the best things about being on a cruise ship is that you’ll be able to see whales from practically anywhere on board! Think of the boat as your very own whale-watching tour!
If you’re planning on booking a whale-watching excursion at one of the ports, then we recommend doing so on Maui. With significantly more sightings than any other Hawaiian island, Maui is your best chance to see them up close. Most tours head to the ‘Au ‘au channel between Maui and Lana’i, Molokai, and Kaho’olawe, as the whales seem to love the warm, shallow waters here!
Oahu has the second-highest number of whales, followed by Kauai and then the Big Island. But like we said, you’ll be on a cruise ship, so it’s possible to see them swimming anywhere!
We love whale season, so we have more helpful whale-watching resources! The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui This is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii (+ key tips)
In Closing: The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii
When planning your cruise to the tropical islands of Hawaii, it’s crucial to consider the timing of your voyage. September and October are our favorite months to visit, although April and May can also be good travel dates. With one cruise line going year-round and others during certain months, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to planning your Hawaiian adventure.
For more information on planning an island cruise, check out our Cruising Hawaii Guide for details on the best attractions, shore excursions, and even restaurants!
Cruising Hawaii Guide
Get the cruising hawaii guide.
Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island.
The Cruising Hawaii Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, including 90+ shore excursion tour options, over 11 self-guided itinerary days, our favorite restaurants, and the best beaches. We want your cruise to Hawaii to be unforgettable, and stress-free.
Add the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary to your cart with coupon code CRUISE to save $7.
Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.
Similar Posts
The Best Maui Shore Excursions for Your Hawaii Cruise
12 Reviewed Hawaii Wedding Officiants: Don’t let just anyone marry you
11 Incredible Kauai Shore Excursions (perfect for a cruise schedule)
Baby Beach Lahaina, Maui: the best beach for families
The 14 Best Things to Do in Wailea (+ how to get to Molokini FIRST)
Cheapest Groceries in Maui: Know Before You Go
This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!
TOP RESOURCES
- Join Our Newsletter
- Hawaii Itineraries
- Tours & Activities
- Top Travel Gear
- Discount Car Rentals
ISLAND GUIDES
- Planning A Trip To Hawaii
- Oahu Island Guide
- Maui Island Guide
- Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
- Kauai Island Guide
Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.
Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets
You’ll get:
- 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
- a map with the main sights in town,
- and famous local grindz (eats)!
Review Cart
No products in the cart.
Hawaii cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Hawaii and cruising seem like a match made in heaven. You can experience all the beaches, water sports, lush scenic areas and Polynesian culture without having to settle for just one island — or deal with the hassle of flying between them.
In addition, you get a convenient home base to leave your stuff, enjoy evening entertainment without a drive and linger over dinner without worrying how much the bill will come to.
However, it's not all paradise in the Hawaii cruise world because itineraries are limited. Why? U.S. government regulations prohibit foreign-flagged ships from sailing between U.S. ports without visiting a foreign port.
Because most cruise ships are flagged in another country, they cannot offer interisland cruises. Only two lines currently offer those. The rest must sail long cruises at least one-way, if not round trip, from the west coast of North America.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .
If a Hawaii cruise sounds like the perfect getaway to you, you'll want to read up on which lines offer which types of itineraries, as well as which islands and ports you must visit.
Here, we've gathered all the information you need to know to choose the perfect Aloha State sailing for your travel style, budget and allotted vacation time.
Why cruise to Hawaii?
I probably don't need to convince anyone why Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination. It has everything — gorgeous beaches, fabulous snorkeling and diving spots, scenic hiking trails, fascinating local culture and history, delicious cuisine, renowned resorts and golf courses, and plentiful waterfalls and rainbows.
Why should you cruise instead of booking a hotel or resort stay on land? The main reason is to sample more islands.
Most travelers stick to one, possibly two islands, during a Hawaii vacation. If you want to sample the highlights of several islands, from Volcanoes National Park near Hilo, Hawaii, to Kauai's Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast, it's much simpler to do that from a cruise ship.
Additionally, lodging prices in Hawaii can be high due to its popularity as a vacation destination. Restaurants are also more expensive than on the mainland because many staples have to be shipped in from afar.
On a cruise, you're free to sample Hawaiian cuisine during your time in port, but can take as many meals as you want on board, many of which are already covered in your cruise fare.
When do cruises go to Hawaii?
You can sail to Hawaii year-round, but the itinerary options vary based on the month you choose. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only major cruise line to offer year-round, weeklong cruises.
If you're looking for a longer itinerary, sailing round trip from the west coast of North America, or a small-ship adventure cruise, you'll have the biggest selection of cruises between October and April.
The beginning and end of the Alaska season in the spring and fall is when you'll find one-way repositioning cruises either between Hawaii and Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seattle, or from the Pacific Northwest all the way to the South Pacific, stopping in Hawaii along the way.
The summer offers the fewest Hawaii cruise options.
Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii
Best Hawaii itineraries
Cruises to Hawaii fall into three categories: weeklong interisland cruises, round-trip cruises sailing to/from the West Coast and one-way repositioning cruises.
The best cruise for you depends on how much vacation time you have, how many islands you want to visit, whether you're looking for overnight port stays and how you feel about multiple sea days in a row.
Interisland cruises
The best Hawaii itinerary in my opinion is Norwegian Cruise Line's seven-night round-trip Honolulu sailings on Pride of America. The U.S.-flagged ship is the only big ship able to sail interisland itineraries without calling on a foreign port.
The itinerary features two-day overnight visits to Maui and Kauai and stops in both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, as well as scenic cruising along Kauai's famed Napali Coast. It's easy to book pre- or post-cruise stays in Honolulu to explore places like Waikiki Beach, Diamondhead Crater and Pearl Harbor.
For a completely different interisland cruise, UnCruise Adventures offers a more off-the-beaten-path, adventure-focused sailing on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer.
It also visits Maui and the island of Hawaii, as well as the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. Expect lots of water sports and nature-based outings, and daily plans that can change due to the weather or a whale sighting. These expedition cruises run from November to April.
Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles
Round-trip Hawaii cruises from the West Coast
Most of the major cruise lines offering seasonal Hawaii cruises — such as Carnival, Princess and Holland America — offer 14- to 18-night round-trip itineraries from West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and San Francisco, in California; Seattle; and Vancouver. These sailings run from the fall into the spring. Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises.
The itineraries all follow a similar pattern: A four-day Pacific Ocean crossing, daily port stops in three or four Hawaii ports (occasionally with an overnight), another five days at sea, then a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on the way home. If you're sailing from Vancouver, expect five days for the crossing and no visit to Mexico.
You may find some longer grand voyages sailing round trip from North America to Hawaii plus other South Pacific destinations. For example, Holland America offers some epic 35- to 51-night cruises round trip from San Diego
These Hawaii cruises are best for retirees, who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip.
Repositioning cruises
The final type of Hawaii cruise is the one-way repositioning sailing, typically offered when ships are heading to or leaving Alaska. The cruise line schedules these sailings to swing by Hawaii on their way to the South Pacific or Australia or perhaps before the ship begins Mexico cruises from southern California or transits the Panama Canal to the Atlantic.
The shorter options, such as 10- and 11-night Hawaii cruises offered by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, sail between Vancouver and Honolulu, leaving you to book a one-way flight to or from Hawaii. Longer one-way sailings from upscale brands, such as Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea, will traverse the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti (or another far-flung island) and Vancouver or Seattle.
The shorter, one-way sailings are a good compromise for travelers who don't want to take a full two weeks or can't imagine 10 days at sea on one vacation but do want some relaxing time on the ship. They also allow pre- or post-cruise stays in Hawaii. The longer one-off journeys are more for folks wanting to explore a wide swath of the Pacific, with Hawaii being a small part of that deep dive.
Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler
Best Hawaii cruise lines
It's no surprise that I find Norwegian Cruise Line to be one of the best Hawaii cruise lines because it offers a unique product that's a reasonable vacation length for most people and really allows its guests to experience many of Hawaii's highlights.
Princess Cruises is definitely the leader in the two-week, round-trip Hawaii cruise department, offering more sailings out of more homeports than any other line. Carnival , Holland America and Viking also offer this type of sailing, but not as frequently. Holland America is a great choice for round-trip sailings that explore deep into the South Pacific.
Sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are good bets for those hybrid one-way cruises from the West Coast to Hawaii.
Seabourn , Silversea and Oceania offer upscale accommodations, fine dining and multiple fare inclusions for travelers looking to journey in style across the Pacific Ocean, stopping in Hawaii along the way. Seabourn and Silversea feature smaller ships, more fare inclusions and higher prices than Oceania.
UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary. These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap.
Things to do in Hawaii
Whether you're looking for utter relaxation or an adrenaline rush, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hawaii. The islands have much to offer families, couples and friends of all ages.
Obviously, a top attraction is Hawaii's many beaches. You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming.
Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui. Kayak out to sea or along Kauai's Wailua River, or try your hand at kite-surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. For a more chill afternoon out on the waves, consider a whale-watching cruise, sunset sail or scenic boat ride along the Napali Coast.
Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon. Maui's road to Hana is a must-do if you like twisty roads and cascading waterfalls. Watch the sun rise or set, bike down the extinct Haleakala volcano, or visit a live one at Volcanoes National Park near Hilo on the island of Hawaii.
Many travelers enjoy learning about Hawaiian culture and history. Attend a luau where you can feast on Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy music, dancing and fire play. Some take place on plantations where you can discover more about local agriculture. Or, stop by historic attractions, such as Honolulu's Iolani Palace or the Big Island's city of refuge, to learn about the ancient Polynesian culture or the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions
Best Hawaii cruise ports
The islands of Hawaii only offer a few cruise ports for ships to visit. (UnCruise Adventures is the exception, calling in a few smaller places that the big ships can't go.) All of them are top-notch, so it's hard to say which one is the best overall. Certainly, some ports are better for different types of activities.
The following Hawaii ports are the ones commonly found on cruise itineraries.
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu is known for Pearl Harbor, where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, a submarine museum and an aviation museum. Cruisers can catch some rays at Waikiki Beach or hike the Diamond Head crater.
Learn about Hawaiian history at the Mauna 'Ala royal mausoleum and the Iolani Palace, or Hawaiian culture at a luau or the Polynesian Cultural Center. You can also take a tour to Oahu's North Shore. Oahu is the turn-around port for Pride of America, so travelers should consider a pre- or post-cruise stay to see the sights.
Nawiliwili, Kauai
The small but mighty Kauai is one of the best Hawaii ports for outdoor, nature-based adventure. Get your cameras out for the rocky landscapes of the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast. If you like hiking or kayaking, you've come to the right island, but you can also take it easy on any number of nearby beaches.
Take a riverboat along the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, or hop a tour bus to see where many of your favorite movies were filmed. It's also a good spot for a luau if your ship stays in port late enough.
Hilo, Hawaii
The Big Island is the only island offering two major ports for cruise ships: Hilo on the east coast and Kona on the west. Hilo is the jumping-off point to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike through a lava tube or watch steam venting from the still-active volcano.
The area is also home to numerous waterfalls you can visit, such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as well as black-sand beaches. Kayak or snorkel in Hilo Bay, or — for something different — visit the Volcano Winery to sample vintages made both with grapes and local fruits.
Related: How to choose the best Hawaiian island for you
Kona, Hawaii
The second cruise port on the island of Hawaii, Kona is one of the best ports for visiting a coffee plantation and sampling local Hawaiian coffee. For travelers more interested in ancient Polynesian history, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the site of an old city of refuge, is a fascinating place to visit. Otherwise, Kona offers plenty of beaches, snorkeling opportunities and boat and submarine tours.
Lahaina or Kahului, Maui
Maui also has two cruise ports, but they serve the same area and attractions. The difference is that Kahului is in an industrial area near the airport. Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation to see the sights.
Lahaina is a major tourist destination for its restaurants, shops and boat tours, but ships must anchor and transport passengers to shore via tender boats.
Must-sees on Maui include the extinct volcano Haleakala (for sunset or sunrise visits or bike rides down the steep slopes), the twisty road to Hana with its waterfall views and many gorgeous white-sand beaches. Maui is the best Hawaii cruise port for whale watching in season or snorkeling in its clear waters. Visit the Maui Ocean Center to check out more sea life while staying dry.
When to book a Hawaii cruise
The earlier you book a Hawaii cruise, the better. That's because the cruise lines offer comparatively few Hawaii sailings as compared to Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, for example.
Norwegian Cruise Line bases only one ship in the region; other lines only sail to the islands seasonally. Booking early will not only guarantee you get the cabin type you want on the sail date you prefer, but may also get you the lowest prices and promotional booking bonuses (i.e. free stuff). In addition, unless you live on the West Coast, a Hawaii cruise will require a long flight either to California or Honolulu, so you'll want plenty of time to find an airfare deal or available award seat.
Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?
What to bring on a Hawaii cruise
What to bring on a Hawaii cruise depends on which cruise you're taking. If you're on a weeklong sailing on casual NCL, you can skip the dressy clothes and prioritize casual outfits that work with whatever beachy or sporty excursions you've got planned in Hawaii. Sun hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly shoes are all must-pack items. Don't forget your camera (or waterproof case for your cellphone) and binoculars for whale watching.
Travelers on a longer Hawaii sailing on a line like Princess will want to bring nicer clothes for dinners on board, as well as plenty of activities for all those sea days. That could include books or an e-reader, a packable board game, a knitting project or a journal. UnCruise passengers should pack hiking boots, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, plenty of swimsuits and waterproof bags to protect their gear.
Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
Bottom line
A cruise can be an ideal way to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip and save on costs such as dinner and car rentals.
However, unlike in other cruise regions, travelers are limited in the itineraries and times of the year they can sail. Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is a great way to visit the islands in just a week, but fans of leisurely trips with lots of sea days should look at round-trip cruises from California.
Once you've decided how you want to cruise Hawaii, you can seek out the best cruise fares so you're ready to say "Aloha!" to an incredible vacation when the right deal pops up.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- View all Hawaii Articles
- Explore Hawaii
Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii
No matter the season, the best time to cruise to Hawaii is all year long. Follow pods of humpback whales during their late winter migration or embark on waterfall hikes when the trails dry in the spring. With Princess, get the best of both worlds with relaxation and adventure at your fingertips. Whether your itinerary takes you to the cliffs of Kauai or the beaches of Maui, there’s no bad time of year to sail to Hawaii.
Hawaii in the Winter
While winter means cold weather for much of the United States, the holiday season brings something different to Hawaii. Delightful temperatures, sunny skies and refreshing waters invite guests to visit these tropical islands and trade snowmen for sand castles. But, that’s not all you can expect to see during this season. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales breaking through the water’s surface as they migrate from Alaska. This is the best time of year to cruise Hawaii and see these animals as they travel by the hundreds. In Oahu, winter brings some of the biggest waves and the ideal time to watch top surfers hang ten. Or, swap your fir tree for a palm tree and celebrate the holidays island-style. Depending on your sail date, you might even catch the Honolulu City Lights in December thanks to More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays in select ports. With an evening of opportunity ahead, stay through nightfall and watch as hand-crafted floats adorned in rainbow lights bring the streets to life. Even if you miss the snow during a holiday cruise , you can still enjoy snowflakes on board. With life-like snow in the Atrium and a festively decorated ship, get your holiday fix without the chilly weather.
Hawaii in the Fall and Spring
As the rest of the world transitions to a cooler fall season, Hawaii maintains its summer status. Blue skies and revitalizing sunshine welcome pods of humpback whales on their migration to warmer climates in the fall and spring. Set out on a catamaran tour to get up close to these beloved animals, and admire them in their natural playground. In the fall, grab your surfboard and hit the waves. With smaller tides, both beginner and seasoned surfers can learn new skills in these forgiving waters. During the spring, visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Hilo to see over 2,000 tropical plants in full bloom. You can even look for the plumeria making their yearly appearance. Or, enjoy freshly groomed trails as you navigate Waimea Canyon in Kauai, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Between the peaceful landscapes and the quiet beaches, the shoulder season is one of the best times to visit Hawaii if you’re looking for a mid-year vacation.
With bright skies and warm sand all year long, any month can be considered the best month to go to Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a tropical holiday or a year-round retreat, unpack once and see four of the most popular Hawaiian Islands any time of year with Princess.
You May Also Like
Hawaii Cruise Destinations
Catch the aloha spirit the moment you come aboard a Hawaii Cruise.
Destinations
Sail to almost anyplace you can dream of.
New to cruising
First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.
IMAGES
VIDEO