A cruise to Hawaii is an unforgettable experience, with stunning scenery, tropical weather, and a relaxed island lifestyle. Therefore, it’s no wonder Hawaii cruises are a popular choice for many cruise guests.
Although it is a beautiful place to visit, the logistics when cruising to Hawaii can be tricky. In this ultimate Hawaiian cruise guide, we will answer many questions that first-time cruise visitors to Hawaii have, including:
What is the best month to go to Hawaii on a cruise?
Where do Hawaii cruises leave from, and where do they sail?
What cruise line sails around Hawaii?
What are the top things to do there?
So, if you’re considering this paradisal island for your next holiday, read on to learn all you need to know about a Hawaii cruise.
What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?
Hawaii’s weather is mainly warm and sunny all year round, making it an ideal destination for a cruise holiday. Therefore, the best time of year to visit Hawaii depends more on your budget, availability and what you want to see and do during your trip.
The peak tourist season to cruise Hawaii is from mid-December to mid-April. Although the weather is not at its best during this time, it is still much more appealing than most other places. Furthermore, these months are when people have time off work and school, so many families choose to holiday at this time.
During peak season, the beaches and attractions in Hawaii can be crowded, and the prices are often the highest.
The shoulder season, from April to June and from September to mid-December, offers a good balance between good weather and fewer crowds. During these months, you’re more likely to find lower prices for your Hawaiian cruise and for many tours and activities when you get there.
The summer months, from June to August, are the hottest. Although it’s not peak season, it still gets pretty busy. So, if you are looking for cruises from Hawaii during the summer, book early to avoid disappointment.
Where do Hawaii cruises leave from?
If you are looking for a cruise to Hawaii from the UK, you will need to include a stopover in the US. From there, you can either fly or sail to Hawaii.
When sailing, most cruises to Hawaii leave from the west coast of the US mainland, from places such as California, or from British Columbia, Canada. Even departing from the west coast, you can still expect to be at sea for around eight days, as the distance to the Hawaiian Islands is quite significant.
At the beginning and end of the Alaska season, you can also find one-way repositioning cruises that sail between Hawaii and places along the Pacific Northwest and South coastlines, such as Vancouver and Seattle.
If you’re not keen on several back-to-back sea days and you’re wondering, ‘Can I fly to Hawaii and then cruise the islands?’, there are options for a fly cruise to Hawaii for 2023. For example, Princess Cruises offers several fly cruises to Hawaii departing from places such as San Francisco, Las Vegas and even Sydney, Australia.
You can also fly to Hawaii from the UK and then cruise the islands. However, as there are no direct flights, you would need to transit via a US mainland city. Several airlines offer connecting flights from the UK to Hawaii, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. The most common routes involve a layover in a major US city, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle.
There are no direct, no-fly cruises to Hawaii from the UK simply because of the distance and location of the islands. However, there are several round-the-world cruises that include stops in Hawaii.
Where do Hawaii cruises go to?
Hawaii is an archipelago of eight major islands and numerous other smaller islets. Each has its own captivating personality, offering turquoise ocean waters, beaches, mountains and a spectacular variety of flora and fauna.
When sailing around Hawaii, there are four main ports in Hawaii where most cruise ships dock:
Honolulu
The capital city of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu, is the most popular cruise port in Hawaii. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks, such as Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.
Lahaina
Located on the island of Maui, Lahaina is a charming town that offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s past. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches and plantations alongside historic buildings, art galleries, and restaurants. It also has the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Hilo
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is known for its lush rainforests, impressive waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, making it a fantastic place to explore Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Nawiliwili
Located on the island of Kauai, Nawiliwili is a small town that offers access to some of the island’s most stunning white sand beaches and remarkable natural wonders, such as the Na Pali Coast.
What cruise line sails around Hawaii?
Several cruise lines offer Hawaii cruises. If you are sailing from the US to Hawaii, it is particularly worthwhile taking your time choosing the best cruise ship for you as you will have multiple back-to-back days at sea.
Below are a few of the leading cruise lines that offer Hawaii cruises:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an excellent range of Hawaii cruises, from a 7-day Hawaii cruise starting in Honolulu, visiting Maui, Kona, and Kauai to a 15-day option, taking in the islands, then sailing onto Vancouver and Alaska. Norwegian Cruise Line is also the only major cruise line to offer year-round, week-long cruises.
Princess Cruises
When considering a cruise holiday with Princess Cruises to Hawaii, you’ll also find some fantastic options. It offers several 15- and 16-day Hawaiian cruises, including a 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles that visits four Hawaiian Islands. It also has 28-day and 32-day cruises that visit Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of 8-10-night one-way cruises that visit three or four Hawaiian Islands, most departing from or finishing in Vancouver, Canada.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ Hawaiian itineraries are also mainly one-way, starting or finishing in Vancouver and visiting several of Hawaii’s islands over 9-13 nights.
Top Things to Do in Hawaii
Hawaii is renowned as a paradise island, a place to walk on gorgeous powder beaches under the palm trees, enjoy water sports in the crystal clear ocean and soak up the warm welcome of the Polynesian culture. Here are some of the best things to do when you visit there:
Go snorkelling or scuba diving
Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling or scuba diving. Some of the best spots include Molokini Crater, Hanauma Bay, and Kealakekua Bay.
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
Located in Pearl Harbour, the USS Arizona Memorial is a must-visit attraction for those interested in history. The memorial honours the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Found on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Here, you can explore lava tubes, craters, and steam vents.
Take a helicopter tour
Hawaii’s incredible natural beauty is best seen from the air, and a helicopter tour is a perfect way to see the islands’ breathtaking landscapes. From above, you can see everything from volcanoes and craters to waterfalls and rainforests.
Relax on the beach
Hawaii is known for its idyllic beaches, and there’s no better way to relax than simply lying back and enjoying the sun-soaked surroundings there.
If you’re interested in booking a cruise to Hawaii and would like to know more, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
