Table Of Content
Finally, select the amount, if any, you expect to spend on Hawaii Tours and/or commercial Activities. Be sure to update the number of people dining and people the fees/tours apply to if applicable; these numbers will default to the same number of people you selected previously for this trip estimate. Listen to stories, legends, history, and what to do and see, at the right place and time. King Kamehameha Day (June 11) and Lei Day (May 1) also both offer various festivities, including impressive lei draping ceremonies of the King Kamehameha Statutes on both the Big Island and Oahu. Check our Hawaii events page for more information on what might be taking place during your visit.
Related Itineraries
But the weeks in between are both great times to snag a deal on a Hawaii sailing — early November for a less-harried ambience and early December for lower cruise fares and airfares. Yes, December is Hawaii's rainiest month, but it doesn't rain every day and certainly not all day. (The rain comes in small bursts and mostly after dark.) Temperatures can dip into the 60s at night on some islands. In conclusion, cruising Hawaii offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse beauty and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.
About Hawaii Cruises
That means you can take advantage of early morning or evening shore excursions, which you wouldn’t be able to do on other ships. Here's a look at what you can expect when taking a cruise during each seasonal travel period in Hawaii. Knowing the general weather outlook and what natural phenomena or special events will be taking place can help you pick the right time to cruise for your travel group. As is the case when cruising to pretty much all cruise destinations, such as Bermuda and the Bahamas, the best time to cruise to Hawaii depends on several factors. These include your budget, your preferred activities, the weather and other visitors.
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Best time to go on a cruise - The Points Guy
Best time to go on a cruise.
Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
That’s why you’ll see these ships docking or embarking/disembarking from Canada or Mexico. Remember that these are foreign countries, so US citizens will be required to travel with a passport. Besides the Pride of America, there are plenty of other companies that cruise to Hawaii. Keep in mind that all of these ships leave from the mainland and spend several days crossing the Pacific Ocean. Sea days can be really fun, but they usually mean that itineraries will be longer than a week. On Oahu, visit Honolulu's Waikiki Beach and pay your respects at Pearl Harbor.
Expect lots of water sports and nature-based outings, and daily plans that can change due to the weather or a whale sighting. 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.
How To Get Around Oahu
Both the Carnival Miracle and Carnival Paradise offer affordable and casual Hawaiian cruise vacations from the West Coast designed with families in mind. The ship’s 2,186 passengers can choose shore excursions on every island or simply relax on board while cruising between destinations. So while more total travelers opt for fall Hawaii cruises, the capacity/demand dynamics point to spring providing the best opportunity for finding last minute deals and upgrades.
The weather is also more than likely to be ideal, with just an inch of rain or less per month on Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii and about two inches on Kauai. Hawaiian cruises offer a plethora of dining experiences, allowing passengers to indulge in both international cuisines and local Hawaiian flavors. From December through March, there are numerous whale watching tours available to see these gentle giants up close. On Maui, you can step back in time with a visit to the artsy Upcountry town of Makawao in what's known as paniolo (cowboy) country. On Kauai, there are multiple national rental car agencies at Lihue Airport (LIH), which is a five-minute drive (by taxi or Uber) from the port at Nawiliwili Harbor. With a little pre-travel research, you can pinpoint the nearest rental car location to the port.
Prepare to hit the beach
If you’re looking to save some hard-earned money, consider going to Hawaii in the shoulder seasons, from September through mid-December or from mid-April through mid-June. Still, if you especially want to dodge the crowds (on this most populous Hawaiian Island) - then the best months to visit Oahu are in May or later in the Fall (September and October are both great choices). Both times offer better rates on the island but still have fantastic weather conditions. Also, be sure to note that the last week of April is also 'Golden Week' in Japan - which can generate a large influx of Japanese visitors during that period.
However, hurricanes are rare, with only three major hurricanes causing damage to the islands in the last 40 years. But generally speaking, you can expect at least some sort of sprinkle throughout the day during the rainy season from November to March. 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. Hawaii is not a budget destination, especially if you’re going on a Hawaiian cruise.
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. 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.
Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises. The winter months -- especially during the Christmas holiday season, from late December through the first week of January -- are the most popular times to visit Hawaii. This is the best time of the year for whale-watching (whale season is November through early May), but it's also when the weather is the rainiest and flights are most expensive. Summer is a popular time for family travel, though only Norwegian is offering cruises at that time. If you’re looking for the most affordable fares on Hawaii cruises, the best time to sail is during the shoulder seasons of early spring (March-April) and fall (September-October).
It is also during the winter that Hawaii experiences its peak surf season, drawing surf enthusiasts from around the world. However, cruisers should be aware that occasional storms and increased rainfall during this period may affect sailing schedules and itineraries. In planning your Hawaiian cruise, it's evident that selecting the optimal time is key to a successful voyage. The shoulder season, notably May, emerges as a prime choice, offering a delightful blend of sunshine and rejuvenating rain to complement the island's captivating flora. It's crucial to acknowledge the distinct weather patterns on various Hawaiian islands and coasts.
In summer, the average temperature during the day is a balmy 85˚ F and in winter, it’s 78˚ F. That said, the conditions vary depending on your elevation and the side of the island you’re on. Cruises embarking from the West Coast are designed for maximum relaxation and enjoyment. You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches.
You can also now check out our initial 2025 Hawaii Demand Forecast to see what we expect regarding high/low visitation periods in 2025. Ultimately, in our honest opinion - there isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is fantastic nearly year-round, there's something to do for everyone, and the food is phenomenal (try laulau, and malasadas, trust us!). If you're keen on whale-watching, consider organizing a shore excursion during your port days to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
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