Best Time to Cruise Hawaii: Plan a Perfect Cruise Trip

Thanks to its warm waters, delightful temperatures, and vibrant coasts, Hawaii is a year-round destination spot. There are a lot of things that make Hawaii special, including mesmerizing waterfalls, exotic islands, luscious green landscapes, and perfect beaches. The only way to experience all of that in the best way is by cruising to Hawaii. So the best time to cruise Hawaii is basically all year round!

However, depending on your preferences and the type of holiday you are planning (i.e. a honeymoon or a getaway with friends), the best time to take a cruise to Hawaii differs for everyone. For instance, you may be looking for the best honeymoon cruises in Hawaii, while others may be planning a family holiday. Continue reading to find out what the best time to visit Hawaiian islands and explore the best places to cruise by month to ensure you pick the perfect time for your journey.

What Is the Best Month to Go to Hawaii On a Cruise?

The best month to cruise to Hawaii is usually during the shoulder season, which is right before or after a tourist season. You should definitely avoid going to Hawaii during summer as it is swarmed with tourists due to school holidays. So if you are someone who would rather avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxing holiday, we suggest going in May or September. Not only will you find fewer crowds during these months, but you will also get to enjoy the best weather and lower prices.

What Is the Best Season to Cruise to Hawaii?

Hawaii has a tropical climate mainly featuring two seasons, the wet season, also known as hooilo, and the dry season, also known as kau. It is important to take these seasons into consideration when planning a cruise trip to Hawaii.

1. Winter Season

Winter in Hawaii starts in December and continues until February. However, the temperatures only mildly drop, accompanied by rainfall in the wind-facing areas of the islands. Despite the cold and rain, winter is a high-tourist season as it is an ideal season for whale-watching. You can easily spot pods of humpback whales in the waters. That’s why it is the best time to go on a cruise to Hawaii.

Additionally, you can enjoy the vibrant cultural and holiday celebrations during December. And if you’re traveling with your kids, there are tons of things to do in Oahu with kids, like the best waterfall hikes in Oahu. However, if you don’t like the wet season, we don’t recommend going in the winter as it is wetter as compared to the rest of the year. Not a fan of Hawaii? You can cruise down the Great Lakes to witness the most breathtaking freshwater wonders of North America. But be prepared for an exorbitant budget as the Great Lakes cruises can be really expensive. But why is American Cruise Lines so expensive? You may ask. There are numerous reasons for that, including limited competition in the market, expensive operation costs, and the older target customer base.

2. Spring Season

Spring in Hawaii starts in March and continues until May. It marks the end of the wet season and is an ideal time to explore the luscious islands. The temperatures start to rise during spring and the flowers are in full bloom. So you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking on the best Hawaiian island with the best waterfall hikes in Oahu, or make unforgettable memories doing adventurous activities like scuba diving or the best snorkeling in Oahu. And if you are someone who loves a beautiful backdrop of cherry blossoms, you can head on over to Kakaako in Honolulu to witness the cherry blossom season. However, Hawaii in spring is extremely crowded and pricey due to the spring break. So make sure to keep this in mind when planning your cruise trip.

3. Summer Season

Summer in Hawaii lasts from June to August and is the peak tourist season. Both families and couples flock to Hawaii to enjoy the warm temperatures, pristine beaches, and sunny skies. If you are visiting with your family, you can check out these best Hawaiian islands for families. There are tons of other activities too during the summer, such as water sports, sightseeing, cultural events, and Aloha festivals. But since summer is the peak tourist season, be ready for higher prices and the best places to stay in Hawaii fully booked.

4. Fall Season

The best time for Hawaii cruise has to be fall, which falls (see what we did there?) between September and November. It is also the shoulder season in Hawaii, which means you will see fewer crowds, lower prices, and ideal weather conditions. So you can enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii in the most relaxing way. Both the cruise and accommodation costs will be fairly low. What’s more, the temperatures are warm enough to live in comfortable conditions. But do note that fall in Hawaii can be unpredictable. Be ready to expect rain showers and even tropical storms between September and October.

How Long to Cruise to Hawaii?

A round-trip cruise voyage to Hawaii can last for up to 16 days. Cruises to Hawaii usually depart from the West Coast. In a typical Hawaii cruise, you can expect to spend multiple days at sea, after which you will be able to explore all the different ports. However, one-way cruises with different itineraries and ports can last for up to 21 days. If you find this too long, you can opt for shorter cruises to get the best experience in a limited time. The exact cruise time to Hawaii, however, depends on the departure port, the itinerary, and how much you want to explore.

Conclusion

So that’s all, folks! Now that you know what the best time to cruise Hawaii is, you can plan your trip at the perfect time according to your budget and preferences. If you are someone who doesn’t mind the crowds and wants to live their best summer, you can go during summer. But if you are looking to escape the crowds and are hoping for a relaxing trip, we suggest visiting during the shoulder season, which falls right before and after the winter. Happy cruising!