Perched in the North Pacific and surrounded by sparkling blue waters, the Hawaiian archipelago seems tailor-made for cruising. However, organizing a Hawaii cruise is more difficult than it appears. Due to its remote location and strict regulations, only a few cruises to this Polynesian paradise are available.
One of the numerous advantages of a Hawaii cruise is the possibility to see four islands in a week—a logistical achievement that would require several flights for land travelers. Cruising is also a cost-effective method to experience Hawaii, which is known for being an expensive tourist destination.
Last but not least, the natural beauty of the islands themselves is what attracts almost nine million people each year. Each of Hawaii's islands offers travelers unique and memorable experiences, such as cascading waterfalls, famed volcanoes, teeming marine life, and postcard-perfect beaches.
The following are the five most often asked questions about organizing a Hawaii cruise.
1. How long is a cruise to Hawaii?
Depending on the itinerary, Hawaii cruises might last anywhere from seven to 18 nights. Due to the islands' distant position, a cruise exclusively within the Hawaiian Islands sailing round trip to Honolulu is the quickest (and only) seven-night option, but any voyage from California to Hawaii will take at least 15 nights. There are round-trip sailings from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but expect to spend at least eight days at sea traveling to and from Hawaii. You'll be spending a lot of time on your ship, so choose wisely!
Repositioning cruises to and from Hawaii are common in May and September when ships cross the Pacific, as many ships alternate between Hawaii or Polynesia in the winter and Alaska in the summer. A frequent repositioning itinerary is a 10-night cruise from Vancouver, BC, to Hawaii.
2. What cruise lines go to Hawaii?
Despite the fact that Hawaii is a famous tourist destination, there are only a few cruise lines that provide trips to the island. Due to the rigorous rules for only operating routes within the Hawaiian Islands, this is a common occurrence. Only Norwegian's Pride of America presently fits the criteria of having a crew composed primarily of Americans and is registered in the United States. This means that only one cruise line can offer 7-night Hawaii trips, and they do so every week of the year without any breaks.
Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, the Pride of America gives passengers 100 hours of shore time on Hawaii's gorgeous islands. To get the most out of your time on Hawaii's two most popular islands, you'll need to rent a car or plan multiple excursions, which are often required to see anything of worth beyond the pier.
Princess, Carnival, and Holland America all offer 15-night (or longer) cruises from California to Hawaii if you don't mind a lot of time at sea. While most other tours do not visit Maui's most charming town, Lahaina, this tour does. Round-trip California itineraries frequently include Ensenada, Mexico, the birthplace of the Margarita and home to some of the country's best vineyards.
From Hawaii to Vancouver, BC, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of cruises. If you're on a longer, multi-destination trip that includes the Hawaiian Islands, you're more likely to see them.
3. When is the ideal time to go on a Hawaii cruise?
There is never a miserable time to visit Hawaii because it has perfect weather all year. Between December and April, the islands have the greatest visitors (by land or cruise); however, this period also coincides with the "wet season." But don't worry, it never rains heavily or for long periods of time. April, May, September, and October have the most constant fine weather, and you might be able to locate a decent offer on a repositioning cruise during those months.
From mid-May to mid-September, you'll have the ports to yourself because the Pride of America is the only ship cruising Hawaii during that time. The beaches, on the other hand, may be busy with locals enjoying their summer vacation.
If whale watching is on your bucket list, the optimum time to go is late February to early March when the calves are born.
4. Which Hawaii shore excursions are the best?
Unlike in the Caribbean islands, the major attractions on a Hawaii cruise involve travel away from the port, either in your own rental car or on a scheduled excursion. Therefore, you should schedule Hawaii shore excursions well in advance due to their immense popularity! Here are a few of the top choices.
Hawaii's Big Island provides access to Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii's Big Island visitors must not miss a visit to Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Explore craters and lava tubes while learning about the Hawaiian Islands' volcanic evolution.
From Kailua Kona, Big Island, snorkel in Kealakekua Bay.
This marine sanctuary, which is most well-known for its Captain Cook memorial, offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Your zodiac will save you an hour of walking and transport you to the nicest spots in the bay to explore. The area is home to turtles, marine caves, and possibly a pod of spinner dolphins.
From Kahului to Maui, take the route to Hana.
The fame of Hana Bay's meandering road is well-founded! You'll stop at tropical waterfalls, black sand beaches, and stunning viewpoints along the way, including Ho'okipa, where you can witness some of the world's best windsurfers. You should complete this full-day trip before spending the night in Kahului.
From Nawiliwili, Kauai, take a helicopter tour of the Garden Island.
Many consider Kauai to be Hawaii's most beautiful island, and there is no better (or other) way to experience the island's lush foliage and breathtaking mountainscapes than by helicopter, given that the majority of the island is unreachable by car. As you soar above magnificent waterfalls and towering pali (sea cliffs), a skilled local pilot will educate you about the island's history and folklore.
5. On a Hawaiian cruise, what should you wear?
With year-round average highs exceeding 80° F, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics will keep you cool until your next ocean dip or air-conditioned respite. The local Hawaiian dress code is casual, as is typical of the aloha spirit, but your ship may have special activities to attend, so check your itinerary ahead of time. For example, Pride of America's White Hot Party is a white-attire celebration you'll want to pack for!
If you're going on an outdoor activity where you won't be sheltered from the elements, having a packable poncho or rain gear on hand is a good idea. Tropical storms are usually brief, but they can drown you!
Are you planning to climb one or more volcanoes? The height shift can be chilly, especially at sunrise or dusk, so layer up. Some tour companies provide jackets to keep tourists warm, but it's advisable to inquire whether you should bring your own.
We hope you find this material informative as you plan your Hawaii cruise. You'll have a blast exploring this island paradise no matter what time of year you visit or who you're traveling with. To avoid disappointment, remember to arrange your excursions before you depart!
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