How Long Is A Cruise To Hawaii
Hawaii cruises range from seven nights to 18 nights or longer, depending on the itinerary. A cruise only within the Hawaiian Islands sailing round trip Honolulu is the shortest seven night option, while any cruise from California to Hawaii will take at least 15 nights due to the islands remote location. Round trip sailings are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, but be prepared to spend at least eight days of that cruise at sea getting to and from Hawaii. Choose your ship wisely as youll be spending a lot of time on it!
Many ships alternate between Hawaii or Polynesia in the Winter and Alaska in the Summer so youll often find repositioning cruises to and from Hawaii in May and September as ships make their way across the Pacific. 10-night cruises from Vancouver, BC to Hawaii are a common repositioning itinerary.
When Is The Best Time To Cruise To Hawaii
Boasting excellent weather all year long, there is never a bad time to visit Hawaii. Youll find the most tourists on the islands between December and April, however this window also coincides with wet season. Not to worry though, it never rains much or for very long. Youll find the most consistently good weather in April, May, September and October and may even snag a deal on a repositioning cruise during those months.
Youll have the ports to yourself from mid-May to mid-September as Pride of America is the only ship sailing Hawaii during that time. However, you may find the beaches to be crowded with locals enjoying their summer vacation.
If whale watching is on your must-see list, late February to early March offers the best chances of a sighting after the calves are born.
How Do I Plan A Hawaii Island Cruise
If you have never been on a cruise before, you may have some questions about cruise logistics and how to plan a cruise.
First, you will want to get an idea of what your must-see attractions are. Most island hopping Hawaii cruises follow the popular itineraries of either departing from a California port, Hawaii-only, South Pacific Islands, and Repositioning cruises.
After you determine the itinerary you would like, then you need to focus on a specific cruise line for the best Hawaii cruise ever. Each cruise line offers a unique experience for every type of cruiser. Then, you can select a date with that perfect cruise line and itinerary to book and mark in your calendar!
I highly recommend booking a balcony or higher stateroom on your cruise ship as you will not regret waking up to the breathtaking Hawaii cruise landscape from your own private balcony. Also, make sure to avoid the loudest staterooms onboard to completely relax on your Hawaii cruise.
Once booked, you will receive access to more booking options like onboard packages, shore excursions, and stateroom upgrades. I highly suggest taking advantage of these pre-travel opportunities to have your vacation planned out before you leave on your Hawaii island cruise!
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How Is The Weather On Island Hopping Hawaii Cruises
The weather on Hawaii cruises differs by the time of year you are visiting. Therefore, you should cater what you pack and shore excursions based on your specific island hopping Hawaii cruise itinerary.
Hawaii’s wet season typically falls between November and March, with an upwards of 4 inches of rain per month. Therefore, if you are cruising to Hawaii during these popular months, make sure to fully prepare with a rain jacket and umbrella to fully enjoy your Hawaii island cruise.
The sea conditions between mid-December and March include large waves along the north shores of all the Hawaiian islands, especially in the months of December and January. During this time you can see waves topping 40 feet, so if you are inclined to motion sickness, make sure to avoid this time frame or pack some extra Dramamine for during your time on one of the best island hopping Hawaii cruises.
If you decide to cruise to Hawaii during the months of April through mid-June, you can expect temperatures ranging between the mid-70s at night and mid-80s during the day. Spring marks the beginning of Hawaii’s dry season, explaining why the majority of cruise lines operate island hopping Hawaii cruises during this time frame.
Planning your Hawaii cruise between the months of April and May is a great time for surfers and those looking to get into the water. This is because the weather is excellent, wave heights are manageable, and water temperatures begin to rise.
Mid-June to August
Where Do Hawaii Cruises Depart From
Honolulu is the main departure port in the islands. Norwegian Cruise Line sails roundtrip from that port, but most big ships sailing to Hawaii depart from mainland North American ports, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, sailing one-way to Honolulu. Smaller ships can depart from Molokai and Kailua-Kona.
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No Cruise Ships Until 2022
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In this 2019 file photo, crew and passengers are given lei by Destination Hilo volunteers as they get off the the cruise ship, MSC Magnifica in Hilo’s port.
Anyone hoping to travel on a cruise ship to Hawaii this year can forget about it.
Anyone hoping to travel on a cruise ship to Hawaii this year can forget about it.
Given the preparations and coordination needed to ensure Hawaii residents feel confident in the plan to resume cruising, we do not anticipate approving port call for cruise vessels with passengers in the time remaining in 2021, state Department of Transportation spokesman Jai Cunningham said Thursday.
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We do anticipate completing an agreement and allowing resumption of passenger dockage in early 2022, Cunningham said. Cruise operations can resume, per the terms of the agreement, after that agreement has been executed.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions conditional sail order, which requires an executed agreement with any cruise line prior to resumption of cruise operations to any U.S. port, is set to expire on Jan. 15, but the CDC has extended that order before.
In Hawaii, the DOTs Harbors Division would be the executing authority.
The conditional sail order which had dry-docked the cruise industry since March 13, 2020 also requires cruise operators to show 95% of crew and passengers on cruise ships arriving to and departing from U.S. ports to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.
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Hawaii Cruise On Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need To Know
Royal Caribbean offers cruises to bucket list destinations, and Hawaii is right at the top for many people. Hawaii is renown for its natural beauty and incredible offerings that are unique to the island chain, so if your cruise goes there, there are a few good tips you need to know about before visiting.
Hawaii is part of the United States, so that means if you are an American, cell phones, currency, credit cards and simple things like renting a car is no different compared to being right at home.
Cruising the N Pali Coast of Kauai
Since Hawaii is a series of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the cost of everything from milk to gasoline can be significantly more expensive when compared to what items cost on the U.S. mainland. This impacts everything in Hawaii, including the price of excursions. Research and prepare a vacation budget accordingly.
Arriving into Lahaina, Maui
Royal Caribbean offers Hawaiian cruises when it repositions its ships between the the Australian cruise season and the Alaska cruise season. A combination of the U.S. Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act dictates that foreign flagged vessels are not allowed to offer cruises that remain within the Hawaiian Islands. Instead, they must include at least one foreign port of call on the itinerary. Since Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with few foreign countries nearby that means Sydney, Australia or Vancouver, Canada are often the start or end of such journeys.
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Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it’s where Hawaii vacations turn moments into memories.
The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it’s where Hawaii vacations turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
- Distance/Airport: 10 miles
Hawaiian Cruises Departing From California
Hawaii’s Big Island is a frequent port of call on Hawaiian cruises.
California’s coast is the closest place on the U.S. mainland to the Hawaiian islands, making the state’s four major cruise ports Long Beach and San Pedro in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco the most geographically convenient points of departure for cruises to Hawaii. It’s still a considerable voyage, starting with four to five straight days surrounded by nothing but the vast blue Pacific before you spot the fringes of the Hawaiian islands on the horizon. Here, you’ll hop from island to island, spending sunny days in the tropics and balmy nights onboard the ship, before heading back to California or onward to a new destination. If you’re keen to cruise from California to Hawaii, know that there are around half a dozen major cruise lines and a handful of luxury lines offering such trips their duration and itineraries vary considerably.
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Cruises That Depart From Hawaii
Watch the sun set while cruising through the Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiian cruises most commonly depart from Honolulu, the state’s governmental and commercial capital and its largest city. Available itineraries include simple jaunts around the islands to adventures half way around the world. In Honolulu, cruise ships dock at Honolulu Harbor, near the 10 story Aloha Tower Marketplace, which features shops and restaurants. Climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the Honolulu Harbor and cruise ships docked there.
Day : Returning Honolulu Oahu
Everything about checking out of the cruise is easy. Its bittersweet to return to Honolulu, but cruising the Hawaiian Islands creates memories that last a lifetime.
This article is written by Ashlee Galea, an Aussie living in Hawaii who enjoys sharing Hawaii insider knowledge and travel advice on her blog Hawaii Admirer. Ashlee was a guest onboard NCL Pride of America thanks to MyCruises.com.au.
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What Are Popular Activities In Hawaii
Beach time and water sports are popular in the islands, with snorkel and kayak trips and surf lessons topping the list. Scenic cruises to see the seasonal whale population or gaze at the gorgeous Napali coastline are more sedate ways to get onto the water. The famous Road to Hana twists and turns to reveal beautiful waterfalls and lush sceneries to tourists with steady stomachs. Caffeine fiends can tour a coffee plantation and taste the local wares.
Hawaii’s volcanoes also top the activities list. You can bike down Haleakala on Maui , wander through lava tubes at Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, or tour the observatory at the top of Mauna Kea.
A Hawaii cruise lets visitors experience Hawaiian culture as well. Ships stay in port late so passengers can attend a luau, offering a chance to try local culinary favorites and watch a spectacular show with hula and fire dancing. You can also visit places like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a refuge in olden times and still a sacred site for Hawaiians.
What Are The Different Hawaii Cruise Itineraries
There are way more Hawaii island cruises than you probably thought possible! With that, you may be wondering what the best itinerary is for your specific cruising goals. From repositioning cruises to South Pacific adventures, there are positives and negatives to every itinerary option in the cruising realm in regards to island hopping Hawaii cruises.
With that being said, all Hawaii cruises can typically be categorized into four categories– West Coast to Hawaii sailings, Hawaii-only sailings, South Pacific sailings, and repositioning sailings.
Roundtrip West Coast to Hawaii Cruises
Most cruise lines understand how the flights to Hawaii can take up your Hawaii cruise budget VERY fast! Thankfully, cruise lines have curated fabulous itineraries leaving from the western coast of the United States, Canada, and Mexico visiting the islands of Hawaii frequently.
Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and many more cruise lines offer seasonal cruises to Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver. These cruises typically run for a longer amount of time than the Hawaii roundtrip itineraries, typically sailing between 15 and 18 nights.
Roundtrip west coast reasons
Roundtrip Hawaii island cruises are perfect for anyone who wants to save on pre and post-cruise expenses AND are willing to tack on a few more vacation days.
Roundtrip West Coast Ports
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Island Hopping Hawaii Roundtrip Cruises
Hawaii Roundtrip Reasons
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Is There A Bus From Honolulu To Waikiki
Honolulu International Airport is located eight miles northwest of Waikiki Beach. There is public bus service though they dont allow large bags and dont have luggage racks. Transport options are listed here https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/ Waikiki This area is the main tourist zone with hotels, malls, restaurants and Waikiki beach.
Tour The Garden Island By Helicopter From Nawiliwili Kauai
Considered by many to be Hawaiis most beautiful island, theres no better way to take in Kauais lush vegetation and spectacular mountainscapes than by helicopter as most of the island is inaccessible by road. Soar over picturesque waterfalls and towering pali as you learn about the islands history and legends from a knowledgeable local pilot.
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Cruise Lines To Hawaii
Choose from six Hawaii cruise lines. Sail across the Pacific Ocean and explore beauty of volcanic proportions in the Hawaiian Islands. With ports of call on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island, you’ll be captivated by some of the world’s best beaches and left breathless by Hawaii’s many natural wonders on any one of these cruises to Hawaii.
What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii
Considering the popularity of this island tourist destination, surprisingly few cruise lines offer Hawaii cruises. The main reason for this is the strict requirements for operating itineraries solely within the Hawaiian Islands. Ships must have a mostly-American crew and be registered in the United Statescriteria that currently only Norwegians Pride of America meets. Consequently, Norwegian is the only cruise line able to offer 7-night Hawaii cruises, which they do every week, all year long.
Pride of Americas itinerary is an enticing option, sailing round trip Honolulu and providing guests with 100 hours of in-port time on Hawaiis idyllic islands. With overnight calls on Maui and Kauai, youll have the opportunity to experience more of these destinations by renting a car or by booking multiple excursions, which are generally required to see anything of interest beyond the pier.
If you dont mind spending several consecutive days at sea, Princess, Carnival and Holland America all offer 15-night cruises from California to Hawaii. Most of these include the benefit of a call at Lahaina, Mauis most charming town, which Pride of America does not visit. Round trip California itineraries also often include a bonus stop in Ensenada, Mexico, the birthplace of the Margarita and home to the best wineries in the country!
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Crystal Cruises: Hawaiian Island Shores 16
Guests boardCrystal Serenity in Los Angeles and spend four days at sea enjoying the entertainment, dining, fitness center, enrichment opportunities, spa, and sports activities. The ship arrives in Honolulu for a day and a half of exploring the bustling city and island of Oahu. Cruising overnight to the next port on Kauai, the ship spends all day, giving guests the chance to enjoy the Garden Isle’s waterfalls, lush gardens, beaches, and culture. Lahaina on the island of Maui is the next stop, with a full day and evening to visit Maui’s beaches, upcountry farms, and the historic whaling town of Lahaina. In Kailua-Kona, there’s an opportunity to see miles of black lava as well as Volcanoes National Park. On the other side of the island in Hilo, the next day shows the contrast with lush gardens, waterfalls, rainforest, and rocky shores. Four days at sea on the way to Ensenada gives guests time for the casino, a new restaurant, spa treatment, pool, or movie. After a full day in the Mexican port, the ship returns to Los Angeles.
Any Inter Island Cruises That Leave From Maui
We will be in Maui for 3 weeks in February and wanted to spend a week on a cruise between the other islands. Is this possible from Maui? thanks 🙂
No. They leave from Honolulu. And the only cruiseline that cruises the Hawaiian Islands without a trans-Pacific component is Norwegian Cruise Lines . They aren’t very good. And you’ll get a real hit-and-run, schedule-driven, frantic look at part of the islands.
If you really have three weeks, 19, 20 nights or so … visit two or three islands on your own. Spend some time, explore, settle in.
Thanks for the speedy reply. I was seeing the same thing for cruises. We have 7 days inbetween our 3 weeks so i am thinking we could fly to 2 different islands. We have only been to maui and Honolulu, which other 2 islands would you suggest?
Do you have your reservations on Maui — three weeks there?
In winter you’ll be more sure of warm, dry weather on the southern parts of Kauai, Oahu, and to some extent on Maui. On Big Island you’d want to lodge away from Hilo .
Which other islands interest you?
You could ‘cruise’ to Lanai from Maui — that is to say there’s a ferry! LOL
I agree with BLBL that the NCL 7-nighter isn’t posh, but many people enjoy it. It’s a simple way to catch the highlights of the four major islands without spending a lot of time flying between them, packing and unpacking.
It sounds like you have accomodations in Maui for a couple weeks, and then don’t … and then do?
Everyone has a different idea on traveling.
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