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The focus is on providing a fun and engaging experience for all age groups. Cruises embarking from the West Coast are designed for maximum relaxation and enjoyment. Be mindful that the weather can change drastically depending on which island you’re visiting and your location. The leeward sides of the islands tend to be calmer and sunnier than the windward sides, where you’ll often find cooler weather and more rain. If you're on a weeklong sailing on casual NCL, you can skip the dressy clothes and prioritize casual outfits that work with whatever beachy or sporty excursions you've got planned in Hawaii. Sun hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly shoes are all must-pack items.
Day Alaska From Honolulu to Vancouver: Glacier Bay, Kauai & Maui
While these conditions can be more challenging, they are often preferred by experienced sailors seeking a more adventurous experience. 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. A 10-day Hawaiian tour beginning in Honolulu is set to hit the high seas in spring. This means you’ll get to experience the best weather the islands have to offer. Or how about a luxurious 11-day cruise to Hawaii from Vancouver, embarking in fall?
The 5 Best Molokini Snorkeling Tours
I took my first Norwegian cruise after more than a decade. Here are my honest thoughts - Cruise Blog
I took my first Norwegian cruise after more than a decade. Here are my honest thoughts.
Posted: Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Whether it's whale watching, snorkeling with turtles, or diving among tropical fish, Hawaii's waters are a haven for marine wildlife encounters. Budget-conscious travelers may find the off-peak season appealing for its cost benefits, while those seeking the best weather and willing to pay a premium may prefer the peak season. It's important to balance budget considerations with desired weather conditions and crowd levels when planning a Hawaiian cruise. Hawaiian cruises offer a variety of routes, each showcasing the unique beauty and culture of the islands. The most popular routes typically include visits to several major islands, allowing passengers to experience a diverse range of landscapes and activities.
What’s the best season to cruise to Hawaii?
Also remember that one-way airfares can be expensive if you're looking at a repositioning sailing. May and September can also be great times to cruise Alaska if you'd like to save a little money. Whale watching is good in both months, as gray and humpback whales migrate to and from the state. Other wildlife will also start to emerge from their winter slumbers in May or be in the middle of mating season in September. Princess is the only line offering a full season of round trip cruises to Hawaii from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Best Time to Cruise Hawaii: May - September
Don't forget your camera (or waterproof case for your cellphone) and binoculars for whale watching. UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary. These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap. Princess Cruises is definitely the leader in the two-week, round-trip Hawaii cruise department, offering more sailings out of more homeports than any other line.
What to Pack for a Hawaii Cruise
Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation to see the sights. You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming. Seabourn, Silversea and Oceania offer upscale accommodations, fine dining and multiple fare inclusions for travelers looking to journey in style across the Pacific Ocean, stopping in Hawaii along the way.
Below we've made note of the most significant events and/or dates that may affect each island during your visit. Check out our new Hawaii Trip Cost Calculator tool for a more accurate estimate of exactly how much you can expect to spend on a Hawaii trip in 2024. To assist visitors with visualizing the periods of high and low demand in Hawaii, we've created the following 2024 Hawaii Demand Forecast. We'll also specifically discuss visiting during each month of the next year in more detail below. 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.
That doesn't mean, however, that you can just head to a resort, select a lounger and act like you're a guest. Instead, there are public access points for popular resort beaches, such as Wailea and Kaanapali on Maui, Waikiki on Oahu and Poipu on Kauai. You'll be able to stake a spot on the sand, generally to either side of a resort's beach chairs — so bring along beach towels and/or pareos as well as water and snacks. 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.
Whether your itinerary takes you to the cliffs of Kauai or the beaches of Maui, there’s no bad time of year to sail to Hawaii. 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.
With departures available on Saturdays year-round, cruisers can easily find a sailing date that fits their schedule. The ship’s 2,186 passengers can choose shore excursions on every island or simply relax on board while cruising between destinations. The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on what you're looking for during your visit. 'Merrie Monarch,' also known as the Olympics of Hula, is held in Hilo on the Big Island every April. Over on Oahu, you can catch the 'Waikiki Spam Jam,' also usually held in April.
Get started with our Home Port widget by clicking on your home port below. May and late-October Canada and New England cruises are the cheapest times to cruise, but don't expect to be using the onboard swimming pool much. While Australia's weather varies, winter temperatures between June and early September are rarely as extreme in North America. Crowds are fewer, and there are bargains to be had, especially on larger ships and Great Barrier Reef cruises that are available year-round. Escape the summer crowds in Hawaii by scheduling your family cruise vacation for May, right before the school year concludes.
Expect larger crowds as well as higher cruise fares and hotel rates if you travel during these periods. On the other hand, compared with a weeklong, land-based visit to just one or two islands, you might find yourself hard-pressed to fit in everything you want to do in each port of call. You need to make sure your cruise ship and itinerary help you reach your vacation goals — not hinder them. Many visit Hawaii hoping to see a whale, monk seal, or green sea turtle.
Low season is the cheapest season -- and least busy -- but may mean sacrifices in what you can see and possible cancellations due to weather. Because of school summer break, June, July, and August can get upwards of 1 million visitors, making this one of the worst times to travel. This is likely due to school breaks again, as many people travel during spring break and the holiday season. Of course, the exact temperatures and weather conditions vary between islands and even which side of the island you’re docked on! For example, the leeward side of the islands has less rain and more sunny days compared to the windward side.
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