Optimal Timing for a Hawaiian Cruise

Hawaii serves as a cruise destination throughout the year, renowned for its tropical climate and warm South Pacific waters filled with vibrant marine life. While you can cruise to Hawaii at any time, some months may bring hotter or wetter conditions, peak tourist crowds, and special seasonal activities like whale watching and big-wave surfing.

Currently, only one major cruise line, Norwegian Cruise Line, offers year-round itineraries. However, over half a dozen other lines provide cruises to Hawaii from West Coast ports and within Hawaii during specific seasons. This means you'll find more options for cruise dates and routes typically from October to April.

So, when is the ideal time to cruise to Hawaii?

It ultimately depends on your preferences. Hawaii's weather is usually most enjoyable in April, May, September, and October. If you favor hotter, drier conditions, aim for June to August. For whale watching, the best months are winter (January to March), although some rain is likely. If you're looking for affordable cruise options, early November and early December are ideal times.

It's important to note that there really isn't a wrong time to embark on a cruise in Hawaii.

Here's what you can anticipate during each travel season in Hawaii. Understanding the typical weather patterns and any natural events or special occasions happening can help you choose the best time for your group's cruise.

Seasons in Hawaii

Hawaii experiences two primary seasons: summer (from May to October, with average daytime temperatures around 85 degrees) and winter (from November to April, where temperatures typically range from 78 to 80 degrees). Even at night, temperatures seldom fall below 65 to 75 degrees.

Do you enjoy swimming and snorkeling? The seawater temperature in Hawaii usually hovers around 74 degrees in winter and reaches 80 degrees in summer, with playful dolphins present in the waters year-round. Additionally, being close to the equator means sunsets in Hawaii occur consistently between 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Precipitation is a key factor that further divides the two main seasons into subcategories. Hawaii is renowned for its abundant sunshine and vibrant, tropical vegetation, which requires rainfall. While you may experience some showers during your stay, the frequency and intensity vary by region and month. For instance, December and January see nearly 3 inches of rain, whereas June, July, and August average less than half an inch.

It's also vital to understand that each of the four main islands typically visited on a cruise—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the island of Hawaii—features windward and leeward sides. The windward sides are lush and green, receiving more rainfall, while the leeward sides tend to be sunnier and warmer.

For instance, on the island of Hawaii, many cruises dock at both Hilo, which is on the windward side and known for its rainforests and waterfalls, and Kona, located on the leeward side, famous for its dry climate and lava landscapes. Thus, in one day, you could enjoy relentless sunshine on one side of the island while encountering sporadic rain on the other. The bright side? The Hawaiian Islands are well-known for their stunning rainbows.

What about significant tropical storms? Although the hurricane season in the central Pacific spans from June to November, direct hits on the Hawaiian Islands are quite uncommon. Since 1950, only five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused major damage, with Hurricane Iniki being the most infamous, devastating Kauai in early September 1992.

Winter: January to March

Winter marks the peak tourist season in Hawaii, despite being the rainiest time of year. This leads to higher airfares and hotel rates, as well as crowded popular attractions. Nonetheless, escaping the cold that envelops much of the mainland U.S. from January to March makes this period highly sought after for a visit to the Aloha State. You’ll find the most cruise options available during these months, and by booking well in advance (at least six months), you can secure a good-value cruise fare.

In terms of weather, daytime temperatures are pleasantly around 80 degrees, while nighttime lows hover around 65. Rainfall in Honolulu averages just under 1 inch per month, but certain ports are prone to more frequent showers. For instance, Hilo on the island of Hawaii and Nawiliwili on Kauai can see monthly rainfall averages of 4 to 5 inches during December and January.

Winter is also the perfect season to witness two of Hawaii's most remarkable phenomena. One is the annual migration of over 10,000 humpback whales to the waters surrounding Maui, where females give birth to their calves. The other is big-wave season on Oahu's North Shore, where swells can reach heights of 30 feet, attracting professional surfers to tackle these giant waves — with the Banzai Pipeline being the most renowned — during surf competitions held in January and February.

During this time, several events can influence flight availability and crowd levels, including the Tournament of Champions PGA golf tournament in Kapalua, Maui, and the All-Star Hula Bowl Classic Football Game on Oahu, both held in January. Additionally, March's spring break draws many families to Hawaii, resulting in larger crowds.

Spring: April and May

The spring sweet spot, situated between the winter peak and the summer influx, is an excellent period for a Hawaii cruise, despite a slight decrease in sailing options. As this is the shoulder season, cruise prices, airfare, and hotel costs tend to be quite reasonable.

Weather conditions are likely to be optimal, with rainfall averaging an inch or less monthly on Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii, and around 2 inches on Kauai. Expect temperatures to hover in the high 70s to mid-80s.

Spring signifies the conclusion of humpback whale season; those cruising in April and early May may catch glimpses of these massive creatures lingering before they embark on their lengthy migration to Alaska. Sea turtles can also be spotted across all islands, particularly near Maui and Lanai, as the waters begin to warm in anticipation of summer.

Historically, Japanese tourists flock to Hawaii during late April and early May for "Golden Week," which features four holidays within a week. Additionally, May 1 is celebrated statewide in Hawaii as Lei Day.

Summer: June to August

Summer is the peak season in Hawaii, attracting families and honeymooners alike. This time of year brings the warmest and driest conditions, with daytime temperatures nearing 90 degrees in July and August, making for ideal swimming in water temperatures that closely match the air. The calmer waters on the north shores of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai also create perfect conditions for beach activities beyond surfing. Plus, reduced rainfall translates to safer hiking trails, a must for many visitors.

However, summer sees fewer cruise ship visits, with only Norwegian and Princess Cruises operating during June to August, as most other cruise lines relocate their ships to Alaska. Hotel occupancy rates soar, resulting in higher costs for pre- and post-cruise accommodations.

Summer celebrations feature the Ukulele Festival Hawaii in July on Oahu, Duke's OceanFest in Waikiki at the end of August, and Koloa Plantation Days on Kauai in July. The Bon season, an Obon dance tradition brought by Japanese plantation workers, leads to bon dance events across the islands during the summer months. Additionally, King Kamehameha Day, celebrated on June 11, is a significant holiday in Hawaii.

During this period, turtles thrive in Hawaii's warm, calm waters due to nesting season, while dolphins can be seen year-round. Although you may miss witnessing wintering humpback whales, there remains a rich variety of marine life to observe.

Early fall: September and October

Early fall presents another shoulder season, known for pleasant weather (as mentioned, Hawaii is generally safe from storms during the central Pacific hurricane season) and reduced crowds. Cruise tourism in Hawaii starts to increase again as cruise lines bring ships back from Alaska, allowing for potential good-value fares if booked early or even last minute. Additionally, airfare and hotel costs for pre- or post-cruise stays are often lower during this time.

In terms of weather, September experiences rainfall comparable to the summer months, with Maui receiving under half an inch, Oahu and the island of Hawaii about an inch, and Kauai around 2 inches. October sees rainfall double these amounts, but it remains less than in November and December.

When planning a cruise for September or October, be aware of events such as the Ironman triathlon world championships, held annually in early October in Kona on the island of Hawaii, and various food and wine festivals, including the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which occurs in late October in Honolulu.

Late fall: November and December

As late fall transitions into early winter, Hawaii experiences a significant increase in tourists during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year periods. However, the weeks between these holidays offer excellent opportunities for securing deals on Hawaii sailings—early November for a calmer atmosphere and early December for lower cruise fares and airfare. Although December is Hawaii's wettest month, rain typically comes in brief bursts and predominantly at night, with temperatures occasionally dipping into the 60s at night on some islands.

Once mid-December arrives, the influx of Christmas and New Year tourists leads to a spike in cruise, airfare, and hotel rates. If you’re on a budget or dislike crowds, it’s advisable to avoid booking a holiday cruise.

Important events to consider include the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held on the island of Hawaii in early November and the Honolulu Marathon that takes place in early December.

If you're interested in a post-Thanksgiving or pre-Christmas cruise in Hawaii, expect to see the return of humpback whales during the first two weeks of December. The waves on Oahu's North Shore also start to rise, creating perfect photo opportunities. Additionally, the sight of palm trees adorned with holiday decorations, along with vibrant tropical poinsettias in full bloom, enhances the travel experience.

Key takeaway

The optimal time to cruise Hawaii is determined by your personal schedule, interests, and budget.

If basking in abundant sunshine is your top priority (and you're fine sharing paradise with many other visitors while enduring temperatures nearing 90 degrees), then summer is the season for you. Just keep in mind that your cruise options will be limited, and hotel prices will be elevated.

For those wishing to escape the chill and witness whales, impressive waves, and lush tropical scenery (with a tolerance for some rainfall), winter is ideal, as most major cruise lines operate in the islands during this season. However, be prepared for higher costs, particularly for hotel stays before or after your cruise.

The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October present a balanced option with pleasant weather and generally favorable pricing. Additionally, the quiet periods in early November and early December often lead to pre-holiday discounts on flights and cruises. These three periods are considered the best for cruising in terms of overall value, even if you might miss out on whale sightings and massive waves on the North Shore.