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You'll also be spending the majority of your time outdoors, so as added protection it's a smart idea to also pack an SPF-rated swim shirt or rash guard to wear while enjoying water-based activities. The busiest times to cruise the Hawaiian Islands are the last two weeks of December through March, plus July and August. Expect larger crowds as well as higher cruise fares and hotel rates if you travel during these periods. Each winter, Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii to mate and give birth to their calves. The best opportunities for whale watching will be from late November through mid-April; February and March often provide the best opportunities for sightings. If you’re searching for the best rates when visiting Hawaii, we’d advise you to start your search for flights that arrive/depart in the middle of the week.
The 5 Best Molokini Snorkeling Tours
Again, expect to pay a premium, especially for a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. As the rest of the world transitions to a cooler fall season, Hawaii maintains its summer status. Blue skies and revitalizing sunshine welcome pods of humpback whales on their migration to warmer climates in the fall and spring.
Major Hawaii Events and Festivals by Month
Remember, while it’s important to be prepared, overpacking can be a burden, especially with limited cabin space. April attracts visitors from all over to the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on Hawaii Island. This spectacular week-long event showcases ancient and modern styles of hula during colorful competitions between Hawaiian dance troupes. January also hosts colorful Chinese New Year festivals across the islands with fireworks, parades, and cultural performances. Other flavor-packed snacks not to miss are macadamia nuts and taro chips. Indulge in fat-laden carbs by trying malasadas, tasty Portuguese fried donuts.
Onboard Amenities and Activities
In February and March, Holland America offers Hawaii cruises round trip from Vancouver, B.C., Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as a few one-off repositioning cruises. Carnival also offers a couple of 14-night cruises round trip from Long Beach. While a rental car may not be the biggest expense on your trip, prices can still fluctuate throughout the year.
Winter: January to March
Plan port excursions in advance if taking a cruise around Hawaii in summer. Fishing is another activity that can be partaken year-round, as different species of fish will bite at different times of the year and off the coast of each unique island. Summer tends to be one of the most popular periods for fishing - offering marlin (blue and yellowfin), skipjack, and ono.
Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences on Hawaiian Cruises
The weather is ideal in May and the summer vacation rush has yet to start. November is also a month with fewer crowds and generally favorable weather. If you visit early enough in May or late enough in November (into early December), you may even catch sight of the humpback whales that winter here, especially in the waters around Maui. Shoulder season would be May through June and September through mid-December. The weeks between Thanksgiving and mid-December are an especially good time for deals.
Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only large cruise ship that sails year-round Hawaiian itineraries inter-island. With seven-night sailings that depart from Honolulu, passengers can island-hop and visit popular destinations like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island without having to switch ships. Contrary to the common assumption of highest winter holiday demand, travel websites actually report some of the top last minute deals on Hawaii cruises pop up in December and January. With pleasant weather and smaller crowds, fall is an excellent time to find cruise deals. September through early December tends to have clear sunny days, with a bit more rain by November and rougher ocean conditions in December. Hawaii’s summer is excellent for water adventures like snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding and sailing.
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Additionally, May is prime whale-watching season in Hawaii, offering the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures from your ship, a captivating experience that will surely delight everyone in your group. Considering a Hawaiian vacation with its stunning waterfalls, green landscapes, and pristine coastlines? Choosing the right time to cruise to Hawaii can help you save big on your vacation. In fact, cruising to Hawaii with Norwegian will cost you about half of the price of an all-inclusive land vacation.
Small ship line Un-Cruise Adventures offers seasonal sailings 'round the islands. Carnival, Princess, Celebrity and Holland America offer seasonal Hawaii cruises roundtrip from various California ports. Royal Caribbean offers occasional repositioning cruises to the islands, and luxury lines may call in the islands on longer Pacific crossings or world cruises. Using that information, we consider the shoulder season the best time to cruise Hawaii. September has the nicest weather and the fewest crowds, so you’ll be able to enjoy your time on land to the fullest.
Shoulder Season Cruise Deals: 5 Tips to Save - Cruise Critic
Shoulder Season Cruise Deals: 5 Tips to Save.
Posted: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Additionally, lodging prices in Hawaii can be high due to its popularity as a vacation destination. Restaurants are also more expensive than on the mainland because many staples have to be shipped in from afar. With the kids back in school in September, this is a great month for parents to go on a couple’s cruise to Hawaii. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, or simply spend quality time together resting and reconnecting.
With cruises setting sail at various times throughout the year, there is no shortage of opportunities to get away. These last three time periods are all the best times to cruise for overall value — even if you might miss seeing whales and those ginormous North Shore waves. Summer is actually Hawaii's busiest season since the islands are extremely popular with both families and honeymooners.
Luxury cruises typically offer a wide range of high-end amenities, including spas, fitness centers, multiple dining options, and sometimes even personal butler services. These cruises often focus on providing a more intimate and exclusive experience, with fewer passengers and more personalized service. Entertainment on these ships can include live music, theater performances, and guest lecturers specializing in Hawaiian culture and history. Temperatures climb to the mid 80s to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The ocean waters reach their warmest temperatures of the year in August, averaging 79-81°F across the islands. If your cruise embarks and/or disembarks in Honolulu, you won't actually have much time to enjoy Oahu's sights and attractions unless you arrive a day or two early or add a night or two post-cruise.
These hugely popular competitions decide the World Surf League's latest world champion. Therefore, the best time to go for small crowds is in January, February, September, and October. From 5-star resorts on the beach to cozy vacation rentals in local towns, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place. Booking a rental car can be a great way to explore the island during your stopover. They are cheaper than relying on taxis and Uber and provide flexibility to see sights and attractions at your own pace. That said, however, there are huge fluctuations in climate between the individual islands.
