Table Of Content
Bon season, an obon dance tradition handed down by Japanese plantation workers, means bon dance events are held throughout the islands during the summer months. Sea turtles can be spotted on all the islands in spring, but especially around Maui and Lanai as the waters warm with the approach of summer. Dining on a Hawaiian cruise is not just about sustenance; it's an integral part of the cultural experience, offering an insight into Hawaii's diverse and rich culinary heritage. Whether enjoying a meal onboard or exploring local flavors during shore excursions, the culinary experiences are as varied and vibrant as the islands themselves. These months offer varying opportunities to encounter Hawaii's rich marine life, each providing a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Nawiliwili, Kauai
Depending on your sail date, you might even catch the Honolulu City Lights in December thanks to More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays in select ports. With an evening of opportunity ahead, stay through nightfall and watch as hand-crafted floats adorned in rainbow lights bring the streets to life. Even if you miss the snow during a holiday cruise, you can still enjoy snowflakes on board. With life-like snow in the Atrium and a festively decorated ship, get your holiday fix without the chilly weather. The best time to cruise Hawaii is the season or month that best suits your schedule, interests and/or budget. If you're looking to escape the cold and want to see whales, big waves and tropical Hawaii at its most lush (and don't mind a bit of rain), opt for winter, when most major cruise lines sail the islands.
Major Hawaii Events and Festivals by Month
Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and early 2025. Aloha, guest readers can calculate five (5) trip cost estimates for Hawaii each day. Rates included within this calculator are based on projected 2024 rates aggregated from current OTA pricing. If you want to find out quickly (TL;DR) which months are best for you - skip down to our Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz below. Hawaii weather can often be about as sporadic as it gets, and as such, forecasting the weather on Hawaii can be both daunting and confusing to first-time visitors. As a general rule, we continue to advise travelers to book their flights well in advance of their trip.
Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary
Weather on the Big Island, like the other islands, stays consistently warm year-round. The main thing to note weather-wise is the differences between the Hilo (wetter and cooler eastern windward side) and Kailua-Kona (drier and warmer western leeward side). Annual events that generate an influx of visitors are the Merrie Monarch Festival (around Easter Sunday) and the Ironman competition (Kona side, typically in October). Above, we've included an updated graphic comparing visitor arrivals to each major Hawaiian island for both 2022 and 2023. This bar chart provides a more accurate year-over-year comparison by aligning the time frames for both years. What we can say for certain is that demand has softened for mid to late 2024, and the summer 2024 travel season has seen fewer forward bookings than usual.
The 11 Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui (+7 crucial tips)
While most of the nice beaches are further away, there are some that you can visit if you want to stay near the docks. If you’re interested in cruising to the Hawaiian islands, then there are certain things to keep in mind for your trip. Cruises can be tricky to plan, especially considering the short days on land and the busy nights back on board. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. A variety of cruise lines call on Hawaii -- Princess, Crystal, Holland America, Royal Caribbean -- but Norwegian Cruise Line has the only big ship based there, sailing from Honolulu.
Winter (December to February) – Whale Watching Season
But there are certain times of the year when there are fewer tourists on land, which will make it easier and more enjoyable to explore the islands. Unlike other experiences on your vacation, the cost of booking a shore excursion at a port of call does not change throughout the year. Although booking directly with a tour operator can be cheaper than those offered by the cruise line, you can still expect to pay the same amount no matter when you go. The best time to cruise Hawaii is the shoulder season of September and October. October is also a good time to visit, although the ocean can be more unpredictable with rougher surf for snorkeling or swimming. The breathtaking landscape, sun-soaked beaches, and lively culture make it an excellent destination for travelers.
The best time to cruise to Hawaii - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise to Hawaii.
Posted: Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Some rental car companies used to provide shuttles from certain locations to the port, but that is no longer the case. Opting for the rental car route can also be quite cost-effective, since the daily rate can be much less than the cost of two excursions and offer major savings for a family of four. Mixing your sightseeing up with independent exploration can also alleviate "tour bus burnout." Select your departure location, update the number of travelers (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay baggage fees, below. This calculator is designed to provide both a comprehensive and regularly updated budget estimate for planning a trip to Hawaii.
Best Month To Cruise Hawaii For Weather
One is the annual migration of more than 10,000 humpback whales to the waters around Maui, where females give birth to their young. It's also important to note that each of the four major islands typically visited on a cruise — Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii — have what are called windward and leeward sides. The windward sides, which are lusher and greener, get more rainfall, while the leeward sides are generally sunnier and warmer.
How to Get Around for Shore Excursions
The waves on Oahu's North Shore also begin to swell, making for dramatic photos. And seeing this palm-tree-studded paradise decked out in holiday decorations along with abundant tropical poinsettias in full seasonal bloom makes for a memorable travel experience. Turtles are also abundant in Hawaii's warm, calm waters during this time since it's nesting season, while dolphins frequent Hawaiian waters year-round. So, while you'll miss the chance to see wintering humpback whales, there's still plenty of sea life to spot.
With its diverse and lush natural landscapes, tropical climate and enchanting culture, a cruise to Hawaii is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (UnCruise Adventures is the exception, calling in a few smaller places that the big ships can't go.) All of them are top-notch, so it's hard to say which one is the best overall. While you’re there, enjoy some of the islands’ best waterfalls, swim with turtles in the turquoise ocean, or experience an authentic luau and gain a new appreciation for this natural paradise.
9 Best Cruise Destinations For Every Type Of Traveler - TheTravel
9 Best Cruise Destinations For Every Type Of Traveler.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The best months for sailing in Hawaii ultimately depend on personal preferences for weather, sea conditions, and desired activities. Understanding Hawaii's seasonal weather patterns is crucial for planning a successful cruise. The region's weather is largely influenced by the Pacific Ocean and prevailing trade winds, creating distinct variations across seasons that impact sailing conditions. During the summer months (May to October), the weather is generally stable with lighter winds and calmer seas, making it an ideal time for smooth sailing. These conditions are particularly favorable for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed sailing experience. By planning your cruise during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-November, you’ll enjoy warm sunshine without intense summer heat or humidity, smaller crowds, and potential deals on cruise fares.
On top of that, there are only a few months out of the year when cruise ships cross the Pacific, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to book a trip to Hawaii. The shoulder season and off–season for Hawaiian cruises takes place between September and mid–December, and again between the middle of April and the middle of June. On the downside, there aren’t as many cruises taking place during this time, and they may offer fewer off–shore activities and similar perks. The weather in Hawaii is generally at its most pleasant in April, May, September and October, but if you prefer it hot and dry, the best time to cruise Hawaii is from June to August. The best times to see whales are the winter months (January through March), but you'll likely experience some rain. The best times to cruise for low prices and great value are early November and early December.
But if you’re planning a cruise to the islands, there is the best time to cruise Hawaii. With roundtrip cruises from Vancouver, San Diego and San Francisco ranging from 14 to 18 days, Holland America Line represents the ultimate way to experience Hawaii in luxury. The line’s partnership with O.Life by Orient Express even allows travelers to extend their vacation with a 3-night stay at sea-to-sky Kapalua Bay Villa on Maui. According to recent passenger surveys, Carnival Cruises to Hawaii receive top marks for entertainment, service, and family offerings.
No comments:
Post a Comment