The thing about Hawaii cruises is that there’s no bad time of year to take one. Thanks to its year-round sunshine and warm weather, Hawaii will be there for you whenever you’re ready to set sail.
Several cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Viking Cruises, call on ports in Hawaii, with many of them traveling to or from the United States or Canada. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only company that sails exclusively between Oahu and neighboring Hawaiian islands. The Pride of America, a United States-themed ship, makes stops in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before returning to Honolulu, a perfect home base for visiting Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
Sailing between the Hawaiian Islands is generally relatively calm, though there are occasional reports of rough patches on cruises that cross the Pacific Ocean. And while every month is a good month to cruise to Hawaii, peak whale-watching season in the region is between January and March. It can be rainy, so you’ll want to pack a rain jacket. But a little rain might just be worth it to avoid summer crowds in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Cruises are an ideal way to explore Hawaii, and there are plenty of options that fit a broad range of travel styles and tastes.
The best Hawaii cruises for easy island hopping
Most cruises to Hawaii require several days at sea, but not Norwegian’s Pride of America. The 2,186-passenger Pride of America is the only cruise ship that sails from Oahu to neighboring Hawaiian islands, minimizing sea days while taking travelers to four Hawaiian islands in a single week. The ship departs from Honolulu every Saturday all year long, making it easy to tack on visits to Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Waikiki Beach. The ship spends the night in Maui and Kauai, and makes two stops on the island of Hawaii—also known as the Big Island—in Hilo and Kona. Aboard the Pride of America, you’ll find a Miami-inspired pool, a Gold Rush Saloon, and restaurants for every palate.
Royal Caribbean offers several eight- to 10-night cruises between Hawaii and the western coast of North America, giving travelers the chance to island hop between Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before or after sailing the Pacific Ocean. This itinerary doesn’t require as many sea days as a roundtrip journey but includes plenty of time for lounging by the pool, catching shows, and trying all the on board restaurants.
The best Hawaii cruises for travelers who love sea days
Holland America ships sail roundtrip from San Diego and Vancouver to Hawaii, giving travelers the chance to swap a long flight across the Pacific Ocean for 10 long, lazy sea days. The journey includes stops in Ensenada, Mexico, as well as at four Hawaiian islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Or opt for one of Princess Cruises’ many Hawaii itineraries. They sail roundtrip to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Ships spend long days in port, and a variety of restaurants and events, like movies screened under the stars, are sure to keep you and yours entertained on board the ship. And while 10 might seem like a lot of sea days, skipping the airport could be a priceless vacation upgrade.
The best Hawaii cruises for travelers who love sea days and small ships
For a smaller ship, consider Viking Cruises. Viking’s 17-day roundtrip Hawaiian Islands Sojourn from Los Angeles happens on board the Viking Star, which carries a maximum of 930 passengers. This journey includes 10 sea days and stops in Hilo, where you can see Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s largest volcano, and in Kauai, where you can take in the breathtaking sight of Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Check the ship’s daily schedule for expert lectures, and make time to experience the spa’s snow room while getting acquainted with Nordic bathing rituals.
For fewer sea days, sail from Honolulu to Vancouver on the 462-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn’s 11-day Hawaiian itinerary includes stops in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and requires just six sea days, plenty of time for playing cards, lounging by the pool, and relaxing at the spa.
The best Hawaii cruises for travelers with lots of time
Why cruise only to Hawaii when you could cruise to Hawaii, Tahiti, and Fiji? Holland America includes several Hawaiian stops on longer itineraries, including the 51-day Tales of the South Pacific and the 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyages. Each of those itineraries departs from and returns to San Diego, crosses the Equator and international dateline, and stops in Kiribati and French Polynesia.
Princess and Seabourn also include Hawaii on longer cruise itineraries. In 2024, Seabourn is offering a 145-day cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece. That itinerary includes port days in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island before sailing around New Zealand and Australia en route to the Middle East and Greece. Spend one sea day cruising the Great Barrier Reef and the others treating yourself to spa days, meals with new friends, and drinks under the stars. The luxury cruise line Azamara plans to sail from San Diego to Hawaii, Bora Bora, and Tahiti in January 2025.
The best Hawaii cruises for travelers with kids
If Disney and Hawaii are both on your travel list, you’re in luck. Disney plans to cruise to Hawaii in 2023 and 2024, giving you a chance to merge your Disney dreams with your Hawaii volcano and beach dreams. The Disney Wonder is scheduled to sail this itinerary, and it’s sure to quickly win over anyone who’s a Marvel fan or grew up on Disney movies. The ship’s Oceaneer Club gives kids the chance to step in Andy's Room from Toy Story or to connect with their inner superhero in a Marvel-themed room. And like all Disney experiences, there’s a good chance you may run into your favorite characters on board.
Holland America ships have cabins that can accommodate up to five guests, big enough for the whole family. On the Holland America Koningsdam, which sails an 18-day itinerary around Hawaii, the kids club is at the top of the ship and includes three enclosed outdoor play areas. Sign up for family-friendly shore excursions or leave your kids onboard to paint, learn to cook, or play video games while you explore. There’s also special programming for kids, tweens, and teens.
The best Hawaii cruise for getting off the tourist track
If boarding a ship with thousands of strangers isn’t your idea of a vacation, UnCruise Adventures may be the cruise line for you. UnCruise itineraries are all about connecting with nature and local culture. UnCruise offers a yacht-like experience on board the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. Sail from November through April on a seven-night itinerary that swaps touristy Oahu for Hawaii’s least developed island—Molokai. Because it’s so small, the Safari Explorer can access ports the big ships can’t and help travelers better connect with local communities. This itinerary includes a traditional evening feast in Molokai, something you won’t find on other Hawaiian cruise itineraries.
