Hawaii is a year-round cruise destination known for its tropical weather and warm waters of the South Pacific teeming with marine life, so whenever you can get there is a great time to go to Hawaii. But some months are hotter or rainier than others, certain periods attract more crowds, and certain seasons are known for signature activities like whale watching and big-wave surfing.
Only one major line, Norwegian Cruise Line, offers year-round itineraries, but more than half a dozen others sail to Hawaii from West Coast and Hawaiian ports at certain times of the year. That means you’ll have more choice of cruise dates and itineraries in a specific month – usually October to April.
But when is the best time to take an air cruise?
It depends on what you prefer. The weather in Hawaii is usually most pleasant in April, May, September, and October, but if you prefer it hot and dry, the best time to cruise Hawaii is June through August. The best time for whale watching is during the winter months (January to March), but you will probably experience some rain. The best time to cruise for low prices and great value is early November and early December.
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However, it is worth repeating that there is never a bad time to travel to Hawaii.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when taking a cruise during each seasonal travel period in Hawaii. Knowing the general weather outlook and what natural phenomena or special events are occurring can help you choose the right time for your tour group to cruise.
Seasons of Hawaii
Hawaii has two main seasons: summer (May to October, when the average daytime temperature is 85 degrees) and winter (November to April, when the mercury drops slightly to an average of 78-80 degrees). Temperatures rarely drop below 65-75 degrees even at night.
Love to swim and snorkel? Seawater in Hawaii is typically around 74 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer, and dolphins flock to Hawaii’s waters year-round. Hawaii’s close latitude to the equator also means that sunset times vary slightly, occurring between 6 and 7:15 p.m.
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The wild card is rainfall, which divides the two major seasons into subsets. (See below.) Hawaii is known for its abundant sunshine and lush, tropical vegetation — and the latter needs rain. So yes, you are likely to encounter some rain during your visit to Hawaii but more in some regions and during certain months. In December and January, the islands receive about 3 inches of rain, while in June, July, and August the amount is less than half an inch.
It’s also important to note that each of the four main islands commonly visited on cruises—Oahu, Maui, Kau, and the island of Hawaii—have what are called windward and leeward sides. The windward sides, which are greener and greener, receive more rain, while the leeward sides are generally sunnier and warmer.
For example, many cruises call at both Hilo on the island of Hawaii, located on the windward side and known for its rainforests and waterfalls, and Kona, located on the leeward side and known for its arid climate and lava landscapes. Therefore, it is possible to experience endless sunshine on one side of the island and intermittent rain on the other in a single day. But there is a silver lining: the Hawaiian Islands are famous for their amazing rainbows.
What about major tropical storms? Although hurricane season in the central Pacific lasts from June to November, it is very rare for storms to directly impact the Hawaiian Islands. Only five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused major damage since 1950—the most notable of which, Hurricane Iniki, devastated the island of Kauai in early September 1992.
Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?
Winter: January to March
Winter is the peak season for tourism in Hawaii — though it’s also the islands’ rainiest period — so airfares and hotel room rates are apt to be high, and popular attractions are likely to be crowded. However, the chance to escape the cold of most of the mainland US from January to March means that it is the most desired time to enjoy a visit to the Aloha State. You’ll find the most cruise options during these months, and by booking in advance (at least six months), you can likely snag a good-value cruise fare.
Weather-wise, daytime temperatures are comfortably around 80 degrees, with nighttime lows around 65. Honolulu averages a little less than 1 inch of rain per month, but some ports are more prone to rain than others. These include the aforementioned Hilo on Hawaii Island and Nawiliwili on Kauai, which average 4-5 inches of rain per month in December and January.
Winter is also the season to experience two of Hawaii’s most incredible events. There is an annual migration of more than 10,000 humpback whales to the waters around Maui, where the females give birth to their young. Another season is on Oahu’s North Shore (with swells as high as 30 feet), where professional surfers ride giant curls—the most famous being the Banzai Pipeline—during the annual surf contests in January and February.
Other events that may affect flight availability and congestion during this period are the Champions PGA Golf Tournament at Kapalua on Maui and the All-Star Hula Bowl Classic football game on Oahu, both of which take place in January. Spring break in March is also a popular time for family vacations in Hawaii, so crowds can be expected.
Related: Hawaii Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips, and Things to Do
Spring: April and May
The sweet spot of spring, between the peak of winter but before the onslaught of summer, is a terrific time to take a Hawaii cruise, although these months tend to have a little less sailing. Since this is the shoulder season, cruise fares, airfare, and hotel rates are usually well-priced.
The weather is also more likely to be ideal, with only an inch or less of rain per month on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island, and about 2 inches on Kauai. Temperatures will be in the 70s to mid 80s.
Spring also marks the tail end of humpback season; Cruisers in April and even sailing trips in early May can spot some of these giant creatures before they begin their long journey. Alaska. Tourists can also see sea turtles on all the islands, but especially around Maui and Lanai, as the water warms with the arrival of summer.
Traditionally, Japanese tourists visited Hawaii during “Golden Week” in late April and early May, when four Japanese holidays fall within a seven-day period. May 1 is also a statewide holiday in Hawaii known as Lei Day.
Related: Hawaii Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Tropical Voyage
Summer: June to August
Summer is actually Hawaii’s busiest season because the islands are extremely popular with both families and honeymooners. They are also at their hottest and driest. If you like the heat (daytime highs reach 90 degrees in July and August) and swim in water that’s almost as warm as the air. The calm waters on the north shores of Oahu, Maui and Kauai also mean that some beaches are great for more than just surfing. And on the ground, less rain means safer trail conditions if hiking is on your Hawaii must-do list.
But summer is also less busy when it comes to cruise ship arrivals, with only Norwegian and Princess Cruises offers sailings from June through August (when most cruise lines move their Pacific-based ships to Alaska). Hotel occupancy is high, so pre- and post-cruise stays can be expensive.
Summer festivals include Hawaii’s Ukulele Festival on Oahu in July, Duke’s Oceanfest in Waikiki in late August, and Koloa Plantation Days in Kauai in July. Bon Season, the obon dance tradition passed down by Japanese plantation workers, means bon dance events are held throughout the islands during the summer months. King Kamehameha Day (June 11) is a popular annual holiday in Hawaii.
During this time, turtles are also abundant in Hawaii’s warm, calm waters as it is nesting season, while dolphins frequent Hawaiian waters year-round. So, while you may miss out on winter humpback whale sightings, there is still plenty of marine life to see.
Related: Cruz Vs. All Inclusive Resorts: Which Budget-Friendly Option Is Best For You?
Early Autumn: September and October
Early fall is another shoulder season that offers better weather (as noted above, Hawaii is usually not in the path of storms during the mid-Pacific hurricane season) and less crowded. Cruise tourism resumes in Hawaii as cruise lines reposition ships from Alaska, and it’s possible to find good-value fares by booking well in advance or even at the last minute during this time. Airfare and hotel rates for post-cruise stays should also be lower.
Weather-wise, September rainfall is similar to that of summer, with less than half an inch on Maui, one inch on Oahu and Hawaii Island, and 2 inches on Kauai. Rainfall in October is double but less than November and December.
Events to keep in mind when booking a cruise in September or October include the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, held in early October each year in Kona on the island of Hawaii, and several food and wine festivals, including the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival. Location in Honolulu in late October.
Related: Best Fall Cruise Itineraries
Late Autumn: November and December
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays are the busiest tourist season in late fall and early winter in Hawaii. But the weeks in between are a great time to snag a deal on air cruises — early November for less harsh weather and early December for lower cruise fares and airfare. Yes, December is Hawaii’s rainiest month, but it doesn’t rain every day and certainly not all day. (The rain comes in small bursts and mostly after dark.) Temperatures can drop into the 60s at night on some islands.
Once the calendar page turns to mid-December, however, the Christmas and New Year crowds begin to arrive, and cruise, airfare, and hotel room prices skyrocket. If you’re on a tight budget or crowds annoy you, it’s best not to book a holiday cruise.
Events to keep in mind include the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on Hawaii Island in early November and the Honolulu Marathon in early December.
If a post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas cruise to Hawaii sounds appealing, you’re well on your way to encountering the arrival of humpbacks during the first two weeks of December. Even the waves on Oahu’s North Shore begin to rise, making for dramatic photos. And seeing this palm tree-studded paradise decked out in holiday decorations, along with an abundance of tropical poinsettias in full seasonal bloom, makes for a memorable travel experience.
Related: The best Hawaii cruise tips to get the most out of your island-hopping trip
Bottom line
The best time to take a Hawaii cruise is the season or month that best suits your schedule, interests and/or budget.
If abundant sunshine is paramount (and you don’t mind sharing paradise with many fellow visitors and are fine if temperatures approach 90 degrees), consider summer — though you’ll have fewer cruises to choose from and higher hotel rates. .
If you want to escape the cold and see whales, big waves and tropical Hawaii at its most lush (and never mind the rain), opt for winter, when most major cruise lines sail to the islands. Again, expect to pay a premium, especially for pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
The two shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, offer a pleasant medium with pleasant weather and generally good prices. The lull in early November and early December means that pre-holiday deals on flight and cruise fares are often available. These last three periods are the best times to cruise for overall value — even if you miss out on whale watching and the North Shore’s ginormous waves.
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