Wondering when to visit Honolulu or Oahu? Find out the best time to cruise to Hawaii to enjoy your dream vacation
If you’re trying to figure out the best time to cruise to Hawaii, there are several issues you will need to consider. Of course, any time is a good time to take a cruise to Hawaii, but if you want to find the absolute best time for your Pacific island vacation, you will need to take into account your family’s desires and the specific cruising conditions that prevail at any given time during the year. There are several “cruising seasons” in Hawaii, and each has certain advantages and disadvantages. By carefully considering the weather conditions, pricing guidelines, desired activities, and other factors that exist in each cruising season, you will be able to determine the best time for you to take your Hawaiian cruise.
High Season
The high season (busiest time) for Hawaii cruises is late December through April when the weather is cold in many other parts of the world. Hawaii also experiences a second high season or “family season,” during the summer months when kids are home from school and travelers can embark on family vacations.
- Advantages of cruising to Hawaii in high season
Cruising to Hawaii during the high seasons offers a number of advantages, including the widest selection of ships. Because so many travelers are cruising to Hawaii during these seasons there is an extensive selection of cruises offering attractive shore excursions and travel options. If you are interested in whale watching, late winter to early spring is the best time of year to view these gentle giants in the waters of the Pacific.
- Disadvantages of Hawaii cruises in high season
Because cruises to Hawaii are so popular during the high season, the island ports can get a bit crowded, especially during the Christmas holiday season in late December and early January. Prices may be considerably higher and you may have some difficulty booking airfare or a hotel if you want to extend your trip. The weather in Hawaii is pleasantly warm all year, but Hawaii’s rainy season takes place during the winter months. If you cruise to Hawaii during this time, plan to enjoy activities below decks rather than engaging in the standard cruise activities during your vacation. Summer cruisers should note that August seas are sometimes a bit rough.
Low or Shoulder Season
Shoulder season or off-season for Hawaii cruises takes place between May and June, and again in September through mid-December.
- Advantages of cruising to Hawaii in shoulder season
If you want to enjoy an affordable Hawaiian vacation with glorious weather, the shoulder season is the best time of year to sail to Hawaii. Prices on airfare, cruises, and hotel accommodations are less expensive, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. Kids are back in school and the crowds thin out, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Pacific islands in peace. The weather in Hawaii is predictably warm and sunny in late spring, providing you with practically perfect conditions to explore the Pacific island paradise.
- Disadvantages of Hawaii cruises in shoulder season
Because there are fewer cruises to Hawaii during the shoulder season, you will have a smaller selection of sailing dates from which to choose. Cruises tend to offer fewer shore excursions and sailing perks during the off-season. Hurricanes rarely affect Hawaii, but the Hurricane season does bring hotter, more humid weather to the islands in late August and September.
One of the best tips on sailing to Hawaii is to carefully consider what type of Hawaiian cruise vacation you want to enjoy before deciding when you will sail. CruiseExperts.com can help you find the Hawaiian cruise of your dreams.
If you decide on a high season Hawaii cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line’s round trip 7-Days Hawaii cruise aboard Pride of America has sailing dates departing from Honolulu on Apr 8, 22, and 29, 2017. Fares range from $899 for an inside cabin to $3699 for suites. Enjoy an exclusive CruiseExperts.com bonus of $100 onboard credit per stateroom and bonus offers on select sailings that let you choose from 5 incredible perks including optional air from $399!
Great shoulder season Hawaii cruises are available, including Carnival Cruise Line’s 10 Days Hawaii cruise aboard Carnival Legend that sails from Vancouver to Honolulu on September 12, 2017. Terrific promotions including special residents’ rates and an up to 3-category upgrade are available on select sailings. Fares start at just $999 for inside cabins – that’s just $100 a day to enjoy a Heavenly Hawaiian cruise vacation!
For more tips on sailing to Hawaii, or to book your Hawaii cruise vacation, call CruiseExperts.com today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784). Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use. Also, check out our new Resource Center, where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!