Dreaming of island hopping through Hawaii without the hassle of multiple flights and hotel bookings? A Hawaii cruise might be exactly what you're looking for. After sailing to the Hawaiian Islands six times on different cruise lines, I can tell you these voyages offer something truly special – but they're also quite different from your typical Caribbean getaway.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Hawaii cruises, from which ships actually go there to the best time to book, plus some insider tips I've picked up along the way.
Here's the reality: Hawaii cruise options are more limited than Caribbean cruises, and for good reason. The logistics of getting cruise ships to Hawaii are complex, which means fewer choices but often higher quality experiences.
Round-trip Hawaii Cruises from Honolulu:
Princess Cruises dominates this market with their "Aloha Spirit" program. The Grand Princess and Majestic Princess offer 7-day round-trip sailings from Honolulu, visiting Hilo, Kona, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui (Kahului). You'll fly into Honolulu and sail the same day – no repositioning hassles.
Prices for interior cabins start around $899 per person in 2026, but expect to pay $1,200-$1,800 for oceanview or balcony rooms during peak season.
One-Way Repositioning Cruises:
These are the hidden gems. Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America offer repositioning cruises between the West Coast and Hawaii, typically 10-15 days. The Norwegian Bliss and Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas run these routes seasonally.
The catch? You'll have 4-5 consecutive sea days crossing the Pacific. Some passengers love the relaxation; others find it boring. I've done both – it's actually pretty peaceful if you embrace the downtime.
Circle Hawaii from the Mainland:
Holland America's Koningsdam and Noordam offer 17-18 day Circle Hawaii cruises from San Diego and Vancouver. These include the Pacific crossing plus several Hawaiian ports. Expect to pay $2,500-$4,500 per person for these longer voyages.
Talk about your Hawaii cruise experiences in our Hawaii Ports forum – fellow cruisers share great tips there!
Most Hawaii cruises focus on four main islands, but the ports and time in each vary significantly by itinerary.
Oahu (Honolulu):
This is your embarkation/disembarkation point for round-trip cruises. Pearl Harbor is the obvious must-do, but book your tickets in advance – they sell out months ahead. Waikiki Beach is a quick taxi ride, and Diamond Head offers spectacular views if you don't mind the hike.
Insider tip: The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) has better souvenir prices than the touristy shops near the port.
Maui (Kahului):
Most ships dock here for 8-10 hours. The Road to Hana is popular but exhausting – you'll spend most of your port time driving. I prefer the Haleakala sunrise tour (book through the ship to guarantee timing) or snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
The port area itself is industrial with limited walkable attractions.
Big Island (Hilo and Kona):
Many itineraries include both ports. Hilo is your gateway to Volcanoes National Park – absolutely worth the 45-minute drive to see Kilauea. Kona offers better beaches and the famous Kona coffee farms.
From Kona, the Mauna Kea summit stargazing tours are incredible, but they're long (8+ hours) and not suitable if you have breathing issues due to the altitude.
Kauai (Nawiliwili):
The "Garden Isle" is stunning but requires planning. Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific") is spectacular, and the Na Pali Coast helicopter tours are unforgettable – if you can stomach the price ($300+ per person).
Timing your Hawaii cruise involves balancing weather, crowds, and prices – and it's not as straightforward as you might think.
Peak Season (December-April):
This is when most people think to visit Hawaii, and cruise prices reflect it. Expect to pay 30-50% more than shoulder season. The weather is slightly cooler (mid-70s to low 80s) and drier, which appeals to mainland visitors escaping winter.
Pros: Best weather, lowest chance of rain
Cons: Highest prices, most crowded ports, harder to get good shore excursion times
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-November):
This is my sweet spot for Hawaii cruising. Temperatures are still perfect (upper 70s to mid-80s), prices drop significantly, and you'll have more flexibility with excursions.
May is particularly good – the winter crowds have left, but summer family travel hasn't started yet.
Summer (July-August):
Surprisingly, this isn't peak season for Hawaii cruises, though it's when families typically travel. Temperatures are warmest (low-to-mid 80s) and you'll see more rain, especially on the windward sides of islands.
The advantage? More availability and better cabin selection if you book 4-6 months out.
Hurricane Season Reality Check:
Yes, Hawaii can get hurricanes (June-November), but they're relatively rare. In 15+ years of Hawaii cruising, I've only experienced one itinerary change due to weather, and the cruise line handled it smoothly.
Not all cruise ships are created equal for Hawaii itineraries, and your cabin choice matters more on these longer voyages.
Ship Size Considerations:
Larger ships like Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class offer more onboard activities during those long sea days, but they also mean more crowded tender boats at smaller ports. Princess's mid-size ships strike a good balance.
The Norwegian Bliss has the best onboard entertainment for Hawaii routes, including a fantastic race track and laser tag. But their freestyle dining can mean longer waits when everyone's trying to eat at the same time during sea days.
Cabin Selection Strategy:
For Hawaii cruises, I always recommend spending extra for a balcony if your budget allows. Those Pacific sunrises and sunsets during sea days are spectacular, and you'll appreciate the private outdoor space.
Avoid cabins below Deck 6 on Hawaii itineraries – the Pacific can get rougher than the Caribbean, and you'll feel motion more on lower decks. Mid-ship locations are your friend here.
Interior cabins are fine if you're budget-conscious, but choose ones with "virtual balconies" if available. The constant daylight views help with cabin fever during long sea days.
Special Dietary Needs:
Hawaii cruises attract an older demographic, so cruise lines typically handle dietary restrictions well. However, notify them at booking, not just before you sail. Princess, in particular, excels at accommodating special diets on their Hawaii ships.
Hawaii cruises are expensive, but there are ways to make them more affordable without sacrificing the experience.
Booking Strategy:
Unlike Caribbean cruises, Hawaii itineraries don't typically have last-minute deals. Book 6-12 months in advance for the best prices and cabin selection. Princess releases their Hawaii schedules 18 months out, and the best balcony cabins sell quickly.
Repositioning cruises offer the best value – sometimes 40-60% less than round-trip sailings – but remember you'll need one-way flights.
Shore Excursion Reality:
Ship excursions to popular spots like Pearl Harbor and Volcanoes National Park are often worth the premium because they guarantee your timing and transportation. But for beaches and casual sightseeing, independent exploration usually saves $50-100 per person per port.
Rent cars in advance, especially on Maui and the Big Island. The rental agencies at cruise ports have limited inventory and charge premium rates.
Onboard Spending:
Drink packages make more sense on Hawaii cruises than shorter Caribbean trips because of those long sea days. Princess's beverage package runs about $65 per day in 2026, and you'll easily hit that during Pacific crossing days.
Internet packages are also more valuable – Princess offers unlimited WiFi for $30-35 per day, which is reasonable for 7+ day cruises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
After multiple Hawaii sailings, I can give you the honest truth about what works and what doesn't.
Hawaii Cruises Excel At:
- Stress-free island hopping without constant packing/unpacking
- Spectacular scenery during sea days, especially sunrise/sunset viewing
- Cultural programming – Hawaiian music, hula demonstrations, local guest speakers
- Relaxed pace that matches the "Aloha spirit"
- Value for families visiting multiple islands (compared to flying between islands)
Where They Fall Short:
- Limited time in each port (usually 8-12 hours)
- Can't experience Hawaii's famous nightlife
- Less beach time than a resort vacation
- Weather-dependent – rough seas can affect outdoor activities
- Higher cost per day compared to most other cruise destinations
The bottom line? Hawaii cruises work best for travelers who want a sampler of the islands or those who prefer the convenience and structure of cruise travel. They're not ideal if you want to deeply explore one particular island or prefer independent travel.
Hawaii cruising offers a unique way to experience America's tropical paradise, but it requires different expectations than your typical cruise vacation. The payoff – waking up to a new Hawaiian island outside your balcony – makes it all worthwhile.
Ready to start planning your Hawaii cruise? Join our community in the Hawaii Ports forum where experienced cruisers share real-time tips, port updates, and honest reviews of their Hawaiian adventures!
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Hawaii cruises, from which ships actually go there to the best time to book, plus some insider tips I've picked up along the way.
Hawaii Cruise Options: What's Actually Available
Here's the reality: Hawaii cruise options are more limited than Caribbean cruises, and for good reason. The logistics of getting cruise ships to Hawaii are complex, which means fewer choices but often higher quality experiences.
Round-trip Hawaii Cruises from Honolulu:
Princess Cruises dominates this market with their "Aloha Spirit" program. The Grand Princess and Majestic Princess offer 7-day round-trip sailings from Honolulu, visiting Hilo, Kona, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui (Kahului). You'll fly into Honolulu and sail the same day – no repositioning hassles.
Prices for interior cabins start around $899 per person in 2026, but expect to pay $1,200-$1,800 for oceanview or balcony rooms during peak season.
One-Way Repositioning Cruises:
These are the hidden gems. Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America offer repositioning cruises between the West Coast and Hawaii, typically 10-15 days. The Norwegian Bliss and Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas run these routes seasonally.
The catch? You'll have 4-5 consecutive sea days crossing the Pacific. Some passengers love the relaxation; others find it boring. I've done both – it's actually pretty peaceful if you embrace the downtime.
Circle Hawaii from the Mainland:
Holland America's Koningsdam and Noordam offer 17-18 day Circle Hawaii cruises from San Diego and Vancouver. These include the Pacific crossing plus several Hawaiian ports. Expect to pay $2,500-$4,500 per person for these longer voyages.
Talk about your Hawaii cruise experiences in our Hawaii Ports forum – fellow cruisers share great tips there!
Which Islands You'll Actually Visit
Most Hawaii cruises focus on four main islands, but the ports and time in each vary significantly by itinerary.
Oahu (Honolulu):
This is your embarkation/disembarkation point for round-trip cruises. Pearl Harbor is the obvious must-do, but book your tickets in advance – they sell out months ahead. Waikiki Beach is a quick taxi ride, and Diamond Head offers spectacular views if you don't mind the hike.
Insider tip: The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) has better souvenir prices than the touristy shops near the port.
Maui (Kahului):
Most ships dock here for 8-10 hours. The Road to Hana is popular but exhausting – you'll spend most of your port time driving. I prefer the Haleakala sunrise tour (book through the ship to guarantee timing) or snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
The port area itself is industrial with limited walkable attractions.
Big Island (Hilo and Kona):
Many itineraries include both ports. Hilo is your gateway to Volcanoes National Park – absolutely worth the 45-minute drive to see Kilauea. Kona offers better beaches and the famous Kona coffee farms.
From Kona, the Mauna Kea summit stargazing tours are incredible, but they're long (8+ hours) and not suitable if you have breathing issues due to the altitude.
Kauai (Nawiliwili):
The "Garden Isle" is stunning but requires planning. Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific") is spectacular, and the Na Pali Coast helicopter tours are unforgettable – if you can stomach the price ($300+ per person).
Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii
Timing your Hawaii cruise involves balancing weather, crowds, and prices – and it's not as straightforward as you might think.
Peak Season (December-April):
This is when most people think to visit Hawaii, and cruise prices reflect it. Expect to pay 30-50% more than shoulder season. The weather is slightly cooler (mid-70s to low 80s) and drier, which appeals to mainland visitors escaping winter.
Pros: Best weather, lowest chance of rain
Cons: Highest prices, most crowded ports, harder to get good shore excursion times
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-November):
This is my sweet spot for Hawaii cruising. Temperatures are still perfect (upper 70s to mid-80s), prices drop significantly, and you'll have more flexibility with excursions.
May is particularly good – the winter crowds have left, but summer family travel hasn't started yet.
Summer (July-August):
Surprisingly, this isn't peak season for Hawaii cruises, though it's when families typically travel. Temperatures are warmest (low-to-mid 80s) and you'll see more rain, especially on the windward sides of islands.
The advantage? More availability and better cabin selection if you book 4-6 months out.
Hurricane Season Reality Check:
Yes, Hawaii can get hurricanes (June-November), but they're relatively rare. In 15+ years of Hawaii cruising, I've only experienced one itinerary change due to weather, and the cruise line handled it smoothly.
Choosing the Right Ship and Cabin
Not all cruise ships are created equal for Hawaii itineraries, and your cabin choice matters more on these longer voyages.
Ship Size Considerations:
Larger ships like Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class offer more onboard activities during those long sea days, but they also mean more crowded tender boats at smaller ports. Princess's mid-size ships strike a good balance.
The Norwegian Bliss has the best onboard entertainment for Hawaii routes, including a fantastic race track and laser tag. But their freestyle dining can mean longer waits when everyone's trying to eat at the same time during sea days.
Cabin Selection Strategy:
For Hawaii cruises, I always recommend spending extra for a balcony if your budget allows. Those Pacific sunrises and sunsets during sea days are spectacular, and you'll appreciate the private outdoor space.
Avoid cabins below Deck 6 on Hawaii itineraries – the Pacific can get rougher than the Caribbean, and you'll feel motion more on lower decks. Mid-ship locations are your friend here.
Interior cabins are fine if you're budget-conscious, but choose ones with "virtual balconies" if available. The constant daylight views help with cabin fever during long sea days.
Special Dietary Needs:
Hawaii cruises attract an older demographic, so cruise lines typically handle dietary restrictions well. However, notify them at booking, not just before you sail. Princess, in particular, excels at accommodating special diets on their Hawaii ships.
Money-Saving Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hawaii cruises are expensive, but there are ways to make them more affordable without sacrificing the experience.
Booking Strategy:
Unlike Caribbean cruises, Hawaii itineraries don't typically have last-minute deals. Book 6-12 months in advance for the best prices and cabin selection. Princess releases their Hawaii schedules 18 months out, and the best balcony cabins sell quickly.
Repositioning cruises offer the best value – sometimes 40-60% less than round-trip sailings – but remember you'll need one-way flights.
Shore Excursion Reality:
Ship excursions to popular spots like Pearl Harbor and Volcanoes National Park are often worth the premium because they guarantee your timing and transportation. But for beaches and casual sightseeing, independent exploration usually saves $50-100 per person per port.
Rent cars in advance, especially on Maui and the Big Island. The rental agencies at cruise ports have limited inventory and charge premium rates.
Onboard Spending:
Drink packages make more sense on Hawaii cruises than shorter Caribbean trips because of those long sea days. Princess's beverage package runs about $65 per day in 2026, and you'll easily hit that during Pacific crossing days.
Internet packages are also more valuable – Princess offers unlimited WiFi for $30-35 per day, which is reasonable for 7+ day cruises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overpacking port days – you can't see everything in 8-10 hours
- Booking back-to-back intensive excursions – the pace will exhaust you
- Ignoring sea day activities – embrace the downtime
- Not bringing motion sickness remedies – the Pacific can be rougher than expected
- Skipping travel insurance – Hawaii cruise cancellations are expensive to absorb
What Hawaii Cruises Do Exceptionally Well (and What They Don't)
After multiple Hawaii sailings, I can give you the honest truth about what works and what doesn't.
Hawaii Cruises Excel At:
- Stress-free island hopping without constant packing/unpacking
- Spectacular scenery during sea days, especially sunrise/sunset viewing
- Cultural programming – Hawaiian music, hula demonstrations, local guest speakers
- Relaxed pace that matches the "Aloha spirit"
- Value for families visiting multiple islands (compared to flying between islands)
Where They Fall Short:
- Limited time in each port (usually 8-12 hours)
- Can't experience Hawaii's famous nightlife
- Less beach time than a resort vacation
- Weather-dependent – rough seas can affect outdoor activities
- Higher cost per day compared to most other cruise destinations
The bottom line? Hawaii cruises work best for travelers who want a sampler of the islands or those who prefer the convenience and structure of cruise travel. They're not ideal if you want to deeply explore one particular island or prefer independent travel.
Hawaii cruising offers a unique way to experience America's tropical paradise, but it requires different expectations than your typical cruise vacation. The payoff – waking up to a new Hawaiian island outside your balcony – makes it all worthwhile.
Ready to start planning your Hawaii cruise? Join our community in the Hawaii Ports forum where experienced cruisers share real-time tips, port updates, and honest reviews of their Hawaiian adventures!