The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii
Warm all year — but the whales, the surf and the crowds come and go.
Compare Hawaii Cruise DatesHawaii Is a Year-Round Cruise Destination
Hawaii’s weather is warm all year, and inter-island cruises from Honolulu sail every week. What changes through the year is the ocean, the crowds, the wildlife and which mainland voyages are on offer.
The islands have two broad seasons. The drier, warmer months run roughly from April to October; the cooler, wetter months from November to March, when north-facing shores see big surf and passing showers are more common. Even in “winter,” daytime beach weather is the norm at sea level, but rain is more frequent on the windward coasts around Hilo and Nāwiliwili.
Month by Month at a Glance
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December–March | Whale season peak, big winter surf on north shores, holiday crowds; most West Coast round-trip voyages |
| April–May | Spring weather, fewer crowds, one-way sailings from Vancouver as ships head north |
| June–August | Summer heat, calm south-shore snorkeling, family travel and school holidays |
| September–November | Warm sea, quieter islands, autumn repositioning voyages from Vancouver and the West Coast |
Whale Season
Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales travel to Hawaii to breed and give birth. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary protects the waters where they gather. Whales are generally present from about November through April or May, and the usual peak is January through March. The channel between Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi is the classic viewing area, and you can sometimes spot spouts from the ship itself.
Federal rules keep boats and swimmers at least 100 yards from humpbacks, so book whale-watching with operators that follow them.
Picking Your Dates
- For the most choice: look at winter and spring, when West Coast and Vancouver voyages add to the weekly inter-island sailings.
- For calmer seas: late spring through early autumn usually brings gentler conditions on Pacific crossings.
- For value: avoid school holidays and the Christmas–New Year period, and stay flexible by a week or two.
- For deals: early in the year, Wave Season collects the industry’s biggest promotions.
Remember that the calendar works differently for each kind of cruise. The weekly inter-island loop runs all year, so you can simply choose the week that suits you. Mainland voyages are seasonal and limited in number, so if you want a particular holiday sailing from Los Angeles, San Diego or Vancouver, it pays to decide early.
Timing Questions
When can I see humpback whales from a Hawaii cruise?
Humpbacks winter in Hawaiian waters, generally from about November through April or May, with the most whales usually present from January through March. Maui is the best-known whale-watching area.
Is hurricane season a problem for Hawaii cruises?
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June through November. Direct hits on Hawaii are uncommon, but storms can change an itinerary. Travel insurance is a sensible precaution in any season.
When are Hawaii cruises cheapest?
Fares depend on the ship and how full it is rather than a fixed calendar. Periods outside school holidays and the winter peak are often better value. Ask our advisors to compare a few dates.
Find the Right Week for Hawaii
Tell us the months you are considering. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare inter-island and mainland sailings and send free quotes.
Compare Hawaii Cruise Dates