Hawaii cruise: when to go, prices and itinerary

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago consisting of seven main islands and many smaller islets. They are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and lie far away from the rest of the mainland, which is why they can be considered the islands everyone dreams of - paradise, tropical, and in the middle of nowhere! But since getting to Hawaii is not very quick and easy, while you are there it is worth visiting them all, or at least several islands instead of staying on just one! How to do it? With a nice cruise! Below we have put together some useful information for you to go on a cruise to Hawaii!

When to go? The best time for a cruise to Hawaii

• Best time: May and June, because you are still outside the cyclone season and the temperatures are neither too high in the summer months nor the cooler ones in the winter months. Winter can also be a good time, but you have to take into account lower temperatures and cooler nights.

• Period to avoid: July to September, because these are the hottest and most humid months and it is the period of greatest hurricane alert, although the risk is minimal.

• Advice: a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands can be a relaxing trip on wonderful beaches or discovering varied and beautiful landscapes, which is why it is suitable for everyone, whether you love the sea or the highlands. Young people, couples, families, children and the elderly, no one will be disappointed by such an interesting trip!

Climate, Average Temperatures and Rainfall

The climate in the Hawaiian Islands is tropical with a warm season from June to October and a slightly cooler season from December to March. The climate is strongly influenced by the trade winds, which characterise it according to exposure. Rainfall is also very dependent on the winds, which is why the landscapes are a mixture of forests and desert areas just a few kilometres apart. The rainfall pattern, however, follows a normal rhythm; it is distributed throughout the year but is neither too frequent nor completely absent.
However, these islands are in the path of tropical cyclones, although they have rarely been hit by strong hurricanes. The warning period however runs from June to November, but the months of greatest risk are August and September.
As far as sunshine and sea temperature are concerned, one can rest easy all year round. In fact, the Hawaiian Islands always enjoy good sunshine and the sea water is always warm, between 24 and 27 °C.
In the following table, we have taken the capital Honolulu as an example.

How much does a Hawaii cruise cost? Prices, tips and itinerary

• Price: prices have a very high range. In high season they range from €900.00 to €2,500 per person for a cruise of 7 to 13 days. The price refers to an outside double cabin with full board, but does not include drinks, excursions and return flights to the port of embarkation, which is usually Vancouver or Honolulu. Excursions can be purchased on board from €50.00 per person, while for the flights you have to make your own arrangements because they are not usually provided by the shipping companies travelling to Hawaii. Unfortunately, you have to take into account that the flights are also very expensive, so they will further increase the price of your trip.

• Recommended duration: cruises departing from Vancouver take about 5 days to sail to the Hawaiian Islands, in this case a duration of 13 days is recommended in order to visit more islands. For cruises departing from Honolulu, i.e. directly from Hawaii, even 7 days may be sufficient to land on the main islands.

• Companies organising cruises to Hawaii: Norwegian Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America

Cruise itinerary

There are different types of itineraries, and generally they also touch ports that fall within the Pacific Ocean circuit, such as Papeete, Bora Bora or the coasts of the Western United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Acapulco). The one below is just one of the many cruise itineraries that include the Hawaiian Islands among their stops.

1. Departure from Rome or Milan airport with a stopover in Toronto and expected arrival in Vancouver in 16 hours;

2. Accommodation on the cruise and departure from the port of Vancouver. There are 5 days of navigation during which you can relax in the swimming pool, pamper yourself in the spa, participate in the various activities proposed by the entertainment team, go jogging, basketball and golfing, and have fun in the ship's clubs.

3. After a long sail, the first stop is Lahaina, on the island of Maui. Here you can spend a day on the beach directly at Lahaina Beach or move a little further north to Kaanapali Beach, alternatively you can purchase an excursion to watch whales or dolphins. During the afternoon and evening visit the town and don't miss the bustling Front Street.

4. Stopping for 15 hours, depart for Nawiliwili on Kauai Island, where you can relax at Lydgate Beach or surf at Kalapaki Beach. You can also move north and hike in Nāpali Coast Park and then go to nearby Hanalei Bay beach.

5. Stop for 8 hours and depart for Hilo on Hawaii Island, where you can hike to Raimbow Falls. Another interesting excursion is to Coconut Island. For beach lovers, we recommend Hilo Bay, Onomea Bay and Honoli'i Beach Park.

6. Stopping for 10 hours, we depart for Nawiliwili on Kauai Island. Here, as you have already been there, you can take the opportunity to relax a little more on the beach or go on another interesting excursion. For this day, we suggest the Kilauea Point animal reserve, perched on a sheer cliff, from where you can watch monk seals, humpback whales, dolphins and more. Next, head to Limahuli Garden, an ancient Hawaiian site rich in biodiversity and home to endemic plants and birds.

7. Stopping for 10 hours, depart for Honolulu on Oahu Island, where your cruise ends. Here you can visit the city during the morning and in the afternoon enjoy another beautiful beach such as Hanauma Bay or Makapuʻu Beach. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the beautiful Manoa Falls.

8. Stop for 1 day in Honolulu, then return to Italy by flight to Rome or Milan airport, making at least one stopover, usually in Toronto.

Where to find them

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of tropical islands in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. They are located far from the coast of the American continent, but their territory belongs politically to the United States.

What to pack?

First of all, everything you need for the sea, so swimming costume, towel, sunglasses and sun cream. The latter is absolutely necessary given the high temperatures! Summer clothing is definitely what you will need most, but don't forget a summer jacket and a light scarf to protect you from the sea breeze. Another must-have accessory is an umbrella, because remember that you might get a few rainy days!
SEE ALSO: What to do when cruising

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: 1,431,603

• Capital: Honolulu

• Languages: English and Hawaiian

• Local currency: Hawaiian dollar (€1.00 = $1.14)

• Climate: tropical climate, average temperatures 22/30 °C

• Vaccinations: No compulsory vaccinations required

• Entry requirements: passport required with residual validity of at least 6 months beyond the duration of stay. Visa no longer required for stays of up to 90 days.

• Distance from Italy: 12,899 km (25 hours flight time)