A Hawaii cruise is one of the easiest ways to see several islands in one trip. Instead of booking inter-island flights and multiple hotels, you unpack once and wake up in Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. Here's how to choose between round-trip Honolulu sailings and longer cruises from California, what a Hawaii cruise costs and when to go in 2027.
- Round-trip Honolulu: 7 nights, 4 islands, minimal sea days.
- From California: 14-16 nights from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or Seattle-area ports.
- Whale season: December to March.
- Book: 9-12 months ahead for balconies.
Types of Hawaii cruises
| Round-trip Honolulu | Round-trip from the West Coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7 nights | 14-16 nights |
| Sea days | 0-1 | 8-10 |
| Port time | Overnights possible, lots of island time | 4-5 island days |
| Flights | Fly to Honolulu | Often no flight needed |
| Best for | Maximum island time | Relaxing sea days, avoiding flights |
There are also one-way repositioning cruises in spring and fall, often linking Hawaii with Vancouver, Alaska or Tahiti. They can be excellent value.
Hawaii cruise islands and ports
Oahu (Honolulu)
Visit Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Plan a night before your cruise to explore.
Maui
The Road to Hana, Haleakala sunrise, snorkeling at Molokini and, in winter, humpback whale watching.
Big Island (Hilo and Kona)
Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls; Kona offers coffee farms, sunny beaches and manta ray night snorkels.
Kauai (Nawiliwili)
The Garden Isle: Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast and lush valleys. Some itineraries sail past the Na Pali Coast at sunset.
Best time for a Hawaii cruise
Temperatures stay in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit year-round. Summer and the Christmas holidays are the busiest and most expensive. Winter brings whales but occasionally higher surf and more rain on north shores. For the best mix of weather and price, try spring or early fall.
How much does a Hawaii cruise cost?
| Item | Typical cost per person |
|---|---|
| 7-night Honolulu cruise fare | $1,200-$2,500 |
| 14-16 night California cruise fare | $1,300-$3,500 |
| Flights to Honolulu from the mainland | $400-$900 |
| Excursions | $300-$1,000 |
Estimates only. Hawaii excursions such as helicopter tours can be pricey, so budget for one or two highlights.
Hawaii cruise tips
- Rent a car in some ports (Maui, Kauai, Kona) for more freedom; book early.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; Hawaii restricts certain sunscreen chemicals.
- Pack light layers for the volcano summit and early-morning tours.
- Bring a passport on California round trips for the foreign port stop.
- Choose a balcony for whale watching and island scenery.
Thinking about Hawaii in 2027?
We can compare Honolulu and West Coast sailings for your dates.
📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month for a Hawaii cruise?
Hawaii is warm all year. April-May and September-October usually combine good weather, fewer crowds and better prices. December to March is whale-watching season.
Is it better to cruise to Hawaii from California or from Honolulu?
Round-trip Honolulu cruises give you about a week visiting islands with almost no sea days. Cruises from California take 14-16 nights with about 8-9 sea days, but you avoid the long flight.
How much does a Hawaii cruise cost?
Round-trip Honolulu cruises often start around $1,200-$2,000 per person for 7 nights, plus flights. Round-trip California cruises of 14-16 nights often start around $1,300-$3,000 per person.
Do I need a passport for a Hawaii cruise?
US citizens don't need a passport to visit Hawaii, but cruises from California must call at a foreign port (usually Ensenada, Mexico) under US cabotage law, so a passport is recommended.
Which islands do Hawaii cruises visit?
Most visit Oahu (Honolulu), Maui (Kahului or Lahaina), the Big Island (Hilo and Kona) and Kauai (Nawiliwili).
Talk to a cruise expert
Questions about sailings, cabins, prices or documents? Call us for help comparing options.
📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Prices, itineraries, fees and policies change often and vary by cruise line, ship and sailing date. Always confirm current details with your cruise line or booking agent before you pay. Last reviewed: October 2026.