Best time for Hawaii?

[salafish]

Hi! We are planning to book a cruise from LA to Hawaii on Princess and are trying to decide the best month to go. Would the seas be better in late October/early November or would it be OK in January? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Our preference is really January, being from the rainy PNW, but our friends (who we will be traveling with) are encouraging late October for better sea weather as well as better weather in Hawaii. Sure could use some advice from all you experienced cruisers out there.

Thanks!

[KeithnRita]

We've never been to Hawaii. I guess if we had a "bucket list" Hawaii would be on it.

As far as the best time, January is our favorite time to cruise the Caribbean. Don't have any idea if that would be good for Hawaii. We've sure some of the experienced Hawaiian cruisers will post here with their thoughts.

[waf125]

We are going in late April, early May next year. Heard that is supposed to be a good time...

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Have a great cruise!

[zebra]

We have been in April before and will be going in April/May again next year, that seemed to be a very good time. It is very tropical so I reall don't think there is a bad time to go. Enjoy!!!!

[DebbieandJerry]

First time, we flew to Hawaii and sailed: December 7 (NCL). We extended our stay in Oahu for 3 days and flew home right before xmas.

Second time we sailed from San Diego: March 7 (Celebrity).

Hawaii's weather was exactly the same both times: hot, humid (at times), very tropical. No rain

The 5 days that we sailed to Hawaii were dark and cold. The crew and staff told us that dark and cold is USUAL no matter what time of year (think about it, no land anywhere). The 5 days that we sailed back to San Diego were dark and cold. It became more mild as we approached Encinada. Again, very typical according to Celebrity staff and crew.

[salafish]

Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions. After reading some cruise reviews from both time periods, I think we will go with October. Happy cruising

[Shari2]

Hi Salafish...congrats on your cruise. I'm sure you will have a good time. I have been to Hawaii twice...the first time we flew over and boarded the "Constitution" and sailed the islands. That was in February, and weather was beautiful, and the whales were breaching and all. That is something to see. I do remember the first two days there they had record breaking cool weather in the evening, in the 50s, but after that it was in the 80s and gorgeous the whole rest of the time.

Our second time we sailed from San Diego to Honolulu, on Celebrity's "Infinity" and we sailed the islands. The first couple of days out of San Diego were chilly, and we had some rough seas, but the closer we got to Hawaii the nicer it was on board. Pretty much the same on the way back except no rough seas. We went in December that time...the weather was in the 80s in Hawaii...the first couple of days were very windy, but the weather was sunny and warm. Hope you have a great time and come back to tell us about it.

[DebbieandJerry]

I truly believe that whatever time you pick will be a wonderful experience. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt. You will definitely need it for the at sea days.

[cruisingcats]

I have thought of sailing out of Vancouver, BC to Hawaii and flying back home. This would be a dream cruise if it could happen. Maybe on our 40th Wedding Anniversary in about 6 years. Might be able to save the money for this by then.

[scalise12]

Hi! We are planning to book a cruise from LA to Hawaii on Princess and are trying to decide the best month to go. Would the seas be better in late October/early November or would it be OK in January? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Our preference is really January, being from the rainy PNW, but our friends (who we will be traveling with) are encouraging late October for better sea weather as well as better weather in Hawaii. Sure could use some advice from all you experienced cruisers out there.

Thanks!