2026 Hawaii Cruises

Published: February 6, 2026
Aerial view of Hawaiian islands with lush green mountains meeting turquoise ocean waters, showcasing multiple islands that NCL cruises visit

Table of Contents

2026 Hawaii Cruise Quick Facts

  • Total Sailings: 63 departures from Honolulu
  • Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu (year-round); Papeete, Tahiti and Vancouver, British Columbia (repositioning sailings)
  • Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit
  • Durations: 7-16 days
  • Peak Season: Year-round for inter-island cruises; May-September for repositioning voyages
  • Popular Ports of Call: Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii), Nāwiliwili (Kauai)

Compare prices on all 2026 Hawaii cruises →

Norwegian Cruise Line offers the most comprehensive Hawaii cruise program in 2026, with Pride of America providing the only year-round inter-island Hawaiian cruising experience. The US-flagged Pride of America visits four islands across a week-long voyage, while Norwegian Spirit connects Hawaii with exotic destinations like French Polynesia and Alaska.

Find the best prices on these sailings using our Norwegian Cruise Line deal finder or sign up for deal alerts to get notified when prices drop.

Season Highlights

NCL operates 63 Hawaii sailings in 2026 across two distinct cruise experiences. Pride of America delivers 52 weekly 7-day inter-island cruises departing every Saturday year-round from Honolulu, visiting Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Norwegian Spirit adds 11 longer repositioning voyages (12-16 days) between May and November, connecting Hawaii with destinations including French Polynesia, Alaska, Vancouver, and Fiji. The Pride of America schedule provides the most consistent and accessible option for travelers seeking a dedicated Hawaiian islands experience, while Spirit's repositioning sailings offer adventurous combinations for travelers wanting to explore beyond Hawaii.

Why Choose Hawaii?

Hawaii cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience multiple Hawaiian islands in a single vacation without the hassle of inter-island flights and hotel changes. The volcanic landscapes, world-class beaches, rich Polynesian culture, and diverse microclimates across the islands make this one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in the world.

Pride of America's inter-island itinerary showcases the diversity of the Hawaiian archipelago. Overnight stays in Maui and Kauai provide extended exploration time, while day visits to Hilo and Kona on the Big Island offer access to Volcanoes National Park, coffee plantations, and snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. The round-trip Honolulu departures eliminate repositioning hassles and maximize time exploring the islands.

Hawaii cruising appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families appreciate the educational opportunities and variety of activities from snorkeling to cultural experiences. Couples find romance in sunset views from Waikiki, Haleakalā summit sunrises, and secluded beaches. Adventure seekers can hike volcanic craters, surf North Shore waves, zipline through rainforests, and dive with manta rays. Cultural enthusiasts enjoy authentic luaus, historical sites like Pearl Harbor, and traditional Hawaiian music and dance performances.

The consistent year-round climate makes Hawaii ideal for any season, though summer brings warmer ocean temperatures and winter delivers bigger surf on the North Shore. Spring and fall offer slightly fewer crowds while maintaining excellent weather. The variety of itinerary options—from 7-day inter-island loops to multi-week repositioning voyages combining Hawaii with Alaska or French Polynesia—ensures there's a perfect sailing for every travel style.

Compare current prices on all Hawaii cruises to find your perfect sailing.

Port Breakdown

Honolulu, Oahu Departures - Pride of America operates 52 weekly 7-day round-trip sailings every Saturday throughout 2026, providing the most consistent and accessible Hawaii cruise option. Norwegian Spirit also uses Honolulu as a turnaround port for several repositioning voyages, including 12-day sailings to/from Papeete (Tahiti) and 16-day sailings to/from Vancouver. The Honolulu departure eliminates the need for inter-island flights and allows travelers to explore Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor before or after their cruise.

Papeete, Tahiti Departures - Norwegian Spirit offers three 12-13 day repositioning sailings departing from Papeete in May, June-July, and October-November, connecting French Polynesia with Hawaii or Fiji. These voyages include stops at Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea before reaching Hawaiian ports like Hilo, Nāwiliwili, and Kona, providing an extraordinary combination of Polynesian destinations.

Vancouver, British Columbia Departures - Norwegian Spirit operates three 16-day repositioning voyages departing from Vancouver in July-September, combining Alaska and Hawaii. These unique sailings visit Alaska ports like Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan before heading south to Hawaiian islands including Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai, offering a remarkable two-destination experience.

Month-by-Month Hawaii Cruise Calendar for 2026

January 2026

January features five weekly Pride of America departures on January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. These winter sailings offer comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s, though winter months bring occasional rain showers. January is an excellent time for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters from December through April. The consistent weekly schedule provides flexible vacation planning.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Pride of America Duration: 7 days

February 2026

February continues the weekly Pride of America pattern with four sailings on February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. Valentine's Day departures provide a romantic Hawaiian getaway, while Presidents' Day weekend timing aligns well with US holidays. Whale watching remains at its peak during February, and winter surf on Oahu's North Shore offers spectacular viewing for surf enthusiasts.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Pride of America Duration: 7 days

March 2026

March offers four weekly Pride of America sailings on March 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. Spring break timing makes these departures popular with families. Weather begins transitioning toward drier conditions, and whale watching remains excellent through mid-March. Ocean temperatures start warming, making snorkeling increasingly comfortable.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Pride of America Duration: 7 days

April 2026

April features four weekly Pride of America departures on April 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. Spring weather delivers excellent conditions with less rainfall than winter months and comfortable temperatures. Easter holiday timing makes early April popular for family travel. Wildflowers bloom across the islands, and the upcountry areas of Maui showcase particularly vibrant landscapes.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Pride of America Duration: 7 days

May 2026

May brings expanded options with four Pride of America sailings (May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th) plus Norwegian Spirit's repositioning voyages. Spirit offers a 12-day sailing from Papeete to Honolulu departing May 15th, visiting French Polynesian islands before reaching Hawaii. Spirit also departs Honolulu on May 27th for a 12-day voyage to Papeete, combining Hawaii with destinations like Moorea and Bora Bora. Memorial Day weekend makes late May particularly popular.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu and Papeete, Tahiti Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-12 days

June 2026

June offers five Pride of America sailings on June 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th plus Norwegian Spirit's 13-day voyage departing Papeete on June 8th heading to Lautoka, Fiji via various South Pacific destinations. Summer vacation season begins, bringing excellent weather with minimal rainfall and warm ocean temperatures ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Longer daylight hours maximize exploration time.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu and Papeete, Tahiti Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-13 days

July 2026

July features robust options with four Pride of America sailings (July 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th) plus two Norwegian Spirit repositioning voyages. Spirit offers a 12-day Papeete to Honolulu sailing departing July 3rd and an extraordinary 16-day Honolulu to Vancouver voyage departing July 15th that combines Hawaiian islands with Alaska ports including Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan. The July 4th Pride of America departure provides a patriotic celebration at sea. Summer brings peak weather conditions with consistently sunny days.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu; Papeete, Tahiti; and Vancouver, British Columbia Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-16 days

August 2026

August continues strong with four Pride of America sailings (August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th) plus two Norwegian Spirit repositioning voyages. Spirit operates a 16-day Vancouver to Honolulu sailing departing July 31st and arriving in early August, and a 16-day Honolulu to Vancouver voyage departing August 16th. These Spirit sailings combine Alaska's glaciers and wildlife with Hawaii's tropical beauty. Summer vacation season remains in full swing with ideal weather conditions.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu and Vancouver, British Columbia Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-16 days

September 2026

September offers five Pride of America sailings (September 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) plus two Norwegian Spirit voyages. Spirit operates a 16-day Vancouver to Honolulu sailing departing September 1st and a 12-day Honolulu to Papeete repositioning departing September 17th. Labor Day weekend makes early September popular. Weather remains excellent with slightly fewer crowds than peak summer months, making this an appealing shoulder season option.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Papeete, Tahiti Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-16 days

October 2026

October features four Pride of America sailings (October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st) plus Norwegian Spirit's 12-day Papeete to Honolulu repositioning departing October 24th. Fall shoulder season offers excellent weather with less tourist congestion than summer months. Halloween departure on October 31st provides a unique holiday sailing opportunity.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu and Papeete, Tahiti Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-12 days

November 2026

November offers four Pride of America sailings on November 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, plus Norwegian Spirit's final repositioning voyage—a 13-day Papeete to Lautoka (Fiji) sailing departing November 17th. Thanksgiving week departures provide holiday vacation opportunities. Fall weather remains pleasant, and winter surf season begins building on the North Shore.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu and Papeete, Tahiti Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7-13 days

December 2026

December rounds out the year with four Pride of America sailings on December 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. The December 26th departure provides a post-Christmas vacation option. Holiday season brings festive decorations and special celebrations onboard. Winter whale watching season begins as humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters.

Departure Ports: Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Pride of America Duration: 7 days

Ship Deployment

  • Pride of America - Operates year-round from Honolulu with 52 weekly Saturday departures throughout 2026. As the only US-flagged cruise ship in Hawaii, Pride of America provides dedicated inter-island service visiting Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kona (Big Island), and Nāwiliwili (Kauai). The consistent 7-day round-trip schedule makes planning straightforward, and overnight stays in both Maui and Kauai allow for extended exploration of these islands.

  • Norwegian Spirit - Provides 11 repositioning sailings between May and November, connecting Hawaii with destinations including French Polynesia, Alaska, Vancouver, and Fiji. These 12-16 day voyages offer adventurous combinations for travelers wanting to experience Hawaii as part of a larger Pacific exploration. Spirit's Alaska-Hawaii repositioning sailings in July-September are particularly unique, combining glaciers and tropical islands in a single voyage.

Planning Tips

  • Cruise timing for specific goals - Visit December through April for whale watching, June through September for warmest ocean temperatures and calmest seas, or November through February to experience North Shore surf season (viewing only). Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer slightly fewer crowds while maintaining excellent weather.

  • Duration recommendations - Seven-day Pride of America sailings provide a comprehensive inter-island experience with overnight stays in Maui and Kauai. Longer 12-16 day Norwegian Spirit repositioning voyages suit travelers wanting to combine Hawaii with Alaska or French Polynesia for an extraordinary multi-destination journey.

  • Seasonal considerations - Hurricane season officially runs June through November, though Hawaii is rarely directly impacted. Winter months (December-March) bring occasional rain showers but also humpback whale migrations and world-class North Shore surf. Summer (June-September) delivers consistently sunny weather with minimal rainfall.

  • Itinerary selection advice - Pride of America's consistent weekly schedule offers maximum flexibility for planning around work schedules and other commitments. Norwegian Spirit's repositioning sailings require more advance planning but provide unique combinations you won't find elsewhere. All Pride of America sailings follow the same itinerary with overnight stays in Maui and Kauai, providing ample time to explore each island beyond just the cruise ports.

  • Shore excursions planning - Book popular tours like helicopter flights over Waimea Canyon, Road to Hana drives, and Volcanoes National Park visits early, as these fill quickly. Overnight stays in Maui and Kauai provide opportunities for independent exploration beyond organized tours—consider renting a car on port days for maximum flexibility.

  • Pre- and post-cruise time - Add extra days in Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor, explore Waikiki, hike Diamond Head, and experience the vibrant city before or after your cruise. The North Shore's famous surf beaches, Dole Plantation, and Polynesian Cultural Center make worthwhile day trips from Honolulu.

How to Find the Best Deals on Hawaii Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line pricing fluctuates based on demand, booking time, and availability. Here's how to maximize value:

  • Book early - Promotional fares often available 12-18 months in advance, particularly for Pride of America's popular summer and holiday departures
  • Monitor price drops - Fares change weekly; set up deal alerts to track your preferred sailings
  • Consider shoulder season - Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) often offer lower demand than peak summer months while maintaining excellent weather
  • Compare repositioning vs dedicated - Norwegian Spirit's repositioning voyages offer longer itineraries with Hawaii as part of multi-destination journeys, sometimes presenting better per-day value than dedicated 7-day sailings
  • Be flexible with dates - Pride of America's weekly Saturday departures provide 52 options throughout the year; flexibility can yield significant savings
  • Historical pricing data - Our 2025 sailing report shows Hawaii consistently commanded premium pricing — plan accordingly
  • Solo traveler strategies - How to cruise for less as a solo traveler covers booking approaches to offset Hawaii's premium pricing

Compare current prices across all 2026 Hawaii sailings →

Our deal finder shows real-time pricing across all 63 2026 Hawaii departures, helping you identify the best value for your preferred dates and cruise duration.

Whether you're seeking Pride of America's dedicated inter-island experience or Norwegian Spirit's adventurous repositioning voyages, NCL's 2026 Hawaii program offers exceptional variety across 63 sailings spanning the entire year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise ports offer sailings to Hawaii?

Pride of America offers year-round 7-day Hawaii sailings departing from and returning to Honolulu, Oahu every Saturday. Norwegian Spirit also visits Hawaii during repositioning voyages between Vancouver and Tahiti, typically 12-16 day sailings that stop at multiple Hawaiian islands.

When is the best time to cruise to Hawaii?

Hawaii offers excellent cruising year-round with Pride of America sailing weekly every Saturday. Weather is consistently pleasant, with slightly warmer temperatures in summer (June-September) and cooler, wetter conditions in winter (December-February). For repositioning voyages on Norwegian Spirit, spring and fall offer unique opportunities to combine Hawaii with Alaska or French Polynesia.

How long are cruises to Hawaii?

Pride of America offers consistent 7-day round-trip Hawaii cruises departing every Saturday. Norwegian Spirit offers longer 12-16 day repositioning voyages that include Hawaii along with destinations like French Polynesia, Alaska, and the South Pacific.

Which NCL ships sail to Hawaii?

Two NCL ships serve Hawaii in 2026: Pride of America provides weekly year-round 7-day inter-island cruises, and Norwegian Spirit visits Hawaii during 11 repositioning sailings between May and November while traveling between Alaska, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific.

Are there year-round cruises to Hawaii?

Yes, Pride of America operates year-round weekly sailings every Saturday from Honolulu. Norwegian Spirit visits seasonally during repositioning voyages in spring, summer, and fall.