How Long Does It Take a Cruise Ship to Get to Hawaii From California?

By Michael Ferguson

A cruise to Hawaii from California is an exciting adventure for many travelers. Depending on the port of departure, cruise ships can take anywhere from five days to two weeks to reach the Hawaiian islands. The length of the journey depends on several factors, including the size and speed of the ship, as well as weather and sea conditions.

Cruise Ship Size
The size of the cruise ship is one of the biggest factors in determining how long it will take to reach Hawaii. Smaller ships typically travel at a slower speed and thus take longer than larger ships. In addition, smaller ships often make more stops along their route, adding additional time to the overall journey.

Cruise Ship Speed
Another factor that affects how long it takes for a cruise ship to get to Hawaii is its speed. The faster a ship travels, the less time it takes for it to reach its destination.

However, larger ships usually travel at slower speeds due to safety concerns. Additionally, rough seas or inclement weather can slow down a ship’s progress and add time onto its voyage.

Departure Point
The port from which a cruise departs also affects how long it takes for a cruise ship to get to Hawaii. For example, if a ship departs from San Diego or Los Angeles in California, it will take longer than if it departs from Honolulu or Kona on one of the Hawaiian islands.

Type of Cruise
The type of cruise taken also affects how long it takes for a cruise ship to get to Hawaii. Sightseeing cruises often make multiple stops along their route and thus take longer than traditional cruises that only stop once or twice during their journey.

Conclusion: How long it takes a cruise ship to get to Hawaii from California depends on several factors such as its size and speed, departure point and type of cruise taken. Generally speaking, cruises departing from California typically take anywhere from five days up two weeks depending on these variables.