Cruising to Hawaii in January?

We are thinking of a round trip to Hawaii out of LA in January. I'm from the East Coast and unfamiliar with CA weather/seas, and not sure how to pack. Can anyone share their experience sailing to Hawaii in Jan? Thank you.

Berni

Just like the East Coast, January is dead of winter on the West Coast. That means some of the coldest temps on the West Coast, but as discussed here frequently, weather in Hawaii, while a little wetter in January, varies very little any time of the year.

So...it will be coolest on the West Coast and at sea the first day or two. Potentially rougher the first day or two at sea. Same for the last day or so returning to the West Coast.

Getting into peak whale time in Hawaii.

I agree with CruserBruce. It will be cooler the first day to two days and the last day or two days but it is still a terrific time to visit Hawaii and I would not hesitate to book the cruise.

Keith

I cruised from SF to Hawaii during the first week of February. We had two cool days and then beautiful weather.

Thanks for your responses. Going to book it!!

We did this trip a few years ago in January. I agree with the above posters about what WE found to be the case. The only downside is that there are 4-1/2 days at sea going both ways.

The whales will be coming to or already be in Hawaii!

Thanks for your responses. Going to book it!!

If you have not already, come join our roll call for this cruise. We have a very active group already.

Just like the East Coast, January is dead of winter on the West Coast. That means some of the coldest temps on the West Coast, but as discussed here frequently, weather in Hawaii, while a little wetter in January, varies very little any time of the year.

So...it will be coolest on the West Coast and at sea the first day or two. Potentially rougher the first day or two at sea. Same for the last day or so returning to the West Coast.

Getting into peak whale time in Hawaii.

Thanks for this. Sort of confirms what others have told us about January in Hawaii. We've only been there in the spring.

LuLu

The whales will be coming to or already be in Hawaii!

As the whales begin arriving in late November, I am pretty sure they will be there in January...

If you have not already, come join our roll call for this cruise. We have a very active group already.

Love to, but I'm not on this cruise:-). I'm booking one for 2016, but I'll be following your roll call for any info of interest. Have great time!!

Berni

We are looking to book the January 2016 Hawaii cruise as well. I believe we will book sometime this fall!!

Our last three cruises have been the RTs out of LA to Hawaii all during the holidays, so each time we've been coming back during the first week of January. Princess has a terrific cultural program (hopefully still will by the time you go == assuming you go on Princess).

We had different weather combinations each time. 1. Cool first few days, in warming nearing the islands, high 70s and no rain in Hawaii, and warm weather the whole way back (not kidding, it was in the 80s in LA, but there was still snow on the mountains as we were driving back home). 2. Cool/very rainy first few days, high 70s, a little rain in Honolulu, some rain and wind on the way back. 3. A little rain around the first few days, a deluge in Hilo, cool weather on the way back. Rpugh seas at times, but that's because of a current you cross off the coast of California.

Saw plenty of whales each time. When we were anchored off of Lahaina, and came back to the ship, there were a ton of whales swimming near the ship.

The weather in LA between November and March can be rainy and the temps in the 50s and 60s. But every once in a while the Santa Anas start blowing and heats up the air to the 80s. Milder by the coast if you stay in San Pedro or Santa Monica the night before, but where we live it can be in the teens in the early morning.

Thanks for all the helpful info re weather, seas, and whales!! This is on my bucket list - Pretty sure we're going to book the Ruby out of LA on Jan 9, 2016.

Berni