Aerial view of a cruise ship docked at Ensenada, the Mexican port of call on Hawaii cruises from California

Hawaii Cruises From Los Angeles and Long Beach

Princess from San Pedro, Carnival from Long Beach, and four days of Pacific each way.

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Hawaii Cruises From Los Angeles and Long Beach

The Los Angeles area is the busiest starting point for Hawaiian cruises from California. Princess sails round trips from San Pedro, and Carnival runs 14-day voyages from Long Beach, a few miles away across the harbor.

Both follow the same basic shape: about four days at sea heading southwest, a run through the islands, a stop in Ensenada on the way back and a final stretch of sea days to Southern California. For Hawaii cruises from California in 2027, Princess lists Los Angeles round trips through much of the year, and Carnival plans a dedicated Hawaii series from Long Beach with Carnival Legend in the 2027–28 season, following Carnival Radiance’s Hawaii voyages in 2026–27.

Princess From San Pedro

Princess Cruises’ Los Angeles Hawaii voyages typically run 15 or 16 nights. A common pattern crosses first to Hilo, then calls at Kona, Honolulu, Kauaʻi and, on many sailings, Maui, before heading home via Ensenada. The line’s traditional style — lectures, classes, a relaxed pace — suits long sea days well.

Aerial view of a cruise ship docked at Ensenada, Mexico, the usual stop on Hawaii round trips from California — Round trips from Los Angeles usually call at Ensenada, Mexico, on the way home.

Carnival From Long Beach

Carnival’s “Journeys” Hawaii cruises are 14-day round trips from Long Beach. Carnival Legend’s 2027–28 series is scheduled to call at Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hilo and Kona, plus Ensenada. Expect Carnival’s lively, family-friendly atmosphere, with the pools, comedy and kids’ programs that make four sea days each way pass quickly. Because the line sells shorter cruises from the same port, these longer voyages draw a mix of Carnival regulars and first-time Hawaii cruisers.

Port-Day Practicalities

Parking: both terminals offer parking; see Free Cruise Parking for options and park-and-cruise hotels.
Flying in: LAX and Long Beach airports serve both ports; arrive the day before. Cruise Airfare has tips.
Documents: the Ensenada call means your cruise visits Mexico; bring a passport to keep things simple.
Packing: two weeks of clothes, layers for breezy sea days and formal nights if your line has them. See Cruising Checklist.

Ensenada itself is a pleasant half-day; our sister site Mexico Cruising covers it along with other Mexican cruise ports.

Los Angeles Questions

Which Los Angeles terminal do Hawaii cruises use?

Princess usually sails from the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, part of the Port of Los Angeles. Carnival’s Long Beach sailings use the Long Beach cruise terminal next to the Queen Mary. Confirm the terminal on your cruise documents.

Why does a Los Angeles Hawaii cruise stop in Ensenada?

Foreign-flagged ships sailing round trip from a U.S. port must call at a foreign port. Ensenada, just south of the border, is convenient on the way home.

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