Honolulu, Oahu Cruise Ship Port Guide

Port Location & Terminal Facilities

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Honolulu has two cruise terminals: Pier 2 and Pier 11. You’ll find both terminals at Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu.

Your terminal facilities include:

• Air-conditioned waiting areas
• Public toilets
• Standard seating

The location offers key advantages:

• Direct access to Aloha Tower
• Walking distance to shops and restaurants
• Easy reach of downtown attractions
• Quick transport links to Waikiki Beach

Whilst the terminals provide basic amenities, their central position makes them practical starting points for your Hawaiian exploration. You can easily walk to nearby attractions or catch local transport to popular destinations.

Getting Around From the Port

Getting Around From Honolulu Port

You’ll find several easy transport options when your ship docks in Honolulu:

Waikiki Trolley:

• Stops directly outside the port
• Takes you to main tourist spots
• Works as hop-on-hop-off service

Immediate Transport:

• Taxis wait at the cruise terminal
• Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city
• Book rides straight from your phone

TheBus (Public Transport):

• Covers all major areas of Oahu
• Costs £4.50 for a day pass
• Runs regular services from the port

Rental Cars:

• Give you complete travel freedom
• Let you discover quiet beaches
• Come with parking challenges in Waikiki
• Require advance booking

Choose the option that matches your schedule and comfort level. Remember: Waikiki’s parking fees can be steep, so factor this into your transport plans.

Top Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal

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Getting around from your cruise ship is easy, with many top attractions nearby.

You can reach Waikiki Beach in just 15 minutes by car. The beach offers clear waters for swimming and soft sand for relaxing.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial sits 30 minutes from the port. You can visit the USS Arizona Memorial to explore World War II history.

Iolani Palace stands in downtown Honolulu. You’ll discover Hawaii’s royal history in this unique palace – the only one in the United States.

You’ll find 350 shops at Ala Moana Centre, making it perfect for retail therapy.

The Diamond Head Crater trail rewards you with stunning coast views. You can reach the summit in about an hour.

Chinatown welcomes you with busy markets and local food spots. You can taste authentic Hawaiian and Asian dishes here.

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Best Beaches to Visit During Your Stop

Top Oahu Beaches for Your Cruise Stop

You’ll discover these five brilliant beaches near your Honolulu cruise port:

Waikiki Beach

• 10 minutes from port
• Gentle waves suit beginner surfers
• Wide sandy shore

Lanikai Beach

• Turquoise waters sparkle year-round
• Two offshore islands create postcard views
• Powder-soft white sand

Kuhio Beach

• Break wall keeps waters calm
• Safe swimming for kids
• Easy access to facilities

Ala Moana Beach

• Locals’ go-to spot
• Palm trees provide natural shade
• Shallow, peaceful waters

Sans Souci Beach

• Quieter atmosphere
• Rich marine life for snorkelling
• Clear visibility underwater

Each beach sits within easy reach of your ship, letting you maximise your island time.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Manele Bay, Lanai for a different Hawaii Cruise destination.

Local Dining & Shopping Options

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Where to Eat and Shop in Honolulu

You’ll find excellent shopping at Ala Moana Centre, Hawaii’s biggest mall. Local boutiques sit alongside luxury brands, whilst the food court serves fresh poke bowls and traditional plate lunches.

You can explore Hawaii’s food scene in two main areas:

• Chinatown’s modern restaurants
• Waikiki’s beachfront eateries

For shopping, try these locations:

• Kalakaua Avenue for souvenirs and high-end shops
• Ward Village for local designers and fresh dining options

Take home these popular Hawaiian treats:

• Kona coffee
• Macadamia nut chocolates

These spots fit easily into your shore time and give you a true taste of Honolulu’s shopping and dining culture.

Essential Travel Tips for Cruise Passengers

Tips for Your Honolulu Cruise Stop

You need these practical tips to make the most of your time in Honolulu:

• Take a refillable water bottle and apply reef-safe sunscreen – the Hawaiian sun is strong
• Use the Waikiki Trolley app to move between attractions easily
• Get your currency exchanged before you arrive to avoid high ATM fees
• Save the Cruise Port Shuttle timetable on your phone – shuttles often depart earlier than listed
• Keep a light waterproof jacket handy for the frequent afternoon showers

These clear actions will help you explore the city smoothly. You’ll spend less time sorting logistics and more time enjoying Honolulu’s sights, shops and restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise to Honolulu?

You’ll find the optimal times to cruise to Honolulu during the shoulder seasons: April to May or September to October. These periods offer you three key advantages: smaller crowds, reduced prices, and mild weather conditions. Whilst Honolulu welcomes visitors throughout the year, booking your cruise during these months ensures the best overall experience.

Are There Luggage Storage Services Available for Cruise Passengers?

You can store your luggage at several locations near Honolulu port. The cruise terminal provides secure storage facilities. Local hotels and dedicated storage companies also offer luggage storage services whilst you explore the island. You’ll find storage prices vary by location and duration.

How Severe Are Motion Sickness Concerns in Hawaiian Waters?

Motion sickness in Hawaiian waters varies depending on your sensitivity. You’ll experience gentle movement even on calm days. The summer months (May to October) offer the smoothest sailing conditions. You should pack anti-nausea medication if you get seasick easily. Most visitors handle the waves well, especially during coastal cruises near the islands. You can reduce your risk by choosing morning tours when waters tend to be calmer.

Can I See Pearl Harbor if I Only Have 4 Hours?

You can visit Pearl Harbor in 4 hours but must plan carefully. The USS Arizona Memorial serves as the main attraction, requiring about 2 hours of your time. Book your tickets online before arrival to secure your preferred time slot. More than 1.8 million people visit annually, so expect crowds throughout the day. Focus on the Memorial if you’re short on time, as it offers the most significant historical experience. Your visit includes a documentary film and a boat ride to the Memorial site.

Are There Cultural Customs or Etiquette I Should Observe in Hawaii?

When visiting Hawaii, observe these essential customs:

• Take off your shoes before entering any home
• Keep your hands off sacred and cultural sites
• Accept flower leis by bowing your head slightly
• Use basic Hawaiian phrases in daily interactions:
• “Mahalo” (thank you)
• “Aloha” (hello/goodbye)
• “Pono” (righteousness/proper behaviour)

You’ll show respect for local culture by following the relaxed “aloha spirit”. This means staying patient, speaking softly and treating others with kindness.

Remember: locals value their traditions deeply, so your awareness of these customs will help you connect better with Hawaiian communities.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island) Cruise Ship Port.