Hawaii Cruise Ports 2026: Which Islands Do Cruise Ships Actually Visit?

Hawaii has five main cruise ports with regular calls: Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului (Maui), and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Occasional specialty itineraries also visit Kaunakakai (Molokai) and Hulopoe Bay (Lanai).

Norwegian’s Pride of America operates year-round Hawaii cruises. Other cruise lines offer seasonal and repositioning itineraries. See our USA Cruise Ports Guide for other US destinations.

Important 2026 update: Lahaina (Maui) was severely damaged by August 2023 wildfires and remains closed to cruise ships. Kahului now serves as Maui’s primary cruise port.

📍 Hawaii Port Cheat Sheet: 2026 Edition

• Most Walkable Port: Honolulu (Oahu). You are right in the heart of the city.
• Most Difficult Logistics: Kahului (Maui). It’s industrial; you must have a rental car or excursion booked to see the “real” Maui.
• Don’t Forget: Kailua-Kona is a tender port. If you have an early independent tour, get your tender tickets the night before.
• Packing Essential: Reef-safe mineral sunscreen. You cannot buy the chemical stuff here, and many tours will check your bottle before you get in the water.
• Weather Warning: Hilo is the wettest city in the US. Even if it’s sunny in Kona, bring a poncho for Hilo.

Quick Hawaii Port Guide: 2026 Comparison

Use this table to quickly identify which ports offer easy walk-off access versus those requiring a boat transfer (tender).

Honolulu Cruise Port (Oahu)

• Location: Pier 2, downtown Honolulu
• Docking: Ships dock at pier
• Distance to Waikiki: 15 minutes by taxi/Uber

Honolulu’s cruise terminal sits in downtown, walking distance to the city center. Most cruise passengers head to Pearl Harbor (book months ahead), Waikiki Beach, or Diamond Head.

Transport from port:

• Public bus (TheBus) – $3, routes 19/20/42 to Waikiki
• Taxi/Uber to Waikiki – $15-25
• Pearl Harbor shuttle – book through cruise line or private operators

👉 First time in Oahu? Read our Honolulu Port Guide: How to see Pearl Harbor and Waikiki without the cruise line crowds.

Hilo Cruise Port (Big Island)

• Location: East coast of Big Island
• Docking: Ships dock at pier
• Distance to downtown: 3km (free shuttle usually provided)

Hilo serves as the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The port gets more rain than other Hawaiian ports, keeping everything lush and green.

Main attractions:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (30 miles, 45-60 minutes)
• Rainbow Falls (5 minutes from downtown)
• Local farmers markets
• Akaka Falls

Weather note: Hilo averages 130 inches of rain per year. Pack a light rain jacket.

🌋 Heading to the Volcano? Get the Hilo Port Guide for expert tips on Volcanoes National Park and Hilo’s “hidden” waterfall spots.

Kailua-Kona Cruise Port (Big Island)

• Location: West coast of Big Island
• Docking: Ships anchor offshore, tender to town center
• Tender time: Add 30-45 minutes each way

Kailua-Kona offers the driest, sunniest weather of all Hawaiian ports. Ships anchor in Kailua Bay and tender passengers directly to the town pier.

Main attractions:

• Kona coffee farms (tours available)
• Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument)
• Historic Kailua Village (walkable from tender dock)
• Beach time at white sand beaches

Important: Kona gets very hot. Bring serious sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen.

☕ Master the Kona Tender: Plan your day in the sun with our Kailua-Kona Guide—from coffee farm tours to the best local snorkel spots.

Kahului Cruise Port (Maui)

• Location: Central Maui, industrial port
• Docking: Ships dock at pier
• Distance to attractions: Most attractions require transport

Kahului replaced Lahaina as Maui’s primary cruise port after the 2023 wildfires. The port is functional but industrial – attractions are spread across the island.

Main attractions:

• Road to Hana (full day required)
• Haleakalā National Park (2+ hours from port)
• Iao Valley State Park (20 minutes)
• Beach towns (various distances)

Transport options:

• Rental car (recommended for full-day ports)
• Organized excursions
• Taxi/Uber (expensive for long distances)

Pride of America offers overnight stays in Kahului, giving you two days to explore Maui.

🚗 Exploring Maui from Kahului? See our 2026 Kahului Port Guide for Road to Hana driving times and post-Lahaina travel tips.

Nawiliwili Cruise Port (Kauai)

• Location: Southeast Kauai
• Docking: Ships dock at pier
• Nearby beach: Kalapaki Beach (walking distance)

Nawiliwili serves as the gateway to Kauai’s dramatic natural beauty. The port sits near Lihue with easy access to the island’s main attractions.

Main attractions:

• Waimea Canyon (1.5 hours west)
• Na Pali Coast (boat tours or helicopter)
• Wailua Falls (30 minutes north)
• Kalapaki Beach (adjacent to port)

Pride of America typically offers overnight stays in Nawiliwili.

🌴 The Garden Isle Awaits: Our Nawiliwili Port Guide covers the best ways to see Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast in one day.

Kaunakakai Cruise Port (Molokai)

• Location: South coast of Molokai
• Docking: Ships anchor offshore, tender to town
• Port calls: Occasional specialty itineraries only

Kaunakakai offers the most authentic Hawaiian experience with minimal tourism development. The small town provides a genuine look at traditional Hawaiian life.

What to expect:

• Very quiet, small-town atmosphere
• Local markets and shops
• Cultural experiences
• St. Damien’s Church and historical sites

This port isn’t for everyone – if you want beaches and activities, you’ll be disappointed. Come for authentic culture.

🍍 Looking for the “Real” Hawaii? Discover the quiet side of the islands with our guide to Kaunakakai’s authentic Molokai culture.

Hulopoe Bay Cruise Port (Lanai)

• Location: South coast of Lanai (Manele area)
• Docking: Ships anchor off Hulopoe Bay, tender to beach
• Port calls: Occasional specialty itineraries only

Hulopoe Bay offers pristine beaches and limited but high-quality options. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the beach area.

Main attractions:

• Hulopoe Beach (one of Hawaii’s best)
• Sweetheart Rock (Puu Pehe)
• Four Seasons Resort dining
• Snorkeling in protected bay

This is primarily a beach and snorkel stop with limited touring options.

🏝️ Dreaming of a Private Island? Read the Manele Bay Guide for the best snorkeling spots and walking trails on Lanai.

Hawaii Cruise Port Weather by Season

Peak Season (December-April):

• Best weather, minimal rain
• Whale watching season (humpback whales)
• Higher prices, more crowds
• Book excursions months ahead

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-November):

• Good weather, slightly more rain
• Lower prices, fewer crowds
• Better value overall

Off Season (July-August):

• Hottest temperatures
• More rain possible
• Lowest cruise prices
• Hurricane season (rare but possible)

Windward vs Leeward coasts: East-facing coasts (Hilo) get more rain. West-facing coasts (Kona) stay drier and sunnier.

What to Pack for Hawaii Cruise Ports

Essential items:

• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (required by Hawaii law – see below)
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip (men’s | women’s)
• Light rain jacket (especially for Hilo)
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable phone charger for all-day port excursions
• Anti-theft day backpack for tender ports
• Quality luggage that handles island-hopping

Sun protection: Hawaii sun is intense year-round. Use high SPF and reapply frequently.

Hawaii Reef-Safe Sunscreen Law

Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate (effective January 2021). These chemicals damage coral reefs.

What to use:

• Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Look for “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” labels
• Major brands now make Hawaii-compliant versions

Where to buy:

• Available at all Hawaii stores (ABC Stores, grocery stores, pharmacies)
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen from home to save money
• Check ingredients list before packing

The Big Island and Maui County have stricter laws restricting the sale of non-mineral sunscreens (though enforcement focuses on retail sales rather than personal possession).

Hawaii Cruise Port Money-Saving Tips

Excursions:

• Compare ship prices with local operators
• Book direct with tour companies for savings
• Use public transport where available (Honolulu)
• Rent a car for groups of 3-4 (often cheaper than excursions)

Food:

• Eat breakfast on ship
• Pack snacks and refillable water bottle
• Try food trucks (better value than tourist restaurants)
• ABC Stores for reasonably priced essentials

Shopping:

• Avoid port-adjacent tourist traps
• ABC Stores have fair prices on souvenirs and essentials
• Local markets for authentic Hawaiian products

Which Cruise Lines Visit Hawaii?

Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Pride of America – only year-round Hawaii-based ship
• 7-day inter-island cruises every Saturday from Honolulu

Hawaii Cruise Etiquette and Cultural Respect

Respect Hawaiian culture:

• Learn basic words: aloha (hello/love), mahalo (thank you), ohana (family)
• Don’t remove lava rocks (locals believe it brings bad luck)
• Be respectful at sacred sites and memorials
• Support local businesses when possible

Beach etiquette:

• Use only reef-safe sunscreen
• Don’t take coral, shells, or lava rocks
• Stay on marked paths
• Pack out all trash

Tipping: Follow standard US tipping – 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters. See our Tipping on Your Cruise guide.

Pride of America Itinerary Changes (October 2026-March 2027)

Norwegian Cruise Line adjusted the port order for Pride of America sailings between October 2026 and March 2027. All ports remain the same, but visiting order and times have changed:

New schedule:

• Sunday: Maui (Kahului) arrival at 08:00, overnight
• Monday: Depart Maui at 18:00
• Tuesday: Hilo 08:00-18:00
• Wednesday: Kona 07:00-17:30
• Thursday: Kauai (Nawiliwili) arrival, overnight
• Friday: Kauai departure

If sailing during this period, recheck any pre-booked tours or car rentals to ensure they align with the new schedule.

Common Hawaii Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to see everything Each island could fill a week. Pick 2-3 priorities per port and enjoy them properly rather than rushing.
2. Not booking excursions early Pearl Harbor, volcano tours, and Haleakalā sunrise sell out months ahead. Book when your cruise opens for excursion reservations.
3. Underestimating travel times Hawaii distances are deceptive. Haleakalā is 2+ hours from Kahului. Factor drive time into planning.
4. Forgetting about tender times Tender ports (Kona, Kaunakakai, Manele Bay) add 30-60 minutes each way. Get tender tickets early – they’re first-come, first-served.
5. Bringing non-reef-safe sunscreen You can’t buy it in Hawaii. Check ingredients before packing or buy in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year for a Hawaii cruise? December through April offers best weather and whale watching, but expect higher prices. May-June and September-November provide good weather with better value.

How much should I budget for shore excursions? Plan £60-120 per person per excursion for ship tours. Independent options cost 30-50% less. Budget £200-400 total per person for a typical 7-day cruise.

Can I visit all the islands on one cruise? Most Hawaii cruises visit 4-6 ports across 3-4 islands over 7-14 days. You’ll get a taste of each island but not comprehensive coverage.

Do I need a passport for Hawaii cruises? For Pride of America (Hawaii-only itinerary), US citizens don’t need passports. For cruises starting/ending outside Hawaii or visiting foreign ports, you’ll need a valid passport.

Are Hawaii cruises suitable for families? Yes. Many activities work for all ages, and cultural experiences are educational. See our Family Cruises guide.

Can I use my mobile phone in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is part of the US, so domestic plans apply. Ship internet charges apply at sea – consider wifi packages if needed.

What about sea days? Pride of America has zero sea days – every day is a port day. Seasonal repositioning cruises typically include several sea days crossing to/from mainland.