You’ll find six key ports when cruising around Hawaii:
Honolulu Port (Pier 2):
You can walk straight into the city from here.
Hilo Port:
You’ll access Hawaii’s volcanoes and waterfalls from this gateway.
Kailua-Kona Port:
You must take tender boats to shore to reach local coffee farms and snorkelling spots.
Kahului Port:
You’ll need transport to visit Maui’s main attractions from here.
Lahaina Port:
You step directly into this historic town centre.
Your Port Tips:
- Pack comfortable walking shoes
- Get your tender tickets early where needed
- Check transport options before docking
- Allow time for port transfers
- Keep local port times in mind
Each port gives you different Hawaiian experiences, from volcanic landscapes to historic sites.
You’ll get the most from your stops by planning your transport and timings in advance.
Honolulu, Oahu Cruise Ship Port Guide
Your cruise ship docks at Pier 2 Cruise Terminal in Honolulu, Oahu’s main port. You’ll find yourself just minutes from Waikiki Beach and the city centre.
The terminal’s location makes exploring easy. You can walk to Aloha Tower Marketplace for food and shopping. TheBus service connects you to major attractions:
- Pearl Harbor
- Diamond Head
- North Shore surf beaches
Most ships dock for a full day, giving you plenty of time to explore. You can use TheBus to reach any part of the island, or book local tours at the terminal.
Tips for your visit:
- Keep your ship card handy for re-boarding
- Check your ship’s departure time before planning trips
- Bring sun protection and water
- Carry local currency for buses and small purchases
Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island) Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll dock at Hilo Harbor, 3 miles from downtown Hilo on the eastern coast. A free shuttle connects the port to the town centre, making local exploration straightforward.
The town offers three main attractions:
- Local markets with fresh produce and crafts
- Historic buildings and shops in the town centre
- Tropical gardens and waterfalls within walking distance
You can visit key landmarks near Hilo:
- Rainbow Falls (10-minute drive)
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (15-minute drive)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (45-minute drive)
Transport options include:
- Cruise line shore excursions
- Local tour operators
- Rental cars from the port
- Public shuttle service
The port provides basic facilities:
- Tourist information desk
- Taxi rank
- Public toilets
- Small gift shop
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Big Island) Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find Kailua-Kona‘s cruise ships drop anchor in Kailua Bay, using tender boats to transport you to Kailua Pier in the town centre.
The pier puts you directly in the heart of this charming Hawaiian town. Your immediate surroundings offer:
- Local shops
- Hawaiian restaurants
- Cultural attractions
Key activities near the pier include:
- Snorkelling in clear, fish-filled waters
- Diving at vibrant coral reefs
- Visiting Hulihe’e Palace
- Exploring Mokuaikaua Church
- Taking tours of Kona coffee farms
The western-facing coast gets strong sunshine, so you’ll need:
- Sun cream
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
Top tip: Kailua-Kona receives more direct sunlight than Hilo, making sun protection essential for your visit.
Kahului, Maui Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll arrive at Kahului Harbor on Maui’s north coast, a perfect base to explore Hawaii’s second-largest island. The port serves industrial purposes and offers minimal tourist facilities.
You need transport to visit Maui’s main attractions. Your options include:
- Car hire from Kahului Airport
- Organised shore excursions
- Local shuttle services
Must-see destinations from the port:
- The Road to Hana
- HaleakalÄ National Park
- Lahaina’s historic whaling town
For everyday needs, you’ll find two main shopping centres nearby:
- Maui Mall
- Queen Ka’ahumanu Center
Both centres provide shops, restaurants and local services. You can reach them via a quick taxi journey from the port.
Lahaina, Maui Cruise Ship Port Guide
Your Lahaina Cruise Experience
You’ll arrive at Lahaina differently from most ports – your ship anchors offshore and small tender boats transport you to Lahaina Harbor. This places you directly in the former whaling town‘s centre.
Key Places to Visit:
Front Street:
- Waterfront shopping
- Local art galleries
- Hawaiian restaurants
- Historic buildings
Notable Landmarks:
- Banyan Tree (planted 1873)
- Spans an entire block
- Offers natural shade
- Baldwin Home Museum
- Lahaina Heritage Museum
Travel Tips:
- Bring a small bag or backpack
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Take water and sun protection
- Keep your tender ticket handy
The town’s compact layout lets you explore everything on foot, making it easy to visit multiple attractions in one day.
Nawiliwili, Kauai Cruise Ship Port Guide
Your cruise ship docks at Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai’s main port for visitors. You’ll arrive to see mountains and tropical scenery surrounding the harbour.
Kalapaki Beach sits just a few minutes’ walk from your ship. You can swim safely in its sheltered waters or browse the shops at the nearby Harbor Mall.
Two must-see attractions await you on Kauai:
- Waimea Canyon stretches across the island’s west side, earning its nickname ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’
- The Na Pali Coast showcases dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches
You’ll find authentic Hawaiian food and local culture in Hanalei town, north of the port.
Top tip: Book your shore trips before you arrive. Most popular sites need transport arrangements, and spaces fill quickly.
Kaunakakai, Molokai Cruise Ship Port Guide
Your Kaunakakai Port Experience
You’ll arrive at a peaceful Hawaiian port when your cruise ship anchors off Kaunakakai, Molokai. Small tender boats will take you from your ship to the harbour.
Top activities in Kaunakakai:
- Main Street exploration
- You can walk through historic wooden storefronts
- You’ll find unique local shops
- You can browse Hawaiian crafts and goods
- Cultural visits
- You can tour St Damien’s Church
- You’ll learn about the priest’s work with the local community
- You can explore the town’s Hawaiian heritage
- Local dining
- You can taste fresh seafood at family restaurants
- You’ll eat alongside town residents
- You can try traditional Hawaiian dishes
Transport tips:
- Your ship will anchor offshore
- You’ll reach land via tender boats
- The harbour welcomes you to Molokai’s relaxed atmosphere
This quieter port offers you a genuine Hawaiian experience, away from the busier tourist centres on other islands.
Manele Bay, Lanai Cruise Ship Port Guide
You’ll find your cruise ship anchoring at Manele Bay, a peaceful port on Lanai’s southern coast. The clear waters make this spot ideal for snorkelling and watching dolphins swim nearby.
Your tender boat takes you to a small pier connecting directly to Hulopoe Beach. The beach offers white sand, safe swimming areas and natural tide pools on its eastern side. Many visitors rate this beach as one of America’s finest.
A simple walking trail leads you to Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock. You can take stunning photos from this viewpoint. The area has basic facilities, but you can enjoy high-end dining at the nearby Four Seasons Resort.
The bay lets you:
- Swim in protected waters
- Explore rich marine life
- Visit pristine beaches
- Take scenic coastal walks
- Access quality dining options
Your ship anchors offshore, and you’ll need to take a tender boat to reach the landing pier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for a Hawaii Cruise?
The optimal times for your Hawaii cruise fall between April-May or September-October. You’ll encounter mild temperatures and clear skies during these months. Your travel costs will be lower, and tourist spots will be less crowded. The islands’ hurricane season poses minimal risk to cruise ships, so you can sail confidently during these periods. Your cruise experience benefits from these shoulder seasons, offering the perfect balance of weather and value.
Are Vaccination Requirements Necessary for Hawaii Cruises?
You need to check vaccination requirements for Hawaii cruises before booking. Most cruise lines maintain specific COVID-19 vaccination policies. Requirements differ amongst cruise operators serving Hawaiian routes. Contact your chosen cruise line directly to understand their current vaccination guidelines. Your holiday planning should start with reviewing these health requirements.
How Much Should You Budget for Shore Excursions?
Plan Ā£60-120 per person for each Hawaii shore excursion. You’ll discover activities from snorkelling trips to volcano hikes. Set aside Ā£240-480 total for your trip’s main attractions. These prices cover standard guided tours, transport and basic equipment hire. Your daily excursion choices will affect your final budget.
What Formal Attire Is Expected on Hawaiian Cruises?
You’ll find two distinct dress codes on Hawaiian cruises: daily smart casual and evening formal wear.
For daytime activities, wear neat resort clothing like collared shirts, casual trousers or summer dresses.
For formal evenings, you need:
- Men: Dark suit or dress trousers with a collared shirt
- Women: Cocktail dress or elegant separates
Most Hawaiian cruises feature 1-2 formal nights per week, with a more relaxed approach than traditional cruise formal wear. You can pack lighter formal options suitable for the tropical climate.
Remember to pair your outfits with appropriate shoes – smart sandals work well for both day and evening wear in the Hawaiian setting.
Can Cruise Passengers Visit Restricted Areas Like Niihau Island?
No, you can’t visit Niihau Island during your cruise. The island remains private property with strict access restrictions. You can explore many other beautiful Hawaiian islands instead, where cruise ships regularly dock and welcome visitors.
