Nawiliwili (Kauai) Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Garden Isle Gateway

Port Essentials

• Location: Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai, Hawaii (southernmost of Hawaii’s main islands)
• Port Address: 3477 Wilcox Road, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
• Docking: Direct dockside – no tendering required
• Walk to Beach: 10-12 minutes to Kalapaki Beach (800m flat waterfront path)
• Free Shuttles: Available to Harbor Mall, Anchor Cove, Walmart, Hilo Hattie (red trolley at port exit)
• Best Way to Explore: Rental car (book 6+ months ahead – sells out peak season)
• Uber/Lyft: Available but scarce – expect 15-30 min waits, unreliable for time-sensitive returns
• Taxis: Queue at port entrance, agree on fares before boarding
• Distance to Airport: Lihue Airport: 3.2km (10 minutes by car/taxi)
• Port Time: Most ships: 7am-6pm (11 hours) | Pride of America: 24 hours
• Best For: Beach lovers, hikers, photographers, first-time Hawaii visitors
• Not For: People seeking nightlife, shopping malls, or urban experiences

2026 Hawaii Cruise Tax Update:
Hawaii’s 11% “Green Fee” on cruise fares was blocked by federal court on December 31, 2025. Cruise passengers are NOT currently charged this tax. Hotels and vacation rentals still pay it. The legal case continues through appeals.

Quick answer to “Is Nawiliwili the same as Kauai?”
Nawiliwili is the cruise port harbor on Kauai island. Kauai is the island, Nawiliwili is where your ship docks. They’re not the same – Nawiliwili is a small harbor area on Kauai’s southeast coast.

Hawaii cruise ports claim to offer paradise. Nawiliwili actually delivers. This isn’t Honolulu’s cruise ship factory or Maui’s overcrowded shore. Kauai’s port drops you straight into the “Garden Isle” – the oldest Hawaiian island with the most dramatic scenery and the least tourist infrastructure.

Your ship docks directly at Nawiliwili Harbor. No tender boats. No 45-minute shuttle rides. Walk off the gangway and you’re 800 meters from Kalapaki Beach, 3km from dramatic Na Pali Coast viewpoints, and 90 minutes from Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”).

The challenge? You have 11 hours to see an island that deserves a week. Car rental gives you freedom but requires planning. Shore excursions handle logistics but cost more. Independent exploration works if you know what you’re doing.

Here’s what you actually need to know.

Nawiliwili Kauai Cruise Port Map

Map showing: Cruise dock → Kalapaki Beach (800m) → Lihue Airport (3.2km) → Waimea Canyon (90 min drive) → Na Pali Coast lookouts (60 min drive)

Car Rental at Nawiliwili Cruise Port

Kauai’s best attractions require driving. Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast viewpoints, and secret beaches aren’t accessible by walking or limited public buses. Taxis cost £150+ ($191+) for day trips. Shore excursions bundle you with 40 passengers.

Rental car gives you control: beat crowds, stay late at viewpoints, skip tours for empty beaches.

Car Rental Companies & Costs

Major companies with free shuttle from dock:

Company	Contact	Daily Rate
Avis	+1 808-245-3512	£35-55 ($44-70)
Budget	+1 808-245-1901	£35-55 ($44-70)
Hertz	+1 808-245-3356	£50-75 ($64-95)
National/Alamo	+1 808-246-0645	£50-75 ($64-95)
Discount Hawaii Car Rental	+1 808-292-1930	£40-60 ($51-76)

• How it works: Exit ship → Board rental shuttle at port entrance → 10-min ride to office → Get car (allow 30-45 min total)
• Total cost for 4 passengers: £50-75 ($64-95) ÷ 4 = £12.50-19 ($16-24) per person vs £80+ ($102+) for shore excursions
• What you need: Driver’s license, credit card, cruise return time
• Insurance: Check if your credit card covers rentals before buying theirs (saves £15-25/$19-32 per day)

Should You Rent a Car?

• Rent if: Traveling with 3-4 people, want Waimea Canyon/Na Pali, comfortable on winding roads, value flexibility
• Skip if: Solo (taxi cheaper), only want Kalapaki Beach (10-min walk), nervous about mountain driving, want zero stress (book shore excursion)
• Book 6+ months ahead – Kauai has limited inventory, especially when multiple ships dock.

Distances from Nawiliwili Cruise Port

People ask “how far is X from the cruise port” because Kauai’s geography isn’t intuitive. Here are actual distances and drive times:

Destination	Distance	Drive Time	Walking?
Kalapaki Beach	800m	3 min	Yes – 10 min walk
Anchor Cove Shopping Center	1km	3 min	Yes – 12 min walk
Lihue town center	3km	8 min	No
Lihue Airport	3.2km	10 min	No
Wailua Falls	13km	20 min	No
Poipu Beach	18km	25 min	No
Waimea Canyon Lookout	65km	90 min	No
Hanalei Bay	45km	60 min	No
Kalalau Lookout (Na Pali Coast)	68km	75 min	No
Princeville	48km	65 min	No

Walking radius: Only Kalapaki Beach and Anchor Cove Shopping Center are walkable. Everything else requires transport.

Driving reality: Kauai roads are narrow, winding, and single-lane in places. Google Maps times are optimistic. Add 15-20% to estimates.

Nawiliwili to Kalapaki Beach: Walking Directions

Distance: 800 meters
Walking time: 10-12 minutes
Walking route: Exit port gate → Turn right on Niumalu Road → Follow waterfront path → Kalapaki Beach

Route details:

• Flat, paved sidewalk entire way
• Scenic harbor views
• Pass Anchor Cove Shopping Center (bathrooms, cafes)
• Beach appears on your left after Kauai Marriott hotel

Beach facilities:

• Free public access
• Lifeguards on duty
• Showers/restrooms at beach park end
• Calm waters perfect for swimming (protected by breakwater)
• Surf lessons available (book on beach)
• Beach chair/umbrella rentals: £15-20/day

Return to ship: Same route in reverse. Allow 15 minutes to account for beach traffic.

Free Things to Do Near Nawiliwili Cruise Port

19 monthly searches for free activities – people want budget options. Kauai delivers if you know where to look.

Within Walking Distance (No Car Needed)

✅ Kalapaki Beach (800m walk)

• Swimming in calm, protected bay
• Bodyboarding (rent boards £10/hour)
• Watch surfers at the break
• Beach volleyball courts
• Sunset views (if your ship stays late)
• Cost: Free

✅ Ninini Point Lighthouse Walk (1.2km from beach)

• Coastal cliff trail
• Historic lighthouse (1906)
• Whale watching in winter months
• Monk seal sightings
• Duration: 30-minute walk each way
• Cost: Free

✅ Anchor Cove Shopping Center (1km walk)

• Free hula shows (check schedule at tourist info)
• Window shopping local crafts
• Air-conditioned mall walkthrough
• Free WiFi
• Cost: Free (unless you shop)

✅ Kalapaki Beach Park (next to beach)

• Shaded picnic areas
• Playground for kids
• Ocean views
• Local food trucks (lunch £8-12)
• Cost: Free

Requires Transport (Drive or Taxi)

✅ Wailua Falls Viewpoint (13km, 20 min drive)

• 80-foot double waterfall
• Roadside viewpoint (no hiking required)
• Photo opportunity
• 15-minute stop
• Cost: Free parking

✅ Poipu Beach Snorkeling (18km, 25 min drive)

• Protected cove perfect for beginners
• See sea turtles (highly likely)
• Tropical fish
• Rent snorkel gear £12/day or bring your own
• Cost: Free beach access

✅ Koloa Town Historic Walk (16km, 22 min drive)

• Old plantation town
• Historic buildings from 1800s
• Free self-guided walking tour
• Small-town Hawaii atmosphere
• Cost: Free

✅ Spouting Horn (20km, 28 min drive)

• Natural blowhole shoots water 50+ feet
• Lava rock coastline
• Crafts vendors (optional shopping)
• 20-minute stop
• Cost: Free parking and viewing

Budget-Friendly Paid Activities

Not free, but affordable alternatives to £100 shore excursions:

🏖️ Surf Lesson at Kalapaki Beach

• Group lesson: £45 for 90 minutes
• Equipment included
• Beginners welcome
• Book on beach (Kalapaki Beach Boys)

🥾 Self-Guided Waimea Canyon

• Entry: Free (state park)
• Parking: Free
• Driving: Car rental £45-60/day split among group
• See “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” on your schedule

🛶 Kayak Rental at Wailua River

• £35/day for double kayak
• Paddle to Fern Grotto yourself
• No guide means no commentary, but you control timing

What’s NOT Free (Despite What Blogs Claim)

❌ Na Pali Coast boat tours – £120-180/person (not free)
❌ Helicopter tours – £250+/person (definitely not free)
❌ Luaus – £85-120/person (evening entertainment, ship may have departed)
❌ Zipline tours – £120-150/person (adventure activity)

Anyone claiming these are “free” is lying to you.

What to Pack for Kauai

Pack smart, save money on beach shop purchases:

Essentials:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii law bans the sale of non-reef-safe sunscreens. While you won’t likely be “ticketed” on the beach, many tour operators (especially boat tours) will strictly forbid its use)
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Waterproof phone case for beach/snorkeling photos
• Reusable water bottle (refill at port)
• Light rain jacket (tropical showers)
• Swimsuit under clothes for quick beach stops
• Polarized sunglasses

Optional but useful:

• Snorkel gear if visiting Poipu (rental £12/$15/day)
• Day pack for hiking
• Insect repellent for Wailua Falls

Skip: Expensive jewelry, heavy backpack, beach towel (bring ship towel)

Nawiliwili Cruise Port Facilities & What’s Actually There

The port is basic. Set expectations accordingly.

What exists:

• Welcome pavilion (tourist information desk, port maps, brochures)
• Clean bathrooms
• Free WiFi (slow, works for checking email)
• Local craft vendors (when ships dock)
• Taxi stand at port entrance
• Rental car shuttle pickup point

What doesn’t exist:

• Large shopping mall
• Currency exchange (use ATM in Lihue)
• Luggage storage
• Restaurants (nearest are 800m walk at Anchor Cove)
• Duty-free shops
• Entertainment venues

Port address for taxi drivers: 3477 Wilcox Road, Līhuʻe, HI 96766

Cell coverage: Excellent throughout port area (all major US carriers)

Transportation from Nawiliwili Harbor

Free Shuttles from Nawiliwili Port

The Hidden Gem: Most cruise passengers don’t realize Nawiliwili offers FREE shuttles to multiple shopping centers. This is Kauai’s port secret – use them strategically.

What’s Available:

Destination	Shuttle	Frequency	Walk to Beach?
Harbor Mall	Red trolley	Every 15-20 min	Yes – Kalapaki Beach adjacent
Anchor Cove Shopping	Red trolley	Every 15-20 min	Yes – Kalapaki Beach 2 min walk
Walmart (Lihue)	Varies	When ships in port	No – but cheap supplies
Hilo Hattie	Varies	When ships in port	No – souvenir shopping
Kukui Grove Center	Sometimes available	Check at port	No – largest mall on Kauai

How to Find Shuttles:

• Exit ship security gate
• Look for red trolley or branded shuttle vans at port entrance
• Ask staff at welcome pavilion which shuttles are running
• Board appropriate shuttle (they’re labeled by destination)

Strategy for Free Shuttle Users:

1. Take shuttle to Harbor Mall (5-minute ride)
2. Walk to Kalapaki Beach from mall (2 minutes)
3. Spend morning swimming/beach time
4. Lunch at Duke’s or mall cafes
5. Return shuttle to port
6. Total cost: £0 ($0)

What Free Shuttles DON’T Cover:

• Waimea Canyon
• Na Pali Coast lookouts
• Poipu Beach
• Wailua Falls
• Any major scenic attractions

Verdict: Free shuttles work perfectly for beach-only days. For sightseeing beyond Lihue, you need car/taxi/tours.

Taxis at Nawiliwili

Availability: Taxis queue at port entrance when ships dock
Cost examples:

• To Kalapaki Beach: £8-12 ($10-15) (but just walk – it’s 10 minutes)
• To Lihue town: £12-18 ($15-23)
• To Wailua Falls (round trip with wait): £60-80 ($76-102)
• To Poipu Beach (round trip): £70-90 ($89-114)
• To Waimea Canyon (round trip, 4-hour wait): £150-200 ($191-254)

Companies:

• Scotty’s Taxi: +1 808-639-4310
• Kauai Taxi Company: +1 808-246-9554
• North Shore Cab: +1 808-639-7829

Taxi tips:

• Agree on price BEFORE getting in (no meters)
• Ask if rate includes waiting time for round trips
• Tipping: 15-20% is standard
• For groups of 4+, taxi costs approach car rental prices

Uber and Lyft on Kauai

Availability: Limited on Kauai
Reality: Uber/Lyft operate but driver availability is unpredictable. Don’t rely on rideshare as your only plan.

When it works: Airport runs, short Lihue trips
When it fails: Remote beaches, Na Pali Coast, early morning pickups

Kauai Public Bus

• Cost: $2 (£1.60) per ride, or $5 (£3.95) all-day pass (exact change)
• Routes: Limited and designed for residents, not tourists
• Frequency: Hourly at best
• Useful for: Lihue town shopping
• Not useful for: Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Poipu (doesn’t go there)
• Verdict: Public bus doesn’t work for cruise passengers with limited time.

Rental Cars

See complete section above. This is your best independent option.

Shore Excursions

Cruise line and third-party tours handle all logistics:

• Pickup at port
• Air-conditioned buses
• English-speaking guides
• Guaranteed return before ship departure
• Cost: £75-180 ($95-229) per person depending on tour

Trade-off: Pay premium for zero-stress convenience.

Walking

Walkable destinations:

• Kalapaki Beach: 800m, 10 minutes
• Anchor Cove Shopping: 1km, 12 minutes

Not walkable:

• Everything else requires transport

Best Things to Do at Nawiliwili Cruise Port

You have 11 hours. Pick ONE major activity + beach time OR multiple smaller activities.

Option 1: Waimea Canyon (Full Day, 6-7 hours)

• Transport: Rental car £45-60 ($57-76) or shore excursion £75-95 ($95-121)
• The plan: Depart 8am → Canyon (90 min drive) → Multiple viewpoints (2 hours) → Waimea town lunch → Return 3:30pm
• Why: “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – red-rock cliffs, 3,000-foot drops, stunning views
• Challenge: Long winding drive, crowded midday (go early)

Option 2: Na Pali Coast + North Shore (Full Day, 7-8 hours)

• Transport: Rental car £50-70 ($64-89) required
• The plan: Depart 7:30am → Hanalei Bay → Ke’e Beach → Kalalau Lookout → Return
• Why: Dramatic coastline views, Hawaii’s most beautiful bay
• Challenge: Narrow winding roads, limited parking at Ke’e Beach

Option 3: Wailua River Kayak (Half Day, 4-5 hours)

• Transport: Taxi £40-50 ($51-64) round trip
• Cost: Kayak rental £35-45 ($44-57)
• The plan: Kayak 2 miles to Fern Grotto → Explore cave → Return
• Why: Peaceful jungle paddle, famous fern cave
• Challenge: Physical effort (2 miles paddling total)

Option 4: South Shore Beaches (Half Day, 4-5 hours)

• Transport: Rental car £40-50 ($51-64) or taxi £70-90 ($89-114)
• The plan: Poipu Beach snorkeling (2 hours, see turtles) → Spouting Horn → Koloa town
• Why: Best snorkeling from port, guaranteed turtle sightings
• Challenge: Windy, crowded by 11am

Option 5: Kalapaki Beach (Minimal Planning, 3-6 hours)

• Transport: Walk 10 minutes
• Cost: Free (optional lunch £10-20 / $13-25)
• The plan: Walk to beach → Swim/relax → Lunch at Duke’s or mall → Return
• Why: Zero stress, zero planning, pleasant beach
• Reality: Not Kauai’s most spectacular beach, but convenient

Nawiliwili Shore Excursions: What’s Worth Booking

If you want zero logistical stress, book through your cruise line or reputable third parties. Here’s what actually delivers:Worth the Money

✅ Waimea Canyon Tour (6-7 hours, £75-95 / $95-121)

• Bus to canyon viewpoints
• Guide explains geology and history
• Lunch included (usually)
• Guaranteed ship won’t leave without you
• Better than driving if you’re nervous on mountain roads

✅ Na Pali Coast Boat Tour (4-5 hours, £120-180 / $152-229)

• See coast from water (can’t access by land)
• Snorkeling stop
• Dolphin/whale sightings
• Morning departure essential (seas calm)
• Book Na Pali snorkeling adventure

✅ Helicopter Tour (50-60 minutes, £250-350 / $318-445)

• Only way to see inaccessible waterfalls
• Fly into Waimea Canyon and along Na Pali Coast
• Expensive but unforgettable
• Book early (limited seats)
• Book Kauai helicopter tour with doors off
• Book Grande Deluxe air tour
• Book Princeville helicopter tour

✅ Food Tour (3-4 hours, £80-110 / $102-140)

• Sample local Hawaiian cuisine with guide
• Visit hidden local spots cruise passengers miss
• Learn about Kauai food culture
• Book Kauai local tastes food tour

✅ Botanical Garden Tour (2-3 hours, £25-45 / $32-57)

• McBryde Garden – National Tropical Botanical Garden
• Native Hawaiian plants and conservation
• Peaceful escape from crowds
• Book McBryde Garden day pass

Big Island Volcano Tours (If Your Cruise Stops There Too)

If your Hawaiian cruise also visits Hilo or Kona, these volcano tours are worth booking:

• Big Island: Kilauea Volcano eruption heli tour (doors on/off)
• Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park helicopter flight

Questionable Value

⚠️ Wailua River Boat Tour to Fern Grotto (3 hours, £60-80 / $76-102)

• You’re on a tour boat with 100 people
• 20 minutes at the grotto
• Can kayak yourself for £35 ($44)
• Skip unless you hate kayaking

⚠️ Luau (3-4 hours, £85-120 / $108-152)

• Your ship might depart before it ends (check times)
• Most run 5pm-8pm
• Entertainment is good, but timing is risky
• Only book if ship stays until 9pm+

Skip Entirely

❌ Plantation Tour (3 hours, £55-70 / $70-89)

• Boring unless you’re really into sugar history
• Most interesting parts accessible free by car
• Waste of limited port time

❌ Shopping Tours

• You can walk to Anchor Cove in 10 minutes or take FREE shuttle
• Don’t pay for a tour to take you to a mall

Local Dining Near Nawiliwili

Limited port time means grab quick lunch, save fancy dining for the ship.

At Kalapaki Beach (walking distance):

• Duke’s Canoe Club – Fish tacos £12-16 ($15-20), beachfront, can be slow when ships in
• Kalapaki Beach Hut – Quick burgers/sandwiches £10-14 ($13-18)

At Anchor Cove (walking distance):

• Tropical Burgers – Fast service, £9-12 ($11-15)

In Lihue (3km, need transport):

• Hamura Saimin Stand – Famous noodle soup £5-7 ($6-9), cash only, beloved by locals

Hawaiian foods to try: Poke (raw fish salad), plate lunch (rice + mac salad + protein), shave ice, spam musubi

Budget option: Big Save Supermarket (Lihue) – poke bowls £8-10 ($10-13), make your own beach lunch

Shopping Near Nawiliwili Cruise Port

Kauai isn’t a shopping destination. Manage expectations.

• Anchor Cove Shopping (1km walk / free shuttle): ABC Store, Hawaiian clothing, local crafts, Kauai Coffee Company. Good for last-minute souvenirs.
• Kukui Grove Center (Lihue, 5km): Macy’s, more extensive shopping. Need taxi £15-20 ($19-25) round trip. Only worth it if shopping is your priority.
• Worth buying: Kauai Coffee £8-15 ($10-19), local honey £10-18 ($13-23), Kauai Kookie Kompany cookies £6-8 ($8-10), Hawaiian shirts £30-60 ($38-76)
• Skip: Plastic hula girls (made in China), generic macadamia nuts, overpriced pearl jewelry

Nawiliwili Cruise Port Schedule & When Ships Dock

96 monthly searches for cruise ship schedule – people want to know who else will be there.

Typical schedule:

• Arrive: 7:00-8:00am
• Depart: 5:00-6:00pm
• Time in port: 10-11 hours

Peak season: October-April (Alaska ships reposition to Hawaii)

Ships that regularly call:

• Pride of America (Norwegian Cruise Line) – weekly year-round
• Grand Princess (Princess Cruises)
• Ruby Princess (Princess Cruises)
• Sapphire Princess (Princess Cruises)
• Celebrity Eclipse (Celebrity Cruises)
• Ovation of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Check real-time schedule: CruiseMapper Nawiliwili Port Schedule

Why it matters: When 2+ ships dock simultaneously, expect:

• Car rental shortages (book early)
• Crowded beaches and viewpoints
• Longer lines at attractions
• More expensive taxi fares

Pro tip: Check schedule before booking car rental. If you’re alone on arrival day, you have more flexibility.

Weather in Nawiliwili

• Year-round: 21-29°C (70-85°F), high humidity
• Rain: Brief showers possible anytime, not all-day downpours
• Best months: April-May, September-October (less rain, fewer crowds)
• Wettest: November-March
• Pack: Light rain jacket regardless of season – tropical showers appear suddenly

Common Questions

How far is Kalapaki Beach from Nawiliwili cruise port?
800 meters (10-minute walk). Exit the port gate, turn right, follow the waterfront path. The beach appears after you pass the Kauai Marriott hotel. Flat, paved, easy walk.

Do I need a car in Kauai if I’m only there for one day?
Depends on your goals. For Kalapaki Beach only: no car needed (walk). For Waimea Canyon, Na Pali lookouts, or Poipu Beach: car required OR book shore excursion. Taxis cost £150-200 for full-day trips, making car rental (£45-60 split among passengers) better value.

Where do cruise ships dock in Kauai?
Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai’s southeast coast, 3km from Lihue Airport. Ships dock directly at pier #1 or #2 – no tendering required. You walk straight off the ship onto solid ground.

What is the closest beach to Nawiliwili cruise port?
Kalapaki Beach: 800m walk (10 minutes). It’s a protected bay with calm water, perfect for swimming. Lifeguards on duty, beach facilities available, surf lessons offered.

Can you walk from Nawiliwili cruise port to anywhere interesting?
Yes, but limited. Walking distance: Kalapaki Beach (10 min), Anchor Cove Shopping (12 min). Everything else (Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Wailua Falls, Poipu Beach) requires car, taxi, or tour.

Is Nawiliwili the same as Kauai?
No. Kauai is the island (Garden Isle, northernmost main Hawaiian island). Nawiliwili is the cruise port harbor located on Kauai’s southeast coast near Lihue town. Think of it like “Southampton is the port, England is the island.”

How long does it take to drive around Kauai?
You can’t drive around Kauai – there’s no road along the Na Pali Coast (northwest side). You can drive from Lihue to the end of the road north (Ke’e Beach, 60 min) and to the end of the road west (Polihale Beach, 90 min). Driving all accessible roads takes 6-7 hours without stops.

What are the best free things to do near Kauai cruise port?
(1) Kalapaki Beach swimming – 10 min walk, £0. (2) Ninini Point Lighthouse trail – coastal walk, free. (3) Wailua Falls viewpoint – 20 min drive, free parking. (4) Poipu Beach snorkeling – 25 min drive, free beach access (turtle sightings likely). (5) Koloa historic town walk – self-guided, free.

Should I book shore excursions through the cruise line or independently?
Cruise line excursions guarantee ship won’t leave without you and handle all logistics, but cost 30-50% more. Independent car rental costs £45-60 for full day (split among group) vs £75-95/person for tours. If you’re comfortable driving and planning, rent a car. If you want zero stress, book cruise line.

What should I pack for a day in Kauai?
Reef-safe sunscreen (non-reef-safe is illegal), polarized sunglasses, water shoes, swimsuit under clothes, light rain jacket, reusable water bottle, waterproof phone case, hat. Optional: snorkel gear (if visiting Poipu), hiking shoes (if doing canyon hike).

Will I pay Hawaii’s “Green Fee” on my 2026 cruise?

No. A federal appeals court blocked Hawaii’s 11% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on cruise passengers on December 31, 2025. The tax remains in effect for hotels and vacation rentals, but cruise lines are NOT collecting it while the legal case proceeds through appeals.

If you see unexpected charges on your cruise invoice, contact your cruise line—this tax should not appear. The case is on an expedited schedule, but no timeline exists for a final ruling.

For other Hawaii cruise ports, check out Lahaina Maui, Hilo, and Honolulu.

Complete Hawaii planning: Hawaii Cruise Ship Ports Guide

Written by a cruise port veteran who’s explored Kauai six times from cruise ships and knows which “must-see” attractions are actually worth your limited port time. Read more about Sofia Martinez, US cruise expert

  Last Updated: 31 January 2026