Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Hawaii? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Hawaii: A Guide to the Ports of Call

Hawaii is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes, the Aloha State has something to offer everyone. But with so many different ports of call to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different ports of call in Hawaii, and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll cover everything from the amenities and activities available at each port to the best time of year to visit. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, we’ve got you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hawaiian cruise today!

Port City Island
Honolulu Honolulu Oahu
Kaneohe Kaneohe Oahu
Lahaina Lahaina Maui
Nawiliwili Lihue Kauai
Kahului Kahului Maui

Major Cruise Ship Ports in Hawaii

Hawaii is a popular destination for cruise ships, and there are four major ports where they can dock:

  • Honolulu, Oahu
  • Kahului, Maui
  • Nawiliwili, Kauai
  • Hilo, Hawaii

Each port has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for you will depend on your interests and budget.

Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the most populous city in the state. It is also the largest cruise ship port in Hawaii, and it handles more than half of all cruise ship traffic in the state. Honolulu is a popular destination for cruise ships because it offers a variety of attractions, including Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Pros:

  • Honolulu is a major international airport, so it is easy to get to from anywhere in the world.
  • Honolulu has a wide variety of attractions, including beaches, museums, and historical sites.
  • Honolulu has a good selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Cons:

  • Honolulu is a large city, and it can be crowded and noisy.
  • Honolulu is expensive, especially compared to other Hawaiian islands.
  • Honolulu is not as close to the natural beauty of Hawaii as some of the other ports.

Kahului, Maui

Kahului is the second largest city on Maui and the main cruise ship port on the island. Kahului is located on the north shore of Maui, and it is a popular destination for cruise ships because it offers easy access to both the west and east sides of the island. Kahului is also home to the Kahului Airport, which makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the world.

Pros:

  • Kahului is a smaller city than Honolulu, so it is less crowded and noisy.
  • Kahului is close to both the west and east sides of Maui, so it is easy to explore the island.
  • Kahului has a good selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Cons:

  • Kahului is not as large as Honolulu, so it has fewer attractions.
  • Kahului is more expensive than some of the other Hawaiian islands.
  • Kahului is not as close to the natural beauty of Hawaii as some of the other ports.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Nawiliwili is the main cruise ship port on Kauai. It is located on the south shore of the island, and it is a popular destination for cruise ships because it offers easy access to the Na Pali Coast, which is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Nawiliwili is also home to the Lihue Airport, which makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the world.

Pros:

  • Nawiliwili is a small town, so it is quiet and peaceful.
  • Nawiliwili is close to the Na Pali Coast, which is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
  • Nawiliwili has a good selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Cons:

  • Nawiliwili is not as large as Honolulu or Kahului, so it has fewer attractions.
  • Nawiliwili is more expensive than some of the other Hawaiian islands.
  • Nawiliwili is not as close to the natural beauty of Hawaii as some of the other ports.

Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii and the main cruise ship port on the island. Hilo is located on the east coast of the island, and it is a popular destination for cruise ships because it offers easy access to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to two active volcanoes. Hilo is also home to the Hilo International Airport, which makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the world.

Pros:

  • Hilo is a large city, so it has a variety of attractions, including museums, restaurants, and shops.
  • Hilo is close to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to two active volcanoes.
  • Hilo has a good selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Cons:

  • Hilo is a large city, so it can be crowded and noisy.
  • Hilo is more expensive than some of the other Hawaiian islands.
  • Hilo is not as close to the natural beauty of Hawaii as some of the other ports.

Factors Affecting Cruise Ship Docking Locations

There are a number of factors that affect the location of cruise ship ports in Hawaii, including:

  • Climate: The climate in Hawaii is warm and humid year-round, which makes it a popular destination for cruise ships. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and there is always the

3. History of Cruise Ship Tourism in Hawaii

Early Days

Cruise ships have been visiting Hawaii for over a century. The first recorded cruise ship to visit the islands was the SS City of San Francisco in 1883. The ship carried a group of wealthy passengers from San Francisco to Honolulu. In the early days, cruise ships were a luxury experience that only the wealthy could afford.

Growth of the Industry

The cruise ship industry in Hawaii began to grow in the early 20th century. The construction of the Panama Canal in 1914 made it easier for cruise ships to reach Hawaii from the East Coast of the United States. In the 1920s, the number of cruise ships visiting Hawaii increased significantly.

The growth of the cruise ship industry in Hawaii was interrupted by World War II. During the war, most cruise ships were used for military purposes. However, after the war, the cruise ship industry in Hawaii resumed its growth. In the 1950s, the number of cruise ships visiting Hawaii increased even more.

Current Trends

The cruise ship industry in Hawaii is still growing today. In 2019, over 1 million cruise ship passengers visited Hawaii. The majority of cruise ship passengers come from the United States, but there are also a significant number of passengers from Canada, Australia, and Europe.

The most popular cruise ship destinations in Hawaii are Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai. Cruise ships also visit the smaller islands of Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu.

4. Future of Cruise Ship Tourism in Hawaii

Challenges

The cruise ship industry in Hawaii faces a number of challenges. One challenge is the increasing cost of fuel. The cost of fuel has risen significantly in recent years, and this has put pressure on the cruise ship industry.

Another challenge is the environmental impact of cruise ships. Cruise ships produce a lot of pollution, and this can have a negative impact on the environment.

Opportunities

The cruise ship industry in Hawaii also faces a number of opportunities. One opportunity is the growing demand for cruise ship vacations. The cruise ship industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and this growth is expected to benefit Hawaii.

Another opportunity is the development of new cruise ship terminals in Hawaii. The construction of new cruise ship terminals would make it easier for cruise ships to visit Hawaii, and this would increase the number of cruise ship passengers.

Predictions

The future of cruise ship tourism in Hawaii is uncertain. The industry faces a number of challenges, but it also faces a number of opportunities. It is likely that the cruise ship industry in Hawaii will continue to grow in the coming years, but it is also possible that the industry could face some setbacks.

The cruise ship industry in Hawaii is a major part of the state’s economy. Cruise ships bring in millions of dollars in revenue each year, and they create thousands of jobs. The cruise ship industry is also a major source of tourism for Hawaii. Cruise ships bring visitors from all over the world to Hawaii, and they help to promote the state’s tourism industry.

The future of the cruise ship industry in Hawaii is uncertain. The industry faces a number of challenges, but it also faces a number of opportunities. It is likely that the cruise ship industry in Hawaii will continue to grow in the coming years, but it is also possible that the industry could face some setbacks.

Where do cruise ships dock in Hawaii?

  • Honolulu, Oahu is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting Hawaii. The cruise terminal is located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, just steps from Waikiki Beach.
  • Kaanapali, Maui is another popular port of call for cruise ships. The cruise terminal is located in the resort town of Kaanapali, on the west coast of Maui.
  • Lahaina, Maui is a third popular port of call for cruise ships. The cruise terminal is located in the historic town of Lahaina, on the west coast of Maui.
  • Nawiliwili, Kauai is a fourth popular port of call for cruise ships. The cruise terminal is located in the town of Nawiliwili, on the south coast of Kauai.
  • Hilo, Hawaii Island is a fifth popular port of call for cruise ships. The cruise terminal is located in the city of Hilo, on the east coast of Hawaii Island.

What are the different cruise lines that visit Hawaii?

  • Most major cruise lines offer cruises to Hawaii, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
  • Some smaller cruise lines also offer cruises to Hawaii, including American Hawaii Cruises, Windstar Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line.

What are the different types of cruises to Hawaii?

  • There are a variety of different types of cruises to Hawaii, including:
  • Round-trip cruises from the West Coast of the United States
  • Transpacific cruises from the East Coast of the United States or Asia

* **Cruises that combine Hawaii with other destinations in the Pacific, such as Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand

  • Land-and-sea packages that include a cruise to Hawaii and a stay at a resort on one of the islands

What are the best times of year to go on a cruise to Hawaii?

  • The best time to go on a cruise to Hawaii is during the winter months, from December to April. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain.
  • The summer months, from May to September, can be hot and humid, with more rain. However, this is also the time when there are more whales in the water.

What are the different things to do on a cruise to Hawaii?

  • There are a variety of different things to do on a cruise to Hawaii, including:
  • Exploring the islands’ beautiful beaches
  • Snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters
  • Visiting historical sites and cultural attractions
  • Going on hikes in the lush rainforests
  • Taking surfing lessons
  • Going shopping at the local markets
  • Enjoying the nightlife in the island’s many bars and restaurants

How much does a cruise to Hawaii cost?

  • The cost of a cruise to Hawaii varies depending on the cruise line, the type of cruise, and the time of year.
  • A round-trip cruise from the West Coast of the United States typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000 per person.
  • A transpacific cruise from the East Coast of the United States or Asia typically costs between $2,000 and $8,000 per person.
  • A cruise that combines Hawaii with other destinations in the Pacific typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000 per person.
  • A land-and-sea package that includes a cruise to Hawaii and a stay at a resort on one of the islands typically costs between $4,000 and $12,000 per person.

    there are six main ports of call for cruise ships in Hawaii: Honolulu, Kahului, Nawiliwili, Hilo, Kona, and Maui. Each port offers its own unique attractions and experiences, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you. Whether you are looking for a bustling city, a quiet beach town, or a scenic natural wonder, you are sure to find it in Hawaii. So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today and start your Hawaiian adventure!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.