Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Kona, Hawaii?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Kona: A Brief Overview

Kona, Hawaii is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. The area offers stunning scenery, mild weather year-round, and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it in Kona.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where cruise ships dock in Kona, as well as some of the things you can do in the area while your ship is in port. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your time in Kona.

So if you’re planning a cruise to Hawaii, be sure to add Kona to your itinerary!

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Port Terminal Notes
Kailua-Kona Pier A Largest cruise ship terminal in Hawaii
Honokohau Harbor B Smaller cruise ship terminal
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel C Private terminal for luxury cruise ships

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History of Cruise Ship Docking in Kona

Cruise ship tourism in Kona has a long and storied history. The first cruise ship to visit Kona was the [[RMS Empress of Japan]] in 1890. The ship was on a round-the-world voyage and made a stop in Kona for a few days. In the early years, cruise ship tourism in Kona was relatively small. Only a few ships visited each year and they typically stayed for only a few days.

The growth of cruise ship tourism in Kona really began in the 1970s. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of cruise vacations, the development of new cruise ships that were larger and more luxurious, and the construction of new cruise ship terminals in Kona.

By the 1990s, cruise ship tourism in Kona was booming. Hundreds of ships visited each year and they stayed for longer periods of time. Cruise ships became a major source of tourism revenue for the island.

Today, cruise ship tourism in Kona is still going strong. Hundreds of ships visit each year and they stay for an average of three days. Cruise ships are a major part of the tourism industry in Kona and they contribute significantly to the local economy.

Early years of cruise ship tourism in Kona

The first cruise ship to visit Kona was the [[RMS Empress of Japan]] in 1890. The ship was on a round-the-world voyage and made a stop in Kona for a few days. The ship’s passengers were treated to a luau and a tour of the island.

In the early years, cruise ship tourism in Kona was relatively small. Only a few ships visited each year and they typically stayed for only a few days. The passengers were mostly from the United States and Europe. They were interested in seeing the natural beauty of the island and learning about Hawaiian culture.

Growth of the cruise ship industry in Kona

The growth of cruise ship tourism in Kona really began in the 1970s. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of cruise vacations, the development of new cruise ships that were larger and more luxurious, and the construction of new cruise ship terminals in Kona.

By the 1990s, cruise ship tourism in Kona was booming. Hundreds of ships visited each year and they stayed for longer periods of time. Cruise ships became a major source of tourism revenue for the island.

Current state of cruise ship docking in Kona

Today, cruise ship tourism in Kona is still going strong. Hundreds of ships visit each year and they stay for an average of three days. Cruise ships are a major part of the tourism industry in Kona and they contribute significantly to the local economy.

The three main cruise ship terminals in Kona are:

  • Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal
  • Keauhou Bay Cruise Ship Terminal
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Cruise Ship Terminal

The Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal is located on the waterfront in downtown Kona. It is the largest cruise ship terminal in Kona and it can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The terminal has a number of facilities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a number of restaurants.

The Keauhou Bay Cruise Ship Terminal is located on the north shore of Kona. It is a smaller terminal that can accommodate ships of up to 50,000 gross tons. The terminal has a passenger terminal, a shopping area, and a number of restaurants.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Cruise Ship Terminal is located at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It is a small terminal that can accommodate ships of up to 20,000 gross tons. The terminal has a passenger terminal and a number of restaurants.

Current Cruise Ship Docks in Kona

The three main cruise ship docks in Kona are:

  • Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal
  • Keauhou Bay Cruise Ship Terminal
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Cruise Ship Terminal

Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal

The Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal is located on the waterfront in downtown Kona. It is the largest cruise ship terminal in Kona and it can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The terminal has a number of facilities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a number of restaurants.

The passenger terminal at the Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal is a large, open-air space that can accommodate thousands of passengers at a time. The terminal has a number of check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. There are also a number of shops and restaurants in the terminal, as well as a duty-free shop.

The shopping mall at the Alii Drive Cruise Ship Terminal is a large, indoor space that is home to a variety of shops

3. Pros and Cons of Cruise Ship Docking in Kona

Cruise ship docking in Kona has a number of potential benefits for the local economy, environment, and society. However, there are also a number of potential challenges associated with cruise ship docking.

Economic benefits of cruise ship docking

Cruise ship docking can bring significant economic benefits to a destination. Cruise ships bring in tourists who spend money on food, souvenirs, and other goods and services. This can boost the local economy and create jobs. In 2019, cruise ships brought an estimated $2.2 billion in revenue to the state of Hawaii.

Cruise ships also provide a source of employment for local residents. Jobs are created in the tourism industry, as well as in the transportation, hospitality, and retail sectors. In 2019, cruise ships supported an estimated 14,000 jobs in the state of Hawaii.

Environmental impacts of cruise ship docking

Cruise ships can have a negative impact on the environment. Cruise ships emit pollutants into the air and water, which can contribute to air pollution and climate change. Cruise ships also generate a lot of waste, which can be a burden on local waste management systems.

Social impacts of cruise ship docking

Cruise ship docking can have a negative impact on the social fabric of a destination. Cruise ships can bring in large numbers of tourists, which can put a strain on local infrastructure and resources. Cruise ships can also contribute to noise and congestion, which can be disruptive to local residents.

4. Future of Cruise Ship Docking in Kona

The future of cruise ship docking in Kona is uncertain. There are a number of factors that could affect the future of cruise ship docking, including:

  • The growth of the cruise ship industry
  • The environmental impacts of cruise ships
  • The social impacts of cruise ships
  • The availability of port facilities

Potential expansion of cruise ship docking in Kona

The cruise ship industry is growing rapidly, and there is a potential for increased cruise ship docking in Kona. The Port of Honolulu is currently undergoing a major expansion project that will increase the capacity of the port to accommodate larger cruise ships. This expansion could allow for more cruise ships to dock in Kona, which could bring in more tourists and economic benefits.

Challenges to cruise ship docking in Kona

There are a number of challenges to cruise ship docking in Kona. These challenges include:

  • The environmental impacts of cruise ships
  • The social impacts of cruise ships
  • The availability of port facilities

Possible solutions to the challenges of cruise ship docking

There are a number of possible solutions to the challenges of cruise ship docking in Kona. These solutions include:

  • Reducing the environmental impacts of cruise ships
  • Mitigating the social impacts of cruise ships
  • Expanding the capacity of port facilities

The future of cruise ship docking in Kona is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that could affect the future of cruise ship docking, including the growth of the cruise ship industry, the environmental impacts of cruise ships, the social impacts of cruise ships, and the availability of port facilities.

Where do cruise ships dock in Kona?

  • Kona International Airport (KOA) is the main cruise ship port in Kona, located approximately 10 miles from the city center.
  • Honaunau Small Boat Harbor (HNSA) is a smaller port that can accommodate smaller cruise ships. It is located about 5 miles from the city center.
  • Kailua-Kona Pier (KKP) is a public pier that can accommodate cruise ships up to 950 feet long. It is located about 3 miles from the city center.

Which cruise ships dock in Kona?

  • A variety of cruise lines dock in Kona, including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian.
  • The most popular cruise ships to dock in Kona are the Carnival Pride, Princess Cruises’s Majestic Princess, and Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas.
  • The average cruise ship that docks in Kona is about 950 feet long and carries around 3,000 passengers.

When do cruise ships dock in Kona?

  • Cruise ships typically dock in Kona between December and April.
  • The busiest time of year for cruise ships in Kona is from January to March.
  • During the peak season, there can be up to 10 cruise ships docked in Kona at a time.

How do I get to the cruise ship terminal from the airport?

  • The easiest way to get to the cruise ship terminal from the airport is by taxi. The taxi fare is about $30 and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
  • You can also take the public bus from the airport to the cruise ship terminal. The bus fare is $2 and the ride takes about 30 minutes.
  • There are also a number of private shuttle companies that offer transportation from the airport to the cruise ship terminal. The cost of a shuttle varies depending on the company.

What are the things to do in Kona before or after your cruise?

  • There are a number of things to do in Kona before or after your cruise. Here are a few of the most popular:
  • Visit the [Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park](https://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm), a sacred place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers.
  • Take a surfing lesson at [Honoli’i Beach](https://www.honoliibeach.com/).
  • Go for a hike in the [Kohala Mountain Range](https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm).
  • Visit the [Hawaiian Cultural Center](https://www.hawaiianculturalcenter.org/).
  • Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise.

Do I need a passport to cruise to Kona?

  • Yes, you need a valid passport to cruise to Kona.
  • You also need a passport to enter the United States, even if you are a U.S. citizen.
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also use an enhanced driver’s license or a passport card to enter the United States.

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in Kona: the Keauhou Bay Cruise Terminal, the Kailua-Kona Pier, and the Honokohau Harbor. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.

The Keauhou Bay Cruise Terminal is the largest and most modern of the three terminals, and it offers a variety of amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants, and a shuttle to the Keauhou Bay Beach Resort. However, it is also the most crowded of the three terminals, and it can be difficult to find parking.

The Kailua-Kona Pier is a smaller and more intimate terminal, and it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the Keauhou Bay Cruise Terminal. It is also located closer to the town center, making it easier to explore Kona after your cruise. However, it does not offer as many amenities as the Keauhou Bay Cruise Terminal.

The Honokohau Harbor is the smallest and most remote of the three terminals, and it is only used by a handful of cruise ships each year. However, it is also the most scenic of the three terminals, and it is located right next to the Honokohau National Historical Park.

Ultimately, the best cruise ship terminal for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a large terminal with a variety of amenities, then the Keauhou Bay Cruise Terminal is the best option. If you are looking for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, then the Kailua-Kona Pier is the best option. And if you are looking for a scenic terminal with easy access to the National Historical Park, then the Honokohau Harbor is the best option.

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.