Where Does the Cruise Ship Dock in Maui? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Where Does the Cruise Ship Dock in Maui?

Maui is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes, Maui has something to offer everyone. But where exactly does the cruise ship dock in Maui?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different cruise ship ports in Maui, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each one. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get to and from the cruise ship port, and we’ll give you some ideas for things to do in Maui once you’re off the ship.

So whether you’re planning your first cruise to Maui or you’re a seasoned cruiser, read on for all the information you need to know about cruise ship ports in Maui.

Port Terminal Notes
Lahaina Lahaina Cruise Terminal The main cruise ship terminal in Maui.
Kahului Kahului Harbor A smaller cruise ship terminal that is closer to the airport.

Maui is a popular destination for cruise ships, with two ports of call: Kahului and Lahaina. Both ports offer a variety of amenities and attractions, making them ideal for a cruise vacation.

Cruise Ship Docks in Kahului

The Kahului Cruise Terminal is located on the west coast of Maui, about 5 miles from the Kahului Airport. The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Facilities at the Kahului Cruise Terminal

The Kahului Cruise Terminal has a variety of facilities, including:

  • A baggage claim area
  • A customs and immigration area
  • A currency exchange
  • A variety of shops and restaurants
  • A shuttle bus to and from the airport

Transportation to and from the Kahului Cruise Terminal

There are a variety of ways to get to and from the Kahului Cruise Terminal. The most popular option is to take a shuttle bus from the airport. The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and takes about 15 minutes to get to the terminal.

You can also take a taxi or Uber to the terminal. The taxi fare is about $25 and the Uber fare is about $20.

Cruise Ship Docks in Lahaina

The Lahaina Cruise Terminal is located on the west coast of Maui, about 5 miles from the Lahaina Airport. The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Facilities at the Lahaina Cruise Terminal

The Lahaina Cruise Terminal has a variety of facilities, including:

  • A baggage claim area
  • A customs and immigration area
  • A currency exchange
  • A variety of shops and restaurants
  • A shuttle bus to and from the airport

Transportation to and from the Lahaina Cruise Terminal

There are a variety of ways to get to and from the Lahaina Cruise Terminal. The most popular option is to take a shuttle bus from the airport. The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and takes about 15 minutes to get to the terminal.

You can also take a taxi or Uber to the terminal. The taxi fare is about $25 and the Uber fare is about $20.

Both the Kahului Cruise Terminal and the Lahaina Cruise Terminal offer a variety of amenities and attractions, making them ideal for a cruise vacation. When choosing a port of call, it is important to consider the location of the terminal, the facilities available, and the transportation options.

Additional Information

  • Cruise lines that dock in Maui

The following cruise lines dock in Maui:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • Cunard Line
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Holland America Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Viking Cruises
  • Cruise ship itineraries in Maui

Cruise ships that dock in Maui offer a variety of itineraries, including:

  • Hawaiian Islands cruises
  • West Coast cruises
  • Transpacific cruises
  • World cruises
  • Things to do in Maui

There are a variety of things to do in Maui, including:

  • Visiting the Haleakala National Park
  • Hiking in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park
  • Swimming in the Seven Sacred Pools
  • Snorkeling in Molokini Crater
  • Surfing in Honolua Bay
  • Shopping in Lahaina
  • Dining in Kaanapali

Additional Resources

  • [Kahului Cruise Terminal](https://www.portofkahului.com/)
  • [Lahaina Cruise Terminal](https://www.portoflahaina.com/)
  • [Maui Visitors Bureau](https://www.visitmaui.com/)

3. Which Cruise Ship Dock is Better?

There are two cruise ship terminals in Maui: the Kahului Cruise Terminal and the Lahaina Cruise Terminal. Both terminals offer a variety of amenities and services, but there are some key differences between the two that you should consider when choosing which one to use.

Kahului Cruise Terminal

The Kahului Cruise Terminal is located on the island’s north shore, about a 20-minute drive from the Kahului Airport. The terminal is large and modern, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the airport.

Pros of the Kahului Cruise Terminal:

  • The Kahului Cruise Terminal is larger and more modern than the Lahaina Cruise Terminal.
  • There are more shops, restaurants, and bars at the Kahului Cruise Terminal.
  • The free shuttle between the terminal and the airport is a convenient way to get to and from your flight.

Cons of the Kahului Cruise Terminal:

  • The Kahului Cruise Terminal is further from the main tourist areas of Maui than the Lahaina Cruise Terminal.
  • The shuttle between the terminal and the airport can be crowded during peak times.

Lahaina Cruise Terminal

The Lahaina Cruise Terminal is located on the island’s west coast, about a 45-minute drive from the Kahului Airport. The terminal is smaller and more historic than the Kahului Cruise Terminal, but it still offers a variety of amenities and services. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the terminal and the airport.

Pros of the Lahaina Cruise Terminal:

  • The Lahaina Cruise Terminal is closer to the main tourist areas of Maui than the Kahului Cruise Terminal.
  • The terminal is located in a historic town that is worth exploring.
  • The shuttle between the terminal and the airport is less crowded than the shuttle at the Kahului Cruise Terminal.

Cons of the Lahaina Cruise Terminal:

  • The Lahaina Cruise Terminal is smaller and less modern than the Kahului Cruise Terminal.
  • There are fewer shops, restaurants, and bars at the Lahaina Cruise Terminal.
  • The shuttle between the terminal and the airport can be crowded during peak times.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cruise Ship Terminal

When choosing a cruise ship terminal in Maui, there are a few factors you should consider:

  • Your desired location: If you want to be close to the main tourist areas of Maui, then the Lahaina Cruise Terminal is a better choice. If you don’t mind a longer drive, then the Kahului Cruise Terminal is a good option.
  • Your desired amenities: The Kahului Cruise Terminal is larger and more modern, so it offers more amenities and services than the Lahaina Cruise Terminal. However, the Lahaina Cruise Terminal is located in a historic town that is worth exploring.
  • Your budget: The Kahului Cruise Terminal is more expensive than the Lahaina Cruise Terminal.

The decision of which cruise ship terminal to use in Maui is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both the Kahului Cruise Terminal and the Lahaina Cruise Terminal. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your desired location, desired amenities, and budget.

Where does the cruise ship dock in Maui?

  • Haleakala National Park is the most popular cruise ship port of call in Maui. The park is located on the eastern side of the island and is home to Haleakala, the highest mountain on Maui. Cruise ships dock at the Kahului Harbor, which is about a 45-minute drive from the park.
  • Lahaina is another popular cruise ship port of call in Maui. The town is located on the west side of the island and is known for its historic whaling port and shopping district. Cruise ships dock at the Lahaina Harbor, which is about a 15-minute walk from the town center.
  • Other cruise ship ports of call in Maui include:
  • Maalaea Harbor, located on the south side of the island, is a popular spot for whale watching.
  • Kaanapali Beach, located on the north side of the island, is a popular beach resort area.
  • Kihei, located on the south side of the island, is a more laid-back town with a variety of shops and restaurants.

What is the best way to get from the cruise ship port to Haleakala National Park?

There are a few different ways to get from the cruise ship port to Haleakala National Park. The most popular option is to take a shuttle bus. There are a number of shuttle companies that offer service between the port and the park. The cost of a shuttle bus ride typically ranges from $20 to $40 per person.

Another option is to rent a car. There are a number of car rental companies located at the cruise ship port. The cost of a rental car typically ranges from $30 to $60 per day.

Finally, you can also take a taxi or Uber to the park. The cost of a taxi or Uber ride typically ranges from $40 to $60.

How long does it take to get from the cruise ship port to Haleakala National Park?

The drive from the cruise ship port to Haleakala National Park takes about 45 minutes. The drive is mostly on a highway, but there are a few winding roads in the park itself.

What are the best things to do in Haleakala National Park?

Haleakala National Park is home to a variety of different activities, including:

  • Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular hikes include the Halemauu Trail to the summit of Haleakala, the Sliding Sands Trail to the Halemaumau Crater, and the Keonehe’ehe’e Trail to the Kipahulu District.
  • Snorkeling: The Kipahulu District of the park is home to a number of snorkeling spots, including the Oheo Gulch and the Waimoku Falls.
  • Camping: The park has two campgrounds, one in the summit area and one in the Kipahulu District.
  • Stargazing: Haleakala is one of the best places in the world to stargaze. The park has a number of designated stargazing areas, including the Haleakala Visitor Center and the summit area.

What are the best places to stay in Maui?

There are a number of great places to stay in Maui, depending on your budget and interests. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Kaanapali Beach: This beach resort area is home to a number of hotels and condos. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of shops and restaurants.
  • Kihei: This town is located on the south side of the island and is a more laid-back option. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet beach town with a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Lahaina: This historic whaling port is located on the west side of the island and is home to a number of historical sites and museums. It’s a great place to stay if you’re interested in learning about Maui’s history.

What are the best things to do in Maui outside of the cruise ship port?

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are a number of other things to do in Maui outside of the cruise ship port. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Visiting the Road to Hana: This scenic drive takes you along the winding roads of the east side of the island. It’s a great way to see some of Maui’s most beautiful scenery.
  • Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: This crescent-

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in Maui: the Kahului Cruise Terminal, the Lahaina Cruise Terminal, and the Maalaea Cruise Terminal. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best for you. The Kahului Cruise Terminal is the largest and most centrally located, making it a convenient option for those who want to explore all that Maui has to offer. The Lahaina Cruise Terminal is smaller and more intimate, and it offers stunning views of the coastline. The Maalaea Cruise Terminal is the closest to Haleakala National Park, making it a great option for those who want to do some hiking or stargazing. No matter which terminal you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise vacation in Maui.

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.