Where Does the Cruise Ship Dock in Hawaii?

By Anna Duncan

A cruise ship docking in Hawaii is an exciting and luxurious experience. As the largest island state in the United States, Hawaii offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, activities, and attractions for travelers to enjoy during their visit. Cruise ships often dock at one of the four major ports on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Oahu is home to two of the largest ports in Hawaii: Honolulu Harbor and Nawiliwili Harbor. Honolulu Harbor is located near downtown Honolulu and is a popular destination for many large cruise ships.

The harbor is close to many attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head State Monument. Nawiliwili Harbor is located on the southeastern side of Kauai and is a major port for small ships or those coming from other parts of the Hawaiian Islands chain.

Maui is home to two ports: Kahului Harbor and Lahaina Harbor. Kahului Harbor is located near Kihei on Maui’s northern shoreline and serves as one of Hawaii’s main cargo ports. Lahaina Harbor lies west of Kahului Harbor on Maui’s western shoreline and serves as one of Hawaii’s busiest cruise ship ports.

Kauai has one main port called Port Allen which serves both cargo ships as well as smaller cruise ships that are making their way around the Hawaiian Islands chain. Port Allen lies near Hanapepe on Kauai’s southern shoreline and offers easy access to some of Kauai’s most popular attractions including Waimea Canyon State Park and Kilauea Lighthouse.

The Big Island has two major ports: Hilo International Airport for inter-island flights and Kawaihae harbor for ocean vessels traveling between North America and Asia Pacific regions. Kawaihae harbor also serves as a port for smaller vessels coming from other Hawaiian Islands as well as recreational boats from mainland United States or Canada that are making their way around Hawaii’s waters.

Conclusion: Cruise ships docking in Hawaii have a variety of choices when it comes to choosing a port depending on their size along with which island they are visiting; Oahu (Honolulu/Nawiliwili Harbors), Maui (Kahului/Lahaina Harbors), Kauai (Port Allen) or The Big Island (Hilo International Airport/Kawaihae Harbor). No matter where you choose to dock your cruise ship in Hawaii you will be sure to have an unforgettable experience!