Princess Cruise Ports: Kona, Hawaii, HI

kona hawaii cruise port

However, with limited time in port, you might not get to do them all. Kailua-Kona is a port town on Hawaii Island (Hawaii USA, North Kona District) with population around 12,000. It is West Hawaii's center of commerce and tourism industries.

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Whether you’re booking excursions or DIY-ing your own adventure on shore, our Cruising Hawaii Guide can help you make the most of your trip. You’ll find that most ships make these foreign country stops, except for NCL’s Pride of America. As the only ship to qualify for the PVSA, it’s allowed to travel between US ports and stay in Hawaii for the entire duration of the trip. The ship runs every week throughout the year and departs from and arrives back at Oahu’s Cruise Terminal 2, which is located in the city of Honolulu. However, the majority of one to two-week Hawaiian cruises will leave from the west coast. This is due to the Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA), which aims to protect the American maritime industry.

Kailua Kona Cruise Port Guide

Shopping shuttles will pick you up at the pier, as will rental car company shuttles. Local tourist representatives set up a small table with brochures and maps and can answer questions. Coffee grown in the hills above Kailua-Kona (the one place where it rains more in the summer than in the winter) is very delicious and highly prized. Kailua experiences warm weather throughout the year, with highs of 95 in the summer and lows of 80 in the winter. There is no good or bad time to visit Kona, which is a plus. However, some activities, such as whale watching, are seasonal and can only be done between January and March.

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More about Kona (Kailua Bay)

Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island. Visitors can explore the coastline, take in the stunning views, and even spot some of the native wildlife. Kayaking is a great way to experience the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors can also explore the nearby coves and bays, and even take a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

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And because of the port’s central location, it’s easy to reach most of Maui’s attractions in under an hour. If Honolulu is at the beginning or end of your trip, then we recommend spending at least two or three days here. We recommend doing this prior to your cruise to adjust for the jet lag and you can tick off some sights while also having downtime for a few lazy beach days.

The beach is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also great for sunbathing, as the sand is soft and the sun is usually shining. There are also plenty of amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

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From volcanic mountain escapades, beautiful tropical beaches, and some of the world’s best coffee, fun awaits you on the big island. If your cruise is going to Kauai, it will dock at Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue. Although its a bit outside of town, you can easily reach other popular destinations around the island by booking a tour, renting a car, or hiring a cab. The area is home to a variety of trails, ranging from easy to challenging.

The harbor is also a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, and is located close to the city of Honolulu. Kona, Hawaii is a popular destination for cruise ships with its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. As one of the top tourist destinations in Hawaii, Kona offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s natural beauty, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Kona has something to offer everyone. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the must-see attractions and local cultural experiences that you won’t want to miss on your next Kona cruise port stop. This includes over 90 shore excursions on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, including snorkel spots, volcano hikes, waterfall treks, and more!

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You will be guided by professional biologists who ensure the safety of the dolphins first. One of the most popular places to eat at in Kona is the Big Island Grill famous for its loco moco. Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill the place for pork chops and seafood platters and healthy eating at Island Naturals Market and Deli.

Kaloko-Honokohau is also popular for its green turtles and the two ancient fish ponds found in the park. Explore the fish ponds to discover the incredible engineering skills that past Hawaiian civilizations possessed. Located on the rugged south coast of Kona is Kaloko-Honokohau National Park. This wilderness of lava was once a settlement for the Kanaka Maoli people. It’s believed the Kanaka Maoli people found mana(power in Hawaiian) in the area. You can see their traditions and beliefs embedded in petroglyphs throughout the park.

The water might look calm and peaceful, but conditions can change quickly. Never turn your back on the ocean and obey all signage or official warnings about beach and water use. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

kona hawaii cruise port

Seasonal flights connect to Anchorage (Alaska), Bellingham WA, Dallas TX. We are Hawaii travelers who have lived on Maui and Oahu sharing our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Not all of these cruises are created as most of them don’t cruise year-round. Learn more about when each cruise line takes it’s trip to Hawaii, plus the best time to cruise Hawaii. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line operates a year-round Hawaiian cruise that leaves from and returns to Honolulu, Oahu. After leaving Honolulu, the Pride of America visits four different ports – Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii Island), Kona (Hawaii Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauai).

It is a large outdoor market that opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm. Hike to get to the beach or to explore the petroglyph rocks but do it early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat. If you are not interested in hiking, just drive to the marina, the beach is close by from there. You will have a chance to see a lot ofHawaiian fish, green turtles, monk seals, and native birds in this park.

But before you plan your cruise and island excursions, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Hawaii cruise ports. Not only will you have a better idea of where you’ll be docking, but it also makes it easier to plan tours and excursions during your stopover. Be sure to check out our Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide to get the most out of your cruise. There’s a local shuttle called the Keauhou Trolley ready to take passengers to major sights in the town from the pier. Kona coffee has become a household name and a reason why coffee lovers return to Hawaii time and time again.

Pick up some local produce from the farmers market, pack a beach picnic, and enjoy a laid-back day in Kona. Just across from the tender pier is the King Kamehameha Hotel, a historic Hawaiian temple and a small beach with water sports rentals. Kailua Pier (a tender port) is situated on the western side of the island. From here, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from beautiful beaches, incredible snorkeling, and tons of fun water sport opportunities! There’s also a charming town center within walking distance from the port with some great restaurants and bars.

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