Cruises to Kauai

502 Reviews
Kauai (Photo:Pierre Leclerc/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Kauai

Kauai is the oldest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, with volcanic rock dating back more than 5 million years. But the island still displays all the beauty and vigor of youth. From lush rain forests and valleys to majestic mountains and long stretches of white sand, there's no question: a stop in Kauai on a Hawaiian cruise is a must.

In fact, Kauai has more beaches per mile of coastline than any of the other islands. Only 3 percent of the island has been developed for commercial and residential use; the rest is agricultural and conservation lands. Two-thirds of Kauai's land area is impenetrable.

Kauai is notable for many other reasons. British Capt. James Cook and his crew first landed in Hawaii at Waimea, on Kauai's west coast, in 1778. When Kamehameha the Great embarked on his campaign to unite all the islands under one rule, Kauai clung to its independence. After Kamehameha failed twice to take the island by force, Kauai's king finally agreed to cede his island to the Hawaiian king. After Kamehameha died in 1819, his son, Liholiho, became king. He lured Kauai's king, Kaumualii, aboard his royal yacht and sailed to Oahu. There, Kaumualii was coerced into marrying Kaahumanu, Kamehameha's widow, further ensuring that Kauai would remain under Hawaiian rule.

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers; it also has a breathtaking gorge that Mark Twain dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and 15 miles of sheer cliffs rising along an uninhabited coastline. Hollywood has been so taken with Kauai that the island been cast in more than 60 movies and TV productions.

To ensure that concrete will never conceal Kauai's beauty, officials passed a law stipulating that no buildings on the island can stand higher than a palm tree (three or four stories). So no matter when or where you are on Kauai, nature will always reign.

  • More about Kauai

  • Why Cruise to Kauai?

  • Kauai Cruise Port Facilities?

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Brilliance of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas

8 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,563 Reviews
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Ruby Princess
Ship Exterior on Ruby Princess

16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,974 Reviews
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Pride of America
Pride of America alongside at Kahului on Sunday, April 10, 2022 (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,361 Reviews
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Regatta
Regatta

15 Night
Tahiti Cruise

423 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

16 Night
Alaska - Other

2,122 Reviews
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17 Night
Circle Hawaii

866 Reviews
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16 Night
Hawaii Cruise

1,601 Reviews
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9 Night
Hawaii Cruise

756 Reviews
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17 Night
Circle Hawaii

558 Reviews
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14 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,167 Reviews
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6 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,361 Reviews
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6 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,361 Reviews
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14 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,167 Reviews
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13 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,167 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

22 Night
South Pacific Cruise

279 Reviews
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More about Kauai

Why Cruise to Kauai?

Pros:

Ancient volcanoes, lush rainforests and spectacular beaches provide breathtaking vistas

Cons:

Beware of rain and roosters; there's a surprising amount of each

Bottom Line:

Kauai is worth a visit for its Na Pali cliffs alone; the landscapes here are staggering

Kauai Cruise Port Facilities?

There are no services at the port -- just pickup areas for tour buses, rental car shuttles and free shuttles to shopping centers. You can walk or take a free shuttle to the nearby Harbor Mall and Anchor Cove Shopping Center with restaurants, shops, ATMs, bathrooms, Internet access and tour bookings. Kalapaki Beach (with watersports rentals) and the Kauai Marriott Resort are located next to the mall areas.

Good to Know?

Look out for roosters -- and their families. When Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992, coops were blown apart and many chickens were released into the wild. The chickens appear to be thriving on this freedom, and you will see them everywhere -- at the car rental parking lot, the beach, public parks, etc. They don't pose a serious threat, especially because you're unlikely to be overnighting in a hotel, listening to the roosters crow at many times other than sunrise. Watch out for them while driving or when leaving food out on your beach mat, though.

Getting Around?

By Car: The best way to get around on Kauai is by rental car. Major car rental agencies operate free shuttle services from the pier.

By Shuttle: Kmart, Hilo Hattie, Coconut Marketplace, Anchor Cove, Harbor Mall, Kukui Grove Center and Wal-Mart also offer free shuttle services from the pier. Both the Anchor Cove and Harbor Mall shuttles will get you to Kalapaki Beach, and they run every 10 minutes; the beach is adjacent to Anchor Cove and across the street from Harbor Mall.

By Taxi: Taxi companies include Kauai Taxi (808-246-9554) and Pono Taxi (808-634-4744).

On Foot: It's about a 10-minute walk along a sidewalk to the nearby shopping and beach areas, but if it's hot, you might as well take the free shuttle if isn't too crowded.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

ATMs are located at the Anchor Cove and Harbor Mall shopping complexes near the harbor, but the closest full-service banks are 1.5 miles away in Lihue on Rice Street.

Language?

English is the official language, but try your hand at any Hawaiian phrases you pick up. Aloha means hello and goodbye, mahalo means "thank you," and aloha ahiahi means "good night." If you hear Aloha, e komo mai, don't panic. It means "Welcome!"

Where You're Docked?

Cruise ships dock at Nawiliwili Harbor, on the southeast side of the island, not far from the airport.


Kauai Cruise Reviews
We had to walk up to Ali rental cars about 20 minutes and park on the highway. Port is far from town but Kauai has plenty to do..Read More
GansterAndMol
Kauai was the most outstanding of the islands. Waimea Canyon is breath-taking and there are beaches within walking distance of the ship.Read More
ncgirl2017
Kauai is very lush. We choose to rent a convertible and drive around both sides of the island visiting Waimea canyon, Poipu, Princeville and Hanelei on our own. It's a long day especially with traffic but well worth Read More
arizonasunlover
Love Kauai have been there before so we rented a car and drove to some of our favorites.Read More
historymini

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