Nestled on the sunny shores of the island of Hawaii, the Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is a welcoming gateway for vacationers trying to discover the magic of this tropical paradise.
Some smaller cruise ships dock immediately on the port, whereas most use tender boats to deliver passengers ashore. Irrespective of the way you get to the port, visiting presents a singular mix of cultural appeal and pure magnificence.
Kailua-Kona Cruise Port Location and Handle
Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is located on the western coast of the island of Hawaii, also referred to as Hawai’i Island or the “Massive Island.” This explicit area of the island is thought for its beautiful shoreline, wealthy historical past, and vibrant native tradition.
Geographically, it lies within the coronary heart of Kailua Kona, an space celebrated for its delicate climate, breathtaking views of the volcanoes, and proximity to the rugged landscapes and hikes out there on the Massive Island. If you happen to’ve ever been to Hawaii, you already know that every one the islands are beautiful, so to face out is actually saying one thing!
The port’s idyllic location isn’t simply handy; it presents a direct path to a few of the most lovely and traditionally vital areas of Hawaiian tradition.
Its proximity to pure wonders like Mauna Loa and Hualalai Volcano makes it a superb start line for these trying to hike, discover historic petroglyphs, or just take within the scenic great thing about the shoreline.
Plus, the port sits proper on the fringe of the historic Kailua Village, the place trendy facilities and conventional Hawaiian appeal greet passengers.
For these taking a one-way cruise, the port is simply quarter-hour south of Ellison Onizuka Kona Worldwide Airport (KOA), so flying to or from the port couldn’t be simpler.
The port couldn’t be higher for visiting cruise passengers, however its location doesn’t simply work effectively for them; it is usually a sensible vacation spot for the cruise ships they journey on.
In contrast to a lot of the shoreline surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, the world is thought for its comparatively calm waters, and the shoreline sits virtually at sea degree, enhancing accessibility and boarding for passengers.
Plus, the island’s western facet can also be recognized for dryer climate, as a spread of volcanic mountains within the inside, together with Hualalai, assist defend the world from storms.
Handle:
Kailua-Kona Cruise Port, 75-576 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 – 2704
Kona Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
Whereas it’s an incredible place to go to, Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is comparatively small, centering across the Kona Cruise Port Pier. As talked about, solely the smallest cruise ships can truly dock alongside the pier, because it solely presents a 16-foot-wide berth.
For essentially the most half, cruise ships will anchor offshore in Kailua Bay, then use tender boats to ferry passengers to Kona Cruise Port Pier.
Whereas the Massive Island’s a lot bigger Hilo Cruise Port has an extended pier to allow cruise ships to dock immediately within the port, the Kona Cruise Pier is simply too small.
Services and Facilities
Because the port is nearly completely used for tendering, it has pretty restricted terminal amenities. When you attain the Kona Pier by tender boat, you’ll discover that it’s surrounded by retailers, eating places, automobile rental workplaces, and the Courtyard Kamehameha Kona Seashore Resort, so that you gained’t battle to search out what you want.
By way of what is out there on the port itself, you could have a low-fee ATM, a vacationer data sales space, public restroom amenities, and a coated ready space that’s outfitted with quite a few benches.
Except for just a few short-term cubicles arrange by shore tour suppliers and native distributors, that’s about it for facilities on the port itself.
Value Studying: Honolulu Cruise Port – Terminals and Information
One factor that’s value noting is that your complete pier and surrounding space are absolutely accessible. With wheelchair-friendly ramps and designated parking areas on the close by car parking zone, all guests can simply get from their tender boat to the top of the pier.
Whereas your ship is anchored, there may even be a consultant out of your cruise line out there on the pier, so you possibly can simply have any questions or issues addressed.
Cruise Strains that Go to Kona Cruise Port
Regardless of its small measurement, Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is a well-liked vacation spot for a few of the most well-known cruise traces on the planet. Whereas it’s often simply listed as a port of name that should be tendered to, the next cruise traces go to Kailua Kona:
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Holland America Line
- Celeb Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Ponant Cruises
- Oceania Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Getting Round Kona Village
Among the best issues I discovered about visiting Kailua-Kona Cruise Port is that it sits within the coronary heart of Kailua Village. This historic village is beautiful and full of thrilling issues to do and see, and it’s splendidly compact and straightforward to navigate.
It virtually looks as if Kailua Village’s format was deliberately designed for the comfort of tourists. All main points of interest, eating places, retailers, and vacationer points of interest are inside a brief distance from the port.
If you wish to be sure to get to see all the things this former retreat for the Hawaiian royal household has to supply, right here’s only a fast rundown of the principle methods to discover:
Strolling and Exploring Kona Village on Foot
Personally, I feel one of the simplest ways to discover Kailua Village is just by strolling. The charming streets are lined with retailers, artwork galleries, and cafes, and the climate is sort of at all times good.
Not solely is strolling a approach to burn some energy, it’s a good way to be sure to see the sights. It isn’t straightforward to explain, however I discovered that the city had an actual Hawaiian environment, which solely is sensible when you think about that it has functioned as a fishing village and a luxurious retreat for Hawaii’s royalty at completely different factors in its historical past.
To get essentially the most out of the expertise, simply stroll immediately straight from the sting of the pier, which is able to take you down the principle street of Ali’I Drive.
It’s lined with retailers providing handmade items and eating places serving native favorites. Plus, strolling this strip means you’ll additionally come throughout Hulihe’e Palace, which was as soon as house to King Kamehameha I.
Taxis and Experience-Sharing Providers
If you happen to desire a faster mode of transport otherwise you plan on touring outdoors of the village, taxis are additionally available close to the sting of Kona Cruise Pier. You’ll discover a big car parking zone west of the pier, the place you’ll discover a taxi pickup and drop-off space.
If you happen to resolve to take a taxi, you’ll discover that the native taxi drivers are actually pleasant and are often keen to supply their very own suggestions for issues to do and see throughout your go to.
Tourism is essential for the native economic system, so it’s no shock that cab drivers are wanting to share their insights. Taxi drivers additionally settle for all main bank cards and money in USD, making transactions very easy.
Just lately, Uber grew to become out there in Kailua-Kona, so you must be capable of hail a experience by way of the Uber app. In case you have the time and would like to drive your self, there are many automobile rental workplaces close to the port, together with Hawaii Journey Leases, simply steps away from the pier.
Right here you possibly can lease Jeeps and different off-road automobiles able to taking you to all the websites that Massive Island has to supply.
Bicycles and Different Transportation
Among the best issues about visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands is having the chance to actually lean into the “aloha spirit,” which isn’t nearly being pleasant and residing in concord with the setting, it’s about being outdoors and having fun with your self.
I discover renting a bicycle or a scooter and exploring the village and its environment in a extra open-air manner is a good way to really feel such as you’re making essentially the most out of your go to. Fortunately, a number of rental firms within the space lease bikes, scooters, and even ATVs at aggressive charges.
Bike Works Kona is positioned simply half a mile from the pier they usually provide multi-hour street and mountain bike leases and every kind of different gear.
After I rented a motorbike throughout my go to, I discovered it actually allowed me to discover the village at my very own tempo.
Since my rental got here with a motorbike lock, I may simply make stops to admire the traditional petroglyphs in Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park, cease within the retailers for souvenirs, like hand painted ornaments and jewellery, and a lot extra. Not solely was it inexpensive, it was a extremely enjoyable exercise that allowed me to mix train with sightseeing!
Public Transportation
Kailua is a small village, however it’s nonetheless served by Hele-On Bus, a part of the Hawaii Mass Transit Company’s public transportation community overlaying the Massive Island. Bus stops are well-marked and comply with routes all through the village and past.
To take the bus, you’ll must buy coupons, which can be found on the County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Company constructing downtown, or by shopping for coupons on-line.
If you are most likely higher off going with a taxi in case you aren’t touring far, taking the bus will be a good way to see extra of the island on a price range. With routes that cowl your complete island, together with a few of its most iconic websites, it’s the most affordable approach to journey lengthy distances.
What You Can Do Close to the Port
The Kailua Kona Village is a hub of exercise and is just steps away from the port, so all you actually should do is stroll round to your go to, there are additionally just a few highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Strolling lower than half a mile from the port alongside Ali’i Drive will lead you to Hulihe’e Palace. Initially constructed from lava rocks in 1838, it was as soon as the holiday house for Hawaiian royalty.
At the moment, it serves as a museum that showcases quite a few artifacts and displays explaining the historical past of the village, the royal household, and Hawaiian tradition extra usually. Normal admission is $16, however I like to recommend paying the total $22 for a guided tour.
If you happen to stroll slightly additional, you will discover Ahu’ena Heiau, the ruins of a beachside temple the place King Kamehameha the Nice died in 1819. It’s a sacred spot in Hawaiian tradition, and conventional constructions have now been constructed to showcase what it appeared like throughout its heyday.
If you happen to’re keen to journey slightly, loads of native tour operators provide guided shore excursions immediately from the Kona Pier.
These can take you to different vital historic websites, together with Puuhonua o Honaunau, which, in Hawaiian tradition, is a non secular sanctuary and a spot of refuge. Throughout conflicts, the Hawaiian individuals may head right here for security, making it an interesting place to go to.
Whether or not you simply wish to stroll the streets of the village, try the close by seashores, or have just a few hours to spare and wish to discover the cultural websites inside and surrounding Kailua-Kona, you don’t should journey far to get pleasure from your go to to the port.
Seashores Close to Kailua-Kona Cruise Port
Among the best issues about visiting Kailua-Kona is the chance to discover a few of the beautiful seashores Hawaii is thought for. Listed below are simply a few of the highlights:
Honl’s Seashore
Because the closest public seaside to the port, Honl’s Seashore is likely one of the hottest choices for visiting cruise passengers. Just one mile from the pier and positioned inside downtown Kona, you possibly can stroll there in lower than half an hour by strolling alongside Ali’i Drive.
It’s a small seaside, however shady palm bushes and crashing waves alongside the volcanic shores that border the seaside make it the right spot for a day nap.
Remember the fact that the seaside is a bit rocky in direction of the waterline, so it’s your decision water footwear. If you happen to’re going to check out browsing and even simply boogie boarding, Miller’s Surf and Kona Boys are each seen from the seaside and provide leases and classes.
Keiki Seashore Queen’s Tub
A few mile from the port, Keiki Seashore is legendary for its mild waves and crystal clear waters. With public restrooms, out of doors showers, and loads of parking, it’s a seaside good for enjoyable beneath the solar.
The mild and clear waters of this pure lagoon are additionally good for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Not solely are you able to view the reef, however you could even spot dolphins splashing within the distance. It’s additionally close to the airport, so you possibly can watch airplanes touchdown from the seaside.
Magic Sands Seashore (White Sands Seashore)
If you happen to’re keen to journey slightly additional, Magic Sands Seashore Park is positioned roughly 4 miles south of the port. Also known as White Sands Seashore by the locals, it presents a picturesque setting with, you guessed it, white sands.
Simply accessible through a fast brief taxi experience, this seaside is fashionable amongst guests in search of a refreshing dip or a leisurely afternoon hike alongside the shoreline.
Since it’s surrounded by inns, condos, and resorts, there are additionally loads of seaside facet bars and eating places only a brief stroll from the seaside.
It’s additionally a very fashionable spot for browsing, so even in case you don’t really feel like giving it a shot, you possibly can nonetheless watch the surfers driving the waves from the consolation of your seaside lounger.
Kahaluu Seashore Park
Located roughly 5 miles from the port, Kahaluu Seashore Park is one other fashionable spot. This family-friendly seaside is nice for beachside picnics. With a backdrop of inexperienced hills and quite a few palm bushes lining Kahaluu Seashore Park, it’s a perfect spot to unwind.
With that mentioned, the principle spotlight of the seaside is the good blue waters, which allow a few of the greatest snorkeling on the Massive Island.
With vibrant marine life, together with sea turtles, brightly coloured tropical fish, and loads of coral, the calm waters are good for these new to snorkeling and diving.
Eating in Kailua-Kona
Like just about anyplace else you possibly can go in Hawaii, Kailua-Kona presents many superb eating choices. From conventional Hawaiian dishes to worldwide cuisines, you’ll be capable of discover one thing that appeals to your preferences inside a brief distance of the port. Listed below are only a few highlights:
Massive Kahuna Seashore Grill
Situated simply steps from the pier, Massive Kahuna is the right spot to chill out and benefit from the views. You possibly can see the tender boats coming and going from Massive Kahuna’s out of doors seating space, however the meals steals the present.
With all kinds of conventional Hawaiian dishes and American classics, like burgers, pizzas, tacos, and extra, it’s a spot with one thing for all preferences.
Spinners Kailua Cantina
Simply steps from the pier, Spinners Cantina is a enjoyable and informal spot for scrumptious tacos, tropical cocktails, and poke bowls. Like every good cantina, it’s an awesome spot to chill out and indulge.
With frozen cocktails served in tiki cups and pleasant bartenders who’re more than pleased to speak, it’s an awesome spot to chill off. Do your self a favor and check out the popsicle photographs!
Journey Café on the Massive Island
Situated about half a mile east of the pier, Journey Café is a plant-based restaurant that utterly stunned me. Even in case you’re not a vegetarian or vegan, the recent and regionally sourced elements guarantee each single dish is superb.
I had the falafel salad and it alone can be motive to return to Kailua-Kona. Be sure you additionally strive a glass of the Hawaiian-style kombucha.
Ikkyu Ramen
Hawaii is house to an enormous Japanese inhabitants, so it’s no shock you’ll discover loads of Japanese eating places down practically each road. As you’d anticipate, Ikkyu Ramen presents scrumptious bowls of ramen, however in addition they have loads of different conventional Japanese dishes and dishes from California.
If you happen to’re in search of a tasty and filling lunch, stroll immediately straight from the pier on Palani Highway for about half a mile, and also you’ll discover this fashionable spot.
The large number of procuring choices is one other spotlight of Kailua-Kona. Regardless of its comparatively small measurement, there are many shops and boutiques which can be good for memento procuring.
Kona Farmers Market is a must-visit spot, and it’s only positioned a brief 10-minute stroll from the pier. Right here, you’ll uncover a vibrant number of regionally grown produce, espresso, handcrafted jewellery, and handmade souvenirs that mirror the spirit of Hawaii.
Strolling to the market, you’ll additionally move Kona Inn Buying Village, which is ideal in case you’re in search of extra typical items.
With artwork galleries, clothes shops, and eating places, it’s the perfect place to buy items, and even simply decide up one thing you neglect to deliver in your journey, like a pair of sun shades or swim shorts.
You can too stroll the streets and are available throughout loads of different shops. If you happen to’re purchasing for clothes, Pueo Boutique is a good spot to buy regionally designed and made clothes, together with Hawaiian-style skirts and jewellery.
Ohana Informal Put on is one other fashionable clothes retailer carrying skirts, swimwear, and, in fact, traditional Hawaiian shirts with colourful patterns. These shops and loads of others are troublesome to overlook once you stroll the streets of the city.
Each retailer accepts money in USD, however a few of the smaller distributors out there don’t settle for bank card funds, so it may be a good suggestion to tug out some money from an ATM. Remember the fact that you’ll have to pay gross sales tax, which is never displayed.
Greatest Time to Go to Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is a year-round vacation spot, however most individuals discover that the perfect time to go to is spring and early summer time. That is when the climate is heat and dry, making strolling across the village and testing the websites past comfy.
Learn Additionally: When Is the Greatest Time to Go on a Cruise for Every Area?
Remember the fact that it may be a bit busy throughout these months, because the city is a well-liked spot for every type of vacationers, not simply those that arrive by cruise ship.
If you happen to’re hoping to keep away from massive crowds, planning your go to on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday ought to present a quieter expertise, as crowds are inclined to ramp up between Thursday and Saturday.
If you happen to’re a beer drinker, the Kona Brewers Competition is in mid-March; whereas the Monarch Competition and its hula competitions comply with the week after Easter Sunday.
Irrespective of once you go to, Kailua-Kona is a ravishing vacation spot that you simply don’t wish to miss!
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