It's not uncommon to hear someone say that a Hawaiian cruise is on their Bucket List. Hawaii is actually one of the most Bucket-listed places. And my Bucket List was no inception! After a recent Hawaiian cruise on Norwegian's Pride of America, I decided to share my ranking of the ports from best to least exciting. This particular cruise departed from Honolulu, stopped at Maui, Hilo, Kona, Kauai, and returned back to Honolulu. I've been on a number of cruises and the port experience was quite different than any other cruise that I've been on in the Caribbean. The ease of disembarking from the ship and getting into town was a challenge at some ports. This factored into my ranking for each port. I'll tell you the best Hawaiian Island cruise ports.
Oceanview from Hikinaakala Heiau Wailua River State Park in Kauai, Hawaii
#1 Kauai - For beach and nature lovers:
Kauai ranked as the best port stop on this cruise! Although the port was a long walk to the nearest beach at Nawiliwili Bay and Harbor Mall, the beauty of this area was just unmatched. This is the stop to see beautiful beaches and natural wonders in Hawaii including Opaeka'a Falls (featured in the movies, "Wackiest Ship in the Army" and "Blue Hawaii"), Menehune Fishpond, Ahukini Landing, and Hikinaakala Heiau Wailua River State Park. Did I mention that Kauai also has the state's 2nd top ranked Luau Kalamaku? The luau was absolutely amazing! The best stop of the cruise was truly saved for last, and it was nice to be at the port for two full days. If you have mobility issues, you will need to take a taxi, book a tour, or hop on the free Harbor Mall trolley to make the best of your visit.
The famous Ho'okipa lookout in Maui, Hawaii
#2 Maui - For romance and adventure:
Maui was ranked as the second-best port for the cruise. Now, I've been to Maui before for a land trip in 2015. This port visit, however, showed me a different side of Maui. Although Maui is a beautiful and happening spot for tourists, you can easily get tucked away in the uninhabited places in the area. This is the place to get the true American feel, but also adventure off to the red and black sand beaches and beautiful waterfalls on the road to Hana, capture the sunrise or sunset from the famous Haleakala Volcano, visit the rainforest and find some of the sweetest fruit in the world, or catch some of the best waves at Ho'okipa!
Handmade Figures at Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona, Hawaii
#3 Kona - For history and water adventures:
Kona, respectfully, ranked third as the best port for the cruise. The tender to get to the port was an enjoyable ride and the port had enough shopping, restaurants, and a beach if you didn't want to wonder too far. There are a number of water adventures offered including a glass-bottom boat tour, a ride on an Atlantis Submarine, deep sea troll fishing, and snorkeling. If you are a coffee lover, Kona just might be your favorite stop! There is a lot of history on this part of the Big Island including the Royal Kona Coffee Center, the breathtaking Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park where criminals would hide-out, and the amazing Catholic Painted Church.
Farmer's Market in Downtown Hilo, Hawaii
#4 Hilo - For the market shopper and adventurer:
The other side of the Big Island, Hilo, was ranked as the fourth best port of the cruise. The difficulty of getting to the downtown and nearest beach is what made the Hilo port drop in favorites drastically. You can't walk anywhere from this port. You must take a Hoppa on Hoppa off Trolley, taxi, or schedule a tour to get to exploring this area. The downtown was the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, and art. There were plenty of local restaurants to grab a bit to eat. There was even a local famers' market with vendors. If shopping isn't your thing, you can venture off to see some of the Big Island's tallest waterfalls, visit the Land of Frozen Fire, or Zipline through the rainforest with a view of the Pacific Ocean in the background.
Boat Dock View from The Modern Honolulu Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii
#5 Honolulu - For the All-American:
Honolulu was ranked as the least exciting port. The area was very much like your typical city in the U.S... whatever American restaurant chain you are looking for, you'll be sure to find it! If you are looking for a big-city feel, this is your place. Be sure to pay a visit to the historic Pearl Harbor, famous Waikiki beach, and attend the state's top ranked Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Travel Tip: Considering the shipping yards nestled in the Norwegian ports in Hawaii, the cabins with a balcony didn't appear to have worthwhile ocean views. I would have been disappointed if I had upgraded to a cabin with a balcony.
I hope my insight helps you better plan for your Bucket List cruise to Hawaii...until next Friday!
Nina
Great review