Ships dock on the island of Hawaii at the ports of Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Hilo is an industrial port, without much to see in the immediate area, so plan to join a shore excursion or hail a cab. Kailua-Kona is a charming town, complete with local beaches, shops, and historical sights right near the pier. The beach at King Kamehameha is just off the pier and open to the public, and if snorkeling is your thing, Kahaluu Beach Park is located just 2 miles down Alii Drive, which runs for miles along the water from the pier at Kailua-Kona, with beautiful views and an endless stream of shops, galleries, and local artists. For a bit of history, right in town you can visit Hulihee Palace, which was built in 1838 as a summer home for Hawaii’s royalty, and Mokuaikaua Church, which is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. If you would like to see ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, you will find a marked trail leading from the King’s Shops off Waikoloa Beach Drive. It is about 30 miles from the pier, but while you are there, be sure to take a stroll through the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This magnificent resort features amazing landscaping, including waterfalls, huge statues, beautiful native plants and millions of dollars worth of artwork.
Popular shore excursions on the island of Hawaii include trips to Volcanoes National Park, tours of amazing botanical gardens, sailing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and even helicopter tours over the island. With so much to do and see, you will want plenty of time to enjoy Hawaii’s Big Island.
See the map of Kailua Kona, Hawaii below.
Some cruise ships pass by Mount Kilauea at night, and this is certainly the ultimate in scenic cruising. Mount Kilaueu is the longest continuosly erupting volcano in the world, so as you cruise past - especially at night - you are treated to quite a spectacle of red hot lava pouring down the sides of the volcano into the sea. Hundreds of acres have been added to the island in this fashion since it began erupting in 1983.
Weather
The weather is always beautiful in Hawaii - or at least it seems that way! Be sure to check the current weather conditions below.
Books and Guides
Before you depart, you’ll want to check out the books below, although you can’t go wrong in Hawaii with just some sunscreen and a hat!
Cruise to Alaska - Cruise the Bahamas - Cruise to Bermuda
Cruise to Canada - Cruise the Caribbean - Cruise the Galapagos Islands
Cruise to Hawaii - Cruise to Mexico - Cruise the Panama Canal
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