The Big Island of Hawaii is a
popular cruise destination, serviced by the major cruise lines including
Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal
Caribbean. Check out our latest deals on
Hawaiian Cruises.
Most of these cruise ships will
make several port calls including Lahaina Maui, Kahului Maui, Nawiliwili
Kauai, Kailua-Kona Hawaii, Hilo Hawaii, and Honolulu Oahu. It is a
wonderful opportunity to see several cities on several Hawaiian Islands
- and still give you plenty of time on shore for activities, tours, and
exploring.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are conveniently available at both Ports of Call on the Big
Island. In Hilo, several
rental car companies offer courtesy shuttle bus pick-up from the
pier - the shuttle bus takes you 1/2 mile to the airport where the
rental cars are located. In Kona,
Dollar Rental Car will drop off vehicles at the King Kamehameha
Hotel, located adjacent the Kailua-Kona pier (enter location KOAN02 at
www.dollar.com)
All major rental car companies are available at the
Kona Keahole Airport, but it is about a 30-minute drive
from the pier to the airport with no shuttle bus support.
Enter Location KOAN02 for Kailua Pier
Port of Hilo
Hilo is a deep-water harbor protected by a man-made breakwater, and the cruise ships will park alongside the
pier. The Hilo-area beaches are just down the road from the pier,
but a little too far to walk. Take the opportunity to check out
the black sand beach at Richardson
Ocean Park, located about 2.5 miles to the east on Kanalianaole St.
About 1 mile to the west of the pier is Banyan Drive and
Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. Most cruise passengers will opt for a
guided tour of this side of the Big Island. There is a lot to
see in and around Hilo town, including the
impressive Volcanoes National Park,
Akaka Falls,
Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Tropical
Botanical Gardens. As you leave Hilo Bay in the evening, your
cruise ship will likely turn south paralleling the coast of the Kilauea
Volcano. Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983 and you
should be able to see the spectacular
lava flows right from your cruise ship as you sail south.
In Hilo, a cruise ship pulling into
port means good business. Often, there will be a free Hawaiian
music and traditional dancing exhibition in front of the Wal-Mart in
town - the show put on specifically for cruise passengers. Don't
forget to buy souvenirs -
Hilo Hattie has free shuttle buses in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona that
take you to and from the store. You can also find taxis
conveniently right at the pier. For more information check out our
Hilo section with details and photos about Hilo
area attractions.
Kailua Pier
Kailua Bay is a shallow-water bay and as such, the cruise ship will need
to anchor out in deeper water. Transportation to and from shore is
provided by small ferry boat that shuttles passengers between the ship
and Kailua Pier. The pier is located at the corner of Alii Drive,
near the heart of Kailua-Kona, within easy
walking distance of most attractions.
Ali'i Drive is surrounded by
many shops and
restaurants, offering ample
opportunities to buy some souvenirs and get a bite to eat. With
plenty of sunshine and crystal-clear waters, most visitors will engage
in some of the Big Island Activities and Tours
that are offered in Kona. Explore the ocean, visit pristine
beaches, and enjoy the view and famous sunsets.
If you are looking for beaches or
snorkeling, you will most likely need to rent a car. Other than
the Kamakahonu Beach, most are too far to walk to. You can rent a
car, motor scooter, or take a taxi. Another way to travel around
Alii Drive and Kailua town is by shuttle bus. The Alii Shuttle
(tel. 808/938-1112) travels up and down Alii Drive (the coastal road)
and Palani Road (the main entrance to Kailua-Kona) from the Lanihau
Shopping Center to Ohana Keauhou Bay Resort, stopping just about
anywhere you want on Palai Road or Alii Drive (just flag the bus down).
The buses run about every hour and a half. The cost is $2 one-way; the
current hours of operation (subject to change, so call to check) are
from 8:30am (leaving Keauhou Bay heading north to Kailua Village) to
7pm. No buses on Sunday. This shuttle is convenient for cruise
ship passengers because the Kailua Pier is located on Alii Drive, along
the bus route. For more details on how to get around, check out
our Big Island Transportation article.
Hawaiian cruise packages include
shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment
and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges
and more. It does not include shore excursions, personal expenses,
gratuities, or alcoholic beverages. Looking for a bargain?
Travelocity has the lowest CRUISE prices, GUARANTEED
Free Onboard Cruise Credit up to $250 when you book your cruise with your MasterCard
Up to $100 Onboard Credit when you book with Holland America Line
Up to $100 Onboard Credit when you book with Royal Caribbean
Up to $150 Onboard Credit when you book with Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceanview and Balcony Stateroom Specials with Holland America Line
Up to $100 Onboard Credit when you book with Celebrity Cruises
Cruise Deals Expire 1/31/08
