Nawiliwili (Kauai) – Hawaii

Ships will dock at Nawiliwili Harbor which is southeast of the island. Cruise ships are allowed to dock in the harbor from sunrise to sunset only. The exception to this is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. That ship is allowed to anchor for 24 hours.

The harbor is also a commercial cargo port and Nawiliwili Yacht Club is situated in the harbor.

The island of Kauai is just 25 miles long and 33 miles wide, so it is fairly easy to explore.

Walking

You can walk from the pier in Nawiliwili to the nearby Kalapaki beach, but most passengers prefer to take the free shuttle to Anchor shopping mall and walk from there.

 Shuttle

Free shuttles run to car rental offices, Walmart and smaller malls from the pier.

Buses

There is bus service on the island and you can see Kauai Bus Schedules at this site. You can also download TheKauaiBus app. It is free, and available on both Android (Google Play) and Apple (Apple App Store) devices. Remember that your time on the island will be limited. If you have your heart set on seeing a particular area, the bus will not be the most efficient use of your time. Other travelers have stated that it is not easy taking the bus, and that the bus is used mainly by residents to get to and from work.

Taxis

As with rental cars, it is best to call ahead to reserve a taxi.

• Kauai Taxi Company
• A-1 Lift
• Kauai Island Shuttle

 Rental Cars

There are several car rentals available on Kauai. They tend to be in high demand, so it is best to reserve a car before your arrival.

Here three that are recommended by GoHawaii:

• Aloha Rents
• Discount Hawaii Car Rental
• Hawaii Car Rentals

Even though the population of the island of Kauai is less than 75,000, there is every shop you need within a few miles of the cruise terminal including Target, Walmart, Costco and Safeway. If you would rather buy more local shops, or Hawaiian goods, here are a few options:

Harbor Mall – 3501 Rice Street, Lihue – 0.5 miles from port

Right across the street from Kalapaki Bay, is the Harbor Mall. It is the shopping center located closest to the cruise terminal. The mall provides a free shuttle to cruise passengers.

Locally owned shops such as Beachrail Hobby & Collectables, Kauai Island Treasures, Renee Zhang Jewelry Design, Twisted Turtles Yarn Shop and Yongs Aloha Fashions are a few of the shops you will find.

The Koa Store – 3-3601 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue – 3.3 miles from port

Koa is a hardwood that is often compared to walnut, but Koa looks like lustrous, swirled marble. The Koa Shop has beautiful handmade koa wood gifts. Jewelry, picture frames, shadow boxes, clocks and other items are available. There are items at every price point, so you’re sure to find something here.

Kilohana Plantation – 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue – 3.1 miles from port

This Tudor-style 16,000 square foot home has been restored and now contains galleries and boutiques. Local artwork and crafts are available from the shops, and there is also a ceramic shop where you can paint your own piece and have it shipped home. There is also a train that you can ride around the grounds.

Hilo Hattie– 3-3252 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, 2.6 miles from port

A staple on the islands of Hawaii, this store is named after a famous hula dancer. Go here to find local style clothing for men, women and children. They have aloha shirts, mu’u mu’us, leis, shorts and mini dresses. They also carry souvenirs. It is also located next to Walmart.

CVS Pharmacy  – 2600 Kaumualii Hwy  Lihue – 2.1 miles from port

Longs Drugs is a branch of CVS Pharmacy. You will find the usual pharmacy and convenience store items such as medications, make up, hair products and household items. There are several Long’s Drugs in Kauai, but this store is the most convenient location near the cruise port, and is located in the same plaza as Target and Macy’s and across the street from Costco.

It may seem a world away, but the Hawaiian Islands are one of the fifty U.S. states. As such, you will find McDonald’s, Panda Express, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell in Kauai.

The closest restaurants to the port are located less than a mile away around Harbor Mall and Kalapaki Beach.

Here are some restaurants in Kauai, and close to Nawiliwili and Lihue that have more flare than the fast-food options.

Duke’s Kauai – 3610 Rice Street, 0.6 miles from port

 

 

 

 

 

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Located on Kalapaki Beach at the Kauai Marriott Resort, Duke’s is named for the beloved surfer, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, this native son was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. He was the first person to be inducted into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame. He served as Sheriff of Honolulu from 1932 to 1961, being re-elected 13 times.

There is not much you won’t find at Duke’s. You can get calamari, coconut shrimp, Tristan lobster, ahi steak, prime rib and filet mignon. At the other end of the scale, mac & cheese, burgers and tacos are also on the menu. One item not to miss out on is the Hula Pie.

Lilikoi Restaurant, Bar & Grill and French Bakery – 3501 Rice Street, 0.5 miles from port

Here you will find an infusion of French, Hawaiian and Mexican food here. Lilikoi also has signature desserts and French pastries that are made fresh daily.  They are also known for their brunch and daily Happy Hour. 

Mariachi’s – 3501 Rice Street, Lihue – 0.5 miles from port

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If you are feeling like you want something south of the border, Mariachi’s has authentic Mexican cuisine. Enchiladas, burrito, tacos, chimichanga and nachos will definitely satisfy your cravings. It’s located right at Harbor Mall, so you can do some shopping after your lunch. 

Uncle D’s Kaua’i – BBQ – 3501 Rice Street. Lihue – 0.5 miles from port

Uncle D’s is located in the Harbor Mall. Although it is not a dine-in restaurant, it is worth picking up some of their delicious BBQ to go. You will have your choice of pulled pork, buffalo or BBQ chicken, along with sandwiches of the same. Philly cheesesteak, brisket and mac & cheese are also menu items. If you love the sauce, you can purchase bottles to take home.

Unless you have arrived on NCL Pride of America, your time in port will be limited. A good plan of action is to decide beforehand exactly what you would like to do and see in the time you are on this beautiful island.

 Waimea Canyon State Park

The Waimea Canyon within this state park is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It is one of Kauai’s most popular attractions. The canyon is 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep. Two look out points at PuuKe Pele and Puu Hinahina give you the opportunity to have spectacular views of the canyon. There is a trail to hike, but it is a 3.4 mile round trip hike that takes about 3 hours, so keep the time in mind.

If you are not a resident of Hawaii, you will need to purchase park entry ($5 pp) and parking ($10 per vehicle) but this is valid for Waimea Canyon as well as Koke’e State Park, so you get two parks for the price of one. 

Remember, too, that it is a sign of disrespect to take any rocks home from Hawaii, but in a state park it goes a step further; it is illegal. You could incur a fine of up to $100,000, so they are serious about this.

If you’d rather take an excursion to Waimea Canyon instead of navigating transportation on your own, check out this great one through Shore Excursions Group!

Kauai Coffee Plantation

This is the largest coffee farm in the United States. With over 4 million coffee trees planted on 3,100 acres, this plantation produces over half of Hawaiian coffee. Guided or complimentary self-guided tours are available and you will also be able to sample all the flavors of coffee brewed at this plantation.

Check out this video for a peek of the plantation:

Kamokila Hawaiian Village

The grounds of this four acre village is a re-creation of a traditional Hawaiian village, but it is on an authentic site. You will experience what native lifestyles were like centuries ago. Canoes are also available in an exclusive location on the Wailua River. You can avoid the crowds, and there is no hauling required.

Spouting Horn Kauai

Spouting Horn is one of the most photographed sites in Kauai. Formed by years of wave action, this blowhole is on the coastline’s lava rock shelf. The spout can be upwards of 50 feet high and it produces a hissing and roaring sound in the process.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Visit the largest limestone cave in Hawaii. The site is an important one to archaeologists, geologists and paleontologists because of the abundance of fossils found there. You enter the cave by crawling through a narrow opening and into a brightly lit circle opening. This 17 acre site preserves extinct Hawaiian native plants and animal species. Guided tours run from 10am to 4pm, and there is no cost to enter, but they do accept donations.

Kalapaki Beach

Close to the cruise port, Kalapaki Beach is a great spot for swimming, learning to surf or do stand-up paddle boarding. Kalapaki Bay is in front of the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort. It has calmer waters as it is protected from the ocean waves by a break wall. It is also fun to simply watch outrigger canoes come and go out of Nawiliwili Harbor. There is always activity at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club which frequently holds races. Before hitting the beach, stop in at DA LIFE. It is a locally owned outdoor gear shop located right on the beach at Kalapaki Bay. You will find all types of gear for any water activity that you would like to engage in. They are also great to give tourists insight into the best activities to pursue while in port. There are restrooms at Kalapaki Beach.

Check out this video of the 8 best beaches in Kauai. If you want to just check out Kalapaki Beach (and catch a glimpse of a cruise ship in the background), skip ahead to 2:12: