A seaside golf course above the ocean at Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai.
Featured Cruises to Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
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Cruises to Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
Nawiliwili is the cruise port of Kauai, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, on Nawiliwili Bay along the southeast coast about 2 miles (3 km) south of Lihue, the island's government and commercial center. It is the gateway to the Wailua River and its waterfalls to the north and to Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, to the west, while the sheltered sand of Kalapaki Beach lines the bay right beside the harbor. The Wailua is the only river in Hawaii navigable by boats larger than kayaks, and Waimea Canyon runs about 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep.
Do cruise ships dock in Nawiliwili? Yes. Nawiliwili Harbor is the primary cruise terminal on Kauai and the island's principal port for cargo and passenger ships, and cruise ships berth at its piers alongside cargo vessels and inter-island barges, so passengers walk straight ashore with no tender. How far is the port from Lihue? About 2 miles, a short drive to the Kauai Museum and the town center.
Cruises to Nawiliwili are Hawaiian Islands itineraries, on lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, which makes most of the upcoming calls, Princess, Carnival and Holland America.
Plan the day around one choice. Waimea Canyon lies on the far west side of the island and takes most of the day, while Kalapaki Beach and the Alekoko Fishpond overlook are both close to the pier for an easier day. A boat trip up the Wailua River toward the Fern Grotto sits comfortably in between.
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Destinations for Cruises to Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
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Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii:
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Known for its festive yet casual atmosphere, Carnival offers a variety of on-board dining, entertainment, and activity options to suit any mood or taste. Carnival's WaterWorks is a fabulous water park found onboard many of their ships. Among the many cruise destinations offered by Carnival are Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and now consists of 11 vessels, with 2 more sister ships to follow in 2025-2026. Itineraries include 8- to 32-day adventures all over Europe and the Mediterranean all year round and exclusive voyages to China and Japan in the fall plus World Cruises that can last 121 to 138 days. All staterooms on Viking ocean ships have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the p
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Things to do in Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
Waterfalls, a jungle river, a canyon of red rock and a calm beach next to the pier: these are the best things to do in Nawiliwili on a cruise day.
♦ Wailua River and Wailua Falls
North of Lihue, the Wailua River is the only river in Hawaii navigable by boats larger than kayaks, and boat trips and kayak outings head upriver toward the Fern Grotto. On the river's south fork, Wailua Falls pours into a pool below an easy roadside lookout. Together they make a classic half day from the port.
♦ Waimea Canyon
On the island's west side, Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, runs about 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, its walls weathered to shades of red. A road climbs from the town of Waimea along the rim to a series of lookouts. It is the island's signature view, so allow most of the day for this excursion.
♦ Kalapaki Beach
Right beside the harbor, this beach on Nawiliwili Bay is the easiest place to relax after leaving the ship. Partial protection from the open ocean keeps the water calmer than at many Kauai beaches, and it is popular for swimming, bodysurfing, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.
♦ Alekoko Fishpond
About half a mile inland from the harbor, this fishpond is roughly 1,000 years old, and Hawaiian legend says the Menehune built it in a single night. It is seen from an overlook off Hulemalu Road, has been listed as a historic site since 1973 and makes a quick stop close to the ship.
♦ Kauai Museum
In the center of Lihue, the island's museum tells the story of Kauai and Niihau, with collections that include the work of their artisans. Part of it occupies a historic building that opened in 1924 as the island's first public library, and it is a good indoor choice for a shorter day.
Average Monthly Weather for Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
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The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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