Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

United States

Snorkel pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and encounter gentle sea turtles in crystalline Hawaiian waters.

💱 Currency United States Dollar (USD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone HST (UTC-10)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Mar–May
🚢 Typical Duration 7-18 nights
💰 Price Range From $50 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Hawaii's Big Island, offering pristine beaches, world-class snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, and access to Mauna Kea volcano and Kona coffee country.

Cruises that visit Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Build Your Day in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Royal Kona Resort You have the ability to quickly walk to all the good things to do in Kona. Resort hotel · ★ 4.1 · 7k
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park This place checks the boxes of educational & fun! Park · ★ 4.7 · 6k
Kona Farmers Market Lots of vendors with wonderful creations and crafts Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 6k
On the Rocks What a cool spot to spend an hour relaxing from all day activities in Kona. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 5k
Kona Brewing Co. Great beers on tap, fast, friendly, and attentive service. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Island Lava Java The food is so good here, we came back three times during our stay in Kona. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 4k
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Very unique experience and highly recommend! Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 4k
Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA Probably the most delicious meal we had in Kona. Hawaiian · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park it's a fun pitstop but would be difficult to spend a ton of time. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Greenwell Farms Highly highly recommend if you like science/information-heavy tours! Farm · ★ 4.8 · 3k
Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona This was the best restaurant so far on this year's visit to Kona. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3:30 PM
Big Island Grill This restaurant is always my first stop in Kailua Kona. Hawaiian · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Kona Commons Shopping Center A lot of shops, big and small, in a nice area. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Kona Inn Restaurant 👍 One of my personal favorite things to eat in Kailua. Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Huggo's If you are in Kona, eat here. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Kona Inn Shopping Village Some of the shops that were open had good deals and were clean inside. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM
Keauhou Shopping Center Clean shopping center with an unparalleled view. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Fish Hopper Kona Every time we go to Kona, we have to stop by this restaurant. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar The best place we ate on Kona and one of the best places in all of Hawaii. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Sea Quest Hawaii 10/10 would do again and 15/10 would recommend Seaquest. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Laverne's Big Island Alehouse & Restaurant Good selection of beer on tap and a great place to watch the sunset! Bar · ★ 4.1 · 2k
Kailua Pier It is also a fun site as it is where the Ironman swim is held. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Don's Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant Drinks were awesome, prices are very reasonable, and service is excellent. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary Immersive, educational and incredible experience. Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Dolphin Discoveries- Snorkel Tour Check-in and Boutique Absolutely Unmissable: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Kona Coast Shopping Center Lots of options and well kept/clean. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Lanihau Center It is a big store with wide aisles and was not cluttered. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Ali‘i Sunset Plaza Great burger and art studio, gem store, crowded parking Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Island Breeze Lū‘au - He 'Ohana Kakou All you can eat and drink with a very engaging and educational show. Dinner theater · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Coconut Grove Marketplace Great shops & restaurants here, lots of overpriced paid parking spots. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 2 AM
Da Shark Shack Great vibes, awesome views, funny and friendly bartenders Grill · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Opens soon · 12 PM
Captain Cook Cruises 10X worth the money and provided a memorable experience! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Kona Crossroads Enormous place, endless product choices, includes pharmacy. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Atlantis Submarines Kona Great family activity, we went with ages 4-65 and all had great time. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cheeky Tiki Fun drinks, friendly staff, good views, and a laid back, relaxed vibe! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Aloha Vibes Good food is hard to find in Kona- here it is! Grill · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Sam's Hideaway Great vibe, good prices, cold drinks! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark Really cool! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Waterfront Row Shopping Center So many things to see , visit and buy while you are in kona ! Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open now
The Temple Kitchen + Bar The cocktails were outstanding—creative, strong, and perfectly balanced. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens and the Kona Educational Center Beautiful botanical garden with unique flowers and plants. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Spinners Kailua Cantina Cheap drinks and laid back atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
King Kamehameha Mall We ate at a small Thai restaurant. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8:30 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

About Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona stands as one of Hawaii's most vibrant cruise destinations, with nine major cruise lines calling at this scenic Big Island port. While primarily a port of call, Kailua-Kona serves as a popular hub for Pacific cruises, with nearly 200 upcoming sailings ranging from leisurely seven-night itineraries to longer voyages exploring the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. Cruise passengers will find themselves among a diverse fleet of vessels, from luxury expedition ships to large resort-style cruisers, all drawn to this iconic Hawaiian location.

When your ship arrives in Kailua-Kona, you'll discover a charming waterfront town steeped in Hawaiian history and culture. The area offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in pristine tropical waters, as well as easy access to local shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or authentic island experiences, Kailua-Kona delivers the quintessential Hawaiian cruise port experience that keeps passengers returning year after year.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Snorkel with Manta Rays

Experience one of Hawaii's most magical encounters at Kona's world-famous manta ray night dives and snorkeling sites. These gentle giants glide gracefully through the water just offshore, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle. Local operators offer guided tours perfect for cruise passengers with limited time in port.

2

Kailua Pier Historic District

Walk along the iconic Kailua Pier, where King Kamehameha I once ruled and where Hawaiian history comes alive. Browse nearby shops and galleries celebrating local culture, then grab fresh poke and plate lunch from waterfront vendors serving authentic island cuisine.

3

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Park

Visit this sacred 16th-century Hawaiian place of refuge, just 20 minutes south of the cruise port. Explore reconstructed temples, ancient fishponds, and pristine beaches while learning about traditional Hawaiian customs and spiritual practices from knowledgeable park rangers.

4

Kona Coffee Farm Tours

Discover why Kona coffee is world-renowned by visiting local farms on the volcanic slopes above town. Sample freshly roasted beans, learn about the unique growing conditions, and purchase premium coffee directly from farmers in this charming agricultural region.

5

Sunset Beach Relaxation

Unwind at nearby Kahaluu Beach Park or Maniniowali Beach, where calm, turquoise waters and dramatic lava rock formations create postcard-perfect scenery. These accessible beaches offer excellent swimming, tide pools to explore, and stunning sunset views before returning to your ship.

Cruise Lines at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cruises Departing From Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cruises Visiting Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Ship Schedule at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Location

Other Cruise Ports in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

Nine major cruise lines operate from Kailua-Kona, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With 195 upcoming cruises available, you'll have numerous options to choose from for your Hawaiian vacation.

When is the best time to cruise from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

The peak months for cruising from Kailua-Kona are March, April, May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather and are popular times to visit Hawaii, so booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred cruise dates and cabin.

How much do cruises from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii cost?

Cruise prices from Kailua-Kona range from $492.50 to $67,990 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship, cabin type, and itinerary length. Ocean cruises from this port offer options for various budgets, from affordable getaways to luxury experiences.

Is Kailua-Kona a tender port or dock port?

Kailua-Kona is primarily a tender port, meaning passengers are transported to shore by small boats rather than docking directly at a pier. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the tender landing to transport you around town and to nearby attractions.

What can I see and do in a day at Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona offers excellent snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, historical sites like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and the scenic Kona Coast. You can also enjoy local restaurants, shops, and beaches, or take a short excursion to nearby attractions like coffee plantations or volcanic landscapes.

What other Hawaiian ports can I visit from Kailua-Kona?

From Kailua-Kona, cruises typically visit other Hawaiian islands including Honolulu, Kahului-Maui, Nawiliwili, and Hilo. Many itineraries also extend beyond Hawaii to Papeete, Tahiti, offering a broader Pacific island experience.

What type of cruises depart from Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona primarily offers ocean cruises, which are traditional multi-day voyages visiting various ports throughout the Hawaiian Islands and Pacific region. These cruises range from short getaways to extended journeys, providing diverse itineraries for different travel preferences.