Nawiliwili, Hawaii

United States

Paddle through emerald sea cliffs and hidden waterfalls in breathtaking Napali Coast adventures.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone HST (UTC-10)

☀️ Best Time to Visit January, March, May, September, and October for optimal weather and fewer crowds

🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights

💰 Price Range From $50 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Kauai's natural beauty, offering access to stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush tropical landscapes in Hawaii's oldest island.

Cruises that visit Nawiliwili, Hawaii

Build Your Day in Nawiliwili, 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 2:00 PM

Usually about 6 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Waimea Canyon State Park Cool down in the red clay river at the valley floor State park · ★ 4.9 · 7k 🕐 Open now

Duke's Kauai We ALL agree the service, food and drinks were top notch. Hawaiian · ★ 4.4 · 5k

Wailua River State Park Beautiful and lots of activities available State park · ★ 4.7 · 3k

The Shops at Kukui‘ula Great variety of shops and food and tons of shade. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park An unforgettable experience! State park · ★ 4.8 · 2k

Coconut Marketplace Family friendly, tons of shopping, live music, massages and more. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Lilikoi Bar and Grill The best pineapple, bacon burger I’ve had forever in my life! Fusion restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k

Poipu Shopping Village ... a low key mix of hi end and affordable shops with caring shop keeps. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Red Dirt Waterfall Cool place to let the kids run around and burn off some energy Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Kukui Grove Center Nice selection of shops, good seating and small food court/area. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

The Plantation House by Gaylords Great service and good food and drink recommendations. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Ching Young Village Shopping Center A nice mix of boutique shops, restaurants, Etc Plus, there is a pay phone. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 8:30 PM

Hā'ena State Park The water crossings presented fun challenges to avoid getting wet. State park · ★ 4.7 · 1k

KP Lihue ... food, great service and a nice space combined for a nice dinner. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Fern Grotto The boat ride to the Fern Grotto is fun and relaxing. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Kauai Village Shopping Center Good variety of shops and lots of parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours

Anchor Cove Shopping Center Nice selection of tourist shops hand free shuttle from terminal. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Kauaʻi Museum Compact, multi-building museum covering multiple eras of Hawaiian history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Harbor Mall This outside mall has alot of nice stores and places to eat. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Kaua’i Cruise Ship Terminal Much better than at Maui. Cruise terminal · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Hualani's Appetizer lobster was amazing The lychee sticky ribs were outstanding, wow!! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Nāwiliwili Harbor Don't miss the resort's spectacular botanical garden and Koi pond. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Ninini Point Lighthouse Free activity and fun to be outside Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Kukui's (and Kai's Bar) on Kalapaki Beach The food was delicious, service friendly, and the atmosphere wonderful. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k

Rice Shopping Center Almost has a bit of everything. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Nāwiliwili Park There were some students practicing football. Park · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Smith's Tropical Paradise I went for the luau and show, which was both entertaining and educational. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Nawiliwili Tavern Good vibes, good people and good service Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Permanently closed

Uncle D's Kauai best pulled pork mac and cheese i've had plus gluten friendly options! Barbecue · ★ 4.9 · 0k

The Naughty Rooster Irish Pub Friendly staff, good beers and drinks and a fun environment. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Duke's Canoe Club | Barefoot Bar and Restaurant Friendly staff, delicious food, and yummy drinks! Hawaiian · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Grove Farm museum Well worth the time investment!! History museum · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 12 PM

Nawiliwili Bar & Lounge Good drinks, good food, good prices, and good service. Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 12 PM

Niumalu Beach Park Nice place to sit and watch the waves and surfers. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Da seafood boil We waited like 5 minutes and the food was absolutely delicious. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Nawiliwili Cruise Pier The best place to get off of a cruise ship. Cruise agency · ★ 4.4 · 0k

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

Next Departures from Nawiliwili, Hawaii

About Nawiliwili, Hawaii

Nawiliwili, nestled on the island of Kauai, serves as a vibrant cruise port of call in Hawaii's Pacific paradise. Six major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and others call here regularly, with 156 upcoming cruises offering primarily seven-night itineraries. The port connects cruisers to some of Hawaii's most coveted destinations, including neighboring islands like Maui and the Big Island, as well as exotic ports such as Tahiti, making it an ideal hub for those seeking diverse Hawaiian and South Pacific experiences.

As a port of call, Nawiliwili welcomes cruise passengers eager to explore Kauai's natural beauty and rich culture. Visitors can venture ashore to discover lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming local communities that showcase the authentic spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Nawiliwili offers the perfect launching point for unforgettable island experiences during your cruise vacation.

Explore Kauai's Lush Wailua Falls

Just minutes from the port, Wailua Falls cascades 80 feet into a pristine emerald pool surrounded by tropical rainforest. This iconic two-tiered waterfall is one of Hawaii's most photographed natural wonders and offers an accessible hike perfect for cruise passengers seeking authentic island beauty without venturing far from port.

Savor Fresh Poke at Local Markets

Visit Kauai's vibrant farmers markets near Nawiliwili to taste authentic ahi poke, fresh tropical fruits, and local plate lunch specialties. These casual, colorful markets showcase Kauai's agricultural bounty and offer genuine island flavors that reflect generations of Hawaiian and multicultural cooking traditions.

Discover Kilohana Plantation's History

Tour this beautifully preserved 1935 sugar plantation estate featuring period rooms, tropical gardens, and cultural demonstrations. The historic mansion reveals Kauai's plantation heritage while offering scenic views across the island, making it an enriching cultural experience accessible from the cruise port.

Shop Nawiliwili Harbor's Local Boutiques

Browse unique Hawaiian crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs at shops surrounding the working harbor. You'll find authentic local artisan goods, traditional Hawaiian quilts, and island-made products that capture Kauai's creative spirit while supporting local businesses in this charming waterfront district.

Kayak the Scenic Huleia River

Paddle through Kauai's only navigable river, passing lush valleys, ancient fishponds, and dramatic cliffs featured in Hollywood films. This peaceful water adventure immerses you in the island's natural splendor and offers opportunities to spot native birds and learn about traditional Hawaiian aquaculture practices.