⚓ Cruise Port

Kailua Kona

Currency
US dollar.
Language
English (and Hawaiian).
Time in Port
Typically around 8am–5pm; this is a tender port.
Pier Location
Tenders land in the heart of Kailua-Kona, steps from Aliʻi Drive's shops and restaurants.
Best For
Kona coffee, snorkeling, Hawaiian history, and sunny beaches
About Kailua Kona

Kona is the sunny, dry leeward side of the Big Island — historic Kailua village along Aliʻi Drive, world-famous Kona coffee farms on the volcanic slopes, and some of Hawaii's best snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. It's a tender port with an easygoing beach-town feel and a deep layer of Hawaiian history at the Place of Refuge.

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Insider Tip

Kona is the dry, sunny opposite of rainy Hilo — perfect for the water. Since it's a tender port, allow time getting ashore, and don't leave without a cup of coffee grown on the hills right above you.

Highlights
Kona coffee farms
The volcanic Kona belt grows some of the world's most prized coffee — tour a farm and taste at the source.
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Kealakekua Bay
A marine sanctuary with vivid coral and the Captain Cook monument — superb snorkeling and kayaking.
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Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
The "Place of Refuge," a sacred restored Hawaiian site of temples, tiki carvings, and royal grounds.
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Aliʻi Drive & Huliheʻe Palace
The walkable seafront with a former royal vacation palace and Mokuaikaua, Hawaii's oldest church.
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Manta ray snorkel
Kona is one of the few places on earth to snorkel or dive with giant manta rays.
Local Food & Drink
  • 100% Kona coffee, fresh from the slopes above town.
  • Fresh-caught ahi poke and grilled ono.
  • Loco moco and a plate lunch with kalua pork.
  • Shave ice and macadamia-nut treats.
Shore Excursion Ideas
1 Kona coffee farm tour and tasting.
2 Kealakekua Bay snorkel or kayak.
3 Place of Refuge and Kona historical sites.
4 Coastal sail with snorkeling and turtles.
Sailings to Kailua Kona
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Ships That Visit Kailua Kona
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