Exploring Hawaiian ports on your own is a captivating journey filled with the allure of discovery and the enchanting beauty of the islands. Each port, with its distinct character and charm, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture and natural wonders. From the bustling markets of Honolulu, where vibrant local life and historical sites converge, to the lush landscapes of Maui, offering breathtaking views of volcanic craters and cascading waterfalls, the possibilities for independent exploration are endless. Embarking on this adventure allows you to set your own pace, whether strolling along the golden beaches of Kauai, delving into the lush rainforests of Hilo, or savoring the unique flavors of local cuisine. The freedom to curate your experience fosters a deeper connection with the islands, providing an authentic and personalized encounter with the diverse facets of Hawaii's captivating allure.
Below we have made a growing list of things you can do on your own at each port.
Each Island has things that you can do for free as long as you have transportation. Check out our Hawaii rental car and taxi page for helpful information.
What can you do on your own at Maui's port?
Do NOT park at the CVS- Longs drugs, they have started towing cars as of 2023.
Parking for rental cars available at the Maui Sunset Motel for $25.00
Maui Seaside Hotel (808) 877 3311
You can get a rental car by taking a taxi to the airport that is less than 10 minutes away.
Yes you can!
1. 20 minute drive from the port
2. Dense rainforest covered mountains on the west side of Maui
3. Good hiking area, paved pathways, stream cut valley
4. Spotty cell phone reception, plan a taxi back ahead of time
Yes, the town of Paia
1. 15 minute drive from the port
2. Baldwin Beach Park
* soft white sand beach
* manageable waves
* warm water
3. Multiple shops and restaurants right in town
Yes, you have a few options:
Queen Ka’ahumanu Center
1. 20-25 minute walk from the ship
2. Large shopping mall
3. Chain stores
4. Maui bus pickup point in the back of the mall.
Maui Mall
1. 10 minute walk from the ship
2. Small open air mall
3. Movie Thratre
4. Longs Drug Store (CVS)
5. Whole Foods
Yes, Kihei and Wailea
1. Resort towns on Maui
2. 15-25 minute drive from the port
3. Picture Perfect Beaches
4. Nude beach (little beach)
5. Beautiful Resorts
6. Upscale Restaurants
Christ the King Church (Catholic)
808-877-6098
St. Anthony of Padua Church (Catholic)
808-244-4148
St Ann's Church (Catholic)
808-244-3284
King’s Cathedral Maui (First Assembly of God)
808-871-7311
Church Of The Nazarene (Protestant)
808-877-5719
Lanakila Church (Protestant)
808-242-7929
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (Episcopalian)
808-244-4656
What can you do on your own at Hilo's port?
Yes! make sure to take a taxi or Uber - Lyft. Be ready for rain.
1. 45-50 minute walk, 10 minute drive
2. Plenty of shops and restaurants
3. Walkable once there
4. Hoppa-on Hoppa-off $39 per person
Yes, Richardson Black Sand Beach
1. 9 minute drive
2. Small black sand beach surrounded by lava rock
3. 20 minute walk 2 minute drive away from Carlsmith Beach
Yes the Japanase Liliuokalani Gardens
1. 3 minute drive, 27 minute walk
2. 30-acre park, showcasing Edo-style gardens and koi ponds
Rainbow Falls
1. 10-15 minute drive 27 minute walk
2. Free of charge
Akaka Falls State Park
1. 20-30 minute drive from the port
2. Moderate activity level
3. Paved path around the entire park
4. Two waterfalls in the path
*Alala Falls 422 foot free fall
*Kahuna Falls: cascading falls $5.00 park entrance fee and $10.00 parking fee.
Prince Kuhio Plaza
1. 10-15 minute drive
2. Large shopping mall
*Chain stores; similar to malls on the mainland.
1. Pineapples Hilo
*Open-air restaurant downtown, Modern American and Hawaiian cuisine. Known for their Pineapple Pow (a Maui Gold Pineapple cored and filled with Maui's Organic vodka.
2. Kula Shaved Ice
*Right next to Hilo Farmers market. All shaved ice flavored with organically-grown-sourced fruit and organic cane sugar.
3.Cafe' Pesto
*Italian comfort food with a twist!
Lyman Museum
• Hawaii based natural history museum
• 276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720
o 10 minute drive from the port
• 808.935.5021
Pacific Tsunami Museum
• Museum dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946 Pacific tsunami and the May 23, 1960 Chilean tsunami, which devastated much of the east coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo.
• 130 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
o 7 minute drive from the port
• 808.935.0926
Hawai’i Plantation Museum
• A history museum just north of Hilo on the Big Island with plantation artifacts, business memorabilia, photographs, newspapers.
• 27-246 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
o 12 minute drive away from port
• 808.964.5151
MokuPapapa Discovery Center
• Educational facility focused on Hawaiian reefs with an aquarium & historical & cultural information.
• 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
o 9 minute drive from the port
• 808.498.4709
What can you do on your own at Kona's port?
Yes this is the best port for things close by.
1. Plenty of shops and restaurants immediately across the street from the pier, they are open when the ship arrives.
2. Most walkable port
Kona Brewing Company
1. 3 minute drive from pier, 10-15 minute walk.
* Walk up the hill from tender. At the light, cross the street and turn left. Once in view of the bright orange Kona Brewing building, climb up the stairs by the road.
1. Kamakohonu Beach
* Immediately to the left of tender pier, small beach. Kona Boys Beach Shack on Kamakohonu beach rents umbrellas, lawn chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkels.
2. Magic Sands Beach
* 11 minute drive
*Public park with white sand beach & rocky shoreline, offering lifeguard-overseen swimming & surfing. Popular for boogie boarding. 3. Kahalu’u Beach Park
* 13 minute drive
* Excellent for snorkeling, clear water, lots of corals and fish.
* Hawaiian temples (heiaus) at this beach park as well.
4. Kahalu’u Beach Park
* 13 minute drive
* Excellent for snorkeling, clear water, lots of corals and fish.
*Hawaiian temples (heiaus) at this beach park as well. 5. Kohanaiki Beach Park (a.k.a Pine Trees Surfing Beach)
* 16 minute drive
*Rugged beach, lots of rocks in the water, not good for swimming.
Good spot for people interested in surfing.
6. Manini’owali Beach
* 25 minute drive
* White sand beach located at Kua Bay, calm water, good for snorkeling
7. Honaunau Bay
* 35 minute drive
* Not much sand, surrounded by rocks. This location is good for those interested in scuba diving, for both beginners and experts. There are scuba diving tutors and rental facilities available on site.
What can you do on your own at Kauai's port?
You would want to visit Kalapakli Beach, You can see it from the ship once at port.
1. 10 minute walk
2. Calm bay, palm trees offering shade
3. Kauai Beach Boys Shack right by the beach rents chairs, boogie boards, surfboards, paddle boards, and kayaks. Also offer surf lessons.
4. Duke’s Kauai is a restaurant with a view of the bay located right off the beach.
Yes there are 3 free shuttles that go to different shopping areas at this port. They pick up past the taxi pickup area every 10-20 minutes.
1. 9 minute walk. Head straight up sidewalk outside of security, the shopping center is the group of buildings with bright blue roofs
2. Tiny shopping center consisting of an ABC store, a souvenir shop, and a jewelry store.
Yes, The Waimea Canyon State Park. Phone signal can be lost there. I would not uber or lyft there since you may not have signal to get back.
1. 1 hour drive from pier, recommended for guests who have rental cars.
2. Expansive, mountain top gorge known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Wailua Falls
1. 17 minute drive from the port.
2. Two tiered waterfalls, no hiking necessary to view falls.
What can you do on your own at Honolulu's port?
• 64 1550 Kamehameha Highway Wahiawa, HI 96786
• 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
• Free to walk the grounds. They have plenty of stuff to see and a decent gift shop and café.
• The Dole Whip is a MUST GET!
• They have a train ride that is $13.
• All the beaches in Hawaii are free to visit so this is a good stop for some good time in the sun.
o Ala Moana Beach Park
o Waimea Bay
o Waikiki Beach
o Makaha Beach Park
• 49-560 Kamehameha HWY, Kaneohe, HI 96744
• 808.237.7321
• This is a park grounds that have beautiful mountain views. They offer tours.
Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts
• 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy STE A Kaneohe, HI 96744
• 808.237.1960
• They have beautiful grounds and amazing food and coffee. Some shops as well.
If you are looking for more in-depth guides on what to do in each port make sure to check out our Best Things to do in each port while in Hawaii.
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