Plan a CruiseKahului Cruise Port Guide
Cruise ships dock at Kahului, Maui's primary commercial port, located on the island's east side. The pier is situated within an industrial area, offering little of interest within immediate walking distance. As a deep-water port, Kahului is a bustling hub for shipping traffic and home to nearly a third of Maui's residents.
While the immediate waterfront is more geared towards commercial vessels than sandy beaches, areas east of the city center do offer pleasant spots for swimming and sunbathing. For exploring the wider island, a rental car is highly recommended as public transportation has limitations for reaching the most popular attractions.
Getting Around from the Port
From the pier, the main transit hub and shopping destination, Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, is a little over a mile away and takes approximately 25 minutes to walk. The Maui Bus service operates from the rear of the center, near Macy's Men's, Children's, Home Store, accessible via a breezeway between Long's Drugs and Champs Sports. Buses depart at the top and bottom of every hour.
Maui Bus fares (as of July 1, 2017) are $2.00 per boarding or $4.00 for a day pass, available directly from the drivers. For destinations like Lahaina (West Maui), take the Lahaina Islander Bus Route #20. For Kihei (South Maui), use the Kihei Islander Bus Route #10. Be aware that on heavy cruise ship days, buses to and from Lahaina may become crowded, so plan your return trip accordingly. Monthly pass holders receive priority boarding during busy periods.
For comprehensive island exploration, renting a car is strongly advised, as public transportation is generally not considered a good alternative for reaching Maui's most visited attractions. All major car rental companies have offices in Kahului, but they operate shuttle services to take you to your vehicle, so advance reservations are essential.
Attractions and Activities
- Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (Kahului): Maui's premier shopping and entertainment center, also the main transit hub. It's about a 25-minute walk (just over 1 mile) from the pier.
- Kanaha Beach Park (Kahului): Located near Maui's main airport, this park is renowned globally as a top spot for learning to sailboard and kite-board due to its consistent winds. It also offers opportunities for sea-kayaking and beginner surfing.
- Kanaha Pond State Sanctuary (Kahului): Also close to the airport, this sanctuary provides a unique chance to observe migratory waterfowl and endangered Hawaiian species like the stilt and coot, alongside views of commercial aircraft.
- Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum (Kahului): Explore the history of Maui's sugarcane industry at this museum located within Kahului's city center.
- Wailuku (Nearby): Head along Route 320 to Wailuku, Maui's county seat, known for its historic buildings and a museum showcasing relics from the missionary era in Hawaii. This is a short drive from Kahului.
- 'Iao Valley State Park (Nearby): Continue up Route 320 (the 'Road to 'Iao') past Wailuku to this verdant park. Its most famous feature is 'The Needle,' a rock pillar rising 2,250 feet above sea level, historically used as a lookout and altar. The park offers several short hikes.
- Lahaina (West Maui): This historic town is approximately 20 miles east of Kahului, about a 45-minute drive around Puu Kukui, the highest peak in the West Maui Mountains. You can reach Lahaina via Maui Bus Route #20, but a rental car is more flexible.
- Haleakala National Park: Home to the dormant Haleakala volcano, this national park is a significant drive, located about 38 miles north of Kahului. A rental car is essential for visiting.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping, the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului serves as Maui's main shopping destination, featuring various stores. While no specific restaurants or local culinary specialties are mentioned as being near the terminal or easily walkable, the shopping center would offer typical mall dining options. There are no specific details on local markets or duty-free shopping provided.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small transactions. Note for international visitors that posted prices in the U.S. typically do not include sales tax (which is added at checkout, usually 4-6% in Hawaii) or gratuities. Tipping is customary and expected for service staff.