Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Port Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast stands out as a cruise stop because it breathes history, culture, and natural beauty into every excursion. From the moment anchors touch the water at Kailua Pier, guests walk into a town where Hulihee Palace, a royal vacation home dating from 1838, and Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, offer tangible links to the islands’ past. Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, with its reconstructed thatched houses marking King Kamehameha I’s residence, frames a shoreline where coral-dusted Kamakahonu Beach glows under tropical light. Beyond the stories, signature experiences unfold in short, intimate shore adventures—historic sightseeing that spans royal legacies to colonial-era churches, vibrant markets, and easy access to Kona coffee country where tastings and farm tours happen within minutes of the ship. The port’s Neptune-blue waters and easy, walkable harbor connect visitors to a spectrum of destinations—from waterfront strolls to short drives to volcanic vistas and pristine snorkeling spots—while Kailua Pier’s boat moorings and the shallow depth that supports a range of mid-sized vessels enable smoother embarkations and shorter transfer times. Onboard, guests enjoy Hawaii-forward services and hospitality, with local performances, cultural demonstrations, and curated excursions echoing the island’s accessible spirit, making Kailua-Kona a port experience that blends living history with natural wonders and warm island service, unlike any other cruise stop.