Where volcanic coastline meets crystal-clear Pacific waters — Kailua-Kona delivers world-class snorkeling, world-famous coffee, and ancient Hawaiian history all within reach of the tender pier.
Kailua-Kona is a tender port — ships anchor offshore in Kailua Bay and run lifeboats/tenders to Kailua Pier, right in the heart of downtown.
💡 Pro move: Tendering can be slow if seas are choppy. Build in at least 30 minutes either side for the last tender back. Ships will not wait.
There is no deep-water cruise pier at Kailua-Kona — all ships tender from anchorage in Kailua Bay to the historic Kailua Pier.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (NCL, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean) | Anchor in Kailua Bay; tender to Kailua Pier, Ali'i Drive📍 | Tendered |
| Smaller expedition vessels | May anchor closer inshore; still tender to Kailua Pier📍 | Tendered |
From Kailua Pier you can snorkel a marine preserve, descend in a submarine, tour coffee farms, or drive to one of Hawaii's most sacred historical sites — all in a single shore day.
Boat tours from the pier run to this state marine preserve — one of Hawaii's best snorkel sites, with spinner dolphins, tropical fish, and the Captain Cook Monument. Many operators time their runs to cruise ship schedules.
Find Kealakekua Bay snorkel tours →One of the Big Island's signature experiences: giant Pacific manta rays swoop through beams of light feeding on plankton. Operators depart from the Kona pier after dark — only possible if your ship stays late or overnights.
Find manta ray night tours →Ancient Hawaiian sanctuary where lawbreakers could seek absolution. The National Historical Park, about 22 miles south of Kona, features restored heiau (temples), carved ki'i akua (idols), and a dramatic lava shoreline.
Find City of Refuge tours →The Kona coffee belt climbs the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa just above town. Farms like Greenwell Farms offer free or low-cost walking tours from bean to cup, with tastings of genuine Kona coffee.
Find Kona coffee farm tours →Descend 100+ feet below Kailua Bay in a passenger submarine operated from the pier. Narrated tours over coral reef gardens and tropical fish — no swimming required, great for non-snorkelers.
Find Atlantis submarine tours →Steps from the pier: Mokuaikaua Church (Hawaii's oldest Christian church, 1820), Hulihe'e Palace (Hawaiian royal vacation home, now a museum), and the length of Ali'i Drive lined with shops and ocean-view restaurants.
Find Kona history walking tours →The tender pier drops you right onto Ali'i Drive — Kailua-Kona's main coastal strip is very walkable, with historic sites, beaches, and restaurants all within easy reach.
Walk south along Ali'i Drive from the tender pier past Hulihe'e Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, Kahaluu Beach Park entrance, and open-air shopping. The road hugs the coast with ocean views the whole way.
A flat shoreline walk through ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, a few miles north of the pier. Hawaiian green sea turtles haul out on the beach here regularly.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 15 | 7:01 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Feb | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 14 | 6:52 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Mar | 77°F / 25°C | 68°F / 20°C | 16 | 6:32 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 69°F / 21°C | 22 | 6:06 AM | 6:41 PM |
| May | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 24 | 5:48 AM | 6:52 PM |
| Jun | 79°F / 26°C | 71°F / 22°C | 27 | 5:45 AM | 7:03 PM |
| Jul | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 27 | 5:54 AM | 7:05 PM |
| Aug | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 26 | 6:04 AM | 6:51 PM |
| Sep | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 22 | 6:11 AM | 6:25 PM |
| Oct | 81°F / 27°C | 72°F / 22°C | 20 | 6:18 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 16 | 6:32 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Dec | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 18 | 6:51 AM | 5:47 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Clark's Hawaii Tours runs a hop-on hop-off bus from Kailua Pier on cruise ship days — 7-mile loop with 7 stops. Cruise lines (HAL, NCL) also offer ship-booked HOHO excursions, typically $99–100/adult.
The tender pier drops you directly in downtown Kailua-Kona. Ali'i Drive — the main strip of shops, restaurants, and beaches — starts right at the pier and stretches about a mile south.
Open-air trolley running along Ali'i Drive, stopping at the pier, shopping centers, restaurants, and beaches. Free fare program was active through end of 2025.
Taxis wait near the pier exit. Short hops within town run about $6–12 on the metered rate; rides further afield (e.g., to resorts in Waikoloa, ~25 mi) will cost significantly more.
Both Uber and Lyft operate in Kailua-Kona. Useful for reaching areas beyond walking distance or for a late return to the pier.
Upcoming cruises that call at Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.