Explore Honolulu: A Cruise Traveler’s Guide

Visiting the Cruise Port of Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is a frequent stop for cruise ships repositioning in the Pacific, cruises going out of the west coast of the U.S. and Canada as well as cruising the Hawaiian Islands. It is the largest city in the islands, the states Capital and gateway to Hawaii’s most developed island Oahu.

Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu with a number of areas to visit and sights to see. Nearby the cruise dock is Pearl Harbor with the museums and memorials and in the other direction is world famous Waikiki Beach with the hotels and shopping. This island and city are major tourist destinations and to get a feel for Oahu you need a number of days.

Where The Ships Dock

The cruise piers are located on the northwest side of Honolulu between Waikiki Beach and the International Airport. Cruise ships dock at either the Aloha Tower (pier 11) or Pier 2 about a quarter mile more to the south (primarily used by NCL for Hawaiian cruises). Aloha Tower is conveniently located not far from the downtown area and the Aloha Tower Marketplace. There are facilities located at the cruise terminal and you can walk out without much difficulty. “Downtown” with its shopping and “Waikiki Beach” are not the same location so if you want to visit this famous beach area you will need transportation.

Transportation

For a short port visit we would recommend sharing a cab with others if you only want to go to Waikiki Beach. Local public transportation is with TheBus and the ride to the beach doesn’t take very long. If you want to use TheBus a 1-Day Pass is $5.50. Ask the bus operator for the 1-Day Pass before placing your money in the farebox. It’s valid 12:01 a.m. To 2:59 a.m. the next day, for up to 27 hours of unlimited rides..

Our preference to really see the island is to rent a car. Rates are usually very reasonable and since you are in the United States your insurance covers the rental car. Oahu is a pretty big island with 3 major highways (H-1, H-2 and H-3) and we would strongly suggest that you use GPS navigation or navigate by your phone. The street names are difficult to pronounce and remember and the roads tend to wind around.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Embarking/Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with in both locations. From the pier it is several miles into downtown.

Port City Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Currency

This is the 50^th state and the US Dollar is currency. Most major credit cards are welcome and you will find plenty of ATM machines.

Transportation

The primary comment on the Waikiki Trolley is it’s way overpriced for what you get to see. Again “TheBUS” Day Pass is much less expensive and covers the same routes. To see more of the island you’ll need to rent a car and there are several rental agencies near the pier. A short taxi ride into the center of Waikiki Beach is also good investment. If it’s going to be a first trip don’t miss a visit to Pearl Harbor with the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri.

Attractions

In Honolulu there are almost too many attractions to count, from shows to an aquarium and zoo. The best view on the island requires a car for a drive up to Hawaii Puu Ualakaa State Park with an overlook above Honolulu on Mount Tantalus.

A must visit is Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. It is a popular tourist destination and is visited by millions of people each year. It is a powerful reminder of the attack on Pearl Harbor with its Visitor Center and museum.

If you have the time and a car the North Shore with the surf at the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay, a number of great small towns to explore (look for the food trucks) and Waimea Falls Park are great destinations. There is also The Dole Plantation (don’t miss having a Dole Whip) in mid-island and a couple of beautiful gardens to check out. Above all is the ocean and the beaches and the reefs. Snorkeling and diving opportunities abound and depending on the season you can go out on a tour boat for whale watching.