Sunday, August 7, 2011

Port Info: Kona Big Island of Hawaii

Not all cruise lines stop in Kona, so be sure to check itineraries if this port is important to you.  It is a tender port, so the ship is anchored and you take a small boat (tender) into port. The Carnival Spirit stops at both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.   Also important to note, that depending on the weather and wave action, you may not be able to tender in so your stop in Kona is not guaranteed.

Kailua-Kona is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing on the beach on the lagoon that is opposite of the tender dock.   White sands are featured here.  The following information is from Hawaii by Cruise Ship book:

"Kailua-Kona is an ideal walking port, with several historic sites overlooking the harbor and a lovely pocket beach right besides the tender dock.  A Visitor Information Booth is located at the north end of the tender pier (under the "Aloha" awning) where volunteer staff provide brochures and answer questions.  Telephones and restrooms are also located here.  Boating excursions depart from Kailua pier, many of which can be booked in advance through the cruise lines."  (Pg 283)

The airport is 8 miles from the tender pier, but there is a possibly of long waits for your rental car shuttle because of the heavy traffic in this area along Queen Ka-ahumanu Highway. 

Shopping is just a short walk away from the tender dock on Ali-i Drive at the Kona Inn Shopping Center.   There is a free shuttle for Hilo Hattie and Kona Coast Shopping Center on Palani Road.

Don't forget there is walking tour map for Kona too.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

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