Hey cruisers, Justin here! If you’re planning a cruise on the Pride of America and making a stop in Maui, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is all about helping you get the most out of your time at the Maui cruise port. From where to dock to the best things to see and do, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the ultimate guide to Maui’s cruise port.
Getting off the Ship
Remember you will always get off on deck 3 midship. Make sure to have your ship card and form of ID. I would also have cash for Taxi since most will only take cash. Depending on the weather you will either have beach towels and water waiting for you if you want right when you exit the ship off the gangway. They will write down how many you take and cabin number just remember to drop them back off in the bin when you return. If they are not collecting the towels when you return do not worry just drop them off on deck 11 or have your steward grab them.
Arriving at the Port
When you arrive in Maui, the Pride of America docks at Kahului Harbor. This is the main commercial harbor on the island, and while it might not be as picturesque as some other ports, it’s a great starting point for exploring all that Maui has to offer. Remember this should be your first overnight port. There is no curfew overnight and you can come and go as you please. just be back on time the next day!
Pride of America Port Address: Kahului, Maui, 130 Ala Luina St. Kahului, HI 96732, USA
Schedule: Arrives 8 AM
Uber and Lyft: I would put your address as Longs Drugs or Whole foods. Make sure to give enough time to walk there around 10 minutes once past the terminal building.
- Location: Kahului Harbor is located on the northern shore of Maui. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the airport and close to many of the island’s main attractions.
- Facilities: The harbor area has basic facilities like restrooms and a small waiting area that you can see on the map
- Terminal Building: You will walk through this first when you get off the ship. Security screening takes places here when you come back to board the ship.
- Car Rental Parking: Maui Seaside Hotel – offers $25 overnight parking. Make sure to call ahead to setup. Most leave the cars at the airport or where they rented the car then Uber or Lyft back to port. You can see above just a few of the rental car options near the port and that the airport is only about 10 minutes from the port. Do NOT park at Longs Drugs or Whole Foods! They stared to tow cars again in early 2023.
Things to Do Near the Port
If you’re looking to stay close to the port, there are plenty of things to see and do without venturing too far.
- Maui Mall: Located just a few minutes from the harbor, Maui Mall has a variety of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It’s a great place to pick up any last-minute items or grab a bite to eat.
- Kanaha Beach Park: This beautiful beach park is just a short drive from the port. It’s a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
- Maui Arts & Cultural Center: If you’re interested in arts and culture, be sure to check out the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. They have a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
Exploring Maui
Maui is a beautiful island with so much to see and do. Whether you’re interested in beaches, hiking, shopping, or cultural experiences, you’ll find it all here.
Beaches
Maui is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- Kaanapali Beach: Located on the western side of the island, Kaanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular beaches. It’s known for its golden sand, clear water, and great snorkeling.
- Wailea Beach: This upscale beach is located in the resort area of Wailea. It’s a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Baldwin Beach Park: Located on the north shore, Baldwin Beach Park is a great place to spend the day. It has picnic areas, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty.
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, Maui has some fantastic trails to explore. Here are a few options:
- Haleakalā National Park: This park is home to the Haleakalā volcano, which is over 10,000 feet high. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. NOTE: make sure to get you reservations secured here first.
- Iao Valley State Park: This park is known for its lush greenery and the iconic Iao Needle. There are several short trails that offer stunning views of the valley.
- Twin Falls: Located on the road to Hana, Twin Falls is a popular hiking spot with beautiful waterfalls. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all ages.
Shopping
Maui has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets. Here are a few places to check out:
- Whalers Village: Located in Kaanapali, Whalers Village is an open-air shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a meal.
- Front Street, Lahaina: This historic street in Lahaina is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.
- Maui Swap Meet: Held every Saturday in Kahului, the Maui Swap Meet is a great place to find local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.
Cultural Experiences
Maui has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to experience it during your visit.
- Old Lahaina Luau: This traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-see. You’ll enjoy a delicious feast, traditional music, and hula dancing.
- Maui Ocean Center: Located in Maalaea, the Maui Ocean Center is a world-class aquarium that showcases Hawaii’s marine life. It’s a great place to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
Tours and Excursions
If you prefer guided tours and excursions, there are plenty of options to choose from in Maui. Here is the NCL price sheet and descriptions for 2024. (This can change weekly! Prices and tours change each week and based off seasons. This is just to give you a general idea of the tours for Maui! )
Pricing and tour length: you can see it gives a break down of the price for adult and children, meal or no meal and approximate tour length so you can plan you day around it. If you want a further breakdown of Maui tours just as at the shore excursions desk. they can break it down even further to what stops inside of the tour and times.
You can see for Maui that since you are at this port for two days a lot of the tours are available for both days. A lot of these tours if you read the descriptions below you could do on your own with a rental car or go third party with viator and save a ton of money. See my highly ranked and reviewed Maui tours here.
NCL Maui Pride of America shore excursions descriptions:
You can see below some of the NCL Pride of America shore excursions descriptions. Read some of them carefully and you and find those places yourself and save some money. I will point out a few for you. These are also updated weekly so make sure to head to the wall between the shore ex desk and guest services when you first get on the ship and grab all the descriptions and order form to discuss with family if you need to make last minute tour plans. (deck 5 midship)
First up Paia Town in Maui
If you’re planning a visit to Maui during your Pride of America cruise, one place you definitely don’t want to miss is the charming town of Paia. Located on the north shore of Maui, Paia is a vibrant and eclectic town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s why Paia should be on your must-visit list when you’re in Maui. You can see below in the NCL description it is part of a tour. You can easily go here on your own with a quick 10-15 minute taxi ride. I would send a lot of guests there that were looking for something to do on there own for one of the two days that was more relaxed.
A Slice of Old Hawaii
Paia was once a bustling plantation town during Maui’s sugarcane era. Today, it has transformed into a laid-back, bohemian village that retains much of its historic charm. Walking through Paia, you’ll see colorful storefronts, historic buildings, and a relaxed vibe that takes you back in time. It’s like stepping into a postcard from old Hawaii.
Art and Culture Hub
Paia is known for its vibrant art scene. The town is home to numerous art galleries showcasing works from local artists. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just appreciate beautiful things, you’ll find plenty to admire here. Many of the galleries feature paintings, sculptures, and crafts that capture the essence of Maui’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Shopping and Dining
If you love to shop, Paia is the place to be. The town is filled with unique boutiques and shops where you can find everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to surf gear and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up a special memento of your trip.
When it comes to dining, Paia doesn’t disappoint. The town boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes offering everything from fresh seafood and local Hawaiian dishes to international cuisine. Some must-try spots include:
- Mama’s Fish House: Famous for its fresh, locally caught seafood and stunning ocean views. It’s a bit pricey, but the experience is worth every penny. One personal tip here with Mama’s Fish House. I have done this myself multiple times while working on the ship. Mama’s fish house is normally booked out 6 months to a year in advance. If you try calling when at port most times you cant get through. BUT if you are only a few people and are in the area and just show up and ask if there is room at the bar or tables near the bar there is normally always room. Even if you they don’t have room it is worth a shot. The food is AMAZING! it kind of ruined me food wise coming back to crew ship food.
- Paia Fish Market: A casual spot known for its delicious fish tacos and seafood plates.
- Flatbread Company: A favorite for wood-fired pizzas made with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Beautiful Beaches
Paia is just a stone’s throw away from some of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. A lot of guests would find sea turtles at these beaches too! Here are a few you should check out:
- Ho’okipa Beach Park: Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Ho’okipa is a great place to watch skilled windsurfers and kiteboarders in action. The beach also offers stunning views and is a popular spot for sunset watching.
- Baldwin Beach Park: A long stretch of white sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also shaded areas and facilities like restrooms and picnic tables.
- Paia Bay: A local favorite for surfing and bodyboarding. The waves here can get pretty big, making it a great spot for experienced surfers.
Friendly, Laid-Back Atmosphere
One of the best things about Paia is its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The locals are known for their aloha spirit, and you’ll often find shop owners and residents ready to chat and share their love for the town. It’s a place where you can slow down, relax, and truly soak in the island vibes.
Second Wailea Beach: A Must-Visit Spot in Maui
Wailea Beach. Located on the southwestern coast of the island, Wailea Beach is known for its pristine sands, clear waters, and luxurious surroundings. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Wailea Beach, including how to get there from the port.
About Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is part of the upscale Wailea resort area, which is home to some of Maui’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. The beach itself is a stunning crescent of golden sand bordered by calm, turquoise waters. It’s a fantastic spot for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and simply soaking in the beauty of Maui.
- Scenic Beauty: Wailea Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with the islands of Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe visible in the distance.
- Calm Waters: The waters here are usually calm, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. You might even spot some sea turtles!
- Resort Amenities: The beach is flanked by several luxury resorts, so you’ll have access to amenities like beachside dining, restrooms, and beach rentals.
Activities at Wailea Beach
Whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, Wailea Beach has plenty to offer:
- Swimming and Snorkeling: The gentle waves and clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The coral reefs just offshore are home to a variety of marine life.
- Sunbathing: The wide, sandy beach provides plenty of space to lay out your towel and soak up the sun. Bring a good book or just enjoy the stunning views.
- Water Sports: Many of the nearby resorts offer rentals for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports. Check with your resort or a nearby vendor for availability.
How to Get to Wailea Beach from Kahului Harbor
Wailea Beach is located about 17 miles from Kahului Harbor, where the Pride of America docks. Here are your options for getting there:
- Rental Car: Renting a car is the most convenient option if you want to explore at your own pace. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Follow HI-311 (Mokulele Highway) to HI-31 (Piilani Highway), then take the Wailea Ike Drive exit.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at the harbor. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. The ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes and cost around $50-$70 one way.
If you already have a rental car and a family or group it is way cheaper to go here yourself and enjoy the day and leave when you want.
You will see there are whale watching tours on the descriptions here. Remember this is seasonal and will not be available or on the descriptions all the time.
Know before you go NCL Shore Excursions quick policy break down: you can see above that on the back of every description for the ports it will have this notice giving you important information about tour cancellations and weather.
- Book Excursions Early: Maui is a popular destination, and tours and activities can fill up quickly. Be sure to book your excursions in advance to ensure you get a spot. Most of the great ones will be sold out before you step foot on ship. Do not wait! book with NCL or With places like Viator or private tours ASAP! Here is my list of high rated Hawaii tours I have tried out myself.
- Pack Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sun can be intense, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection. (don’t ruin your trip the first day coming back as red as a lobster. put that reef safe sunscreen on!
- Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Rent a Car: If you plan to do a lot of exploring, renting a car is a great option. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want and can be way cheaper for families.
- Respect the Environment: Hawaii is known for its beautiful natural environment, and it’s important to do your part to protect it. Be sure to follow all guidelines and regulations, and leave no trace when you visit parks and beaches.
Hopefully this helps you plan your Hawaii cruise vacation or even if you’re just traveling on your own in Maui. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Mahalo, and happy cruising!
