Kahului Harbor

The Basics

There’s plenty to do on Maui after docking at the Kahului Harbor, even if you've got limited time. You can drive the scenic Road to Hana, go snorkeling, or head to Haleakala Crater either independently or as part of a shore excursion with round-trip transportation. Maui also has great beaches, so many visitors spend their whole day in port on the sand. Alternatively, rent a car and explore the island’s state and national parks, museums, or charming towns.

Things to Know Before you Go

• There’s not much to do within walking distance of the harbor, so most visitors book a shore excursion or rent a car and head out to explore.

• The nearest parking lots are at Kahului Airport, 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away.

• The harbor is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

How to Get to Lahaina From Kahului Harbor

Kahului Harbor is located on the northeastern part of Maui. Getting to the island’s capital, Lahaina, takes about 40 minutes by car or 75 minutes by bus. If you aren’t participating in a shore excursion, you can arrange a rental car from one of the agencies based out of the airport, which is a 7-minute drive away.

Port Information

Most major cruise lines dock at Kahului Harbor. English is the most widely spoken language in Maui, though the Hawaiian language is also legally recognized across the state. The local currency is the US dollar.

Ways to explore

There’s plenty to do on Maui after docking at Kahului Harbor, even if you have limited time. You can drive the scenic Road to Hana, snorkel at Molokini Crater, or hike the volcanic landscapes of Haleakala National Park—either independently or as part of a shore excursion with round-trip transportation. Maui also has great beaches, which means many visitors spend their whole day in port windsurfing in Kahului or lounging on the pristine sand stretches in Wailea or Ka’anapali.

Accessibility

The harbor is wheelchair accessible, with flat walkways, ramps, and accessible shuttles.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Have your official ID and driver’s license ready, especially if you plan to rent a car from the harbor.

What to wear

Maui is known for its year-round warm weather, so dress in comfortable, breathable fabrics.

Not allowed

Don’t bring or use non-mineral sunscreen in Maui, which has banned the products due to chemicals that can harm marine life.

Amenities

Several shops, dining options, rental car companies, and hotels are near the harbor.

Address

Cruises are the most common way to get to Kahului Harbor, and lines such as Carnival and Norwegian dock there on Hawaii cruises. Once you arrive, it’s best to rent a car or join a guided shore excursion to get around, though buses are also available.

Driving

Unless you’re joining a tour with transportation included, you’ll need to rent a car from one of the companies near the harbor or at Kahului Airport, which is a 10-minute drive away. From there, popular destinations such as Lahaina and Kihei are under 40 minutes away.

Public transportation

While buses aren’t the fastest option, they’re still a feasible way to take a day trip on Maui. From Kahului Harbor, you can get to Kihei and Wailea within 75 minutes on the 10 bus.

Best times to visit

Aim to arrive at Kahului Harbor in the morning to maximize your time in Maui—and for minimal wind and better visibility.

Best days to visit

To avoid cruise-ship crowds at the harbor, check online to see which dates ships will dock—typically 1-2 days per week.

Best months to visit

Cruises dock at Kahului Harbor year-round, though the best times to visit Maui are April–May and September–October, when you can enjoy warm weather while bypassing the summer and winter crowds.