Overview Maui, the second-largest of the eight Hawaiian islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. Originally the town of Lahaina was the main port that cruise ships visit while in Maui (as it was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii); however, Kahului (located at the north side of Maui, which over the years has become the largest town in Maui) has taken most of this duty over. The side of the island that Lahaina is located on is much more popular with tourists than the Kahului area. Whichever port your ship uses, you're almost certainly going to experience the great year-round weather that this island enjoys.
Destinations The towns of Kahului and Lahaina, both in Maui, are included on many Hawaii cruise itineraries. Kahului is used as a port by the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line (which features the most Hawaii cruises in the industry), while Lahaina is visited by the ships of Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
Cruise Lines Departing Here
The cities of Maui are not used as departure ports by cruise lines.
Currency The official currency of the United States is the dollar.
Language The official language is English.
Tourist Attractions Although there's not a lot to see in Kahului (most cruisers travel to the other side of the island, near Lahaina), it is where the majority of Maui's shopping centers are located. If you're looking to shop, check out Ka'ahumanu Avenue's Ka'ahumanu Mall (featuring various high-end stores, interesting craft stores and restaurants). Also located in this area is Molokini Crater, one of the best snorkeling sites in the world. It's also popular for scuba diving and snuba.
Lahaina is one of Hawaii's most beautiful and tropical towns. Among the tourist attractions in Lahaina are Ka'anapali Beach, a gorgeous (tourist-filled, but beautiful) public beach where some of the most popular resorts in Maui are located. This beach has restrooms and showers, and is located near many shops and restaurants. Black Rock, a large lava rock, is a major landmark located at this beach. Also in this area is Whale's Village, a complex filled with stores, galleries and restaurants.
Haleakala, also known as East Maui Volcano, is a huge 3,000 feet deep crater, that's about seven miles long and two miles wide. It actually forms more than 75% of Maui. Surrounding and including the crater is Haleakala National Park. This area is about a 1 1/2 hour (one-way) drive from either of the Maui cruise ports.
Banyan Tree Park is located in downtown Lahaina (in Courthouse Square), and is the home to a huge (over 60 feet high) tree that's over 100 years old. Also in Lahaina is the award-wining Old Lahaina Luau, a great entertainment option. During this event you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat traditional luau buffet, as well as drinks and dancing. The main strip in Lahaina, where many bars, shops, galleries and restaurants can be found, is Front Street. The Baldwin House Museum is a historical landmark in Maui, dating back to the 1800s.
Some of the more popular shore excursions available in Maui include whale watching (typically only offered from mid-December through late-April), golf (the Plantation Course at Kapalua hosts the PGA Tour's Mercedes-Benz Championship every January), scenic tours of the island, scuba diving and snorkeling.
Port Location When using Kahului as a port of call, ships are actually able to dock at the pier so that passengers can walk right off of the ship. The pier is located about 5 minutes from Maui's airport, and about 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Kahului.
When ships use Lahaina as a port of call, they must anchor offshore and use tenders to transport their passengers between the ship and downtown Lahaina.
