Nawiliwili Cruise Port

Nawiliwili is a port on the south-east coast of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. Located in north-western Hawaii, it sits north-west of Oahu Island and is separated from it by the Kauai Channel. The port is primarily a port of call rather than a turnaround port, though ships do anchor in the sheltered waters of Nawiliwili Bay.

Kauai, sometimes known as the Garden Island, was formed by volcanic action. The oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, it sits under a steady blast of trade winds that sweep in abundant moisture, creating a wet, tropical climate with swamps and rain forests, especially in the eastern and central areas. The island is covered with mountains, with the highest being Kawaikini Peak at 5,243 feet above sea level. Kauai is seamed with canyons, with the deepest being Waimea, almost 10 miles long and more than half a mile deep.

The port is named after the Wiliwili trees, which once lined its picturesque harbour. Though Kauai gets about a quarter as many visitors per year as Oahu, it may be the island most people know best, thanks to its dramatic topography, full of waterfalls and lush mountains. Hollywood has long been drawn to Kauai as a backdrop, from White Heat in 1934 all the way through Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and the 1976 remake of King Kong.

Close to the port, you can explore Kalapaki Bay and the Huleia River on a catamaran tour. The Menehune Fish Pond, built by early Hawaiians with lava rock walls, was constructed to raise and harvest fish for royalty. Further afield, Waimea Canyon draws many visitors for its scale and colour, and guided tours reach rainforest spots such as the Fern Grotto along the Wailua River. Those with the time and interest can also take in nearby waterfalls and hiking trails on the island's quieter side.