Best Things to do in Nawiliwili

Explore Cruises to Hawaii Itineraries

Nawiliwili is a small neighborhood in Kauai, Hawaii, and is also the home to the Kauai Cruise Ship Terminal. The island's only commercial airport is also situated in this place. If you want to plan a trip to Kauai via cruise or plane, you must start here.

There is a lot that you can explore here, like beautiful beaches and restaurants with amazing recipes. Furthermore, most major cruises like Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more dock here. We have compiled the top 5 things to do in Nawiliwili, Kauai in Hawaii. So we suggest you explore these places when you visit Nawiliwili.

5 best things to do in Nawiliwili

Nawiliwili was named after the Wiliwili tree that adorns Kauai's major harbor. Captain James Cook first discovered the place in 1778, and since then, it has been the heart of the island's cultural and economic center. Below are all the unforgettable things to do in Nawiliwili, Kauai in Hawaii:

1. Trying the local food

Most people consider Hawaiian food to be amazing. Because of Japanese and Korean immigrants, you will find a lot of Asian influence in the food here. Looking for a place to dine ? Most of the food stalls are in and around the dock or the Nawiliwili Beach Park.

If you are in Nawiliwili, we suggest you try Hamura's Saimin Stand. This Saimin Stand is located in Lihue, just a few miles away from the dock. Besides slurping on the piping hot saimin noodle bowl, you can also try Poi, Poke Bowls, Loco Moco, Spam Musubi, and the Kalua Pig, which they cook overnight in an earthen oven.

2. Shop at the shopping centers in Nawiliwili

In Kauai, you will find a diverse shopping landscape where you can easily find an outlet for popular brands and local shopping centers. So, whichever part of the island you choose to explore, there is a high chance that you will find something to carry back home as souvenirs.

Some of the popular shopping centers near Nawiliwili include Kukui Grove Shopping Center and Kilohan. Here, you can buy pretty Kauai crafts, jewelry, ceramics, and Aloha shirts for yourself, friends, and family.

3. Visit the beautiful beaches

Kauai has some of the most unique and beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Kalapaki, Hanamaulu, Niumalu, and the Nawiliwili beach parks are a few popular beach locations that are extremely close to the port.

Moreover, you must visit Kalapaki Beach Park as it is popular and safe to swim and snorkel from here. Apart from this, high walls protect the beach park, so you can easily visit the place if you travel with your kids.

4. Explore the Kauai Plantation Heritage Railway

This is a 2.5 miles railway track that passes through original farmlands with indigenous farm crops like taro and sugarcane. It is situated on the historic Kilohana estate and plantation and was restored to maintain the plantation.

Moreover, riding the railways here will give you the feeling that you are traveling back in time. You can enjoy the scenic views of the plantation during this railway trip.

5. Get amazed by the scenery at the Wailua Falls

You can take a cab or rent a car from the many stands near the port in Nawiliwili and drive on the road between Lihue and Hanamaulu. Road 583 branches off to Road 560, and if you drive a few miles more, you will reach Wailua Falls. This double waterfall plunges 80 feet down and falls on the rock face pool below. As a result, it creates beautiful scenery that looks straight out from a painter's canvas. According to the local legend, the old chiefs of Hawaii had to jump down the waterfalls to prove their strength and courage in bygone eras.

Planning to visit?

When you visit Kauai, we suggest you visit Nawiliwili as it acts like a city center, and you can easily access any other place in Kauai from this harbor. If you wish to cruise around here, you can book your trip from CruiseBooking.com. Moreover, we hope that you get to explore all the top 5 things to do in Nawiliwili, Kauai in Hawaii.