More about Kauai
Why go to Kauai?
Ancient volcanoes, lush rainforests and spectacular beaches provide breathtaking vistas
Beware of rain and roosters; there's a surprising amount of each
Kauai is worth a visit for its Na Pali cliffs alone; the landscapes here are staggering
Kauai Cruise Port Facilities?
There are no services at the port -- just pickup areas for tour buses, rental car shuttles and free shuttles to shopping centers. You can walk or take a free shuttle to the nearby Harbor Mall and Anchor Cove Shopping Center with restaurants, shops, ATMs, bathrooms, Internet access and tour bookings. Kalapaki Beach (with watersports rentals) and the Kauai Marriott Resort are located next to the mall areas.
Good to Know?
Look out for roosters -- and their families. When Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992, coops were blown apart and many chickens were released into the wild. The chickens appear to be thriving on this freedom, and you will see them everywhere -- at the car rental parking lot, the beach, public parks, etc. They don't pose a serious threat, especially because you're unlikely to be overnighting in a hotel, listening to the roosters crow at many times other than sunrise. Watch out for them while driving or when leaving food out on your beach mat, though.
Getting Around?
By Car: The best way to get around on Kauai is by rental car. Major car rental agencies operate free shuttle services from the pier.
By Shuttle: Kmart, Hilo Hattie, Coconut Marketplace, Anchor Cove, Harbor Mall, Kukui Grove Center and Wal-Mart also offer free shuttle services from the pier. Both the Anchor Cove and Harbor Mall shuttles will get you to Kalapaki Beach, and they run every 10 minutes; the beach is adjacent to Anchor Cove and across the street from Harbor Mall.
By Taxi: Taxi companies include Kauai Taxi (808-246-9554) and Pono Taxi (808-634-4744).
On Foot: It's about a 10-minute walk along a sidewalk to the nearby shopping and beach areas, but if it's hot, you might as well take the free shuttle if isn't too crowded.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
ATMs are located at the Anchor Cove and Harbor Mall shopping complexes near the harbor, but the closest full-service banks are 1.5 miles away in Lihue on Rice Street.
Language?
English is the official language, but try your hand at any Hawaiian phrases you pick up. Aloha means hello and goodbye, mahalo means "thank you," and aloha ahiahi means "good night." If you hear Aloha, e komo mai, don't panic. It means "Welcome!"
Where You're Docked?
Cruise ships dock at Nawiliwili Harbor, on the southeast side of the island, not far from the airport.
