Why go to Honolulu?
Waikiki Beach is chock-a-block with restaurants, shops and miles of stunning sand
As in any major city, beware of pickpockets, scams and unsavory characters
The Hawaiian capital doesn't disappoint; Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head are located nearby
Honolulu Cruise Port Facilities?
With almost 30 stores and 8 restaurants, Aloha Tower Marketplace is a great place to pass some leisure hours. In addition, you can check out the following activities and attractions, all located at Honolulu Harbor, just a short stroll from your ship.
Aloha Tower: The 10-story tower was the highest building in Honolulu when it opened in 1926. On the top floor, the observation deck reveals a breathtaking view of Honolulu Harbor. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is free. Piers 10 and 11 (808-566-2337).
If you're up for more cruising, The Majestic (800-548-6262) and Star of Honolulu (808-427-1637) offer memorable excursions off the coast of Waikiki. From December through April, humpback whales are an additional attraction. The boats are docked at Piers 6 and 8, respectively.
Getting Around?
Taxis line up curbside at Aloha Tower Marketplace adjacent to Piers 8 and 9. Rental cars are available, too. Companies that run shuttles between the pier and their lot include Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz and others.
TheBus, Oahu's excellent mass transit system, covers just about the entire island of Oahu. Fares are $2.75 for adults, $1 for seniors (65-plus) and $1.25 for kids from age 6 through 17 (older teens may be asked to show their high school identification card as proof of age). Visitor passes, allowing unlimited travel for four consecutive days, cost $25. Transfers discontinued in 2017; if you need to transfer to another bus you must buy a day pass ticket for $5.50. Boarding locations will vary, depending on your destination; call for more information (808-848-4444).
Reminiscent of San Francisco's famed cable cars, the Waikiki Trolley operates more than 50 trolleys on three lines. The Red Line stops at 13 sights in Honolulu, including Chinatown, Iolani Palace and the Aloha Tower Marketplace. The Green Line travels along the eastern coast to Waikkiki Aquarium, Diamond Head Surf Lookout and other scenic stops. Green and Red sandwich the smaller Pink Line, which emphasizes shopping and dining. Free brochures detailing the routes are available online or at the Waikiki Trolley's information kiosks at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and Ward Warehouse. Daily fares are $41 for adults and $23 for children aged 4 through 11, including unlimited reboarding. Four- and seven-day passes are also available (808-593-2822).
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Numerous banks are located in downtown Honolulu. Hours are generally 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with hours extended to 6 p.m. on Friday. Most offer foreign exchange services.
Where You're Docked?
Honolulu Cruise Port Address: Pier 2 Cruise Terminal, 521 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813
Most cruise ships visiting Honolulu dock at Piers 10-11, adjacent to Aloha Tower Marketplace. Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, which is based year-round in Honolulu, cruises from Pier 2, about a quarter mile south of the marketplace. As a general policy, Aloha Tower Marketplace management will provide courtesy shuttle (trolley) service to port call visits at Pier 2.
