Are Cruise Ships Still Going To Maui?

Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Seabourn have scheduled ship visits to either Lahaina or Kahului on Maui in the next two months. Lahaina Harbor in Maui, where dozens of cruise ships are scheduled to call this fall, is closed indefinitely due to burning and sunken vessels and debris in the water. More cruise lines will be changing schedules soon following the devastation amidst the Maui fires. Norwegian Cruise Line has begun notifying guests, initially for the big ships docking at Kahului, meaning rental cars at OGG will have spikes of business and longer lines sometimes. Some tours will have less space.

Due to the devastating wildfires in Maui, the port of Lahaina has suspended cruise operations indefinitely, and Crown Princess will no longer be available. Cruises to Hawaii can be fun and exciting, and Carnival Cruise Line has announced its return to Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. The 21 and 22 Hawaii cruises docked at Kahului while the dock in Lahaina was being upgraded.


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Are cruise ships still going to maui from hawaii
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Where do cruise ships tender in Maui?

Kahului cruise terminal Port Kahului is Maui Island’s principal seaport serving both passenger and cargo shipping vessels. Town’s waterfront is lined up with ships and sailboats. Sand beaches are located east of downtown. The cruise ship dock is on the island’s east side.

Kahului is a port town and CDP (census-designated place) on Maui Island and part of Maui County (Hawaii USA) with a population of around 27,000. In Kahului are Maui Island’s main airport (Kahului Airport), as well as light industrial areas, deep-water harbor port, and commercial shopping centers. Wailuku is Maui County’s seat.

Kahului is the retail center for Maui residents, with several major stores and malls (including department stores in Queen Kaahumanu Center). Other large stores are located in Lahaina – including Lahaina Cannery Mall, Happy Valley area of Wailuku, Maui Mall, Maui Market Place (both also located in Kahului), as well as The Shops at Wailea.

Kahului is not commonly considered a tourist destination.Points of interest in Kahului include Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum in Pu’unene, located nearby; Kanaha Beach County Park; Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary; Maui Nui Botanical Gardens; Maui Arts and Cultural Center; Tasaka Guri-Guri – famous for its “guri-guri” frozen dessert.

What cruise ship is in Lahaina today
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Where is Royal Caribbean going instead of Lahaina?

Royal Caribbean Group has also modified itineraries on fall transpacific sailings calling in Lahaina. The Celebrity Solstice and Brilliance of the Seas will instead include an overnight call in Kona. The Quantum of the Seas will call in Honolulu and the Ovation of the Seas will call in Victoria, B.C., and Seattle.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which is the only large liner to sail the Hawaiian Islands year-round, donated $50,000 to Maui United Way to support local relief efforts. NCL replaced its calls in Kahului on the Pride of America with overnight stays in Hilo on the Big Island and Nawiliwili on Kauai through the end of the month.

“We can’t wait to return to this incredible destination as we know the significant impact it makes on local businesses and tourism in Hawaii,” said John Chernesky, NCL’s senior vice president of North American sales.

Can you get to Hawaii by cruise ship?

Luxury cruises to Hawaii are readily available from cruise lines such as Norwegian and Princess, allowing you to easily book your 7-day Hawaii cruise in 2024.

Princess Cruises
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Are cruise ships helping in Maui?

Several cruise lines that call at Lahaina Harbor or Port Kahului have donated tens of thousands of dollars toward relief efforts as they alter itineraries away from Maui.

Carnival Corp. has partnered with Direct Relief to donate $50,000 toward relief efforts in Maui. Holland American Line, which is scheduled to call there in October, will dedicate its “On Deck For A Cause” walks during cruises in Hawaii to further fundraise.

“For years, Holland America Line guests have visited Lahaina and gotten to know the people, the beauty, and historical significance of this region,” said Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha. “We are working now on alternatives for voyages that were scheduled to visit Lahaina, and we will alert booked guests and travel advisors once the changes are confirmed.”

Princess Cruises swapped out its Aug. 14 call in Lahaina to call in Kona on the Big Island instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line
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Is Maui still open for travel?

Maui is currently open for tourism!

The wildfires have mainly affected Lahaina in West Maui. While this area will remain closed to the public until further notice the West Maui communities of Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai and Kapalua are safe to visit. In addition, the rest of Maui including popular destinations such as Kahului, Kihei, Hana, Haleakala, Makawao, Wailuku, Wailea, Makena, Paia and more remain open.

When will Maui be open to visit?. Maui is currently open for tourism! The West Maui resort communities of Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai and Kapalua are already taking reservations.

Maui is open for tourism, and one of the best ways that you can support Maui is by visiting the Valley Isle. Maui’s economy relies on an active visitor industry. Buy local, eat local and enjoy the many great experiences and attractions across the island.

Kahului cruise port
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Do cruises still go to Maui?

Hawai’i Welcomes the Responsible Return of Norwegian Cruise Line to Maui. HONOLULU (August 30, 2023) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its return to Kahului, Maui, with the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai’i State Governor Josh Green and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

-NCL’s Pride of America Cruise Ship to Return to Kahului, Maui Beginning Sept. 3, 2023-

HONOLULU (August 30, 2023) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its return to Kahului, Maui, with the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

NCL’s Pride of America, which has an 18-year history of cruising the Hawaiian Islands year-round, will recommence its weekly overnight calls to Kahului beginning Sept. 3, 2023. Earlier this month, the cruise line paused its calls to Maui, to avoid stressing local resources due to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina on the island’s west side.

Lahaina cruise port
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What happened to the boats in Lahaina Harbor?

That has left a lot of West Maui commercial boaters in limbo, and the boating operations and businesses that support them are struggling. DOBOR and DLNR officials said there were approximately 95 vessels, both recreational and commercial, in Lahaina Harbor prior to the fire, and approximately 48 recreational vessels and 28 commercial vessels were destroyed.

Heidi Speedie, operations manager of Kolea Charters, which operates Reefdancer, a semi-sub destroyed in Lahaina Harbor, said the West Maui commercial boating fleet had hoped to get back to business for the reopening of Maui tourism last October.

Speedie estimates that fewer than a third of destroyed commercial vessels from Lahaina Harbor have been able to restart. She said another 16 or so boats owned by West Maui commercial operators also burned outside of Lahaina Harbor, and it’s unclear how many have resumed operations.

Carnival Cruise
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Which Cruise Line goes to all Hawaiian Islands?

Cruise to Hawaii Year-Round Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you’re on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule.

Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavour of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Looking to make the most out of your time in the region? Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Sun as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise. Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui. We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences.To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org. In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, while also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations.As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai’i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Is Norwegian going to Maui?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Norwegian going to Maui?

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui. We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences.To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org. In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, while also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations.As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai’i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

Time ZoneHAST (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)UTC/GMT -10 hours.

Currency & ShoppingUS Dollar (USD)Native arts & crafts, aloha wear and surf products.Shop for local gifts from Maui (Lahaina) here.

Is Hawaii allowing cruise ships to port?
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Is Hawaii allowing cruise ships to port?

Hawaii dropped its ban on large cruise ships in January, opening the door for cruise lines to redeploy their vessels back to the Islands.

And while Hawaii has never been a major stand-alone cruise destination, with only one large ship offering interisland options, the increase in U.S. domestic cruise options means more sailings to the Islands from West Coast ports.

Due to cabotage laws, cruise ships of more than 100 passengers must touch a foreign port before visiting Hawaii; the exception is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which is a U.S.-flagged ship. Most ships that leave ports in California call in Ensenada, Mexico, to comply with the law.

Are cruise ships still docking in Lahaina Maui?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Are cruise ships still docking in Lahaina Maui?

” ITINERARY CHANGE NOTIFICATION Due to the devastating wildfires in Maui, the port in Lahaina has suspended cruise operations indefinitely, and Noordam will no longer call to Lahaina, Hawaii on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Lots of advantages to docking at Kahului vs. Lahaina.

Easier access to rental cars at OGG airport (less than 10 minutes away).

You can do the Road to Hana (virtually impossible from Lahaina unless overnight)

Are people still vacationing in Maui?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Are people still vacationing in Maui?

The best way to support Maui’s recovery is for travelers to visit. Maui’s economy depends on a robust visitor industry and there is still plenty to see and do that is away from the fire-effected areas of Lahaina Town. Maui is ready to welcome you, however, we urge visitors to be especially respectful and mindful in the following ways:

  • Visit with aloha, compassion and empathy.
  • Support local businesses. Visit mauinuifirst.com for suggestions.
  • Mālama (care for) Maui and give back to the community by signing up for an enriching volunteer experience.

While some fire-affected areas remain closed to the public, several restaurants, businesses and activities in Lahaina are open and welcoming visitors. Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from fire-effected areas as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost. Please do not take photos of the area, even from afar.

Maui Travel Offers. Maui is calling. Whether it’s your first visit or your 10th, there is no better time to experience all that Maui has to offer. Respectful, and compassionate travel is welcomed and encouraged – now more than ever.


📹 CRUISE SHIPS ARE BACK ON MAUI #hawaii #maui

Cruise ship in Lahaina.


Are Cruise Ships Still Going To Maui
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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