Nawiliwili

Nawiliwili is the main cruise port on Kauai, Hawaii's oldest and most heavily eroded island. The harbour sits at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream, surrounded by steep green mountains. The Aloha Center near the pier has a few shops and tour operators, including helicopter companies that fly over the Na Pali Coast, a 20-mile stretch of jagged sea cliffs that can only be seen from the air or water. Waimea Canyon, about an hour's drive west, drops 3,600 feet in layered reds and greens, and the lookout points along the rim road are free. The Wailua River boat ride to Fern Grotto, a cave covered in hanging ferns, is a short trip from the east side. Poipu Beach on the south shore has good snorkelling and occasional Hawaiian monk seal sightings. Lihue, the island capital, is a 10-minute drive from the port and has the Kauai Museum and several good poke spots.