A DAY IN NAWILIWILI KAUAI HAWAII

My day adventure in Kauai began early on Wednesday November 6, 2025, as I disembarked the Grand Princess at 8:40 a.m. Although the port itself does not offer complimentary Wi-Fi, I managed to accomplish a few important tasks using my mobile hotspot before heading out for the day.

I have visited Kauai several times and explored many of the iconic sights like Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, and Fern Grotto.  This day  I decided to stay close to Nawiliwili port and focus on the nearby town of Lihue.

 

The Nawiliwili port authority provides complimentary shuttle buses from the port but the shuttle bus area can be a bit confusing. It’s a bustling hub of activity with several options: one shuttle heading to Hilo Hattie’s in Lihue, another to the ABC Store, and a third to the nearby Harbor Mall. I opted for the Harbor Mall shuttle, and from there, I began my walking exploration.

Harbor Mall Shuttle Stop

 

My first stop was the ABC Store, where I grabbed a few essentials before crossing a charming bridge to the Marriott Resort and Beach Club. 

Marriott grounds

Marriott grounds

Marriott grounds

Marriott Registration Area

Marriott grounds

 

The Marriott’s grounds are absolutely stunning, particularly the botanical gardens that lead to their koi pond. This pond is not only the largest in Hawaii but also home to some of the largest koi fish in the United States.

Marriott Koi Pond

Marriott Koi Pond

 

After spending some time admiring the vibrant fish, I wandered into the resort’s elegant lobby and made my way to the pool area, soaking in the luxurious surroundings.

Marriott pool

 

Next, I strolled over to Duke’s Restaurant and Bar for a refreshment. The restaurant and bar is named after Duke Kahanamoku, who introduced the Hawaiian lifestyle and the sport of surfing to the world. During his lifetime, Duke visited Kauai, enjoying the beach and bay right in front of what is now Duke’s Restaurant. The setting is truly stunning, with views of the crystal blue waters of Nawiliwili Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains in the distance.

In front of Duke's

In front of Duke's

 

Bay in front of Duke's

Entering Duke's from Upper Level

 

Inside Duke's

 

The atmosphere at Duke’s was lively and welcoming. I enjoyed a 20-ounce local beer called “Duke’s Blonde”.  

Local "Duke's Blonde" 20-oz beer

This beer was created by the Kona Brewing Company and is brewed exclusively for, and served only at, Duke’s. At $13.04, it was a bit of a splurge, but definitely worth indulging in at least once. With my thirst quenched, I decided it was time to navigate toward the bus stop and head off to Lihue.

Bus stop for Lihue Route 70

Lihue Route 70 Time Schedule

 

I crossed the street and located the bus stop near the Garden Island Inn. Here, I boarded the Lihue Shuttle Bus 70. This local bus runs every hour on the hour and offers an incredibly affordable fare: just $0.25 for seniors and $1.00 for regular passengers. Be sure to have exact change ready, as drivers don’t provide change. My round trip brought me back to the Garden Inn stop at 2:32 p.m., leaving plenty of time for more exploration.

 

Afterward, I stopped at a cozy local spot called Nawiliwili Bar and Lounge, a great place to unwind. A beer here was more reasonably priced at $9 and—bonus—it’s tax-free! 

 

Nawiliwili Bar and Lounge

Inside Nawiliwili Bar and Lounge

 From there, I walked back to the ABC Store to catch the shuttle back to the ship, arriving onboard the Grand Princess by 3:30 p.m.

 

Tips for Nawiliwili Port Visitors:

• Complimentary shuttles make getting around easy, but expect congestion at the port
• The Marriott’s koi pond and botanical gardens are must-see attractions
• Local bus services are a budget-friendly way to explore; remember to carry exact change
• Duke’s is a fantastic spot for a drink, though prices can add up.

Whether you’re a fan of nature, local culture, or simply relaxing by the pool or sunning on the beach, Nawiliwili Port offers something for everyone. It’s a delightful slice of Kauai that’s easy to explore in a single day.

 

 

#TAHITI 2024 #Grand Princess #Nawiliwili Kauai Hawaii #Lihue #Duke's #Marriott