Kahului Harbor

I recently visited the aquarium, and it was the best experience I've ever had. From the viewing platform, I was able to see the whales that were there temporarily before returning to Alaska. The living reef was absolutely incredible.

The harbor itself is stunning, with a lovely beach and clear water perfect for swimming. However, it is quite basic and not overly impressive. Don't set your expectations too high when visiting.

Located in the only large commercial port in Maui, Kahului is a quiet, small harbor. Like most ports around the world, Kahului is focused solely on commercial activities. There are no restaurants or shops in the harbor, so visitors from cruise ships must head to Maui Mall or Queen Kaahumanu Center for entertainment. The harbor is protected by two man-made semi-islands, providing a calm environment for ships. The east half island houses the state harbor office and three piers, where all of Maui's freight arrives. This is the only pier on the island long and deep enough to accommodate two cruise ships. Companies such as Matson, Pasha, and Young Brothers handle shipping in and out of the island through this harbor.

Before This place used to the trains for Kahului but that was long time ago thou

It is a one mile hike from the gangplank of the ship through the fenced path of the harbor to the shopping center that is said to be across the street from the pier. This is where you get the shuttle to go get your rental car at the Maui Beach Hotel, which is not too much further than the shopping center. There is no parking at the pier, so you pay $5 to park it at the hotel where you got it, then walk or Uber back to ship and reverse that in the morning. You also turn the car back in at the hotel, and when you turn it in they will shuttle you back to the pier, closer than the long fenced walk. It just helps to know these things, especially when you are carrying beach towels, snorkels and other beach supplies.