united statesUSKWH

Kawaihae Port

Kawaihae Port - Key Entrance to Hawaii’s Beautiful Big Island

Discover Kawaihae Port, a significant port in Hawaii providing vital shipping services for trade and tourism.

Overview of Kawaihae Port

Kawaihae Port, located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, serves as an essential maritime hub with vital connections for trade, tourism, and transportation. Equipped with facilities that accommodate a diverse range of vessels, Kawaihae Port plays a pivotal role in supporting local industries, agriculture, and the tourism sector. The port functions not only as the primary gateway for freight services but also for cruise and recreational vessels, allowing visitors to explore the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Hawaii.

As the busiest port on the Big Island, Kawaihae Port handles a significant volume of cargo traffic, supporting the transportation of essential goods including construction materials, agricultural products, and fuel for the islands. The port’s strategic position along key shipping routes enhances its role in regional trade, making it a crucial element in the supply chain for various industries. Additionally, Kawaihae offers extensive opportunities for tourists visiting Hawaii, allowing them to access some of the most stunning beaches and attractions the island has to offer.

Sustainability is at the heart of Kawaihae Port’s operations. The port administration is dedicated to implementing practices that minimize environmental impact while promoting tourism and trade. This commitment to eco-friendly procedures strengthens the port's integrity and contributes to the preservation of the natural beauty surrounding the area. As Kawaihae Port continues to grow and evolve, it remains focused on enhancing the local economy while protecting Hawaii's rich ecosystems, solidifying its importance as a vital gateway for both residents and visitors alike.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Kawaihae Port

Basic Information

AddressPO Box 44904Kawaihae, HI 96743United States
Phone808-882-7565
Fax-
Email-
Coordinates20º 3' 0'' N, -155º -49' -59'' W
Decimal20.05, -155.8333333
U N/ L O C O D EUSKWH
Websitewww.state.hi.us/dot/harbors

Port Facilities

TerminalNo
Channel36 - 40 feet 11 - 12.2 meters
Anchorage46 - 50 feet 14 - 15.2 meters
Oil Terminal-
Harbor SizeSmall
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeCoastal Breakwater
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port AuthorityHawaii Department of Transportation
Port TypeHarbor
Port SizeSmall
Inland portNo
Mean tide2 feet m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Mean Tide2 feet
ShelterGood
Turning AreaYes
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsLimited
Marine RailroadSmall
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeMedium
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Kawaihae Port

Annual TEUs

20,000 TEUs

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

Approximately 30 vessel calls per month

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

24-36 hours for average vessels

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

65%

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

85%

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

1-2 hours

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Matson Navigation Company
Pasha Hawaii

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Transport of agricultural products
Shipping of bulk fuel

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Weather conditions
High waves during storm seasons

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Weather-related issues
Increased traffic during tourist seasons

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Kawaihae Port

Green Initiatives

Promotion of sustainable shipping practices
Implementation of conservation projects in the community

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

0.02 tons

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

No data available

Relative environmental performance

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Kawaihae Port

Economic Significance

Kawaihae Port is critical for supporting trade and tourism on the Big Island of Hawaii, enhancing connectivity while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Regional economic impact and significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Kawaihae Port