NAWILIWILI

  • Latitude: 21.9533
  • Longitude: -159.354
  • North Pacific
  • Port in US

Address: Lihue HI US

Nawiliwili Harbor is a commercial harbor located on the southeast coast of Kauai, Hawaii, in the United States. As the primary port for the island, it plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers to and from Kauai. Here is a detailed description and specification of Nawiliwili Harbor:

General Information:

  • Location: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
  • Coordinates: 21°57′29″ N, 159°21′16″ W
  • Operational Authority: Hawaii Department of Transportation, Harbors Division
  • UN/LOCODE: USNAW

Harbor Characteristics:

Infrastructure:

  • Terminals: Multiple terminals catering to various types of cargo and passenger services.
    • Container Terminal: Facilities for handling containerized cargo.
    • Breakbulk Terminal: For handling non-containerized general cargo.
    • Passenger Terminal: For cruise ships and passenger ferries.
  • Pier Information: Several piers with varying capabilities.
    • Pier 2: Handles cruise ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo, and containerized shipments.
    • Pier 3: General cargo and inter-island services.
    • Small Boat Harbor: Accommodates smaller vessels including fishing boats and private yachts.

Draft and Depth:

  • Channel Depth: Approximately 35 feet.
  • Harbor Depth: Varies between 35 to 40 feet.
  • Tidal Range: Average tidal range is roughly 2 feet but can be higher during certain conditions.

Navigational Aids:

  • Breakwaters: The harbor is protected by breakwaters to facilitate safe docking and undocking.
  • Lighthouses/Markers: Navigational aids guide vessels safely into the harbor, including the Nawiliwili Harbor Light.

Services Provided:

  • Cargo Handling: Facilities for the storage and shipment of a variety of goods, including agricultural products, construction materials, and consumer goods.
  • Fueling: Bunkering services for ships.
  • Ship Repair and Maintenance: Basic repair and maintenance services.
  • Passenger Services: Accommodation and amenities for cruise ship passengers.
  • Inter-Island Transport: Ferry services connecting Kauai with other Hawaiian islands.

Geographic and Environmental Considerations:

  • Weather: Subject to tropical weather conditions, including potential hurricanes and seasonal heavy rainfall.
  • Environmental Management: Measures in place to manage environmental impact, including waste disposal and containment systems to prevent oil spills.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

  • Economic Role: Vital for the local economy of Kauai, supporting tourism, agriculture, and construction industries.
  • Strategic Location: As Kauai’s main port, it serves as a critical hub for the island’s supply chain, ensuring the flow of goods and services.

Nawiliwili Harbor is pivotal for Kauai's connectivity and economic wellbeing. Its facilities, services, and strategic operations ensure that both cargo and passenger needs are met efficiently while maintaining environmental and navigational safety standards.

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