Fodor's Expert Review Kawaihae Harbor

This no-frills industrial harbor, where in 1793 the first cattle landed in Hawaii, is a hub of commercial and community activity. It's also where King Kamehameha and his men launched their canoes when they set out to conquer the neighboring islands. It's especially busy on weekends, when paddlers, surfers, tourist charters, and local fishing boats share the waters. Second in size only to Hilo Harbor, the port serves interisland cargo carriers and often shelters the Makali‘i, one of three traditional Hawaiian sailing canoes. Kawaihae village has several restaurants with nice sunset views. In 2014, the long-awaited Small Boat Harbor opened, allowing private and commerical vessels to moor.