Na Pali Coast sunset cruise: Kauai catamaran with open bar

Watch the Nā Pali cliffs turn red and gold as the sun drops into the Pacific

A five-hour catamaran cruise along Kauai's Na Pali Coast at sunset aboard Lucky Lady, with a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain, island-style taco buffet, and open bar. The boat stays on the water for scenery and wildlife viewing only: no swimming or snorkeling. Children from age 3 are welcome. The crew is trained in water safety and first aid.

Step-by-step itinerary

Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruise

• Board Lucky Lady catamaran
• Enjoy scenic Na Pali coast views
• Look for dolphins and whales
• Listen to Hawaiian history stories
• Relax and sip a drink
• Watch spectacular sunset over Pacific

The experience

The Na Pali Coast is a string of sea cliffs that rise straight from the water, and the only way to see them from the water is by boat. Lucky Lady leaves in the afternoon and motors west along the coast, where the light hits the green and red rock faces differently as the sun moves. Certified captains share stories of Hawaiian history and legends while the crew watches for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. The boat is a catamaran, which means a wider, steadier platform than a single hull: important because these waters can be rough, and the source notes that ocean conditions may force a reroute to the south coast if needed.

The island-style taco buffet is served onboard, and the open bar runs to beer, wine, Mai Tais for guests 21 and up, and soft drinks for everyone else. You're not jumping in the water here. The cruise is built around staying aboard, eating, drinking, and watching the coast change color as the sun sets. Restrooms are onboard, and the crew (all trained in CPR, first aid, and water safety) keeps an eye on passengers throughout the five hours.

The boat operates on a public schedule, so you'll be sharing the catamaran with other travelers. Moderate physical fitness is expected, since you'll need to move around the deck and hold on in rougher water. Guests prone to motion sickness should take precautions before boarding. Bring sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a light cover-up, and a camera. Any medications or allergy protection should come with you.

What’s included

• Island-style taco buffet.
• open bar with beer, wine, Mai Tais (21+), and soft drinks.
• guided Na Pali Coast catamaran cruise with U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain.
• safety briefing and instruction.
• onboard restrooms.
• crew trained in CPR, first aid, and water safety.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 13:15, from US$ 222.86 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:15Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027Another time? ›

GroupUp to 49 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kauai Sea Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers the commentary live, so all ages from 3 up can follow along. Book this if you want the Na Pali cliffs at sunset without entering the water: the catamaran stays afloat, the bar stays open, and the five hours hold together as a single evening without planning stops or activities yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Na Pali Coast like from the water on this cruise?

The Na Pali Coast is a series of steep sea cliffs that rise directly from the ocean, and this catamaran cruise runs along them at sunset, when the rock faces light up in greens, reds, and golds. The certified captain shares stories of Hawaiian history and legends as the boat moves along the coast, and passengers often spot dolphins and whales.

Does this cruise include swimming or snorkeling?

No. Lucky Lady is a sightseeing and dining cruise only. There is no swimming, snorkeling, or water entry of any kind. The focus is on staying aboard, watching the coast, and enjoying the sunset from the boat.

What food and drinks are included on the five-hour cruise?

An island-style taco buffet is served onboard, and the open bar includes beer, wine, Mai Tais for guests 21 and up, and soft drinks for all ages. Restrooms are also available aboard.

What should I bring and what happens if ocean conditions are rough?

Bring sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a light cover-up, a camera, and any medications or allergy protection you need. Routes depend on ocean conditions, and the boat may reroute to the south coast if necessary. Guests prone to motion sickness should take precautions before boarding, as conditions can vary.