NaPali Coast boat tour Kauai: Native-led catamaran with sea caves

Sea caves, snorkeling and stories from a family that's sailed this coast for two centuries

A 5-hour NaPali Coast boat tour from Kauai departs from Waimea on one of four catamarans, with snorkeling in sea caves, lunch and drinks included. The tour is led by a Native Hawaiian family whose documented history on these waters spans 200 years, and they share that heritage and local knowledge throughout the day. Children from age 4 are welcome on the larger vessels.

Step-by-step itinerary

NaPali Coast boat tour and sightseeing

• Depart from Waimea community
• Board one of four catamarans
• Explore NaPali Coast sea caves
• Snorkel in pristine waters
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Whale watching and sunset (winter season)
• Learn about Native family history and culture
• Pass by Waimea Canyon viewpoint

The Experience

The boat leaves Waimea and heads toward the NaPali Coast, where the cliffs rise straight from the water and sea caves open into the rock face. Weather permitting, you'll anchor near the caves and snorkel in the water below them—snorkel gear is provided. The tour runs five hours total, and the catamaran is sized to get close to features a larger ship cannot reach. You choose your lunch before the tour (ham, turkey, roast beef, PB&J or vegetarian), and the crew brings chips, soda, juice and water on board.

What sets this tour apart is the crew itself. The company is Native Hawaiian and family-run, with 200 years of documented history sailing these waters—first on double-hulled sailing canoes, now on catamarans. The captains and crew share that history and their own stories about the NaPali Coast as part of the experience, so you're not just seeing the landscape; you're hearing it from people whose families have lived it. An English-speaking guide is included.

The tour operates year-round, but the season changes what you see. From late November through April, the afternoon tours skip snorkeling in favor of whale watching and sunset viewing, since the ocean is rougher then. Summer months (June through August) have calmer conditions. All fees, taxes and fuel surcharge are included in the price, as is insurance for visitors. There's a restroom on board. Bring a moderate level of fitness—the boat moves and the entry and exit require some mobility—and plan to send your lunch order at least 24 hours ahead, or the crew defaults to turkey.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• lunch (sandwich of your choice—ham, turkey, roast beef, PB&J or vegetarian—plus chips, soda, juice and water).
• snacks and soft drinks throughout the tour.
• all fees, taxes and fuel surcharge.
• visitor insurance.
• on-board restroom.
• photography opportunities.
• English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Makana Charters

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel the NaPali Coast and hear its history from a Native Hawaiian family who have sailed these waters for two centuries—the crew's connection to the place is what turns a boat ride into something you'll repeat to people for years.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

2,040 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,942

4 ★47

3 ★13

2 ★10

1 ★28

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I snorkel on the NaPali Coast tour, and what's included for that?

Snorkeling is included on the tour when weather allows, typically during the calmer summer months and spring and fall seasons. The NaPali Coast boat tour provides snorkel equipment for all guests, and you'll snorkel in sea caves and pristine waters near the cliffs. From late November through April, afternoon tours focus on whale watching and sunset instead of snorkeling due to rougher ocean conditions.

What's included in the lunch on this Kauai boat tour?

Lunch is a sandwich—you choose ham, turkey, roast beef, PB&J or vegetarian before booking—plus chips, soda, mixed juices and water. Gluten-free bread is available if you request it. You must submit your lunch selection at least 24 hours before the tour, or the crew will provide turkey sandwiches by default.

Is this tour suitable for children, and what's the age requirement?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up on the larger catamarans. The smaller vessels have a minimum age of 9. The tour involves boat movement and requires moderate physical fitness, so consider your child's comfort with water and motion.

What makes this NaPali Coast tour different from other boat tours on Kauai?

The tour is led by a Native Hawaiian family-owned company with 200 years of documented history sailing the NaPali Coast. The captains and crew share their own cultural heritage and family stories about the coast as part of the experience, so you learn the landscape from people whose families have lived there. The catamarans are sized to explore sea caves up close when conditions allow.

What should I know about seasickness or physical demands on this boat tour?

The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy (except during June, July and August up to 22 weeks gestation with doctor approval). The boat moves on the ocean, so consider your comfort with water conditions before booking.