Na Pali Coast Boat Tours with Kauai's Cultural Captains
10,000+ 5-Star Reviews
Native Hawaiian Owned
Snorkeling and Deli Lunches
Na Pali Coast Boat Tours with Over 10,000 5-Star Reviews
Over 10,000 guests have left five-star reviews after their Na Pali Coast boat tour with Makana Charters. They come for stunning views of the Na Pali Coast, sea cave exploration, snorkeling, and the comfort of a small-group powered catamaran tour.
10,430 Reviews
4,968 Reviews
We were grateful to support local businesses during our time on Kauai after Lowell and everything they've endured since. We would definitely book with Makana Charters again!
Shawn and Lionel were attentive, did their best to make the ride comfortable. it was a fun experience.
We had the best conditions the ocean was calm it was warm & the water was clear. We stopped to snorkel & eat lunch for 1 hour. Most other tours I’ve been on only stop for a half hour. It felt very relaxing. We were not rushed. On other tours, I felt like I only had time to snorkel and then have to eat my lunch when we’re underway on the way back.
The sandwiches were delicious. They had a cooler full of ice, cold drinks, and water.
They stopped several times to allow guests to take photographs of iconic areas.
I felt very well taken care of and safe.
Captain Rhiannon and Jay were engaging with the guests, but not too much. They were informative in a casual friendly way.
I highly recommend Makana Charters. Even if you have to drive a little further, it’s totally worth it. I live in Kilauea and left my house at 6:00am. I arrived 10 minutes before the 7:30 check in.
They are very organized and professional. Everything went very smoothly.
I typically go out on a tour 1 to 3 times a year. I’ve been out with 3 of the most popular tour companies on island. I go every year for my birthday in July.
And I always take friends & family when they visit. Makana Charters makes you feel like Ohana.
After the amazing tour I usually go to the beach house for sunset.
Sadly the beach house was destroyed by Lowell but I hear they are rebuilding. I can’t wait to go out with Makana Charters again & go to the new Beach House.
Mahalo nui loa Makana Charters! I have so many fun memories with friends & family on your tours!
On the way to the Nā Pali Coast, they even slowed down when we spotted dolphins so we could enjoy the moment. They also went back to retrieve someone’s hat that had blown away — little things like that really showed how much they cared about everyone on the boat.
The entire experience was fun, relaxing, and memorable. Captain Dave and Elijah were fantastic hosts, and we couldn’t have asked for a better crew.
We would definitely use them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a Nā Pali Coast boat tour! 🌊🐬🤙
We felt safe the entire time. Lila was super helpful and she was so cute! She kindly offered to take our photos every time she is trying to take photos. (She knew the good angles lol)
Great experience overall and I highly recommend this tour and request for captain A’a and Lila if you can!
I’d like to send my prayers and thoughts to the ones affected by the hurricane. Sending lots of Aloha 🤙🏽
Choose Your Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
Pick from four custom catamarans, each running the same 4.5- to 5-hour Na Pali Coast boat tour featuring dolphins, sea caves, snorkeling, and a deli lunch. Whether you want a small-group experience or more space to spread out, every boat is built for comfort, safety, and views of the Na Pali Coast. Sea cave entry and snorkeling are weather-dependent. All four catamarans deliver the same intimate Na Pali Coast tour.
All of our catamarans provide the same intimate tour
Na Pali Kai III
Na Pali Kai III is the boat for photographers and families. Its 360° walk-around deck — the only one in our fleet — lets you move freely for unobstructed shots of the cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves from every angle. After snorkeling, rinse off at the open-air freshwater shower, with a spacious onboard restroom for the trip. Ideal for larger families and groups traveling together. Welcomes children ages 4 and up. For additional information, please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $199 Children: $169
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Seiko 1 & 2
The Seiko is a 34′ power catamaran built for a small-group Na Pali Coast tour. Coast Guard certified for 20, we hold each trip to 16 so there’s always room to move around, snorkel, and take in the sea caves without the crowd — up to 18 for private charters. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $219 Children: $189
Check Availability
Leialoha
Leialoha is the newest boat in our fleet — a 36′ power catamaran that seats up to 18 on a regular small-group departure, so a slightly larger family or friend group can ride together. Comfortable seating, an onboard restroom, and open views the whole way as you snorkel the reef and explore the sea caves. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
1 Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adult: $219 Children: $189
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Makana
With just 12 guests aboard, the Makana is the most intimate way to see the Na Pali Coast. This 32′ custom-built catamaran was designed for room to spread out — every seat has space and a clear view as you snorkel the reef and glide past the sea caves. The smallest group on the water. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $219 Children: $189
Check Availability
Amelia K
At 47′ and seating up to 36, the Amelia K is our largest and most luxurious catamaran — plush seating throughout and a smooth, stable ride that makes for the most comfortable day on the coast. She carries two onboard restrooms and an open-air freshwater shower for after you snorkel the reef and drift past the sea caves. Welcomes children ages 4 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
2 Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $199 Children: $169
Check Availability
Private Na Pali Coast Boat Tours
Discover the ultimate way to experience Kauai’s iconic coast with our private Na Pali Coast boat tour. Tailored just for you, these intimate adventures let you explore hidden sea caves, pristine waters, and breathtaking cliffs at your own pace, creating memories that are truly yours to treasure.
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Why Book Your Na Pali Coast Boat Tour with Makana Charters?
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Native Hawaiian Owned & Family Operated -
More Coast Time with Closer Departure
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Explore Sea Caves & Abundant Marine Life
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Smaller groups for a personalized tour
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All-Inclusive Snorkel Gear & Flotation Devices
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Tasty Deli Lunch & Refreshing Local Drinks
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Ages 4+ Welcome (Weather Permitting)
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Convenient Onboard Restroom
See a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour in Action
Na Pali Coast Boat Tour Photo Gallery
Step into the world of Makana Charters through our gallery, where every photo captures a moment from a Na Pali Coast boat tour. From sea cave entries and snorkel stops to dolphin pods and the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, get a glimpse of the Kauai boat tour adventure waiting for you.
Contact Makana Charters
Visit Our Office
Give Us A Call
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What makes Makana Charters Na Pali Coast boat tours so special?
Makana Charters is a Native Hawaiian family-owned business with roots on Kauai dating back to the 1800s, and that heritage shows up in every tour. Our cultural captains bring the coastline to life in a way no other company can, and with over 10,000 five-star reviews, we’ve built a reputation for authenticity, small groups, and an all-inclusive experience that covers snorkeling, deli lunch, and local drinks from the moment you board.
Reaching Na Pali Coast beaches that are inaccessible by car — Kalalau Coast, Kauai
What is the best Na Pali Coast boat tour activity?
The best Na Pali Coast boat tour combines snorkeling, sea caves, dolphin watching, and dramatic cliffside views all in one trip, and that’s exactly what Makana Charters delivers.
What is the best Na Pali Coast powered catamaran tour on Kauai?
Makana Charters operates four custom built powered catamarans, the Na Pali Kai III, Amelia K, Seiko 1, Seiko 2, and Makana, each built for comfort, stability, and getting you as close to the coastline as possible. Tours run 4.5 to 5 hours and include sea cave exploration, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a deli lunch.
One of our four custom-built powered catamarans on a 4.5-hour Na Pali Coast tour
Where do the Makana Charters Na Pali Coast boat tours depart from?
Most of our boats depart from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, closer to the Na Pali Coast than Port Allen, so you spend less time traveling and more time exploring. Our Amelia K departs from Port Allen. Your confirmation will tell you exactly which harbor to head to.
What are the best Kauai snorkeling tours on the Na Pali Coast?
Na Pali Coast snorkeling tours put you in some of the clearest, most biodiverse water on the island, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and calm protected coves that are hard to reach any other way. Makana Charters includes stops at prime snorkeling spots along the Na Pali coastline on every tour.
Our Na Pali Coast snorkel tours bring you up close with tropical reef fish and frequent sea turtle sightings in clear Kauai water
Can I see dolphins on a Kauai Na Pali Coast boat tour?
Spinner dolphins are a regular sight along the Na Pali Coast, especially on morning tours when they’re most active. Makana Charters tours pass through prime dolphin territory, and our captains know exactly where to look. Whale watching is also possible during humpback season, typically running November through March.
Spinner dolphins are most active on morning Na Pali Coast tours from Kekaha
What are the Kauai sea cave boat tours like on the Na Pali Coast?
The Na Pali Coast sea caves are one of the most dramatic things you can experience on Kauai, and a boat is the only way to get inside them. Makana Charters takes you directly into the caves along the coastline, including the famous open-ceiling cave, with captains who know every inch of the route. Sea cave access is weather-dependent.
Does Makana Charters offer a Napali Coast sunset cruise?
Yes. Makana Charters offers afternoon and sunset tours departing from Kekaha, putting you on the water closer to the Na Pali Coast than most other operators on the island. As the sun drops behind the cliffs, the light on Na Pali turns gold and pink in a way that’s hard to put into words.
Is a Kauai private boat charter available through Makana Charters?
Yes. Makana Charters offers private Na Pali Coast boat charters on all of their catamarans. Private charters are fully customizable for your group, include the same all-inclusive snorkel gear, deli lunch, and cultural narration as our shared tours, and can accommodate groups looking for an exclusive, intimate Na Pali Coast experience.
Visit Our Office
Our Office Is Located At:
4516 Alawai Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
We Have Two Departure Locations For Tours.
Please Check Your Reservation To Find Your Location.
