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
Dave and Charlie were absolutely awesome — genuinely kind, helpful, funny, and really knowledgeable about the coast and the area. They shared interesting information throughout the trip and they were always checking on everyone and making sure we were comfortable. We had somewhat “difficult” weather and ocean conditions (and rain) at times, but they handled everything so well and professionally that we always felt 100% safe.
The Na Pali Coast itself is just unreal from the water. We got surprisingly close to the cliffs, which was SO cool and gives you a completely different perspective than seeing them from land. The scale of the cliffs, the valleys, waterfalls, caves and all the different colors are something pictures really don’t capture properly.
And we saw SO MANY dolphins!! Not just one or two in the distance — there were dolphins all around us, which made an already incredible day even better. Definitely one of those moments you remember after the trip is over.
I did get a little seasick, so one piece of advice: if you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, take seasickness pills or something similar beforehand. I’m still really glad I went and wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience because of it.
Overall, such a fun and memorable day and easily one of my favorite things we did in Kauai. I would absolutely recommend Makana Charters to anyone wanting to experience the Na Pali Coast from the water.
And a BIG thank you again to Dave and Charlie — you guys really made the experience! Highly recommend!!
They were great at providing the safety and site information and at the same time very laid back and allowed everyone on the boat to enjoy everything at their own pace.
The snorkel spot was truly great! The waterfalls and beauty of the Napali Coast was spectacular!
The dolphins was an added bonus to a great trip.
I would highly recommend this tour!
Captain Dave and Elijah were also great storytellers they shared so many interesting stories and information about the coast, the island, and its history, which made the experience even more memorable. Their personalities and positive energy really made the tour special!
I highly recommend Makana Charter to anyone looking for an unforgettable Nā Pali Coast experience. Captain Dave and Elijah truly made our day amazing! 🌺🌊🤙
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.
