Makana means Gift:

Our 5th great grandparents has gifted us an amazing place and history here on Kauai to share with our guests. We are a family owned business here at our office with a legacy that spans 200 years of sharing the breathtaking beauty of the Na Pali Coast and its amazing history.

Scroll Down

Where Our family's history began.

Our documented journey by many journalist started along the Waimea River right at our shop, our Hale Pili, our departure to the NaPali Coast, a connection to these waters has spanned for many generations

Scroll Down

Our Legacy Continues

Our family’s legacy lives on as we share the breathtaking beauty of the Na Pali Coast with visitors from around the world. Join us to experience the pristine waters and rich history that have defined our journey for generations.

Scroll Down

We Are Proud Of Our Captains & Crew

Our captains and crew bring a lifetime of knowledge and passion to every tour, ensuring each guest experiences the true essence of Kauai and the Na Pali Coast. With their deep roots in the island’s culture and community, they go above and beyond to share the spirit of Aloha and create unforgettable memories for everyone who boards our boats.

Makana Charters boat tour of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, showcasing the island's beauty and rich history.

We do things a bit differently

At Makana Charters, we do things a bit differently. To us, a tour is much more than a 5 hour journey, it’s an introduction to our backyard that we hope you will enjoy as much as we do day in and day out. It’s why we have guests coming back year after year, and telling their friends and family to come with us. One is that we do our best to share Aloha with everyone who boards our boat.

Makana Charters boat tour of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and scenic mountain views

Offering Private Tours

Many companies hire inexperienced people for their crew, people who are new to the island and don’t fully understand themselves the true spirit of Aloha. We are proud to say that each crew member has been on Kauai for a long time if not their entire life. It’s important to us that each crew member has not only knowledge of the places we visit, but also a deep sense of connection to the island and the Na Pali coast. In fact, when our crew isn’t working aboard our boats, you will often see them along the Na Pali coast anyway on their own time, in their own boat.

Learn More

Mike

Captain

Mike has been showing guests the Na Pali Coast for 16 years. He absolutely loves his job and the ability to see the diverse marine life in the water every day out there. When he isn’t working he can be found in the water, either surfing or diving – usually on the Na Pali Coast.

Rob

Captain

Rob has been guiding trips on the Na Pali Coast for 16 years. His love of the ocean shines through in his smile. When you don’t see him crewing our boat you might find him on his own boat, enjoying the coast on his spare time! It’s safe to say that he loves his job where he can spend the day at his favorite spot on the island. Rob has seen it all, and is happy to talk stories about what he has seen along the way. Rob loves to share his passion with all around him.

Darrel

Captain

A native Kauai resident, Darrell brings generations of knowledge on the island and Na Pali coast with him. He has been a crew member with us for the past 6 years, with a much longer resume of guiding guests around the island before that. When he is not crewing our boat you will probably find him fishing along the Na Pali coast – just another crew member who spends his free time doing the same things we are lucky enough to call our job!

Chris

Captain

Chris has been on Makana’s Crew for 13 years, eventually making his way up the ranks to Captain, which he has had that title for the past 6 years. It’s no secret that he loves his job, and the ability to show people the amazing journeys on the Na Pali Coast where no two tours are the same. He also loves the underwater world that awaits when we take you snorkeling. In his free time he enjoys surfing Kauai’s uncrowded West side.

Dave

Captain

Dave has been on Kauai for the past 10 years, and loves every minute of it. He is a family man with two teenage kids, but that doesn’t keep this kid-at-heart from treating work like play in the best possible way! He has a passion for sharing the Na Pali experience with first-timers, never getting tired of the awe and wonder that everyone always expresses. When he is not on the Na Pali coast he enjoys competitive canoe racing on the island, and spending time with his kids.

Phil

Captain

Phill has been with us for about 20 years (Liko Kauai Cruises). He has been on the Na Pali more than anyone we know. He is always around to lend helpful insight and share his countless stories and history of his time on the water. When he isn’t working, he volunteers with the YMCA and enjoys fishing offshore.

Let Our Legacy Guide Your Unforgettable Ne Pali Coast Tour

Come meet our wonderful crew and let them show you their backyard of the amazing Na Pali Coast! You have many options for touring the Na Pali, but none give you so many people with such deep passion (as well as experience) with Na Pali.