Kauai Sea Cave Boat Tours

Explore the Na Pali Coast’s Sea Caves with a Kauai Boat Tour

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What Makes Our Kauai Sea Cave Tours Unique

Step aboard and experience a side of Kauai that’s hidden from land. Our sea cave boat tours take you along the rugged Na Pali Coast to explore dramatic lava-carved formations, including the iconic Open Ceiling Cave. These natural wonders are accessible only by boat, and our experienced local crew knows every turn of this unforgettable coastline.

Expect towering sea cliffs, vibrant marine life, and the thrill of cruising into caves formed by centuries of ocean waves.

Choose from Four Custom Power Catamarans

  • 4.5 to 5 hour Na Pali Coast tour 4.5 to 5 hour Na Pali Coast sea cave cruise
  • Entry into multiple sea caves Entry into multiple sea caves (weather permitting)
  • Lunch from a local deli Onboard restroom and freshwater shower
  • Lunch from a local deli Lunch from a local deli
  • All-Inclusive Snorkel Gear Snorkel gear and safety equipment
  • Dolphin sightings Dolphin sightings
A white catamaran tour boat filled with passengers navigating through a narrow opening of a rocky sea cave.
360-degree walk-around deck of the Na Pali Kai III for photographing the Na Pali Coast
Na Pali Kai III catamaran on a Na Pali Coast boat tour from Kekaha, Kauai
Makana Charters crew member on the Na Pali Kai III's side deck cruising past the Na Pali Coast cliffs
Sea cave entry on a Na Pali Kai III Na Pali Coast tour
Na Pali Kai III catamaran cruising the Kauai coast on a Na Pali boat tour
Spacious shaded seating on the Na Pali Kai III catamaran
Aerial view of the Na Pali Kai III near a secluded Na Pali Coast beach on Kauai

Na Pali Kai III

Max Passengers: 32 Duration: 4.5 - 5 Hours

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 Boarding

Pricing: (tax not included in price):

Adults: $199 Children: $169
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A Makana Charters tour boat floating in vivid turquoise water at the entrance of a dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cave with towering dark volcanic rock walls on a Kauai sea caves tour, Hawaii.
A sleek black Makana Charters tour boat speeding through turquoise water along the base of the lush green Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat alongside a cascading waterfall inside a dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cave with vivid blue water on a Kauai sea caves tour, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat floating in turquoise water beneath a natural waterfall cascading down the dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
The view from inside a dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cave looking out through the cave opening toward the bright blue ocean and rugged coastline beyond on a Kauai sea caves tour, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat cruising in turquoise water beneath the towering, cloud-shrouded green and dark Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
A dramatic shaft of light streaming into a dark Na Pali Coast sea cave illuminating the turquoise water and rocky walls beside a Makana Charters tour boat on a Kauai sea caves tour, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat anchored in calm turquoise water beneath the towering green and rust Na Pali Coast sea cliffs near a secluded beach on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat entering a glowing Kauai sea cave with vivid turquoise water and dramatic volcanic rock walls on a Kauai sea caves tour, Na Pali Coast, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat floating in vivid turquoise water at the base of a massive Na Pali Coast sea cave arch with a sandy beach visible through the opening on a Kauai sea caves tour, Hawaii.

Seiko 1 & 2

Max Passengers: 16 Duration: 4.5 - 5 Hours

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 Boarding

Pricing: (tax not included in price):

Adults: $219 Children: $189
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The Leialoha, a Makana Charters tour boat, cruising in vivid turquoise water beneath the towering green and rust Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
Guests leaning over the rail of a Makana Charters tour boat watching wild spinner dolphins swimming alongside the boat in clear blue water on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
The deck of a Makana Charters tour boat inside a dramatic Kauai sea cave with a powerful waterfall cascading down the volcanic rock walls and natural light streaming through the cave opening above, on a Kauai sea caves tour, Na Pali Coast, Hawaii.
The bow of a Makana Charters tour boat gliding through mirror-calm turquoise water toward the dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cliffs under a bright blue sky with dramatic clouds, Kauai, Hawaii.
The Amelia K, a Makana Charters luxury tour boat, anchored in calm golden water at sunset beneath the dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast sunset cruise, Kauai, Hawaii.
A Makana Charters tour boat navigating through a narrow Kauai sea cave passage with dramatic volcanic rock walls and glowing turquoise water on a Kauai sea caves tour, Na Pali Coast, Hawaii.
A vivid ocean-level view of the Na Pali Coast's sunlit green and rust-colored ridgelines and sea cliffs rising above the turquoise water on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
Golden sunlight streaming through a gap in the dramatic Na Pali Coast sea cliffs over vivid turquoise water on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.
The Leialoha, a Makana Charters tour boat, anchored in calm turquoise water beneath the towering green and rust Na Pali Coast sea cliffs on a Na Pali Coast boat tour, Kauai, Hawaii.

Leialoha

Max Passengers: 18 Duration: 4.5 - 5 Hours

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 Boarding

Pricing: (tax not included in price):

Adult: $219 Childdren: $189
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Guests swimming in clear Na Pali Coast water from the Makana catamaran on a Kauai tour
The Makana catamaran exiting a Na Pali Coast sea cave on a Kauai boat tour
Guests aboard the Makana enjoying Na Pali Coast cliffside views
Makana catamaran snorkeling stop along the Na Pali Coast
Sea cave entry on the Makana catamaran Na Pali Coast tour
The Makana catamaran inside a Na Pali Coast sea cave next to a waterfall on Kauai
The Makana catamaran inside a Na Pali Coast sea cave on a Kauai boat tour
Onboard amenities on the Makana including restroom and snorkel gear
Makana catamaran cruising past the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast
The Makana catamaran cruising along the Na Pali Coast on a Kauai boat tour

Makana

Max Passengers: 12 Duration: 4.5 - 5 Hours

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 Boarding

Pricing: (tax not included in price):

Adults: $219 Children: $189
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Amelia K 47-foot luxury catamaran departing Port Allen for a Na Pali Coast tour Caption: The Amelia K is our only boat that departs from Port Allen — check your confirmation for the harbor.
Plush seating on the Amelia K catamaran during a Na Pali Coast boat tour
Amelia K catamaran cruising past Na Pali Coast cliffs on Kauai
Spacious deck of the Amelia K catamaran for Na Pali Coast viewing
Onboard restrooms and freshwater shower on the Amelia K catamaran
Amelia K catamaran entering a Na Pali Coast sea cave on a Kauai boat tour
Guests relaxing on the Amelia K during a Na Pali Coast snorkel tourDesigned for relaxation as much as adventure.
Amelia K viewing a Na Pali Coast sea cave from the water
View from inside a Na Pali Coast sea cave looking out to the ocean on a Makana Charters Kauai tour

Amelia K

Max Passengers: 36 Duration: 4.5 - 5 Hours

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 Boarding

Pricing: (tax not included in price):

Adults: $199 Children: $169
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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.

Book Private Na Pali Coast Boat Tours Check Availability

Why Choose Makana Charters for Your Sea Cave Adventure

Guests aboard a Makana Charters tour boat looking up through a dramatic opening in the ceiling of a Kauai sea cave with light streaming through on a Kauai sea caves tour, Na Pali Coast, Hawaii.
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    Locally Owned & Operated by Native Kauai Residents
  • icon-boat
    Catamarans Designed for Smooth, Safe Cave Access
  • icon-fish-white
    Abundant Marine Life
  • icon-captain
    Knowledgeable Captains With Deep Respect For The Ocean
  • icon-person-white
    Smaller Group Size for a Personalized Experience
  • icon-child-white
    Family-friendly & Welcoming To Ages 4+
  • icon-snorkel-white
    All-Inclusive Snorkel Gear & Flotation Devices
  • icon-dine-white
    Tasty Deli Lunch & Refreshing Local Drinks
  • icon-restroom-white
    Convenient Onboard Restroom
  • Na Pali Kai catamaran anchored at a Na Pali Coast snorkeling spot, Kauai
  • Makana Charters catamaran entering a Na Pali Coast sea cave on a Kauai boat tour
  • Aerial drone view of the Na Pali Coast cliffs from a Makana Charters tour, Kauai
  • Na Pali Coast sea cave entry from a Makana Charters Kauai boat tour
  • Spinner dolphins swimming alongside a Makana Charters boat on the Na Pali Coast
  • Na Pali Coast cliffs and hidden coves viewed from a Makana Charters Kauai tour
  • Na Pali Coast coastline view from a Makana Charters catamaran, Kauai
  • Pod of spinner dolphins photographed from a Na Pali Coast Makana Charters tour
  • Hawaiian green sea turtle photographed during a Na Pali Coast snorkeling stop with Makana Charters
  • Makana Charters catamaran near a Na Pali Coast sea cave on Kauai
  • Towering Na Pali Coast cliffs viewed from the water on a Makana Charters tour
  • Dolphins jumping near a Makana Charters catamaran off Kauai's Na Pali Coast
  • Na Pali Coast coastline on a Makana Charters Kauai boat tour
  • Makana Charters Na Pali Kai
  • the nualolo valley from the water with makana charters
  • Our boats inside the open ceiling cave on the Na Pali Coast
  • Na Pali Coast waterfall and cliffs viewed from a Makana Charters tour
  • West Kauai coastline en route to the Na Pali Coast on a Makana Charters tour
  • Discover Na Pali Coast with Makana Charters

Experience Makana Charters in Action

Get a sneak peek of what awaits you on our unforgettable NaPali Coast tour. Watch this video to explore the towering cliffs, sea caves, and abundant marine life you’ll encounter, all from the comfort of our luxurious catamarans. Let the breathtaking beauty of NaPali inspire your next adventure!

Na Pali Coast Boat Tours with Over 10,000 5-Star Reviews

With over 10,000 five-star reviews, we deliver unmatched NaPali Coast experiences with stunning views, top-tier service, and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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Kauai Sea Cave Boat Tours FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about Kauai sea caves and the Makana Charters Kauai sea cave boat tour experience.

What are the Kauai sea caves?

The Kauai sea caves are a series of dramatic natural caves carved into the volcanic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast over millions of years by the relentless force of the Pacific Ocean. Found along one of the most remote and inaccessible stretches of coastline in Hawaii, the Kauai sea caves are accessible only by boat — making a Kauai sea cave boat tour the only way most visitors will ever experience them up close.

Do all Makana Charters boats go into the Kauai sea caves?

Yes. Every vessel in the Makana Charters fleet is purpose-built for Na Pali Coast sea cave access. All of our Kauai sea cave boat tours are designed to bring guests as close to — and inside — the sea caves as safely possible, giving every guest on every tour the full sea cave experience.

What does it look like inside the Kauai sea caves?

The Kauai sea caves are unlike anything most guests have ever seen. Ancient volcanic walls rise around you, natural skylights open to blue sky above, and waterfalls cascade down the cave walls into the vivid turquoise water below. The sheer scale, the sound of the ocean echoing through the caves, and the quality of light inside make the Kauai sea caves one of the most photographed and most talked-about moments of any Na Pali Coast boat tour.

Does weather affect sea cave access on a Kauai sea cave boat tour?

Yes — sea cave access on a Kauai sea cave boat tour is always weather and ocean condition dependent. The Na Pali Coast is an exposed, open-ocean coastline, and sea cave entry requires calm enough swells to navigate safely. Makana Charters captains make all sea cave access decisions on the water based on real-time conditions, always prioritizing guest safety. On the vast majority of tours, sea cave access is possible — and when conditions are ideal, the experience is absolutely unforgettable.

Which Kauai sea caves does Makana Charters visit?

Makana Charters visits multiple sea caves along the Na Pali Coast on every Kauai sea cave boat tour, including caves with natural skylights, caves with active waterfalls, and narrow passage caves that put guests right up against the ancient volcanic walls. The specific caves visited on each tour depend on ocean conditions and the captain’s judgment on the day.

Is a Kauai sea cave boat tour suitable for all ages?

Yes. The Kauai sea cave boat tour with Makana Charters is suitable for guests of all ages. Children and first-time ocean guests love the sea caves just as much as seasoned adventurers — the experience is awe-inspiring for everyone on board. Guests prone to seasickness should be aware that the Na Pali Coast is open-ocean, and conditions can vary.

How do I book a Kauai sea cave boat tour with Makana Charters?

Kauai sea cave boat tours with Makana Charters can be booked directly online. Sea cave tours book up quickly, especially during peak season — we recommend reserving your spot as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

Contact Makana Charters