Our Boats
Six catamarans, each built or chosen for a specific job on this coast: reading the swells, fitting the sea cave entrances, keeping every group small enough that the crew knows who’s on board.
Native Hawaiian family-owned, on this water for over 100 years, rated 4.9 stars across 10,000+ Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
Why Our Fleet Is Built Around This Coast
Sized for What the Water Actually Demands
Every boat in our fleet carries between 12 and 36 guests, well under the 49- to 65-passenger boats most operators run from Port Allen.
That size is a deliberate choice: a smaller boat maneuvers into sea cave entrances and tighter coastline sections with room to spare, and it puts fewer people between you and the rail when something worth seeing shows up. Every tour on this fleet is a small group Kauai boat tour by design.
Five of Six Depart From the Closest Harbor on the Island
Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha is the launch point for five of our six boats, making this the closest Na Pali boat tour on the island for anyone departing from Kekaha.
That’s what puts a Kikiaola Harbor tour closer to the Na Pali Coast cliffs than anything leaving Port Allen. The Amelia K is the one exception, running from Port Allen instead, which is worth knowing before you settle on a boat for your trip.
Crew Who Know These Specific Boats
Every captain has lived on Kauai for years, most their entire lives, and that experience runs boat by boat. Our crews run the same boats often enough to know exactly how the Na Pali Kai III handles a beam sea versus how a Seiko does. Read more about why families keep choosing Makana beyond the fleet itself.
The Fleet
This is the Na Pali Coast catamaran fleet behind every Makana Charters tour: six boats, each suited to a different group size, tour type, or level of privacy. Whether you’re comparing Na Pali Coast tour boats before you book or already know which of our three tour types you want, here’s what each boat in the Makana Charters fleet is built for.
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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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
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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
Check Availability
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
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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Accessibility Across the Fleet
The Makana boat can’t accommodate wheelchairs. Guests who need wheelchair access but can be assisted onto the boat should book the Na Pali Kai III instead, which is our recommended option for accessibility across the fleet.
Accessibility on Amelia K, Seiko 1, Seiko 2, and Leialoha isn’t confirmed here. Call (808) 338-9980 before booking any of those boats if accessibility is a factor, and our team can walk you through what boarding actually looks like on the day.
Why Guests Trust This Fleet
Makana Charters holds a 4.9-star rating across more than 10,000 combined reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, built one tour at a time by a family that’s called this stretch of coast home for over 100 years.
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! 🌺🌊🤙
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Fleet
Which boat is the biggest?
The Amelia K carries the most guests at 36, though it’s also the only boat departing from Port Allen instead of Kikiaola. If you want the largest group size without changing harbors, the Na Pali Kai III carries 32 guests and departs from Kikiaola along with most of the fleet. Call (808) 338-9980 if group size and departure point both matter for your trip.
Which boat is best for photography?
The Na Pali Kai III, since it’s the only boat in the fleet with a full 360-degree walk-around deck. That layout means you’re never stuck on one side of the boat when the light or the view changes, which matters most on the sunset cruise. Specify the Na Pali Kai III when you book if photography is a priority, since not every departure runs this boat.
Can I request a specific boat when I book?
Yes. Call (808) 338-9980 and let us know which boat you’d like, and we’ll confirm availability for your travel dates. Requests are more likely to be accommodated the earlier you book, especially in summer when the fleet sells out further in advance.
Do all boats run the same tours?
No. All six run our standard Na Pali Coast tour. Na Pali Kai III is confirmed for the sunset cruise, and Seiko 1, Seiko 2, and Leialoha may also run it; call to confirm on your dates. The Makana boat doesn’t run a shared sunset departure, but it’s available as a private sunset charter for groups of 12 or fewer, the same booking process as its standard-tour private charter. Check each boat’s listing above or call (808) 338-9980 to confirm what’s running on your dates.
Is any boat wheelchair accessible?
The Makana boat is not, but the Na Pali Kai III is our recommended option for guests who need wheelchair access and can be assisted aboard. Accessibility for Amelia K, Seiko 1, Seiko 2, and Leialoha isn’t confirmed here; call (808) 338-9980 before booking any of those boats so we can walk you through boarding on the day of your tour. Every boarding situation is a little different, so it’s worth talking it through in advance rather than finding out at the dock.
Does the boat affect pricing?
Yes. The Na Pali Kai III and Amelia K run $199 per adult and $169 per child, while the Seiko 1, Seiko 2, Leialoha, and Makana run $219 per adult and $189 per child. Call (808) 338-9980 to confirm current pricing before booking.
More questions? Our full FAQ page covers booking, cancellation, seasickness, and what to bring in more depth.
