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
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
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
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 🤙🏽
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.
