PLEASE READ EVEN THOUGH ITS LONG:

Beautiful day, excellent time on this tour owned and operated by a local family. A lot of companies say they are family owned but really aren't because larger commercial companies have bought them out and still use their old names so they seem like they are a family operation. We learned this over the years of travelling to Kauai and the Napali Coast.

We've been to the Na Pali Coast on 3 different tours, and this one was the best by far with a unique, family vibe. Excellent, smaller/intimate setting with just 18 people on board. The front desk staff mentioned that the boat holds 32 but they don't go over 20 for the safety, space and ability to best serve their guests. There was plenty of room for all the guests and you did not feel like a sardine. The children of the family helped us out. When were were snorkeling the eldest son swam with us in case our daughter who was on a floatie needed help or if we needed a breather. He even offered to swim her back for us which he did.

The Kahanu family even watched our daughter so my wife and I could snorkel on our own. Their daughter helped bring our 7-year old out of her shell and they were together at the front of the ship watching dolphins, swimming, snorkeling, and laughing together. It was really special for us as parents to watch her make a quick friend and smile the entire time with their daughter.

The crew was very knowledgeable about the Na Pali Coast and told us some great stories there and back along the tour. We learned about their lives, family history, Hawaiian culture/history and how the island has changed over the years. Along the tour they explained sites along the Napali Coast and tour...really awesome. They took the time to remember everyone's name and were super attentive to everyone's needs, especially those who had children on board. They also made sure to answer any questions along the way and sat and spoke with each group/family just to get to know them a little better. There were a lot of questions from all the groups.

Lunch was a very nice combo of make your own deli sandwiches, pasta salad w/dressing, pineapple, cookies and soda drinks. The Captain of the ship even served us which I've never seen a captain do. He could also trace his Kauai lineage to the 1600's!!! He was such a personality on the ship making us laugh and joking along the way. Excellent trip for anyone, and great for families with children. They really made you feel welcome and were truly above and beyond so many other companies who offer this tour. The Kahanu family took pictures of groups throughout the trip and texted/e-mailed them to you which was a very nice thing to do for 20 guests. We got the pictures which were awesome and they are added to our family album.

It was very family friendly so people with small children or children of all ages would especially enjoy Catamaran Kahanu. On our return to port the Kahanu family showed us how to make a tea leaf lei and they made some for their guests. Their sons made roses out of bambo for their female guests and their father mades several hats. This was the kind of touch we have never experienced before on other trips to the Napali Coast.

We took pictures as a boat group and with the Kahanu family and we are all forever a part of each other's life journeys. We ended up forgetting our daughter's floatie and they brought it to where we were staying. If you would like to enjoy a family friendly trip to the Napali Coast with a tight knit family who cares about your experience and support a deserving small family business this is the way to go. We will be back to Kauai and taking the Catamaran Kahanu back to paradise. Thank you Kahanu Family!!!