Holo Holo Charters — Attraction in Kauai

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Run, don’t walk. Booking with Holo Holo Charters was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — truly one of the top experiences of my life.

The Trip

We chose the 7-hour Niʻihau + Nā Pali Coast adventure. The vessel itself — a sleek powered catamaran, the fastest in the harbor — was comfortable, spacious, and felt incredibly safe from start to finish. We were served two proper meals (not throw-together snacks, but flavorful dishes made with care) that left everyone satisfied. Drinks flowed freely after snorkeling, adding to the relaxed, celebratory vibe of the day.

The first stop was snorkeling at the crater near Niʻihau, the forbidden island — and it’s hard to put into words how magical it was. We were surrounded by schools of fish numbering in the thousands, with brilliant colors darting around us. The highlight for me was when two Hawaiian monk seals swam over and playfully circled us, almost as if they were part of the tour. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime gift.

After snorkeling, the cruise continued along the Nā Pali Coast, which is one of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever laid eyes on. Towering emerald cliffs, hidden beaches, and cascading waterfalls — it was postcard-perfect at every turn, and the crew made sure we had plenty of time to soak it all in and capture photos.

The Crew

This is where Holo Holo truly separates itself from anything else I’ve ever experienced. The crew didn’t just “do their jobs” — they elevated the trip to something unforgettable.

Captain Nate is that guy. From the moment we left the harbor, his energy set the tone. He’s an incredible communicator — blending humor, knowledge, and charisma seamlessly. He narrated our journey with fascinating history, cultural stories, and fun facts, all while showing genuine passion for the island and the ocean. He never felt scripted or routine — you could tell he truly loves sharing this place with people. Beyond his personality, you always knew you were in steady, capable hands. His confidence and professionalism gave everyone peace of mind, even out in the open ocean.

Then there were Daniel and John — and I cannot say enough about these two. From the very beginning they were hustling — constantly moving around the deck, checking in on every single person, offering water, meals, snacks, sunscreen, or just striking up conversation. What stood out most wasn’t just their attentiveness, but how genuine it all felt. They weren’t just “doing a job.” They remembered everyone’s names, asked real questions, and actually listened. By the end of the trip, it felt less like a crew serving passengers and more like friends who had invited us along for an adventure.

Their teamwork was flawless. While one served drinks, the other was chatting with guests, and the next moment they’d be at the bow pointing out dolphins or answering questions about the reef. It never felt rushed or transactional — every interaction was personal. And the fact that they shook everyone’s hand at the end, remembering names and sharing a few last words, was the perfect reflection of how much they cared about creating a connection with each guest. That kind of hospitality is rare, and it’s what makes me say this crew was simply world-class.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been fortunate to do quite a bit of traveling and tours, and I can honestly say this was beyond a 5-star experience. The snorkeling, the views, the meals — all incredible. But it was the crew that made it unforgettable. Captain Nate’s leadership and knowledge, paired with Daniel and John’s warmth, hustle, and genuine care for every guest, turned a great day into one of the best days of my life.

If you’re on Kauaʻi, don’t hesitate for a second. Book Holo Holo. I’ll forever go with them, and I’ll put my name behind this crew any day. You...

A lot of fun on the Ni’ihau and Nā Pali tour today. After a well deserved nap afterwards I can write a review! :)

Captain Christian and the crew were great. Everything ran like clockwork. Great morning sun rise (also with a full moon still visible) and beautiful view of Nā Pali after about an hour out. Just stunning.

Of course, I really wanted this tour for Ni’ihau, and it was so cool to get so close. Being right by Lehua was amazing for me who likes the more esoteric side of travel. I loved that. Next best thing to trying to pay the Robinson family to go to Ni’ihau by helicopter! :)

The Captain and crew were great. Always ready to offer to snap pics, give drinks, and tell stories. Thanks for the interesting ones Rob! Hah!

So I really do recommend this tour, especially if Ni’ihau is of interest to you! It was an amazing day with great photos.

~

Other notes expanded, just if you’re the more curious/critically minded review searcher:

Sea sickness is no joke, and I’m not usually one to get seasick. When the boat stopped at Nā Pali I was right at the line of losing my continental breakfast off the back (even with taking Dramamine beforehand). Ice from the crew helped me get back up to snuff (and another Dramamine tablet)! A poor gal on the boat was pretty laid out. Felt bad for her. Most other people seemed fine, but don’t ruin your trip by not taking preventatives because it CAN hit you!

My husband is not a fan of deep water, so did NOT snorkel. But he loved the trip all the same. Snorkeling is only about an hour (and time flies) so if you’re NOT one to want to snorkel, I would still recommend this trip and not think you’re really missing out on a key element.

On that not, snorkeling was neat but not the most memorable part for me. Though it is absolutely fun and I never felt unsafe. It’s cool to do it out there and say you did, but I wouldn’t expect some mind blowing kaleidoscope of color.

The food options are just ok, but given I was still not feeling 100%, a plain ham and cheese sandwich was probably all I needed haha. Just keep your expectations low - you’re on a catamaran!

The other people (paying passengers) on the boat were great. It was not an overcrowded excursion and we did not feel like any group or any one was disruptive, disrespectful, or in anyway negatively impacting our experience. All (adult) ages and backgrounds on the boat. So enjoy!

I didn’t drink. Nooo thank you while being out on choppy water with large swells!

Anyway, if you made it this far in my review: book the trip and make your...

We booked the 7-hour trip for Ni'ihau and Lehua snorkel. After everyone met at 6:00 a.m., the captain gave us a very thorough briefing, and went on to tell us that the weather (wind and high surf) would not permit us to go across the channel to the other islands. They were still going to do the boat trip to view the Na Pali Coast, look for whales and dolphins, and perhaps be able to snorkel elsewhere depending on weather. They kindly offered a reschedule or a full refund. We decided to reschedule in the hopes that we could make it across the channel on a different day of the week.

On the day we went back, it was a different captain (Christian). His briefing was not quite as thorough, and he said it was unlikely we would go to the other islands, but he did not take it off the table. So off we went. The weather was pretty poor in terms of rain and clouds that prevented us from seeing much. But even in the bad weather, the boat ride was remarkably smooth. Breakfast was scrambled eggs and some muffins and fruit; lunch was a lunch meat sandwich buffet, so nothing really special there as far as food. But the three-person crew were really fantastic with their service. There were two restrooms on the boat, and plenty of seating undercover during the rain, and standing room outside for those times when the rain cleared.

We saw several whales and some dolphins, and got a few glimpses of the Na Pali Coast. No snorkeling, because the captain said that the rains had stirred up the water too much. They did give us a 25% discount after the tour ended since we were not able to snorkel or go to the other islands.

I heard someone on the boat say that they told him they had only made it to the other islands two times this winter. I guess that is something that we should have thought to ask, because that's what we really wanted to do, or at least go snorkeling. So if that's you, I would suggest asking that question. In winter, it seems you are better off just buying a shorter whale watching or coastal tour.

None of that reflects on the company. They don't control the weather, and the fact that they offer a discount when they can't deliver is...