Na Pali Catamaran — Local services in Kauai

Can’t say enough great things about Na Pali Cat tour. We did the morning tour with our kids ages 8 & 10. We lucked out and the sky was clear, the views were amazing. The water was a little choppy so we didn't get to go into the caves but the captain got us so close enough to where we could get a nice peek inside. The snorkeling was the highlight of the trip and both kids had an amazing time with that.

Our captain, Clay, embodies the Aloha spirit. He’s equally knowledgeable as he is entertaining. The vessel is a 35-ft catamaran and the way he maneuvers it in and around the caves is truly amazing. We saw other people touring the coast in oversized Zodiac boats which looked tiny by comparison and were packed like a can of sardines. So glad we opted for the cat. We had ample room to move around, snap photos and take in the views. Most of the seats are positioned under a large canopy which provides a great protection from the sun. If you prefer to be in the sun there are seats in the front (on the bow) and in the very back that offer some of the best views provided that you can handle the sun and some ocean spray here and there for a complete experience.

The lunch was great. Thick fresh sandwiches loaded with deli meats and veg. The crew had a great selection of snacks and beverages available for kids and grownups alike.

This was our second time doing a tour with Na Pali Cat (April 2023). This time we saw a large school of dolphins, incl two babies, a bunch of sea turtles and even a whale breaching within the viewing distance. On our first trip back in October of 2008 we had a monk seal visit the cat and I got to snorkle alongside a sea turtle. None of the animal encounters are guaranteed, of course, but we've personally had great luck so far.

Bonus tips: just in case the ride is choppy the day of the tour…skip the alcohol the day before and opt for water instead of caffeine the morning of. We got up at 5:30am for our morning tour and weren't hungry for breakfast before we boarded the boat at 7:30a. So we loaded up on caffeine instead. The ride was a little choppy and we ended up feeling a little nauseous on the boat, no spills though. Next time we do the tour, I'm going to skip the coffee and opt for a pastry instead. If you're worried about dragging without caffeine, don't. Between amazing views, ocean breeze and highly energetic crew, you won't skip a...

The absolute GREATEST excursion I’ve ever been on! I cannot speak highly enough of Napali Catamaran. I’ve done excursions in so many other places ie New Zealand- and this was by far the best. Also, don’t book a small boat for these types of excursions- they are REALLY ROUGH waters- you will not want a soaking wet and rocky ride for hours.. also, getting a cruise from the north side of kauai is better b/c you see more of the coast in less time. If you travel from the west it is a longer ride and you don’t see all of the napali coast because your guide won’t have time to drive all the way up to the north. Not only was it a smooth trip, but they really do care about giving you that special experience. We had Nick and Miguel as our captains. Both CPR certified. When we arrived to the parking lot location, they gave us (free to use) dry bags for our stuff. Bring your towel and sunscreen (apply before you go) and dry clothes. They loaded our group in a shuttle and brought us to the beach. The catamaran pulled in right away and we loaded onto the boat. The captains introduced themselves and the entire trip along the coast- they stopped and gave us the history, fun facts and Hawaiian mythical stories. The catamaran is the largest size that can fit into the caves- and at first it seemed a tight fight but Nick was driving and knew the conditions were good for it. He said he wouldn’t go into the caves if it was not safe. He was a stellar boat driver. Once we got to the snorkel spot they told us where to snorkel and where to find the sea turtles and they were right! We saw 10+ turtles and a sting ray too! There is a bathroom on the boat ad well. They offer snorkel gear (great new gear too) and pool floaties for swimmers who want the extra help. They had music playing and gave us lunch after we snorkeled. Pre-made sandwiches with plenty of drinks, chips, cookies and fresh pineapple. Then on our way back they guided us that it can be a bit rocky going against the wind- so they told us where to stand/sit to stay dry too. It was honestly incredible. The staff was welcoming, sincere and caring of our needs. Cannot, CANNOT recommend enough. You get what you pay for and this was well worth...

Great experience! We did SO much research to find the best boat tour of the Nā Pali Coast.

This has been on my bucket list since my boyfriend said we were going to Hawaii! This part of the island is so special, because not everyone gets the chance to see it. You can only get here by boat, helicopter, or by foot. But you can not drive the Nā Pali Coast.

I can't remember my captains name, but he is tall, skinny, and has beautiful luscious flowing hair! He would make stops along the tour and his mate (also can't remember his name) would give us details about the land, the past it has, and some interesting stories/legends!

We got to see some beautiful dolphins along the way on our tour as well. Some even did water tricks for us. It was pretty cool. Obviously nit part of the tour, just a nice extra experience.

At the end of the tour, they turn the boat around and go back at a faster speed. Right before getting back to main land, we stopped and got off the boat to snorkel (they provide you with equipment - but feel free to bring your own gear). It wasn't as colorful as I'd hoped, but I'm a scuba diver.. so snorkeling isn't as fun to me these days (haha). But I did get to see and follow a few sea turtles in this area. After about 45 minutes of splashing around in the water, they called us back on the boat for a quick lunch. We had ham sandwiches, bag of chips, and a bag of cookies. The boat tour also offers plenty of drinks, water and soda, for the whole tour. Not just for lunch time.

Then they brought us back to the main land!

Please, don't forget to tip these people. They are doing a great service for you, and they do an amazing job at it.

I appreciate everything I got out of this tour. The views, the stories, the legends, and most importantly the memories. Thank you.

Make sure to listen when they talk! One of the caves you'll explore is in a music video by a very famous singer ;) and one of the beaches you'll pass and stop at (in the water, you don't go to the beach) is in a VERY popular movie! Just all around...