Departing directly from Hanalei Bay, this small-group boat adventure explores the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves of the legendary Nā Pali Coast—without the long harbor departures or crowds. The custom-built 32’ catamaran is fast, open-air, and nimble enough to access sea caves and waterfalls that bigger boats can’t reach. Midway through the journey, the captain anchors at a protected reef cove (conditions permitting) where you’ll snorkel in warm, crystal-clear water surrounded by tropical fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles. With max 18 guests, expert crew, and narration that stays informative (not cheesy), this is an immersive combo of scenic cruising and active snorkeling in one of the most iconic settings on Earth.
“We snorkeled by turtles and dolphins, explored sea caves, and the food and service were top-notch—the highlight of our Kauaʻi adventure!”
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 4 and up, group size limited to 18 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy — snorkeling and gentle swimming
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, sun protection, a light layer for cooler sea breezes.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior for 1-4 guests.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
5.0★ from 3,600+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Travelers consistently praise the seamless balance of adventure and relaxation: a scenic cruise past sea caves and cliffs, a refreshing snorkel among turtles and fish, and attentive storytelling from the crew. Many appreciate the small‑group vibe and smooth logistics—calling the experience both thrilling and relaxing, with standout moments from wildlife sightings to underwater encounters.
“Departing from Hanalei Bay allowed us to reach the cliffs quickly, and the crew was so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the trip.”
Verified Review
Embark on a breathtaking 4-hour journey along the full 15 miles of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Departing from scenic Hanalei Bay, this adventure combines the thrill of coastal exploration with an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Just 15 minutes from departure, you’ll find yourself immersed in the majesty of Na Pali’s towering cliffs, hidden caves, and pristine waters.
Journey Through Paradise
Witness cascading waterfalls plunging directly into the ocean, explore ancient sea caves, and glide alongside towering emerald cliffs. Our experienced crew provides cultural insights and local knowledge throughout your journey, bringing the rich history and legends of Na Pali to life.
Tour Highlights & Features
Marine Life Encounters
– Hawaiian spinner dolphins
– Green sea turtles
– Monk seals
– Humpback whales (seasonal)
– Vibrant tropical fish
Adventure Activities
– 1-hour snorkeling stop
– Waterfall viewing
– Sea cave exploration (conditions permitting)
– On-board lunch break
– Thrilling coastal return ride
Essential Information
Tour Requirements:
– Must be physically able to climb a vertical dive ladder
– Good swimming ability recommended
– Weight restriction: 275 lbs maximum
– Minimum age: 4 years
– No bathroom facilities onboard
– Not recommended for pregnant women or those with health concerns
Weather Advisory
– Tour operates rain or shine
– Snorkel spots and sea cave access subject to ocean conditions
– Safety-first approach to all activities
– Routes adjusted based on weather and surf conditions
What To Expect
– Natural port boarding from Hanalei Bay
– Open-vessel experience
– Exposure to sun and elements
– Wet and wild adventure
– Guaranteed excitement on return journeyNa Pali Coast Hanalei Tours is a locally and family-operated company, guiding guests from Hanalei Bay since the 1950s. They specialize in small-group catamaran tours along the rugged Na Pali coastline. Skilled captains and crew share cultural stories, geological insight, and marine ecology knowledge. Their vessels are purpose-built — compact enough for sea-cave access yet comfortable — and equipped for snorkeling, dolphin and sea-turtle spotting, and freshwater showers, all with a strong emphasis on safety and local stewardship.
Check in at the Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours office located at 4997 Weke Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714, situated just off Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bay.
Check-in is located along the white picket fence by Wai’oli Church. Free parking is available, and we recommend arriving 30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
A shuttle will be present 30 minutes before departure to check you in and provide you with free dry-bags.
Look for a white sprinter-style van with the Nā Pali Coast Tours logo on the side.Advance notice required to cancel or rebook your tour:
1 - 4 passengers = 48 hours
5 - 9 passengers = 72 hours
10 + passengers = 96 hours
Private charters require a 7 day advance notice.
Requesting to cancel your booking with less than the required advance notice is non-refundable.
In addition to late requests to cancel or rebook, we do not offer refunds for late arrivals after departure time, no shows, rainy conditions, sea sickness, or due to a modified tour route and/or water activity (our captains make these decisions for safety).
If a medical emergency keeps you from joining the tour inside our cancellation window, we can offer a full refund with a valid doctor’s note. Without this documentation, the standard cancellation policy remains in effect.
Note: Captain uses his discretion for your safety. If we shorten a 4 hour tour to a 2 hour tour for safety reasons, then a partial refund will be issued to honor the lesser tour rate.
Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours reserves the right to deny service for any reason.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Snorkeling Beneath the Spires
You don’t just tour the Nā Pali Coast—you become part of it. Boarding right from Hanalei Bay, this small-group adventure skips the long drives and crowded docks in favor of a direct, salt-sprayed departure from one of Kaua‘i’s most beautiful beaches. Within minutes, you’re cruising beneath the towering emerald cliffs and waterfall-laced ridges that make this coast legendary. The vessel is nimble—able to slip into sea caves, hover under waterfalls, and navigate shallow inlets that bigger boats simply can’t reach.
A coastline so cinematic it barely feels real, and a reef that makes you believe in magic.
But the real immersion happens when the anchor drops. You’ll snorkel in a remote cove along the Nā Pali Coast, where the water is impossibly clear and the reef below pulses with life. Butterflyfish, wrasse, and sometimes even sea turtles drift among the coral, while spinner dolphins often trail the boat like playful shadows. With gear provided, and the boat never far off, it’s an ideal experience for beginner snorkelers or those who just want the freedom to float, look, and breathe it all in.
Back aboard, there’s time to refuel with sandwiches and drinks, share photos, and just stare out at the wild, cinematic landscape. It’s not just another snorkel trip. It’s the kind of day that resets your internal clock—leaving you sandy, salty, and feeling like you just lived something that matters.
