“We did the Holo Holo sunset cruise a few weeks ago and I thought it was great! We have never gotten that close to the Na Pali as we did with them.”
Verified Review
There are few sights as spectacular as Kaua‘i’s Nā Pali Coast in the late afternoon light. This 4.5-hour sunset sail aboard a sleek catamaran lets you take it all in—towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and (in season) humpback whales—without getting wet. Instead of snorkeling gear, you’ll be handed a mai tai and a plate of warm, island-inspired fare as the coast puts on its nightly show. As the sun dips into the Pacific, the crew pours champagne for a proper toast, and the boat turns gently back toward Port Allen under a canopy of stars. It’s one of the most relaxed and romantic ways to experience this famously wild coastline.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 5 and up, group size up to 37 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate — leisurely sailing with snorkeling in calm waters
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, towel, sun protection, light wind cover
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations refundable 24 hours prior for groups of 6 or less, 72 hours for 6 or more.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.8★ from 8,300+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests consistently praise the comfortable catamaran, attentive and knowledgeable crew, and stunning sunset scenery. Highlights include breathtaking views of cliffs, sea caves, wildlife, and a celebratory toast at dusk. Many say the smooth ride, delicious local fare, and crew’s storytelling make this a standout evening on Kauaʻi.
Activity details:
There’s nothing like a Kauai sunset. And there’s no place better to see it than on the water. Watch the colors of the coastline change as the sun sinks into the ocean; it’s truly gorgeous. Make sure you bring your camera on this spectacular sightseeing tour.
This pure Kauai sightseeing tour is for those of you who want to see the Napali Coast and do some whale watching, but are not interested in snorkeling. On-board, help yourself to a delicious selection of appetizers and dinner, island juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, mai tais and champagne at sunset. Tour returns to Port Allen after sunset.
Duration: 4.5 hours
What's included:
- See the Napali Coast, amazing marine life, and more!
- Stir-fry Dinner with Hawaiian influence
- Mai tais, beer, wine, and soft drinks during cruise. Sunset champagne toast
- The chance to see humpback whales (peak season Dec-Apr)
Restrictions:
- For safety, no pregnant women or children under 5 allowed on this tour.
Disclaimers
Note that tours often fill up 2-3 weeks in advance. Booking your tour early in your vacation window is a good idea in case weather forces us to postpone your tour.
Please check the Operator's Passenger Policy at checkout for full details.Holo Holo Charters is a Kauaʻi-based, family-run operator since 1997, launching deluxe, custom-built catamarans like Leila from Port Allen. They've earned top national accolades for safety, service, and sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly practices and authentic storytelling. Their crew offers warm hospitality while guiding small to mid-size sunset sails along the Na Pali Coast, sharing cultural history and leading to sea caves, waterfalls, and marine wildlife—all aboard a meticulously maintained vessel designed for comfort and smooth sailing.
Check in at 4353 Waialo Rd, Suite 5A, Ele‘ele, HI 96705, at the Port Allen Marina Center’s Holo Holo Charters office. Park in the company’s gravel lot just past the building.
- Operator reserves the right to refuse service due to safety and/or health conditions.
- All tour routes and snorkel destinations are subject to change or may re-route due to weather and sea conditions.
- All no-shows or tours cancelled within 24 hours of check-in time is a 100% charge of full fare. Larger groups of 6 or more have a 72-hour cancellation policy.
- There is a late rescheduling fee (24 hours prior to check in) of $25 per person plus tax.
Cancelled tours by Holo Holo Charters are fully refundable or gladly rescheduled.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
When the Cliffs Turn to Gold
The Nā Pali Coast has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. Its cliffs don’t just rise—they lurch, twist, and glow, especially in that hour when the sun starts dropping and the shadows stretch long over the ocean. I boarded the Leila in the afternoon, one of maybe 40 or so guests, and right away it felt different from the more adrenaline-filled tours I’ve done. This wasn’t about snorkeling or rushing anywhere. It was about watching the island breathe.
As we left Port Allen, the deck vibe was mellow. Local beers and mai tais passed around, a few plates of teriyaki stir-fry and tropical snacks, and then: silence. Not awkward silence, but that kind of hush when the cliffs come into view and no one wants to be the first to break the spell. They’re ancient, jagged, cinematic. The kind of place where you almost expect a pterodactyl to flap past. In winter, you might even spot a humpback breaching in the distance—they’re here for the season, same as some of the luckiest visitors.
“This wasn’t just a sunset cruise. It felt more like a slow exhale.”
The light changes fast out there. One moment the cliffs are bronze, the next they’re red, then charcoal against a peach sky. The crew kept it light—stories, legends, island tips—but they also knew when to let the landscape speak for itself. As the sun finally slipped into the sea, they passed out flutes of champagne, and the entire boat leaned against the rails in near silence, watching it go.
On the way back, it was all soft wind and starlight. I couldn’t tell if the calm was from the drinks or the view, but either way, I wasn’t in a rush to get back. This wasn’t just a sunset cruise. It felt more like a slow exhale—one of those rare evenings where everything clicks into place.
