napali catamaran tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: We call it an adventure for a reason – our tour may not be suitable for individuals who are physically challenged. Those that suffer from motion sickness should take precautions. Safety is our top priority. Ocean conditions can sometimes take a turn and become rough, for that reason tour routes and schedules are subject to change. Snorkeling and visiting the sea caves depend on ocean conditions. Guests must be prepared to wade into ankle to waist-deep water and occasionally in small surf. We do not guarantee snorkeling or entry into sea caves – that is always the goal but the captain will make that determination on the day of your tour if it is safe to do so. Rain is seldom a cause for us to cancel a tour. Please keep all factors in mind when considering if our tour is right for you. Mahalo.

Tours & Availability | Cancellations & Weather | Driving & Parking | Snorkeling | What to Bring/What’s Provided | Other

Tours & Availability

• Chevron down Do you offer tours in the winter months?

While our operations typically pause during the peak winter months, we’re always on the lookout for those magical days when the seas are calm. We will soon be accepting reservations for October, November, and December 2024. 

October to December: What to Expect

• Weather Variability: Tours during these months may be subject to last-minute changes or cancellations due to surf and weather conditions. If we cancel your tour, you will receive a full refund (if you are unable to reschedule). 
• Safety First: Our unwavering commitment to your safety means we’ll only operate when conditions are optimal.
• Lunch will not be served, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
• We’ll continue to provide a variety of snacks and refreshing beverages.
• Snorkeling activities and sea cave exploration are less frequent but may be possible on calmer days.

The silver linings of our winter tours include:

• Increased chances of humpback whale sightings 
• Smaller tour groups, allowing for a more personalized experience

Book now and experience the magic of winter on the North Shore!

• Chevron down Do you offer sunset tours?

Our latest tour is the Na Pali Afternoon option which ends at 5.15pm.

• Chevron down Do you have availability besides what is shown on the website?

Our availability calendar is the same in our office and online.

• Chevron down I see that you have one seat left. Is there any way you could let two of us on?

Although we would like to accommodate you, adding just one more passenger would be in violation of the US Coast Guard’s regulations for our vessel.

• Chevron down What is a catamaran?

A catamaran (informally, a “cat”) is a double-hulled water craft featuring two parallel hulls of equal size – this design has been utilized by the indigenous peoples of Oceania for thousands of years, combining unmatched stability with shallow draft (depth). Since WWII, the catamaran design has been modernized and refined to function across a variety of sailing/power-boat applications. Our power-driven catamaran is ideal for entering sea caves, which is impossible on any of the sailing catamarans that tour the Na Pali Coast.

• Chevron down Can we book a private tour?

Yes! Call us to make arrangements – 808-826-6853.

• Chevron down Which tour is better? Morning or afternoon?

Each tour has different advantages – the Na Pali morning tour tends to be a little cooler and calmer on the ride back to Hanalei. The afternoon tour tends to be a little warmer and bumpier on the ride back but lighting conditions typically offer greater photo opportunities. We recommend searching “morning” or “afternoon” at our page on Tripadvisor or Google and other online review sites to see what people experience on each tour.

• Chevron down Do all tours include entry into the sea caves?

The Na Pali Coast features some incredible sea caves. When ocean conditions are calm enough (which is most of the time) we enter them. This includes our morning and afternoon tours. Please keep in mind that every day is different. Passenger safety comes first.

• Chevron down Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, we have a restroom aboard both of our vessels. Our restrooms are spacious, private and clean. While not all Na Pali tours offer a restroom, your comfort and privacy are important to us.

• Chevron down If I’m pregnant, can I take the tour?

We are very sorry, but we cannot accept pregnant women on the boat. Our Hawaiian waters at times can be unpredictable, and an otherwise smooth, pleasant ride can quickly become bumpy. We value the safety of our passengers above all else.

• Chevron down I have physical limitations and/or I’ve recently had major surgery, can I join the tour?

Due to the ever-changing conditions of the rivermouth that we operate out of, our loading process is sometimes challenging. All passengers must be able and prepared to wade into waist-deep water and climb a 4-step ladder in order to board/disembark the vessel. Sorry, but there is no way around this. All passengers must be physically able to do so, we do not issue refunds if you are not physically able to load the vessel as a result of physical limitations. Any passenger who has recently undergone a major surgery for areas including(but not limited to) neck, back, hips or knees is not permitted aboard. The Na Pali Coast is an exposed coast line, with conditions that often change quickly. We are very sorry, but for these reasons, we do not permit passengers with certain known medical limitations aboard our vessel. Safety is always our number one priority.

• Chevron down Do you take children on your tour? Do you have a child rate?

Yes, children 5 years and older are welcome! They will have a blast! We do not have separate adult or child rates. Pricing is per passenger. We do not allow children under the age of five.

• Chevron down Should I be concerned about seasickness?

Yes! Even on the nicest days, people sometimes get sick. It is up to you to take appropriate preventative measures. Do not assume you will not get sick. Ginger products and acupressure wrist bands are believed to be helpful. We recommend all passengers taking seasickness medicine before you sleep and again the day of your tour. Although we don’t provide medications at our check-in desk, many guests have had success with Bonine and Dramamine. There are also behind-the-ear adhesive patches which seem to work really well.

Cancellations & Weather

• Chevron down What if it’s raining?

There is about a one hundred inches-per-year difference in rainfall between point A and Point B on our tour. On Kauai, rain comes and goes frequently, so it is extremely rare that our tours have rain for the whole duration. Rain also brings beautiful waterfalls and rainbows. If it’s safe, your tour is still on! You may want to bring a light jacket.

• Chevron down What is your cancellation policy?

If we have to cancel your tour due to poor ocean conditions, we will try our very best to help you reschedule your tour. If this is not possible, we will issue you a full refund. If you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, we will give you a full refund, but we do require 48 hours notice in advance from your check-in time for 1-4 people, 72 hours for 5-7 people, and 96 hours for 8-10 people. For a party of 11+, we require one week’s notice. This policy includes emergencies and is not flexible – we are unable to issue refunds to late cancellations whether we fill the vacated seats or not. We recommend you to have good travel insurance to cover your losses and expenses in the event of an emergency.

Driving & Parking

• Chevron down Where do we check in?

For Na Pali, our check-in location is at our office in Hanalei at the Ching Young Village Shopping Center. We require all of our passengers to check in at our office to sign the waiver and shuttle together down to Hanalei Bay.

• Chevron down Can we drive our own car to the boat?

We prefer that you don’t. Parking is always an issue at our beach parks. We do provide a free shuttle service to those who do not wish to walk from or to our office.

• Chevron down If we are running late, will you hold the boat for us?

Please be on time. Do not underestimate potential traffic delays on Kauai. Unfortunately, we are not able to hold the boat and we cannot issue refunds for late passengers.

• Chevron down Do you provide snorkel gear?

Yes, we provide fins, flotation devices and high-quality non-prescription masks. We do allow guests to bring their own gear if doing so increases comfort or provides a better experience.

• Chevron down What does the ladder look like and how far will I need to wade into the water?

Our ladder has 4 steps with handlebars on each side. Depending on the tide, we will either load from the beach (as seen in the photo above) or the river. Typically it’s ankle to knee deep – sometimes waist deep.

• Chevron down Can I use my full-face snorkel mask?

No, we do not allow our passengers to enter the water with full-face snorkel masks on. Click HERE to learn why.

What to Bring/What's Provided

• Chevron down What do you provide, besides the tour itself?

For our passengers, we provide a 30 liter dry bag for their belongings while on board. Mask, snorkel, and fins are provided for snorkeling, but bringing your own gear is also welcome. Bottled water, Juice, soda, chips/snacks are included as well as a deli-style sandwich for lunch. Towels are NOT included.

• Chevron down What do we bring?

We recommend you please bring…

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Beach attire (please change into a swimsuit prior to boarding)
• Light cover-up jacket
• Prescription Snorkel Mask(if needed)

We will supply you with a dry bag for your trip if needed to contain your items

• Chevron down May we bring alcohol?

We are very sorry, but we prohibit the consumption of alcohol during our tours and if you show up for your tour in an overly inebriated state, you will not be allowed to board the vessel. On a four-hour tour with other passengers, none of those people can just walk away from an uncomfortable situation when at sea. We feel this policy better ensures the comfort and safety of both passengers and crew.

• Chevron down Do I need to bring my wallet?

If you have paid in full, you will not need your wallet. However, if you wish to show your appreciation to your captain and crew, they will gladly accept cash gratuities!

• Chevron down Will you discount my trip if I write a five-star review for your company?

We are asked that question frequently; however, we do not engage in such activity. We believe that we offer an excellent tour at a very fair price. If you agree, you’ll hopefully write for us a favorable review. If you disagree, you’ll likely write a lesser review. Either will make us better as a company. Bribery, on the other hand, will not.

• Chevron down I’ve been described as rude, crude, vulgar and obnoxious. Do you have an issue with me being on your tour?

Great question, easy answer: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Should you show such traits before boarding our vessel, we will disallow you from doing so. Should you decide to act up, or out, when aboard, we will send a second vessel to remove you from the tour (and your money will not be refunded). There is nothing more important to us than the comfort and well being of our guests and employees. Most describe our tour as “the experience of a lifetime.” We ask that you not compromise that experience.

Na Pali Catamaran