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5 hours
Mobile ticket
If you're visiting Kauai, you absolutely can't miss seeing the stunning NaPali Coast. We offer a one-of-a-kind experience to do just that. As a Native family-run company, we are very fortunate to have been right here at our shop for 200 years, gathering our family's documented history to share about the NaPali Coast. Our Captains and Crew would love to share their very own culture and history with you on our tours. You can choose from one of our four vessels for a more personal and comfortable 4.5 to 5-hour tour. Our vessels are just the right size to explore sea caves with comfort when the weather allows. We can't wait to have you on board!
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
INFORMATION Please indicate your email address and contact number in Special Requirements when booking
LUNCH Please select your lunch options per person, we offer Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, PB&J & Vegetation with or without hummus. We can provide gluten-free bread if needed. Please inform us of any allergies within your group. Remember to send in your lunch order a week before your tour or at the latest, 24 hours before your tour. We'll default to Turkey sandwiches if we don't receive your lunch options. We also provide chips, soda, mixed juices, and water
PREGNANCY We make exceptions for pregnancies during our summer months only, ( June, July and August ) when the ocean conditions are calmer. Women who are expecting can participate in this tour up to 22 weeks gestation, along with their doctors approval. A doctor's note must be submitted by a doctor, directly to Makana Charters VIA email or fax and must be approved by management prior to booking a reservation. Please contact us to reserve once your note has been submitted.
AGE RESTRICTION Our age limit is age 4 years old and up on our larger vessels and age 9 and up on our smaller vessels.
DISABILITY For safety and liability reasons, we do not make any exceptions. We are not handicap accessible. If you feel that the individual can get on and off of the boat without any assistance, you may call the office to speak to someone directly.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All Fees and Taxes and Fuel surcharge
Photography Opportunities
Delicious Catered Lunch
Usage of snorkels equipments
Insurance for visitors
Snacks, water and soft drinks
Shared Cataraman Trip
No Accomodation
Bring a Towel
A good tour 15% per person of tour cost. A spectacular tour 15-20% per person of tour cost. If you feel our captain and crew went above and beyond, sky’s the limit!
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
During our winter season, (late November to April) Our afternoon tours don’t offer snorkeling. We use that time for whale watching and sunset. Come join us for an amazing 5 hour snorkeling and lunch tour, on the breathtaking NaPali Coast together! This place holds immense historical significance and is home to a variety of sea life, including dolphins. Our Native family-owned co, has been a part of the Waimea community for 200 years, where we depart to the NaPali Coast, our families history is beyond imaginable from history books being the first to sail foreigners on our family's sailing double hulled sailing canoes to NaPali Coast by documented history. We're excited to share our rich history and heritage with you. Sharing their own stories and culture to create a truly memorable experience. Please choose from our four comfortable catamarans, which offer the same fantastic tour experience. Weather permitting, we'll explore multiple sea caves and snorkel in pristine waters.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this scenic state park overlooks the colorful Waimea Canyon, which stretches over 14 miles and is more than 3,600 feet deep.
1,070 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Vacationer826035,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The crew at Makana Charters gave us an amazing trip on the Amelia K yesterday! Captain Mike and his crew got us in close to the sights and got me my first ever whale sighting! Very informative and the scenery was amazing all wrapped up with a beautiful sunset. Pics don’t do it justice. Highly recommend Makana Charters and the Amelia K! Thanks Makana and Captain Mike!





Jeffrey P,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
It was great. Great view from the ocean and places we wouldn't see unless we took a boat. Crew was great
Go49766129028,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Travelers- please be advised that this tour company is a scam! Do NOT book your tour with them. They (along with their partners in crime, Trip Advisor/Viator) basically took about $400 from me and offered me NOTHING in return. I received no service, no tour- NOTHING. They refused to issue a refund and they refused to book us on another tour for the remainder of the week that we were there. They have zero customer service and are basically taking people’s money with no regards to their circumstances or situations. There are many other tour companies in Hawaii, so you don’t need to be robbed of your money and treated like garbage by this scam outfit. I’m sure they will try to defend their actions by writing a reply to this review. Trust me- don’t believe a word they say. Bottom line- they took my money and gave me nothing in return. A lesson is how NOT to run a business.
keitijad,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I booked a Makana Tour to see the Nā Pali Coast and the staff were absolutely incredible — truly 1000 stars out of 10! They were helpful, and professional. The coastline was breathtaking. The only downside was that we didn’t get to see dolphins, turtles, or whales this time, and the sunset stop felt a bit rushed (only about two minutes). Still, it was a beautiful experience overall thanks to the amazing crew.



lindagM651RC,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was one of the best experiences my group ever had. Makana and the crew were very professional, clear with rules, and the most enjoyable people to make this tour of the Napali Coast fun and exciting. No guarantees to go snorkeling or seeing whales, but they made it happen. They found a safer snorkeling place nearby and stopped the boat on our way back to watch two whales from afar. The trip to the caves were amazing. The staff even took great care to those experiencing sea sickness (like myself). Overall, one of the best tours in Kauai!
whatsforchocolate,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We highly recommend the Napali Coast tour and really felt we had an excellent experience with Makana Charters. The exact boat we were on wasn't listed for this review but it was the Na Pali Kai III. The boat size (32 passengers) felt just right-- small enough to see everything up close but big enough for a relatively smooth ride. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was flexible enough to vary the route in order to get close to whales (found them twice) and find a great clear area for swimming. Lunch was surprising fresh and good considering it was just sandwiches and chips. No complaint at all! Water, juice and soft drinks were plentiful and offered frequently. Besides the whales we saw dozens of spinner dolphins and some amazing flying fish. This tour gets in close to the coastline and we looked into a couple caves. Book it!!
H9227HXkimberlyk,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic tour of the Napali Coast with Makana Charters. The scenery was breathtaking, and the crew was exceptional — friendly, informative, and clearly passionate about the area. They shared history, local tips, and lots of fun facts throughout the ride. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and even whales, which made the experience even more magical! Midway through, a few guests (including me) felt a bit seasick, and the crew handled it better than any tour I’ve ever been on. They checked on us right away, found a calm spot to stop, and let us take a refreshing swim that made a huge difference. Their care and professionalism really stood out. This was one of the best boat tour experiences I’ve had. I’d absolutely go with Makana Charters again. Highly recommend!
Prashant G,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
Everyone liked a lot and amazing hosts and great food and tour. Every minute spent was worth and enjoyed a lot
Daniel A,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great trip. Extremely clean craft, and wonderful crew. Boat was very stable, even in fairly rough seas. We got lucky and were able to see a couple of whales. The views of the Napoli coast were incredible. Would highly recommend this tour.
Leelakrishna N,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
We booked the 8am tour and it was raining as we headed out on the boat. The crew did their best to keep the mood lively and make things fun. As we got closer to the Napali coast the clouds cleared. We first saw 100+ dolphins dimming and jumping which was a highlight. We got sunlight as we hit the coast and the views were spectacular. The crew provided sandwiches as we headed back to the coast. They were delicious. As we headed back, we spotted a humpback whale. It was our closest sighting of a whale with the back and the fins clearly visible. The captain then took us snorkeling in a safe area. The visibility was great and we saw plenty of fish. Some people also jumped off of the roof of the boat. We then made our way back after a five hour excursion. The trip was very well executed and we did and saw quite a bit in five hours, despite the poor weather and the winter ocean swells. The crew was friendly and we had a great time.
Operated by Makana Charters