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    Na Pali Experience

    5.0 (611 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Na Pali Experience Photos

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    Na Pali coast
    Marla D.

    The Na Pali coast tour with Na Pali Experience is absolutely one of the best things to do when visiting Kauai. The boat is just the perfect size...not too big and not too small. You get an exciting ride and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscape. Truly a once in a lifetime experience that you will want to repeat over and over. Booking with Na Pali Experience is very easy online and communication was great. Captain Jackie and Lynn were the best! You can tell they love their job, the ocean all the visitors on their boat. They made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. Jackie maneuvered the caves and big waves easily....what a fun experience! I highly recommend doing a boat tour of the Na Pali coast with this company.

    Britney C.

    The Na Pali Experience was truly an experience!  We booked this shared catamaran as a group of 9 and we all enjoyed this wet and wild adventure. As locals from the island of O'ahu, it was great to see the island of Kaua'i. We had Captain Jane and Brian as our guides but it really felt as if they were a part of our group and having a good time all together. Please expect to get wet during this 4-5 hour ride. Upon arrival, they provide one dry bag per person to put your belongings in.  You will receive a confirmation when you book and a follow up reminder one that provides all the information you need such as what to bring. Do not expect it to be a smooth easy sail, it is definitely a ride. If you get motion sickness please prepare yourself with medication, patches, etc. If you start to feel unwell, they are there to assist you and get you feeling better. They might even know you're not feeling well before you do. We booked the 1:00PM tour. Although the morning scheduled times are more likely to see dolphins and turtles, we were lucky enough to see both in the afternoon! Keep in mind seeing the animals is not guaranteed, such as snorkeling. They will determine if the conditions are safe to swim and snorkel as you go along the coast. They provided snorkels, fins and jet ski vests. Snacks, fruits and drinks were also provided. Bring a flask if you would want water so they could fill it for you. Also an important thing to note, there are no restrooms on the catamaran. There are restrooms at the harbour to use before the tour starts. If you really need to go, there is an emergency use only like porta potty or once the water is safe to stop and put the ladder down they will. Also, parking is $20. The Na Pali coast was truly beautiful! The cliffs, valleys, caves, waterfalls, literally everything is breathtaking. Captain Jane and Brian were very knowledgeable with the history and information for the whole coast which makes it even more appreciative. It is sacred land. The only way to view it is from a boat, helicopter or hiking it by foot. When we were done with the tour, they even provided a list of recommendations for different things to do on the island of Kaua'i. Feel free to show appreciation to the crew by leaving a tip! Definitely recommend the Na Pali Experience! Mahalo Captain Jane and Brian!

    Keegan M.

    An instant highlight of not just our trip, but experience on any ocean/island ever!! Right away on the morning briefing of the day and transition to boarding the vessel, it was easy to tell we were in professional and knowledgeable hands. Jay and Kylie were phenomenal guides for both all things Na Pali coast and wildlife encounters! The views along the trip were breathtaking and unforgettable. And their dolphin guarantee, was in fact a reality. We were met with jumping happy dolphins twice along our tour. And we're able to interact with other wildlife (fish and turtles) at a beautiful snorkel stop along the way! Truly can't say enough about the incredible experience my family and I had on this excursion! Thank you for creating a life changing experience!

    Rebecca B.

    Our experience with Napali Experience was truly unforgettable! Captain Kylie and deckhand Jay made the tour so special, sharing fascinating stories and insights about Hawaiian history, culture, and the Na Pali Coast throughout the day. There were three standout moments for us: snorkeling alongside sea turtles, witnessing two incredible pods of dolphins in their natural habitat, and being dipped into the famous fertility waterfall--a memory my husband and I will cherish forever. The Na Pali coastline is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the towering cliffs and dramatic mountain ranges from the water gives you a whole new appreciation for just how vast, rugged, and remote this part of Kauai truly is. It's incredible to imagine what life must have been like for those who once called this coastline home. We can't recommend Napali Experience enough. Thank you to Kylie, Jay, and the entire team for creating such a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

    Kelsey R.

    We had the most amazing time on the Na Pali experience. This company provides high quality experience! Best Na Pali Coast boat tour! We had Captain Dan and Colline as our tour guides they were phenomenal. My dad got seasick halfway through the ride and Colline was so sweet. She even had Ginger chews for him. We were able to see the caves. We had an amazing experience getting up close and personal with spinner dolphins that were right on the side of the boat. What a once in a lifetime experience ! We also got to snorkel for just a bit! Overall this new form of boat felt less turbulence. The views were just stunning would come back time and time again best Nepali Coast experience ever! Parking for $20 was the only downside

    Adan R.

    Casey and Chellen, best crew in the entire planet. They are so attentive, they remember and call you by name and they made it fun. They were knowledgeable and very helpful ! Thank you again for experience

    Beautiful water
    Maritza O.

    We had the Best experience Ever !!!! Worth the money !! We had the best captains Jackson and Coleen big shout out to her for getting her captain license they made us feel safe and gave us a history on each island . Will definitely do again !

    Pictures don't do this coastline justice!
    Angela C.

    Loved our boat tour of the Na Pali coast! Our captain and crew were amazing. Captain Aaron and crew Rocky were fun and knowledgeable! Captain killed it on those rough waves and even though it was pretty stormy was still able to get us in one of those amazing caves. I was impressed with his skills! Would definitely recommend this tour company!

    Viviana A.

    My dad and I did the 8AM tour and it was incredible!!! We got to the harbor at 7:30 to check in and we paid $21 for parking. RJ and Jake were really awesome, funny, helpful, and charismatic!!! They really made this boat experience fun and unforgettable. We had the amazing opportunity to see dolphins, go in caves, and snorkel the crystal clear blue waters of the Na Pali Coast. My dad and I took a dramamine to ease the motion sickness of the boat ride and that helped ALOT! They provided us with delicious fresh fruit, savory chips, and sweet Hawaiian juices. Overall, I truly enjoyed this experience! 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND DO IT!!!

    Views
    Keith L.

    Everything from orientation, to the ride out, to the breathtaking views, amazing Capt and crew, and overall vibes was great! Our group of 4 did the full experience and enjoyed the splashes as much as the fresh cut pineapple during the swimming/snorkeling. Jay was a great deck hand, guide and host! The overall instructions, directions and everything involved was great! Highly recommended but do beware of how wet you truly get from the splashes!

    I can't recommend The Na'pali Experience enough. We had an incredible day, and a huge part of that was our amazing crew--Captain Jackson and first mate Mauka. Mauka was warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive, always greeting everyone with a big smile and checking in on guests throughout the trip. Captain Jackson was fantastic--knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories about Kauai and the Na'pali Coast that made the experience so much more meaningful. You could tell he knows these waters inside and out. One thing we really appreciated was the size of the boat. It accommodates just 18 passengers, which felt like the perfect balance--large enough to have plenty of comfortable seating and space to move around, but small enough that it never felt crowded or impersonal. We were traveling as a family of five, including a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old, and it was the perfect setup for us. The conditions were fairly windy and the seas were choppy, but Jackson navigated everything with confidence, even taking us into small sea caves when it was safe to do so. We had originally planned to book a rigid inflatable (RIB) boat tour, but in hindsight I'm so glad we ended up on the catamaran given the conditions. The ride was much more comfortable, and the crew did an excellent job looking after anyone who started feeling a little seasick. When we got back to the hotel, we heard several stories from people who had been on other tours where many passengers became quite ill. It really drove home how much the captain matters. An experienced captain and attentive crew can completely change the experience, and we definitely felt like we were in the best hands. If you're trying to decide between tour companies, don't underestimate the importance of the crew. Captain Jackson and Mauka made this an unforgettable experience, and I'd happily book with them again.

    Waterfall

    Captain Ian and Malka were awesome! The tour was incredible - we saw dolphins, turtles, and even some goats! We were able to go all the way inside of multiple sea caves in the boat and got to spend an hour snorkeling as well. Capt Ian gave great history and background on a lot of the sights we were seeing, and Malka was really friendly and answered questions and gave some really good travel tips. I saw a lot of sad looking boats with other tours on them while we were out there - make sure to book Na Pali if you want to have the best time!

    Napali coast
    karen k.

    We took the private 6 person tour with Captain Jackson. We've been on larger tours in the past but the one yesterday was by far the best!!! Tailored to the weather and our needs. We saw far more of the coast and the caves and had a great guide for cultural and geological explanations of the rock formations . We didn't snorkel due to sea conditions ( fine by us) so had a further coastal experience. I highly recommend spending the extra mo way for this tour. A totally different experience, all positive! Hope they continue to have the 6 person tour! Was just what we wanted and the nieces and their spouses think it's the best experience they've ever had! Note bought this as a wedding present experience. Of note naval officer husband was impressed with the extent of the safety briefing!

    Open top cave

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    Kasey and Chellin were amazing tour guides! They made the tour so fun! We loved this experience. It made our trip so memorable!

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    Na Pali Experience Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Na Pali Experience

    I'm a non-swimmer, will this be okay on the tour?

    Yes! Swimming is optional (and only if conditions allow) however with the waves you can definitely expect to get splashed.

    Do we tip the crew do they divvy up amongst themselves?

    Aloha Patricia, If your Captain and Deckhand provided outstanding service, gratuities are always… 

    Is there a restroom?

    There is no restroom on the boat. But the vast ocean is available when you need it!

    What is your website and boat tour fees?

    https://napaliexperience.com/na-pali-coast-tours-deluxe-power-catamaran/

    What type of snacks do you serve onboard? Also do have facilities to rinse off after the tour?

    How fast does the 6 person boat go? How big is the 6 person boat? If we choose the afternoon, I'd it an extremely choppy ride?

    Aloha Michelle, Generally about 25mph which feels a lot faster when on a boat. Our 6 person boats… 

    We are visiting in late January. How do we see pricing and do you choose which type of tour you'd like to charter?

    Check their web site: https://napaliexperience.com/

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Na Pali Experience

    The caves were a must see and the great weather allowed us to experience all 17 miles of the Na Pali coast.

    Mentioned in 131 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Na Pali Pirates

    Na Pali Pirates

    5.0
    (119 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Without a doubt, the best experience I've had on the island. It was a blast from start to finish…read more If you're more into adventure and thrill, this is the ticket. They take you into caves and aren't afraid to squeeze in. What we didn't expect, getting MAJA island stories and information while the captain/DJ plays some great music and choreographed movie scores to go with the vibes. We met hundreds of SPINNA dolphins and during the one hour snorkel stop, we were escorted by a beautiful Honu across the reef. The wife and I talk about this trip all the time. The jokes and good conversations are something to remember from the staff as well.

    Easily One of the Best Experiences of My Life - 10/10 Would Do Again…read more If you're debating whether or not to book with Nā Pali Pirates, just do it. Hands down one of the coolest things I've ever done. Captain Dom was the perfect mix of chill, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious--dude knew exactly how to handle the boat, even when we got up close and personal with some pretty intense waves near the cliffs and caves. And Chaz? Absolute legend. Kept the vibes light with some solid (and delightfully cheesy) jokes, plus he snapped a ton of pics so we could actually enjoy the moment without worrying about our phones. But the real highlights? Getting insanely close to the cliffs and feeling the sheer power of the ocean, then just floating out in the middle of nowhere, taking it all in. Oh, and did I mention we saw THREE whale breaches and a bunch of dolphins? Unreal. If you're on the fence, take this as your sign to book it. Zero regrets, just pure adventure.

    Photos
    Deep in Pirates cave!
    Deep in Pirates cave!
    Na Pali Pirates
    Jumping off the bow in front of Kalalau.

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    Jumping off the bow in front of Kalalau.
    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

    5.0
    (680 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    This was hands down one of the highlights of our trip! We had the most perfect weather, and the…read moreviews along the Nā Pali Coast were some of the most incredible we've ever seen. Pictures truly don't do it justice. My wife and I loved exploring the sea caves, seeing the waterfalls up close, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. It was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Captain Ren and crew member Kelly were absolutely fantastic. They went out of their way to make sure everyone was comfortable, getting great photos, and enjoying every minute of the ride. My wife and I have talked several times since the tour about what an incredible job Ren did navigating the inflatable raft through the caves and along the coastline. Her skill and confidence made the experience even more exciting while still making us feel safe. If we ever make it back to Kauaʻi, this tour will be at the top of our list. We would book it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!

    100/10 recommend…read more The Blue Ocean rafting tour along the Nā Pali Coast was honestly one of those core memory experiences for me and my man. Absolute adventure from start to finish. We saw whales, dolphins, insane coastline views, jumped off the raft, and rode waves in a way that had us screaming and laughing the whole time The captain (I'm SO mad I forgot his name... maybe Andy? ) handled that zodiac raft like a pro. Seriously unreal. And Steve was amazing too -- at one point he said he barely even needed to play music because we were all just vibing, talking, and having such a good time together. If you love adventure, adrenaline, ocean views, and experiences that feel unforgettable... this is IT. Loved loved loved every second

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    Impossible to take a bad picture on this beautiful island...
    Impossible to take a bad picture on this beautiful island...
    Dolphins
    Dolphins
    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

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    Kauai Sea Tours

    Kauai Sea Tours

    4.6
    (1.2k reviews)
    7.8 mi

    This was my second time doing this raft trip, and I would recommend it to any adventure seeker! We…read morehad a fabulous ride and saw multiple pods of dolphins during our morning trip. We also saw turtles and seals, and others in our group spotted a ray. The views of the coast and marine life were absolutely beautiful. The front of the boat The ride out was calm and relaxing. We made multiple stops to look for animals and listen to our captain share interesting facts about the land and its history. We also stopped to snorkel and enjoyed breakfast sandwiches. We were able to go into a few sea caves and even went under a small waterfall. On the way back, our captain gave us a much more adventurous ride! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. We were jamming to music, jumping waves, and getting completely sprayed with water. If you get motion sick I would take their recommendation to medicate and medicate again after you eat! Such a fun experience from start to finish!

    Our Napali Coast Snorkel Tour with Kauai Sea Tours on the Imiloa Express, Captain Josh, crew…read moremembers Aaron & Kai was the highlight of our trip! We appreciated them sharing their knowledge and deep history of the Napali Coast. Our whole family including our 4 year old enjoyed the snorkeling experience and even got to see dolphins! The crew members handle a disgruntled family professionally! We've been on many snorkel tours and this one was by far the best!

    Photos
    Our Ohana is always keeping up on drills and water safety!
    Our Ohana is always keeping up on drills and water safety!
    Cave adventures. NāPali rafting adventure tour
    Cave adventures. NāPali rafting adventure tour
    Caves and Waterfalls

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    Caves and Waterfalls
    Napali Navigators

    Napali Navigators

    4.7
    (13 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    If you're looking for the ultimate Nā Pali Coast experience, I can't recommend Napali Navigators…read moreenough. We took their Nā Pali Coast Tour and Snorkel Excursion, and it was hands down the best excursion I've ever been on. Captain Greg was an exceptionally skilled captain who made us feel safe and confident throughout the trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating information about Hawaiian culture, the geology of the Nā Pali Coast, the marine life, and so much more. His passion for Hawaii was evident and made the experience even more meaningful. Captain Greg went above and beyond to make sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. He made a special effort to locate a pod of spinner dolphins and expertly positioned the boat so every passenger had an amazing view. It was truly incredible to watch them in their natural habitat. The Nā Pali Coast itself is breathtaking beyond words. Towering emerald-green mountains, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear turquoise water, and dramatic sea cliffs create scenery that simply has to be seen to be believed. The entire crew was friendly, professional, attentive, and highly skilled. From start to finish, everything was well organized, and they made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. This tour exceeded every expectation I had. If you're visiting Kauai, this is an absolute must-do. It was truly the highlight of our trip and the best excursion I've ever experienced. Thank you, Captain Greg and the entire Napali Navigators crew, for an unforgettable day!

    What a great experience! Captain Greg and Caleb were very professional and experienced sailors…read more Water got a little choppy but never felt like they weren't in control. Very knowledgeable of the sites and where the turtles and dolphins were. Saw some baby dolphins on this trip. The cave was amazing and the scenery along the Napali Coast is surreal. Soft drinks, water, and some Subway sandwiches were provided. Snorkeling was amazing as well. Great job guys!!

    Photos
    The Cathedral
    The Cathedral
    Breathtaking views of this pristine coastline!
    Breathtaking views of this pristine coastline!
    Picture perfect day of the NaPali Coast!

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    Picture perfect day of the NaPali Coast!
    Na Pali Catamaran

    Na Pali Catamaran

    4.7
    (243 reviews)
    20.9 mi

    DRAMAMINE, y'all…read more You're choosing to do the Na'Pali coast from the North Shore, which means smaller boats, and choppier waves. I took one Dramamine, the night before. Then another, an hour before our departure. AND THE BOAT RIDE WAS GREAT. I was all smiles and adventure and breathing -in the ocean air and wind! Unlike, a few folks, who were NOT doing so well. (One or two barfed over the side, but thankfully I didn't notice. Know how your body handles boats and waves. Don't do tours like this, without proper prep. It will NOT be fun if you underestimate it.) Check-In staff was super friendly, and personal. They remembered me from my original email. Sweet. Parking was easy. Shuttles team was super friendly. The strangers we rode with, all turned out to be cool. 2 boats go out (mini-catamarans, with cover from the sun). They expertly traverse the waves, and cliffs, and the caves, giving you some amazing first-hand visuals and photos. But yeah, that boat will be a rockin', during those up-close cave moments. Spoiler: You probably won't see whales, unless you're there before May. But we DID see a cute pod of Dolphins, who cozy'd up to our boat for a while. Our boat had Casey and Spencer. They were wise beyond their years, in all things Kauai. Funny and friendly. Spencer navigated the heck out of those waves, while Casey handled the nauseous passengers with MOTHERLY CARE. Spencer was 50/50 on allowing us to snorkel, based on conditions and a previous scare, a few weeks prior. But he ultimately made the call to GET IN THE WATER. He wisely kept us on a leash (not literally), whistling at swimmers when they got too close to a reef (with waves that could wash you onto the reef). It was fun and chill. Saw a HUGE, MASSIVE KING DADDY SEA TURTLE. He did not enjoy us as much as we enjoyed him and he bounced. Followed by a JR. Turtle, who stuck around a bit longer. Tons of fish. Spencer & Casey gave us good food and hike recommendations, and everyone treated us like friends / family. Highly recommend this team if you're going out. And you already know I highly recommend some Dramamine.

    My family of 5 had a tour booked. We got out on the boat and there was a mechanical issue. We…read morefloated around for an hour while they tried to figure it out before being told we had to go back for the mechanic to look at it. After another 30 minute wait it was cancelled completely. We did get a refund but were not offered to be fit in to another tour. Between the time out on the boat, the drive there and the drive back we wasted a full day of our vacation. The captain on the boat was heard telling the other one that he was told this happened the previous day but they got it working. Since this was a known issue they should have cancelled it or fixed the problem before we wasted our time. We could have planned another activity instead of just wasting the day.

    Photos
    Raw Nature.  No Starbucks drive-thru on this journey.
    Raw Nature. No Starbucks drive-thru on this journey.
    Na Pali Catamaran
    Na Pali Catamaran

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    Makana Charters

    Makana Charters

    4.7
    (404 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    20 years in business

    While vacation planning for Kauai, one of the things I wanted to do was see the Na Pali Coast. I…read morewas scared to hike as I'm not physically fit for that and helicopter rides were a no for me. So I opted for a boat tour! I chose makana charters because of how detailed they were in their information as different tours tour the coast in different areas. With this tour, included lunch and snorkeling. What I didn't want was a fancy lunch because what I'm really there for is to see the Na Pali Coast and everything else was just an extra for me. The lunch was very simple which I like especially because it can get very nauseous. I wanted to do the snorkeling part, but I also wanted my husband to do it, but he's not a confident swimmer so I stayed with him and watched people snorkel which was totally fine. We did the early morning tour and it was beautiful! The weather was perfect! Our tour guides went around us as we were enjoying the way to the coast and asked us where we were from. They also showed us the forbidden island and told us some history of the island and how certain areas locals would camp but a permit would be needed. They also tried to get into caves as deep as they can go and also showed us where Mary J Blige recorded her music video for everything. We also saw some dolphins going and come back from the coast! The coast was just as magical and beautiful!

    Honestly, if you've never seen the Napali Coast, then any boat tour would be considered phenomenal…read more Its a breathtaking view. This was my second excursion, over 15 years apart. Some positives about this tour includes: free parking by their main stop, an emcee that was quite hilarious, a boat captain that made the boat ride at 15 knots super fun, and some history lessons along with the tour. So what was wrong? The area where we were snorkeling was quite bland. We only saw a few fish and didnt see a turtle until after we all got on the boat. After only about 30 min of snorkeling around I was bored (they give you an hour). At the beginning of the tour we were told that if you feel sick at anytime, to let them know and they'll have some remedies. Well...when I came back on the boat after snorkeling, I started feeling woozy. It was mainly because the boat was anchored and started swaying. I did take Dramamine an hour before the trip so that helped a little. I told one of the crew members how I was feeling and her suggestion was, "I would stand in the back so noone will see you get sick. Also, I wouldn't go in the bathroom because the enclosed space will make you feel worse." Not the remedies I was expecting. haha. I did not take her advice. Instead I stayed standing in the front and looked at the horizon as everyone else was enjoying their sandwiches and chips. The captain, at least, gave me a little piece of mind by telling me he'll have us back on shore in 50 minutes. So I stood there, feeling like I was on a speed boat, jumping with every big wave, wind blowing my hair and salty water on my face. Surprisingly, I felt better after that ride back. But I felt a whole lot better being on land.

    Photos
    The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast
    The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast
    Snorkeling on our NaPali tours
    Snorkeling on our NaPali tours
    Getting up close to waterfalls on the NaPali

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    Getting up close to waterfalls on the NaPali
    Awa'awapuhi Trail

    Awa'awapuhi Trail

    4.6
    (50 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    We did a sunset hike at the awa'awapuhi trail and it was wonderful! It's 3 miles down hill and back…read more3 miles essentially uphill. I thought it was an easy-moderate hike for someone who likes to hike/exercise. The parking lot was not super crowded for a sunset hike. It's a generally safe/mapped out trail, on the last mile, there are small stretches of a thin path so be careful! You cannot really see the amazing views till the end. You're in a dense forest and once you complete the 3 miles you will open up to a gorgeous view! It started to rain, so we didn't go down the last little bit to the edge, it's a very thin path to the edge with little to no buffer so be safe! If you go for the sunset hike, bring some headlights for the hike back. It was def worth it!

    This Awa'awapuhi Trail was recommended to me by a lifeguard I randomly chatted with at one of the…read morelocal beaches in Kauai. He swore by the hike, saying the ending viewpoint would be the highlight of my Hawaiian vacation! But, the lifeguard left out details. And I'm here to fill you in on the real Awa'awapuhi Trail and what to expect and be prepared for! Right away...this hike must be attempted FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! There you go, there you have the answer to everything! Because, at any moment in time, throughout the day, clouds can roll in while standing high above the Na'Pali Coastline and the dense covering can hang around for a while, no matter how long you wait for the skies to clear up. So...if you hike here early, early morning, the probabilities of you confronting that picture perfect setting is greatly enhanced. It's like the common law of physics (but I believe I failed physics in high school, lol)...when the sun rises, the air is cool and crisp, and there's no heat rising from the ground to create moisture early on. Grrr...that's why this lifeguard, he needed to warn me that if I hike this Awa'awapuhi Trail....MORNING TIME. MORNING TIME. MORNING TIME!!!! Instead, I arrived at 11am because I had a few other sights and overlooks I wanted to check out before trying out this hike and using up at least 4 - 5 hours of the day here. This is also important...I visited Kauai in the middle of August. The sun rises about 6:30am and fades in light about 6pm. You only have 12 hours of the day to make the most of your explorations. Depending on the amount of time you have visiting Kauai, whether 3 - 4 days, or maybe you're island hopping for a total of 10 days - 2 weeks, point is...you'll at least need half the day to hike this Awa'awapuhi Trail. Also, be prepared for it to be a strenuous hike too. It's 6 miles roundtrip. The hike down to the overlook vista point is a cakewalk. All downhill! Well, you know what that means. The trek back uphill to the trailhead is quite difficult. Along these 6 miles in total to and from the overlook, there is nothing to see. Basically, the hike is boring! I found myself daydreaming about the next activity, lol. You walk through the jungle each way. There's no glimpses or peaks through the forest of the coveted Na'Pali Coastline that you're easily afforded at roadside overlooks throughout Koke'e State Park. If you're short on time I'd suggest stopping at Kalalau and Pu'u o Kila Lookouts. If you have no time limits and are more adventurous, then this Awa'awapuhi Trail is for you. Remember, lol, it gets dark at 6pm! When arriving at the observation point, I briefly had a clear moment to enjoy the views. The Pacific Ocean was blue. The coastline was certainly evident. You could see helicopter tours flying in the distance. You definitely get a 180 panorama. But once the fogginess rolled in, it never left. And I waited 30 minutes, actually sitting down and praying for the the dreary cloudy covering to dissipate. But, it never did and it wasn't meant to be. That's why I'm reiterating...hike here in MORNING TIME. Like, 7am if possible! Some last things to mention. The parking lot at the trailhead was very small. When I arrived at 11am, it was full but I managed to squeeze my car into a space, though it was a makeshift job. I'd say the lot holds spaces for about 15 cars. And there's no shoulder area along Koke'e Road to park. Lastly, when making it to the Awa'awapuhi Overlook Point, there's a very tight pathway that'll lead down even lower alongside the cliff's edge. It appeared like a sheer drop down on either side of you as I watched others bravely venture on. If you have a fear of heights, there's no way you can attempt going past the primary viewing platform. I could understand, people like to push the limits or boundaries of risk, but I know when enough is enough, especially I was only hiking in casual tennis sneakers. It wasn't worth it to continue past the point of comfortability. Overall, this Awa'awapuhi Trail is just average and can be greatly disappointing if you have high expectations. Am I sour about my experience and the ending I left with? Absolutely! Lol Just warning...there could be clear skies at the trailhead, but when you show up at the overlook it could be a whole new narrative. Then you're held hostage to the conditions and since there's only 12 hours in the day, you sort have wasted half of it. And within Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon right next door, there are many quality stops, alternative hikes, places to explore and magical instances to be had. But if you're convinced about attempting this Awa'awapuhi Trail and you're not hiking it first thing in the morning, I believe you're doing yourself a disservice.

    Photos
    The Awa'awapuhi Trailhead Sign.
    The Awa'awapuhi Trailhead Sign.
    Some brave hikers venturing past the initial rock lookout platform, all during midday fogginess.
    Some brave hikers venturing past the initial rock lookout platform, all during midday fogginess.
    Trying to enjoy the Awa'awapuhi Trail Vista Point, but the setting was dampened by cloud cover.

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    Trying to enjoy the Awa'awapuhi Trail Vista Point, but the setting was dampened by cloud cover.
    Blue Dolphin Charters

    Blue Dolphin Charters

    4.7
    (1.8k reviews)
    7.8 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    We had an absolutely incredible experience with Blue Dolphin Charters! From the moment we stepped…read moreon board, the crew operated like a well-oiled machine. They were organized, professional, and genuinely seemed to love what they do. We traveled the morning of July 9th (for credit to our crew). We did the breakfast/lunch snorkel and Nāpali coast catamaran. What stood out most was how well they cared for everyone on the boat. They were constantly checking in to make sure guests were comfortable, helping people safely up and down the stairs, serving food and drinks, and making the entire experience feel like an all-inclusive resort on the water. Every crew member was kind, upbeat, and made you feel like they were truly happy you were there. Our captain was fantastic--he was fun, knowledgeable, and full of interesting information about the Nā Pali Coast. We never felt rushed, and they even stopped so everyone could take photos of the breathtaking scenery. We traveled with our 15-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, and both had an amazing time. There were also several younger children on board, and the crew was wonderful with them as well. The boat was clean, spacious, and easy to move around, which made the trip comfortable for everyone. The food was delicious, and the entire day exceeded our expectations. As if the stunning coastline wasn't enough, we were lucky enough to see two different pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat--an unforgettable experience! The biggest compliment I can give? The next morning my 10-year-old daughter asked if we could book another trip because she loved it that much. If you're considering a Nā Pali Coast tour, don't hesitate--book with Blue Dolphin Charters. It was worth every penny, and the views are truly once-in-a-lifetime.

    My husband and I did the Deluxe Nā Pali Snorkel & Sunset Tour on 06/14/26 at 1:00 p.m., and we had…read moresuch a great time! The catamaran was big, clean, and really nice. We passed by a Captain Andy's catamaran during the tour, and ours honestly looked better. Ours even had a second deck, while theirs didn't, which gave everyone more space to spread out and take pictures without feeling crowded. The four crew members were all helpful and friendly. The food was also surprisingly delicious and honestly, it was even better than the food we had at the luau we went to! Overall, it was an awesome experience, and we'd definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kauai.

    Photos
    We provide 'hydrophones' on our whale watching tour for you to hear these groups or 'pods' of whales socialize with each other!
    We provide 'hydrophones' on our whale watching tour for you to hear these groups or 'pods' of whales socialize with each other!
    Blue Dolphin Charters
    Such beautiful creatures!

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    Such beautiful creatures!

    Na Pali Experience - boating - Updated August 2026

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