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    Na Pali Experience

    5.0 (595 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Na Pali Experience Photos

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    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

    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.

    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!

    Crystalline waters
    Virginia S.

    Such an incredibly fun day! We toured sea caves, saw crystalline blue water, dolphins, and the majestic Na Pali coastline. This is a wonderful tour company - the boat captain was masterful - so experienced and he kept us safe! A must do when visiting Kauai!

    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!

    One of many caves

    I had an amazing and fun trip with a talented captain and crew who genuinely cared for the passengers' safety and well-being. They were not only entertaining but also culturally and historically knowledgeable about the Napali Coast, offering fascinating facts and history along the way. With safety being the number one priority, we were fortunate enough to enter a cave and later jump into the water when conditions were safe. It was an unforgettable experience! Saw so many DOLPHINS!!

    Open top cave
    Lauren T.

    Captain Dom, RJ, and Jake made our experience absolutely delightful. We had excellent conditions and we were able to snorkel. We saw spinner dolphins and a sea turtle! It was a gorgeous day and the crew made everyone feel special. These boats were the perfect Goldilocks experience- not too big, not too small!

    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!

    Their narrow catamaran in a sea cave
    Dev T.

    My wife and I did a napali coast tour a few years ago on a bigger boat with a different company and huge crowd of passengers so my expectations were set at 7/10 Today blew the previous out of the water to a 10/10 via a few different factors but the team was def the best part -- had a crew of 3 with Capt Dom, RJ, Jake & these guys were great. Banter among them kept it light but they remained professional all while providing the best service and including all guests in convo. To top it off their "tour guiding" / related facts about the coast were great Aside from the team -- loved the smaller boat that could go into the caves, which also made the guest pool smaller around 15. Highly recommend this experience and if we decide to do it again wed only go with this company

    Nat H.

    This was by far the best tour experience I have ever had. Captain Manu and Rocky were amazing guides and were very hospitable. My mom had the hots for Captain Manu lol. Back to the tour. It had a bit of everything snorkeling, snacks, excitement, beautiful scenery and history about this part of the island. If you're in Kauai do yourself a favor and book a tour with Na Pali Experience but hands off Captain Manu, my mom calls dibs P.S. Hit me up Captain Manu if you want my mom's digits

    Alysia D.

    Captain Jackie and side kick Shea (butter), sorry for spelling were absolutely amazing. The boat experience was so cool. Words can't describe how beautiful the Na Pali coast is. Due to strong winds and swells we could not go in the cave. We were able to get in the water closer to the harbor when the water was calmer. Snacks and drinks were available. Many people started to feel unwell, both Jackie and Shea were so helpful. I am nurse so I came prepared. I highly recommend for those that are prone to sea sickness to medicate the night before and then an hour before. Keep some more with you to take while on the boat if needed. I would definitely do this tour again but in the summer when swells and winds are generally less aggressive

    Allyson R.

    Highlight of our trip! Jackie and Colleen were a top notch team and made our Napoli Coast tour exceptional! They were knowledgeable, thoughtful, and great ambassadors for the tour company and the island. Highly recommend! The boat offers an exceptionally smooth ride compared to other catamarans on the island. Great way to spend Christmas 2025.

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    13 days ago

    Amazing tour! Captain Jake and RJ were great! We were able to see all the points of interest, snorkel, and have some neat Hawaiian snacks!

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    1 month ago

    Captain Ian and Rocky were excellent. The scenery was awesome and we had a great day.

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    1 month ago

    Best crew and experience, completely worth it!! Chellen and Casey were amazing and completely knowledgeable about the island.

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    Na Pali Experience Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Na Pali Experience

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

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

    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… Read more

    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 126 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    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.
    Kauai Sea Tours

    Kauai Sea Tours

    4.6
    (1.1k reviews)
    7.8 mi

    Had a wonderful sunny day with winds coming from all directions but the pilot kept us on track in…read morethis five hr tour. Unfortunately, a number of persons felt ill due to the waves but the crew were totally on top of it and insured our safety. The views were stunning and so glad we took this tour company. Thanks crew for all you do. Highly recommend.

    If you see any bad reviews of this tour company, take them with a grain of salt. My girlfriends and…read moreI felt perfectly safe with the captain and his crew, who made all the right calls to ensure we had an amazing time exploring the majestic Nāpali cliffs off the coast on the catamaran. From meeting everyone at the port to snorkeling and feasting on unlimited food and drinks, it was such a fun day out. The waters were choppy, but the captain knew exactly what he was doing to keep us safe and honestly, it turned into a thrilling, adventurous ride there, with calm seas on the way back to soak in the views. The staff was absolutely amazing. They brought food and drinks right to us. The mai tais and wine were a treat. The staff even cleaned the restroom for us towards the later half of the ride when it's probably a little funky in there. Surprisingly, I did not get seasick, and neither did any of my girlfriends. Worth every single penny. A must-do in Kauai!

    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

    4.6
    (11 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Unreal guides!! This trip was the greatest. Captain Greg & copilot Caleb made everyone feel like…read morefamily. From the lunch to the snorkeling to the vast amount of information... what a home run. Greg guided us perfectly through some rough chop and we came out on the other side ready for more. Greg is 6th generation Hawaiian so ask away... he knows everything. It is unbelievable !!! Would definitely do the tour again

    Our young friend recommended this as her favorite thing to do in all of Hawaii Nei. This was her…read morethird visit because she likes to bring all her favorite visitors on this tour. After taking it myself now, I can see why! We met Captain Greg Baptiste and copilot Caleb at Kiki'aola Small Boat Harbor at 8:45 and ended about 2:45. We were supposed to end at 2:30 but got delayed by kayakers who caused boat traffic. A 6th generation Kaua'i kama'aina, Captain Greg was extremely experienced, confident, and relaxed so we felt very safe with him at the helm, even when the boat was slapping the waters and we felt like we were on a mechanical bull ride. Luckily I didn't get seasick, so it felt a like a real life Disney ride to me. However, I don't recommend this for those who get queasy. His first mate, Caleb, took turns with him at the wheel and dove in to achor us. Throughout the tour Greg educated us with fascinating facts and tales about the geography, history, and lore of the breathtaking beautiful Na Pali Coast. One of the lessons from the legend of Na Keiki a ono iwi that resonated with me was 1.Listen to your elders 2. Do not Steal 3. You are responsible for your children's actions. (Teachers, gotta love this one!!) Highlights were the open ceiling cave and iconic "Cathedral " cliffs. We stopped for about an hour or so of beautiful clear snorkeling where we got to see turtles in addition to some beautiful and large fish. They use excellent Mantis brand snorkeling gear which I really liked and will fit you for fins. After that we were very ready for lunch! They normally cater sandwiches but something happened so we assembled our own with fixings from Costco which tasted extra good at sea! The only suggestion I would have for this business is to do a better job of briefing folks about safety and how to treat the reef. Some kids in our group were sitting and stepping on the coral. Mahalo nui Capt. Greg and Crew for an incredible day trip!! Will definitely recommend this to everyone I know!

    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

    4.8
    (241 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.

    I had an amazing experience doing the Na Pali Coast tour with them. Had to reschedule the tour due…read moreto some rough weather but glad we got a better slot with calmer conditions. The captains were very informative, knowledgeable and engaging. They gave great background and history about all the spots we saw. We even saw some dolphins up close. We got to sit at the bow of the boat on the way back. They gave us snorkeling gear and allowed us to go out in the water and explore. We saw some amazing sea life and coral reefs. They gave us lunch, snacks and soda after. The ride there and back was also very smooth. I would highly recommend booking a tour with them!

    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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    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

    This was hands down one of the highlights of our trip to Kauai! We had a group of five, and I truly…read morecan't say enough good things about Capt. Kealoha, Evan, Kawika, and Aina. From the second we got on the boat, they made everyone feel welcome and were so friendly, funny, and accommodating. They took the time to engage with everyone on board, which made the whole experience feel really personal. Capt. Kealoha did an incredible job sharing the history of the Nā Pali Coast, pointing out famous movie filming locations, and explaining the history of different landmarks along the way. It made the trip so much more than just a beautiful boat ride, it felt like we were getting a personal tour of one of the most stunning places in Hawaii. When it was time to snorkel, the crew made sure everyone felt comfortable and informed before getting in the water. They even jumped in with us, which made the experience even more fun and reassuring. The two kids in our group had an absolute blast and haven't stopped talking about it! The views were unreal, the crew made the entire day so much fun, and we left talking about how glad we were that we booked with Blue Dolphin Charters. If you're visiting Kauai and thinking about doing a Nā Pali Coast tour, this is the one. I would recommend them over and over again!

    DEC2025 This was a great sunset cruise to go on. I had sent…read morecommunications before regarding some injuries and questions for shoes. They responded quickly months prior while we were still doing research for our trip. Captain Cole Jarrett and Lily ran a solid experience. Clear instructions from the beginning, information during, and stories intertwines as we traveled along the coast. We also had some waves while dodging dark clouds. We were able to squeeze ahead of it tho with a little bit of water tho still warm really. It was a bit bumpy when we had to get ahead of the storm but that's understandable. During the trip around we saw a few whales and beautiful views of the Napali coast. There was also a small dolphin and plenty of flying fish skipping across the water. Dinner included had pulled pork and teriyaki chicken. I also had a vegetarian meal which was great. It was their own mix over rice. Flavors were good tho a little dry. A gravy would've melded things but otherwise still a good mix. The food was onboard and drinks were great. Lily was running around delivering drinks and snacks. We got many drinks and cookies over the course of the cruise. It was a great experience overall, would certainly recommend.

    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 July 2026

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