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    Na Pali Experience

    5.0 (586 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Na Pali Experience Photos

    Na Pali Experience - Their narrow catamaran in a sea cave - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Captain Colin! - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Happy couple on the tour! - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii
    Na Pali Experience - Rainbow - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

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    Na Pali Experience - Boating Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

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    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!!

    Na Pali coast cave.

    Fantastic tour! Amazing guides! Best views! Captains Drew and Corbin loved showing off their island, even though I know they've done it a thousand times, you can tell they still find it amazing. So many surprises too!

    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!

    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

    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!

    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.

    Katherine K.

    Sadly, didn't get to see Na Pali because the waves were too crazy, but it was a fun time nonetheless! I wish I remembered our captain's name, but she was amazing! Funny, informative, experienced, friendly, etc. The right-hand mate was also greatly attentive. The dolphins were amazing to see riding with the boat and there was better whale watching here than when I went in Alaska. I sat in the front with my guy the whole time since no one else wanted to and we definitely got soaked. I had an extremely fun time even while nearly flying off (my guy was my seatbelt, don't worry) and when being blinded by the water. Worth it! This is a great small, family-run business and I highly suggest supporting them!

    Danielle P.

    Oh my goodness, this was absolutely the highlight of our trip! I cannot praise Na Pali Experience enough! The whole experience was exceptional! Captain Daniel, aka Lieutenant Dan, and Brian, aka Hawaiian Brian were wonderful! Hawaiian Brian made a point to personally introduce himself to everyone and get to know their names and where they were from. Checking in was easy at the small boat harbor. They provide dry bags for everyone and tell everyone to use the bathroom because on the 5-hour tour, your only other option is the "bladder ladder" at the back of the boat, or in the ocean when they let you hop in the water lol! The waves can be rough. We went on the earliest excursion hoping for calmer seas and we still hit some pretty crazy waters. Do yourself a favor and take/bring what you may need if you get sea sick. We had a couple people get sea sick on our trip. Hawaiian Brian was such a sweetheart though and went above and beyond to help make everyone feel comfortable. They offer ginger chews and sprite and even have a little hose for spraying fresh water on hands, feet and face to help get anyone struggling back to 100%. Listen to your body though, because if you wait too long, there's not much they can do to get you back to 100%, but they will try! We just focused on the horizon and we were fine! We were able to complete the journey--I believe they said 17 miles--to the end of the Na Pali coast and it was breathtaking. Sometimes conditions don't allow them to take tours out all the way. We saw two pods of dolphins, a handful of humpback whales--several even breaching--mountain goats, flying fish, etc. The sea caves were CRAZY! It was kind of scary backing up into them, but Lieutenant Dan had it all under control! The highlight was when we stopped for a bit and got to jump into the ocean and swim with that incredible backdrop behind us! We had minimal stops on the way back and enjoyed the great music they were playing! I highly recommend Na Pali Experience!

    We had the best time on this tour with local Captain Jake & Guide RJ, they had informative funny stories. Made sure everyone was happy comfortable and had a great time. We saw Sea Caves, Waterfalls, water "fells", Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, whales, seabirds, snorkeling, had great snacks and learned history, movies tidbits about this beautiful land of the giants! HIGHLY recommended!

    Jake and Rj did a great job showing us the Na Pali. I highly recommend doing a Na Pali boat tour. Get to see inside beautiful sea caves, swim/snorkel and the crew shares fun facts along the way.

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    23 days ago

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

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    25 days 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

    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 - Private charter with Na Pali Experience.

    Na Pali Pirates

    5.0(119 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    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.

    If you are looking to see the Na Pali coast at high speeds and incredibly close up while in Kauai,…read morethis is the tour for you. My son and I did the morning tour and had one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. Not only will you get up close to the cliffs, you will venture inside caves and thru tunnels w scenery that will leave you speechless. Our captain, Dom, and first mate Chaz were fantastic. Not only do they educate you with historical and geographical knowledge of the island, but Chaz will have you cracking up w his Dad joke "Dad-a-base" lol. If you are in good health, and enjoy a fast pace, exciting tour, this is for you. Mahalo!! \m/

    Photos
    Na Pali Pirates - Deep in Pirates cave!

    Deep in Pirates cave!

    Na Pali Pirates
    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 - Sunrise at 7:30 departure

    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

    4.9(679 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    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

    We went on the Na Pali Adventure tour, and the experience was just amazing from start to finish…read more The tour involved Zodiac rafts that moved at high speed across the ocean on the way to the Na Pali Coast. Our pilot Kelsey was super fun as a host, and performed many thrilling moves with the raft. He also put on lots of great music to make the ride even more fun. The tour gave us excellent views of the cliffs at Na Pali, as well as close ups of some of the sea caves. We also stopped for some snorkeling and snacks at one point. Another bonus was coming across many groups of dolphins during our ride, as well as several whales. All in all, I highly recommend Blue Ocean for a fun and thrilling Na Pali Coast tour.

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

    Impossible to take a bad picture on this beautiful island...

    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours - Dolphins

    Dolphins

    Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

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    Napali Navigators - Na Pali Coast!

    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
    Napali Navigators - The Cathedral

    The Cathedral

    Napali Navigators - Breathtaking views of this pristine coastline!

    Breathtaking views of this pristine coastline!

    Napali Navigators - Picture perfect day of the NaPali Coast!

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    Picture perfect day of the NaPali Coast!

    Na Pali Catamaran - Family photo on 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
    Na Pali Catamaran - 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 and Tours - Both of our boats entering multiple sea caves

    Makana Charters and Tours

    4.7(393 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    20 years in business

    We had the best time!! Even during "winter" but please keep in mind these guys cannot control the…read moreweather! It is not their fault if the ocean is rough that day. And yours need to cancel, turn back, or etc. And even on a nice day, it's the ocean and the water/wind is unpredictable. Even those not prone to seasickness need to come prepared! There is plenty of ways to prep in advance and ensure your not in the middle/back looking at the deck or a bag the whole time. We saw so many humpback whales! And even a mama and her baby! As well as Hawaiian spinner dolphins! And of course the Na Pali coast line! Even on the way back blasting thru the ocean I was able to spot humpbacks in the distance. So it's also what you make of it and my husband and I really had the best time. I also want to say this but all of us are just guests on Hawaii and yes we are paying for a tour but they are stewards to showing us some of the most important parts of Hawaiian history and landscape. That is a PRIVILEGE and I think too many of us forget that. I really would like to thank Shawn, Elijah, and Jay for closing out our trip with such a memorable experience. You guys are all stars! Mahalo!!!

    If you're on the fence about whether this tour is worth it -it absolutely is. We honestly had zero…read moreexpectatons and booked a morning tour in January, and it turned out to be the best decision. The water was calm enough for snorkeling, and we got incredibly lucky - we saw hundreds of dolphins, whales, albatrosses, turtles, and so much more. And that's not even mentioning the unreal beauty of the Na Pali Coast. Huge shoutout to the captain, who made it feel like a full-on adventure - taking us through sea caves, near waterfalls, and still making sure everyone felt completely safe the entire time. A few tips if you're not very experienced with boats: - Definitely bring towels and warm clothes -- it can get very windy. - Sunscreen is a must. No explanation needed. - Take Dramamine about an hour before boarding if you're worried about motion sickness. Everyone in our group took it and felt great, unlike a couple of other tourists who were clearly struggling. The worst part is when the boat stops and rocks on the waves. Another awesome bonus was the unlimited drinks, plus really tasty sanwiches and snacks throughout the tour. Highly recommend - this ended up being the best experience we had in Hawaii!

    Photos
    Makana Charters and Tours - The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast

    The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast

    Makana Charters and Tours - Snorkeling on our NaPali tours

    Snorkeling on our NaPali tours

    Makana Charters and 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
    Awa'awapuhi Trail - The Awa'awapuhi Trailhead Sign.

    The Awa'awapuhi Trailhead Sign.

    Awa'awapuhi Trail - 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.

    Awa'awapuhi Trail - 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.

    Outfitters Kauai - A few years earlier, mom went zip lining at age 92. So if mom could zip line, her younger daughters could, too! We all made a great memory!

    Outfitters Kauai

    4.8(972 reviews)
    17.4 mi

    Halen is a rock star! She was so professional, engaging and an amazing part of "Dream Team!"…read more Halen thank you so much for making our son's experience and everyone's experience amazing!

    If you're looking for a Kauai adventure that combines kayaking, ziplining, rope swinging, hiking…read morethrough the jungle, and just enough adrenaline to make your family question their life choices, Outfitters Kauai is the place to go. We originally booked the tour for our family of seven during our first trip to Kauai. Unfortunately, one of our daughters had to return home unexpectedly due to an emergency, so our adventure crew was reduced to six. Even so, it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Our adult kids wanted adventure, and Outfitters delivered. From paddling down the river to flying through the trees on ziplines and launching ourselves into a jungle swimming hole, the day felt like a real-life adventure movie. The scenery was incredible, and the activities were just the right mix of excitement and fun. Our guides, Ryan and Eli, were absolutely fantastic. They were knowledgeable, professional, easy to talk to, and had a great sense of humor. They kept us safe, entertained, and informed throughout the entire day. Whether we were kayaking, hiking, ziplining, or rope swinging, we always felt like we were in good hands. Ryan and Eli clearly know their craft and genuinely enjoy sharing Kauai with visitors. Their local knowledge and friendly personalities made the experience even better. If you're visiting Kauai and want an unforgettable adventure, we highly recommend Outfitters Kauai. Just be prepared: after ziplining through a tropical jungle and rope swinging into a swimming hole, your normal family vacation stories may suddenly seem a lot less impressive.

    Photos
    Outfitters Kauai
    Outfitters Kauai - Hike

    Hike

    Outfitters Kauai - The waterfall at the end of the tour. This is our great tour guide Leslie!

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    The waterfall at the end of the tour. This is our great tour guide Leslie!

    Blue Dolphin Charters - Blue Dolphin's Catamarans against the Na Pali Coast

    Blue Dolphin Charters

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

    Lilly was absolutely amazing and helped make our cruise experience in Hawaii unforgettable. She…read morewent above and beyond to take care of me and my sister when we started feeling a little nauseous. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern for our well-being really stood out. She checked in on us, made sure we were comfortable, and helped us get back to enjoying the trip. It's people like Lilly who make a great experience even better. Her positive attitude and excellent customer service made us feel welcome and cared for throughout the cruise. We truly appreciated everything she did for us and are very grateful for her help. Thank you, Lilly, for making our time on the water so enjoyable and memorable!

    Enjoyed an awesome sunset dinner cruise with Blue Dolphin, complete with several close-up whale…read moresightings and a couple dolphins spotted as well. Captain Kai was competent, informative, and very funny, as was crewmember Vayden, and Collin's mai tais are not to be missed. The food onboard was delicious and included traditional Hawaiian pulled pork and teriyaki chicken. Scrumptious cookies and bubbly rounded out the evening. Some things to be aware of: This cruise is on a catamaran; some of our party were expecting a small cruise ship that would have been a smoother ride. Waves are bumpy, and the windier parts of the trip resembled a mild roller coaster--if that's not your thing or you know you can experience some motion sickness, please factor that into your decision to book a trip. That being said, one person in our party experienced some light motion sickness and was really well cared for by the crew. We really appreciated their kindness and support. If you have sturdy sea legs and an adventurous spirit, I'd highly recommend this excursion. The views of Kauai from the ocean are worth it alone, but the information from the captain and crew about the island and its culture are also super valuable. The whole experience also felt very safe; the cruise will not go to areas with high wind/surf, and on our trip the captain explained why he was turning out of the wind/waves when he made that decision.

    Photos
    Blue Dolphin Charters - 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
    Blue Dolphin Charters - Such beautiful creatures!

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    Such beautiful creatures!

    Na Pali Experience - boating - Updated June 2026

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