Our group of 6 loved our tour with Doug! We took the North Shore tour. He was very accommodating…read morewith our ship docking time which meant our tour had to start later than he usually does. He knew so much about the island and his love of it really shone through. If you're Canadian, be sure to mention it so you can connect with him through WhatsApp prior to your tour. He took us to the BEST lunch, we were all super happy with it (Tony's Catch food truck fyi) and the island is just spectacular. One thing we appreciated is that he didn't just take us to look at beautiful sites, he explained the history and significance of them. It was such a good experience. Our only disappointment was that we only had the one day and wish we could've done his second day tour! I guess we will have to visit again :) We highly recommend this!

Doug was a great tour guide! He clearly has a passion for the island's history and well-being. My…read morehusband and I took the east side and north shore tour and Uncle Doug brought us to the must see areas of this part of the island and pointed out things we never would have known had we just driven around ourselves. He also had great recommendations for lunch the day of the tour and gave insight on where to go and what to see the remainder of our days there. Doug is a wealth of information on all things flora and fauna on the island. Highly recommend Kauai Tour Guy if you're looking for a private tour experience!

This was a wonderful day and well worth the time and money. Who wouldn't want a tour of the island…read moreby a private driver and seeing the sites by someone who lives and breaths Hawaii? We learned things we never knew even after 20 years of visiting the island. Saw some amazing homes and the history of who lives there, saw beach's that we had no idea were there, and just had an amazing day talking about the history of Kuaui. Steve who was our driver for the day was very informative and we enjoyed the day with him immensely. We couldn't have asked for a better day! Would definitely do it again!

Our family, party of 5, all adults, took this tour on 6/14/23. Bart was our "tour" guide. He was…read moreanything but a tour guide. Very nice man, but this was not a tour. It was a car service. Bart did not share any history about the island. He only shared movie/tv knowledge. He did not share any cultural or historical knowledge. Don't waste your money or time! If you have a rental car, you can see everything for yourself. We paid for the "Ultimate Kaiya Private Tour, " which cost our family $1600.00 (with tip). The ONLY reason we tipped is because we feel it's important to support the local economy, and as I shared Bart was a nice guy. We did contact the business about our concerns, and they gave us a canned response telling us that they will tell Bart to do better. Hence the reason I am taking it to this review so that others can be warned. We feel we were dupped and that this business has unethical practices.

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!

Napali Kayak tours led myself, my wife and son on an amazing trip down the Napali coast with guide…read moreMitch!! It was the tour groups first trip of this season and the sea was rough but we went to unbelievable places highlighted by caves with waterfalls and the washing machine!! Unreal and made me feel so thankful to experience such amazing natural wonder! This trip was for intermediate or advanced paddlers only so know your level. Thank you Mitch and Josh!!

Iggy was an amazing expert guide on our June 6 outing who made our trip safe, fun and interesting…read morewith stories about the history of the Napali Coast while we paddled past incredible scenery and into a couple of stunning caves. Even with the wind at our backs, it's a very strenuous adventure - more than 4 hours to the beach where we stopped for lunch. The biking gloves I brought helped me avoid blisters, and running tights and a UPF hoodie were key.

Absolutely loved our Na Pali Coast tour with North Shore Charters. Spencer and Matt were very…read moreknowledgeable and helped us spot spinner dolphins, turtles, and all the epic spots on the coast. Snorkeling spot was legit as well on the way back near Tunnels. Would recommend as the Anini Beach departure is ideal for folks on the North Shore! Janelle was also very communicative via email to help organize too.

We have literally done this tour over a dozen times in the last 20 years. From the start with ease…read moreof reservations to the people that check you in, to Gary the boat captain and owner, everyone was amazing. They go out of their way to make sure your trip is enjoyable. Have recommended them to many people and encourage anyone whose is in for an incredible adventure, to do it. Truly a bucket list item

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!

What an amazing experience! Really words and pictures will never do any justice. This is something…read moreyou will just have to experience in person. The staff made us all feel like family and showed us a great time. Put it on your bucket list!

The sunset cruise with Holo Holo Charters down the Nāpali Coast was an unforgettable experience. We…read morebooked it to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday, and it was perfect from start to finish. Captain Max was incredible--his sense of humor kept us laughing even as the rain and mist rolled in. The two women on the crew (I wish I could remember their names) were fantastic, making sure everyone was comfortable and answering all our questions with a smile. The playlist on board was spot on, setting the perfect vibe. I wish I could find it on Spotify! Despite the weather, the views were breathtaking, and getting a little drenched just added to the adventure. The food was delicious, especially the smoked pork, salad, and fresh fruit, and my husband loved the mai tais. Even without the sunset, the whole experience was magical. After chatting with other travelers, I'm convinced we had one of the best tours available. especially after talking to a couple at our hotel pool who had paid more than we did and only got snacks limited alcohol. I can't recommend Holo Holo Charters enough, and I'm already looking forward to trying their breakfast or snorkel cruise next time. If you're looking for an amazing adventure, this is it!

Came on a Tuesday, party of 2, for the 9:30am tour (they only do one 3 hour tour per day), price…read morewas $125 per person. Now I originally was aghast that a botanical garden tour was this expensive, but after doing it, I think it's actually well worth the price. This isn't one of those gardens you can just walk in and wander around - it's guided tours only with staff. Pros: - Probably the most entertaining and varied botanical garden tour I've ever done, complete with a chocolate tasting sit-down learning experience with the guides. - It's BEAUTIFUL - and doubles as a leisurely hike if you're very able-bodied. It felt like a very HAWAII experience given the lush greenery, the number of new plants I had never seen before, and fun facts about Kauai and this specific botanical garden. - There's different "stops" on the tour where you'll get to try more uncommon fruits and bites (we had longan, rambutan, apple banana, sugarcane plant, and this really delicious honey!!) and you get to try a cacao fruit (which tastes nothing like chocolate lol) - they provide organic herbal bug spray if you don't bring your own - Pretty easy to find, the staff were super communicative beforehand via email and text with directions - Our tour guide Lauren was super knowledgeable and answered all our questions kindly, even when she was visibly quite pregnant! I was impressed at her stamina - I personally liked that it was a pretty "active" tour, where you hike across a bridge, uphill a bit, etc. You should definitely wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, because the dirt can get pretty wet if it rains. I wore hiking pants and hiking shoes and felt pretty comfortable, and I felt sorry for people who came in sandals - The chocolate tasting was really unique - we got to try their in-house chocolate that had notes of cinnamon - and they said that it was a cinnamon tree in their grove where water would pass that gave it this flavor! - They also provide walking sticks and umbrellas for people if you want them - Reservation only, online booking in advance - I think this preserves the magical vibe of this nature-y place and keeps the quality of the service high - The staff clearly love and care about what they do, which is very refreshing to see! Cons: - It can be pretty strenuous if you are elderly or have orthopedic issues.

We had an amazing time on our visit to Princeville Botanical Gardens. The vast beauty of the…read moregardens were surreal. Our guide was wonderful and knowledgeable. She answered questions and explain many details of the tour. Along the way we tasted many fruits grown in the garden. The chocolate tasting was more than just a tasting. We learned so much and enjoyed many varieties of chocolate. It is truly an interactive tour. We had several younger people and it was wonderful seeing them ask questions and engage with the group.

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.

I had Kauai Island Experience set me up with a north shore beach villa and all the activities for…read moremy family and I. We ended up saving hundreds of dollars as the staff has connections to some of the best properties on the island. We also ended up going stand-up paddling up rivers and liked it so much we had private surf lessons for the whole family. The best part is that the staff knows the island, they're safe/professional and they don't overcharge. Kauai Island Experience was able to hook us up with adventures not in any guide book. We referred our friends as well and they felt the same. Mike and the highly trained professionals will surely make your trip unforgettable. I'd also recommend going out on a fishing trip. I caught my first marlin and it was incredible. The best part was that their chefs cooked up the catch island style and we ate like kings for the rest of the trip. Can't wait to go back to my friends at Kauai Island Experience next year~ Mahalo!!

Mike is wonderful. He is maybe the kindest, warmest guy on the island…read more We did a canoe sail to scatter my Mother's ashes in Hanalei Bay and he could not have been more understanding, appropriately compassionate, fun (he even made it fun at times!), he did a great job taking social cues and gave my siblings and I just the experience we wanted. Del (I think) his shipmate was also lovely. We wanted to use them again for other activities that he offers but ran out of time, we were there for a wedding, turns out those things are kind of consuming. I would use him again for lessons, tours or anything of that nature when we come back. Thank you, Mike for giving us a little history, making us laugh and giving us such a wonderful goodbye to our Mother...bless you.