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!

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.

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!

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.

Had a great experience this week with Lance and Miguel. Before we even got out of the bay we had…read morean amazing dolphin encounter. The tour itself was both breathtakingly beautiful and informative, with lots of great history and a thorough knowledge of the coast's features. We were able to get in close to the cliffs and even go into a couple of sea caves. On the way back -- a very bouncy and splashy affair in the best way for those of us who were adventurous enough to sit in the bow -- we stopped at Tunnels Beach to snorkel the outer reef, which was full of tropical fish and turtles. The tour included lunch and refreshments as well. Overall a great way to spend an afternoon -- definitely a 5-star experience. A word to the wise-- the northwest corner of Kaua'i is often rainy and can get a bit cold when the wind is up, so not a bad idea to bring something extra to throw on after you finish the snorkel and are heading back to port.

From start to finish this company gave me the most fantastic kayaking experience that I've ever…read morehad. From the most amazing sea caves to shear cliff walls- nothing fell short of just plain jaw-droppin. My guide Mitch was solid and very well experienced. All concerns were addressed with lots of extras added in/ like everything to know about the island! Trip was well catered with food and cold drinks when needed. They went the extra mile- no doubt! I'll be back!!! July 2026 Steve ellisen

Na Pali Kayak led me on a 17-mile paddle from Hāʻena to Polihale that remains one of the coolest,…read moremost beautiful, and most exhilarating days of my life. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to see some remarkable places, and I can confidently put this experience near the very top. We met at the shop in Hanalei, loaded into a van, and drove toward the Hāʻena launch point just short of the main hiking entrance. Roughly 6 to 8 hours later, 7 guests and 2 guides had covered an extraordinary stretch of coast together and become a real crew along the way. Annie H. was one of our two guides and was absolutely awesome: warm, experienced, and naturally gifted at bringing a group together. She became the master of ceremonies, sharing stories about the area while keeping everyone in rhythm and making the day fun. Our other guide was a yoga teacher with quiet Laird Hamilton meets Navy SEAL energy, an expert swimmer who followed the group and projected total command of the water. The guests were an Israeli family of 4 headed next to Colorado for the 100-mile Leadville mountain bike race, two women from Switzerland, and me, traveling solo from New York City in my early 30s. Before I signed up, both the website and a call with the company made the requirements clear. They were candid about the physical demands, possible ocean intensity, and equipment needed to enjoy the experience safely, so everyone arrived prepared. This is expert ocean, even on a perfect day, and the power of the Pacific is obvious anywhere you look along this part of Kauaʻi. We were a fit and focused group, and our late July or early August day brought calm seas and full sunshine, though it was easy to envision this route getting gnarly if conditions turned or someone arrived unprepared. The defining image is teal water beneath enormous stone mountains covered in dense green vegetation, with literally zero development along the protected park coastline. If there is ever a place that teaches you to honor and respect the power of Mother Nature, this is one of them. Its power, scale, and purity are humbling, and the sacred charge of the land and nature is palpable. From a kayak, the coast feels immediate and immense; you are close enough to register every fold in the cliffs while moving entirely under your own power. Along the way, we paddled into a dramatic sea cave and continued beside towering cliffs that seemed to rise straight out of the Pacific. We stopped at Miloliʻi for sandwiches and a rest on an astonishing beach. I even caught a tiny nap in a little shelter before climbing back into the kayak for the final miles. The guides shared history and insight throughout the day while setting exactly the right pace and leading the group with knowledge and calm. Reaching Polihale delivered a real sense of accomplishment and another spectacular setting, complete with park bathrooms and a place to shower after a full day of salt and sun. On a clock face map of Kauaʻi, Polihale sits near 9 and Hanalei near 12. Since no road crosses the protected Na Pali Coast, our van had to travel counterclockwise around the island, a return of just under 70 miles that took about 2 hours. Everyone was tired, exhilarated, and genuinely bonded, and that long ride became part of the pleasure as we watched Kauaʻi pass outside the windows. Years later, I returned in March during a week of almost constant rain and took a helicopter over the Nā Pali Coast. Even after that gorgeous flight, the kayak journey remained far more dramatic and immersive because we had spent an entire day moving through the landscape at ocean level. My only regret is that I was low on funds and could not leave a larger tip; these were cool local people whose knowledge, positive energy, and love for the island shaped the entire day. This was a heady, organic, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone fit, prepared, and lucky enough to catch good conditions.

We did a snorkeling and cave cruise. The company had to move our showtime due to tide changes but…read moreit didn't affect much. The boat was comfortable and not overcrowded. Captain was fun and we enjoyed all of the crew. Unfortunately snorkeling was not great due to swells and poor visibility but that is always possible. As far as lunch, they packed us a sandwich which was pretty tasty but not for the price you paid on this adventure. If you want something that is worth the amount spent on this tour, I would recommend going to Capt Andy's. We did their cruise a few days later and paid the same amount but they offered so much more!!

Amazing aloha and core memories made multiple times throughout our trip. We loved it all - amazing…read moreviews, great 4x4 trails, and the waterfall at the end was the icing on the cake.

This Native Hawaiian family owned chartered bout tour was just what we wanted. The staff and…read moreCaptain were fun, knowledgeable of the beautiful Na pali coastline and there heritage of the people. The staff really encouraged our granddaughter in Snorkeling. We all had a great time.

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!

We had such an amazing cruise along the NaPali coast. Captain Kelly, Luke and one other crew member…read moredid an awesome job. We were greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins riding the waves of our bow. They served up a delicious breakfast and lunch. We got to snorkel up against some majestic sea cliffs and sail along remote valleys and waterfalls on a beautiful turquoise ocean . This is an adventure to experience. We will be back!

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!

We did the 3 hour walking chocolate tour. Heidi was our tour guide. She was awesome!! She truly is…read morewhat she calls herself a "Plant Nerd". And we loved her! We will be back!!

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.

Amazing experience. Captain Kia'aina is a true expert and made the trip super comfortable and fun…read morefor my family. He navigated the raft through caves and we always felt safe while getting an awesome adventure. Maddie and him made the trip the most memorable day of our vacation and something we'll remember for the rest of our lives! Dolphins, crazy mountains, awesome snorkeling...This tour brings it all! Highly recommend!

One of the best boat trips ever taken! Captain Cole & Crew were AMAZING on every level as was the…read moreride. Being Kamaʻāina, been on plenty boats but this one is definitely not to be missed! MAHALO & A hui hou kākou

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.