Reviews for Makana Charters

Captain Dave and Captain Rhi delivered us the best tour of the Coast and whatnot. At first I was thinking "Could a little pleasure cruise and whatnot be worth all this $$$" but the answer is YES. We got to stop and snorkel (with a floatie provided shame-free for me who can swim but is always afraid that I actually can't) and whatnot and had a great time. I wanted to drink the gatorade-blue ocean water we got to sail through, but didn't need to thanks to the ample refreshments offered on board. The waterfalls into the ocean and the caves we got to look at and whatnot were incredible. The backdrop of beautiful cliffs was the icing on the cake. Our captains went out of their way to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time, and the fun facts they shared with us really made it an unforgettable experience and whatnot.

Product: Makana Charters

Amazing trip to the Napali coast! Captain was knowledgeable about the island and shared about the history. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The boat was clean and well maintained. We had a fun, safe and relaxing trip that included snorkling and seeing dolphins, a seal and even a couple of turtles from the boat. I would highly recommend booking with Makana Charters!

Product: Makana Charters

Captain A’alona and Luka were absolutely incredible guides! Captain A’alona handled the boat with amazing skill, navigating the Na Pali Coast like a true pro. Watching him maneuver into sea caves was almost as impressive as the breathtaking coastline itself. Being able to explore inside the caves gave us a perspective we never would have experienced on our own. Before we even reached the Na Pali Coast, we were treated to an amazing encounter with a pod of dolphins that swam alongside the boat. It was such a fun way to begin the adventure! The snorkeling was fantastic, too. We saw so many colorful tropical fish and even a few sea turtles. We also loved the smaller tour size. With only 16 guests on board, including our group of six, the experience felt personal, comfortable, and never crowded. This was the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast and spend an unforgettable afternoon. Highly recommend!

Product: Makana Charters

Excellent crew made the experience even more memorable!

Product: Makana Charters

Fantastic trip! Great captain and crew. Saw everything we’d have hoped to see.

Product: Makana Charters

In my opinion, Captain Mike and his crew delivered the best adventure and excursion experience in all of Hawaii. During our trip, we explored the summit of Diamond Head, hiked to Manoa Falls, visited black sand beaches, walked through lava tubes, drove the legendary Road to Hana, and even stood at the edge of a steaming volcanic crater. Every experience was incredible. But nothing compared to the breathtaking beauty of the Na Pali Coast. The dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, abundant sea life, fascinating history, and unforgettable scenery made it the highlight of our entire Hawaiian vacation. If you’re visiting Hawaii and can only choose one excursion, this is the one. Captain Mike and his crew made it an experience we’ll never forget.

Product: Makana Charters

If you only do 1 thing in Kauai, take this excursion! There is nothing like it in the world! Relaxing, breathtaking, caves and snorkeling were amazing, Captain A’a and friendly Lukas’s expertise made the journey educational and safe! I will be recommending the Makana boat tour of the Na Pali (Poli?) coast to all of my Central Coast of California friends! Completely different from all of our beaches. Dolphins too! Absolutely captivating for all ages!

Product: Makana Charters

Had an amazing time on this charter!!

Product: Makana Charters

Absolutely an amazing day !! The captain and his crew were fantastic - they were so friendly and professional , they really catered to all their guests . By far the best snorkeling sight seeing excursion I have ever experienced!!

Product: Makana Charters

Captain Makana and his crew were great. They socialized and made everyone feel very welcome. The captain put safety first and explained how to use the snorkel equipment and flotation device. Sandwiches and drinks were provided, along with chips. The boat ride was amazing because we saw turtles and dolphins. It was a very smooth ride. The Captain and Jasmine would talk about the history and myths. They were very knowledgeable and entertaining. I would do it again!

Product: Makana Charters

Capt Shawn and Kaiao were fabulous!! We looked at many tour companies before our vacation and we definitely chose the BEST one! We learned a lot of Hawaii history, culture and personal stories from our two guides. They both grew up here in Kauai and told us about their families, making the trip more personal. The first few minutes we came up on at least a hundred spinner dolphins and Captain Shawn stayed and let us take pics of them and didn’t rush. He and Kaiao were so patient with anyone not feeling well and took the time to get to know each guest. We felt confident in their abilities to allow us to enjoy our trip while expertly making sure we arrived back safely. Highly recommend this tour and know anyone taking it will have a great time. A+++++ Thanks again Shawn and Kaiao! Tony and Susan

Product: Makana Charters

What an awesome experience from an awesome boat crew. We did the morning trip of the Na Poli Coast, with snorkeling and lunch. It was myself and my two daughters, 7/15, and all 3 of us loved it. I will say if you think you might be sea sick just take the pills before this trip. It’s not super bad but it’s better to have it already in your system than it be too late. The crew was amazing, kind and extremely helpful and fun. They took their time for animal sightings, pictures, helping snorkeling and answering questions. The Captain made the day for my 7 year old when he let her sit behind the helm also. Can’t wait to experience this again when my son is old enough. The views are simply amazing and a must see if in Kauai.

Product: Makana Charters

Great experience, and a great group of people! Very attentive, happy, funny, and they clearly have a great rhythm to this tour. Saw some incredible sights, they got the whole boat through a waterfall and into a cave, and the snorkeling was fun! Highly recommend this group for a Napali coastline tour

Product: Makana Charters

We had a fabulous experience. Captain Mike explained the trip and narrated, we saw beautiful sights, snorkeled, took family photos. A highlight of our trip for sure. Thank you Mike, Ethan and Nikki!

Product: Makana Charters

We booked a Na Pali Coast boat tour with Makana Charters and honestly… it was the highlight of our entire Kauai trip. From the moment we got on the boat, the crew made us feel so welcome. They were not only friendly and funny, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the island, sharing stories and history that made the experience even more special. You can really tell they love what they do. Thank you!

Product: Makana Charters

Makana Charters has officially become a yearly tradition at this point, because somehow they managed to be awesome again. Captain Sean was fantastic as always — still out there looking like Aquaman decided to trade the Justice League for a boat license. The man knows the water, keeps everything running smooth, and somehow makes the whole trip feel both professional and hilarious at the same time. He even saved a mask off the ocean floor like it was just another Tuesday. Also, important safety announcement: do not bring a banana on Sean’s boat. Apparently bananas are where he draws the line, and honestly, I respect a captain with strong fruit-related boundaries. I don’t know if it’s ocean superstition, captain’s code, or a deeply personal banana feud, but Sean is not messing around. This year, Kai was replaced by a new helper named Ethan, and da local boy absolutely stole the show. Ethan kept the vibes high the whole trip — helping with drinks, snacks, gear, checking on everyone, and casually combing his hand through those curls like he was starring in a boat-tour shampoo commercial. He also had the whole boat laughing, dancing, and soaking up the aloha spirit. When “Unwritten” and “Call Me Maybe” came on during the ride back, Sean and Ethan didn’t exactly put on a show… but they both started subconsciously dancing like the ocean itself had queued up their guilty pleasure playlist. Subtle? Yes. Beautiful? Also yes. And beyond the laughs, these guys were seriously on it. Sean saved a mask and Ethan recovered a lady’s glasses from the sea floor. Ethan was grabbing people’s trash before they even had a chance to think about it — making sure nothing had the opportunity to end up in the water. When my friend started feeling a little seasick, both Sean and Ethan were right there with ginger chews like a highly trained, ocean-based medical response team. The views were unreal, the ride was a blast, and the crew made the whole experience feel like the perfect mix of adventure, comedy, and “wow, I can’t believe this is real life.” Makana Charters is one of those things you recommend to people before they even ask what they should do on Kauai. Book the trip. Thank me later. Don’t bring bananas. And Sean, please never cut the Aquaman hair.

Product: Makana Charters

Phenomenal experience. Crew was knowledgeable, attentive and kind.

Product: Makana Charters

We had a wonderful experience with Makana Charters! We did a morning trip with Dave & Jay aboard the Leioloha. Our guides were fun and informative, and our family had a great time riding at the front and rear of the ship, enjoying great views and some waves. There are also covered seats for guests. I definitely recommend Makana!

Product: Makana Charters

Amazing trip and great crew! Voyage was really fun. We got to see some amazing views, the crew was very friendly and happy to provide any information our kids wanted to know. The snorkeling stop was the highlight for us, the kids had a blast jumping off the roof! We will be happy to take this adventure again

Product: Makana Charters

David and Charli were great! Helpful outgoing and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!!!!

Product: Makana Charters