Magpie
4.9(3,016 reviews)

Na Pali Coast Family Tour - Na Pali Kai III

From$227.13
5 hours
Waimea, USA

About this activity

Cruise the Na Pali Coast on the Na Pali Kai III - our second-largest catamaran, 49 ft, accommodating up to 32 passengers with a 360-degree deck. Includes snorkeling, sea cave exploration, dolphin watching, and a deli-style lunch. Ages 4+.

Highlights

  • 49-ft catamaran, 32 guests max, 360 degree deck, restroom
  • Sea caves and snorkeling when conditions allow
  • Deli-style lunch, snacks and soft drinks included
  • Dolphins year-round; humpbacks Dec–Apr; sea turtles
  • Native Hawaiian family–owned; 7 generations on Kauai

Full description

Makana Charters is owned and run by a Native Hawaiian family whose line on Kauai goes back 200 years. The Na Pali Kai III is our second-largest boat — a 49-foot catamaran carrying up to 32 guests, with a 360° walk-around deck — the only one in our fleet. This tour leaves from Kikiaola Harbor in Kekaha and runs the length of the Na Pali Coast: sea cliffs rising 3,000+ feet straight out of the water, waterfalls, and the valleys behind them. When the swell and wind cooperate, we take the boat into the sea caves — some days that means going inside one, some days it means idling at the mouth. Conditions allowing, we anchor to snorkel. Gear and instruction provided; crew in the water with you. Spinner dolphins travel this coast year-round, green sea turtles are common on the reef, and humpbacks pass through December—April. Deli-style lunch is served on board, with snacks and soft drinks.4.5 - 5 hours. Ages 4 and up.

Included / Excluded

  • All Fees and Taxes and Fuel surcharge
  • Lunch
  • Snorkel gear and instruction
  • On-board restrooms
  • Pick-up and drop off
  • Gratuities
  • No Accommodations
  • Towels

Itinerary

1

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

During our winter season, (late November to April) Our afternoon tours don’t offer snorkeling. We use that time for whale watching and sunset. Come join us for an amazing 5 hour snorkeling and lunch tour, on the breathtaking NaPali Coast together! This place holds immense historical significance and is home to a variety of sea life, including dolphins. Our Native family-owned co, has been a part of the Waimea community for 200 years, where we depart to the NaPali Coast, our families history is beyond imaginable from history books being the first to sail foreigners on our family's sailing double hulled sailing canoes to NaPali Coast by documented history. We're excited to share our rich history and heritage with you. Sharing their own stories and culture to create a truly memorable experience. Please choose from our four comfortable catamarans, which offer the same fantastic tour experience. Weather permitting, we'll explore multiple sea caves and snorkel in pristine waters.

Duration: 4 hours
2

Waimea Canyon State Park

Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this scenic state park overlooks the colorful Waimea Canyon, which stretches over 14 miles and is more than 3,600 feet deep.

Meeting point

Start Location

Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, Kekaha Road, Kekaha, HI, USA

$20 parking, not included

Important information

Know before you book

  • Not handicap accessible; must board without assistance
  • Age limit: 4+
  • Not recommended for pregnant guests (except June-Aug with doctor's note)

Know before you go

  • Bring swimsuit, towel, and sun protection
  • Wear non-slip shoes or sandals
  • Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
  • Remember your camera for epic views

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Reviews

4.9(3,016 reviews)
Google
Amy Payne
Oct 2026
5.0

Kaiao and Shawn gave us detailed info using their extensive knowledge with plenty of humor on what to expect for the day. They showed us the most beautiful coastline, stopped for dolphin watching which was amazing, got us right inside the caves, all while talking about Kauai’s history. We had time to swim and jump from the roof of the boat. The excursion will be a lifelong memory!

Google
Jake Angel
Oct 2026
5.0

Super great Captain and 1st hand Charlie! Very knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Highly recommend Makana!

Google
Robbie Dickinson
Oct 2026
5.0

The trip was better than expected. We got to go into 3 different caves, snorkeled for about 25 minutes and made it to Kalalua valley. The boat ride on Napali Kai III was smoother than I thought, none of my family got sick and we are all prone to motion sickness.

Additional information

INFORMATION Please indicate your email address and contact number in Special Requirements when booking LUNCH Please select your lunch options per person, we offer Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, PB&J & Vegetation with or without hummus. We can provide gluten-free bread if needed. Please inform us of any allergies within your group. Remember to send in your lunch order a week before your tour or at the latest, 24 hours before your tour. We'll default to Turkey sandwiches if we don't receive your lunch options. We also provide chips, soda, mixed juices, and water PREGNANCY We make exceptions for pregnancies during our summer months only, ( June, July and August ) when the ocean conditions are calmer. Women who are expecting can participate in this tour up to 22 weeks gestation, along with their doctors approval. A doctor's note must be submitted by a doctor, directly to Makana Charters VIA email or fax and must be approved by management prior to booking a reservation. Please contact us to reserve once your note has been submitted. AGE RESTRICTION Our age limit is age 4 years old and up on our larger vessels and age 9 and up on our smaller vessels. DISABILITY For safety and liability reasons, we do not make any exceptions. We are not handicap accessible. If you feel that the individual can get on and off of the boat without any assistance, you may call the office to speak to someone directly.
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