North Shore Kaua‘i’s Top-Value Nā Pali Coast Adventure
Skip the long drive to the west side. Our Nā Pali Coast boat tours leave directly from Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i’s North Shore — not from Port Allen on the southwest side, which is roughly a 1.5 hour drive from Princeville and Hanalei. That means you spend more of your time on the water, not in the car.
We’re proud to offer one of the most affordable, high-quality Nā Pali Coast experiences available on the North Shore.
Quick Facts
Tour Length
Approx. 4 hours
Check-in / Departure Location
5088 Kūhiō Highway
Enter between ‘Ohanalei and HIC Surf and look for the HANALEI CHARTERS sign.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms depend on your group size and how far in advance you cancel. Full policy is provided below on this page.
Minimum Age
Guests must be at least 5 years old.
Group Size
Small-group experience, up to 23 guests.
What This Tour Is Like
Get a front-row view of one of the most dramatic shorelines in Hawai‘i aboard a performance raft designed specifically for the Nā Pali Coast.
You’ll cruise along towering cliffs, hidden valleys, and remote beaches while our captain positions the boat for incredible photo opportunities. When conditions are safe, we explore sea caves carved into the coastline — the kind of places you can only reach by water.
Wildlife encounters are common in this area. You may see Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, or rays gliding under the surface. Because the ocean is a natural environment, wildlife sightings (and cave access) can’t be guaranteed, and both depend on weather and swell. But every trip has its own “wow” moments.
After sightseeing along the coast, we’ll stop at one of Kaua‘i’s beautiful snorkel spots so you can jump in, float in clear Pacific water, and swim with reef fish.
Why Travelers Love This Tour
Made for Nā Pali waters
Our 40-foot rigid-hull inflatable rafts were built on Kaua‘i specifically for this coastline. They’re big enough to handle open-ocean conditions comfortably, yet agile enough to maneuver close to the cliffs and into caves (when conditions allow). You get stability and adventure in one boat.
Forward-facing seating
Most rafts line you up along the inflatable tubes, which means you spend part of the ride with your back to the scenery. Our boats are different. With forward-facing seats, you’re always looking straight at Nā Pali’s cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean life instead of twisting around.
North Shore departure = more Nā Pali time
We launch from Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i’s North Shore. That puts us close — just minutes from the Nā Pali Coast. Many other tour companies depart from Port Allen on the west side, which means a longer transit before you even reach the coastline. Leaving from Hanalei gives you:
Faster access to Nā Pali
More time actually along the cliffs
Bonus views of Kaua‘i’s lush North Shore, including Hanalei Bay and Hā‘ena — sights you won’t get on most west side departures
Local captains, real stories
Our captains and crew are long-time Kaua‘i watermen and waterwomen. As you travel the coast, they’ll share history, legends, and cultural insight that turn the scenery into a story, not just a postcard.
Snorkel stop in clear water
When ocean conditions allow, we’ll anchor at one of Kaua‘i’s top snorkel locations. You’ll have time to swim, relax, and explore underwater life with included snorkel gear.
What’s Included
Fully guided Nā Pali Coast boat tour from Hanalei Bay
Experienced captain and crew who share the history, culture, and stories of the coast
Scenic photo opportunities of sea cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and remote beaches
Snorkeling session (snorkel gear provided; weather and ocean conditions permitting)
Sea cave exploration when ocean conditions are safe
Lunch and snacks: Boar’s Head sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and non-alcoholic beverages / water
Shared dry storage: one large dry bag for every two guests to help keep personal items protected
