Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
If you're visiting Kauai, you absolutely can't miss seeing the stunning NaPali Coast. We offer a one-of-a-kind experience to do just that. As a Native family-run company, we are very fortunate to have been right here at our shop for 200 years, gathering our family's documented history to share about the NaPali Coast. Our Captains and Crew would love to share their very own culture and history with you on our tours. You can choose from one of our four vessels for a more personal and comfortable 4.5 to 5-hour tour. Our vessels are just the right size to explore sea caves with comfort when the weather allows. We can't wait to have you on board!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
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.
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes and Fuel surcharge
Message with selection: Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, PB&J or Vegetarian
Photography Opportunities
Usage of snorkels equipments
Insurance for visitors
Restroom on board
Snacks, water and soft drinks
Shared Cataraman Trip
Pick-up and drop off
A good tour 15% per person of tour cost. A spectacular tour 15-20% per person of tour cost. If you feel our captain and crew went above and beyond, sky’s the limit!
No Accommodations
Towels
Options
NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K
Reviews
1,243 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent NaPali Coast Tour
S6084PXalexs,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was great from start to finish. The crew was welcoming, organized, and social with the tour guests. They were so knowledgeable! We were able to snorkel, see spinner dolphins, whales, and sea caves. It was an incredible experience.
Whales, dolphins, and great tour guides. Don't expect to snorkel in winter months.
570lindseyb,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first trip to the NaPali coast and we were so impressed. Although the surf and wind were too high for us to snorkel, our guides used the time to explain the various Hawaiian native settlements and gave us plenty of viewing time on the coast. We also encountered humpback whales, spinner dolphins, bottle nose dolphins, a hammerhead shark and flying fish. It was a great experience! Beware if you are prone to motion sickness - if the surf is high you will get sick. The tour guides were friendly, informative and funny. Highly recommend this tour
So much fun!!
Andrea G,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had the time of our lives!! The crew was truly incredible and kept it lively and fun especially for our two young kids! Made sure we were taken care of the whole time!! I’m so glad I looked at the reviews before booking with them because now I know they are the absolute best! Thanks to the crew it was a great day!
Exceptional experience from start to finish
chaosreins,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Before jumping into my actual review, I want to briefly mention cancellations and rescheduling. I was originally booked for a Tuesday morning trip and received a call from the tour office on Monday morning. Thinking it was spam, I didn’t answer, but they left a voicemail explaining the trip was being canceled due to rough seas and asked me to call back. They also followed up with a text. They clearly went above and beyond to reach me, and once we connected, they were incredibly accommodating and made rescheduling easy. Now the review: Absolutely incredible morning on the water with Makena Charters! From the moment I stepped aboard, the crew was warm, friendly, and genuinely excited to make sure everyone had an amazing experience. The staff was not only super helpful with every guest—answering questions, offering tips, and making sure everyone was comfortable—but also impressively knowledgeable about the Nā Pali Coast and the surrounding ocean life. Their experience really showed when it came to finding whales. They clearly knew exactly where to look and how to approach respectfully, and we were rewarded with unforgettable whale sightings that felt both thrilling and intimate. The crew shared fascinating facts along the way, which made the experience even richer. We weren't able to snorkel due to the water conditions, but the captain found a spot where we could swim around for a while. There were even a few daredevils doing cannonballs from the upper level of the boat The views of the Nā Pali Coast were absolutely stunning, and the entire tour felt well-organized, relaxed, and personal. You could tell the team truly loves what they do, and that enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re looking for a top-notch boat tour with incredible scenery, wildlife sightings, and a fantastic crew, Makena Charters is an easy five stars. Highly recommend! 🌊🐋
Beautiful shore line trip, with whale viewing and evening sunset.
shoium,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky to have beautiful weather. We were the last trip for several days, due to high surf. The guide, Mike was knowledgeable and very interesting. He maneuvered the boat into little cave like areas, which were beautiful as was the entire NaPali shore line. Saw a lot of whales surfacing and some breaching in the distance. Ethan was a hoot and really fun to have on board, explaining things and taking great photos. All in all a great trip.
Thar she blows!
Phillip B,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00February tour had multiple whale citings, dolphins and more. Crew was very attentive and enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Great ride
Barbara Y,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and they made sure we had the best experience ny putting forth effort to find whales and dolphins for us to see.
Cancelled
P8562WOthomasc,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00It was cancelled due to bad weather. Not rescheduled.
North shore of Kauai by bost
1SloJoe,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip with this crew. The Captain, Mike was very skilled and demonstrated it a few times as we went very close the the coast line - loved it! The crew was very informative, respectful and humorous. Really worth the money spent
Great tour but dress warm - or at least layers
joanney699,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Great trip. We would have loved it if we were not freezing! The boat was fast and wind whipping. Info said "dress for the beach" - we had light jackets but had to completely wrap ourselves in towels. Barefoot didn't help - couldn't feel my toes by the end. Better description for winter months would have prepared us better. Otherwise the crew were fun and informative. Loved getting in close to the cliffs.
From US$214.35
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Operated by Makana Charters