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Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast

Kapaa, Hawaii

5.0/5
based on 6 reviews

Description

Added by Sarah Kortschak

This 17 mile coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. The sheer cliffs and rugged landscape offer some of the most epic scenery. There are three ways to experience the coast- by helicopter, hiking to Kalalau beach and camping, or by boat. Viewing this coast by water is arguably the most breath-taking. 

Enjoy the view of the Garden Island from the crystal clear waters of the pacific ocean. Experiencing the coast by water allows for private beach access and exploring amazing sea caves! You have a few options to go by boat to see this enchanted terrain.

Guided Kayak Tours

You can rent a kayak and paddle down the coast and camp at Kalalau beach (you'll need a permit). Kayak Kauai has a good option for a day kayak tour or an overnight option. Kayaking the coast gives you the ability to get into sea caves and explore each portion of the coast. Check it out: Kayak Kauai

Outfitters Kauai also has a sea kayaking option: Outfitters Kauai

*Be aware that this can be physically strenuous depending on the time of year and the surf. 

Catamaran

Captain Andy offers a great day trip option to see the coast. They offer a catamaran or rafting option. The rafting can be quite rough depending on the surf so if you are prone to sea sickness be careful. The boats take off from Port Allen which is on the west side of the island. You can look at their "Contact Us" section for driving instructions. The earliest tour of the day usually has the best opportunity to see dolphins! Look at all the tour options: Captain Andy's

Other Options

Pure Kauai is a great option for people looking for private Na Pali tours or more flexibility. Take a peek: Pure Kauai

The driving direction for this adventure are from Ke'e beach if you're planning to launch on your own and paddle along the Kalalau Trail. Keep in mind that if you go through a vendor, you will need to coordinate with their pick-up and drop-off locations. 

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Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast Reviews

We went on a tandem kayak tour for our honeymoon and loved this excursion! We had some difficulty with the tour (it got shortened due to a landslide and the drive was pretty rough), but when all is said and done, we had a great time! We saw sea turtles and dolphins along our journey, snorkeled and stopped for lunch and beach combing. The coast is truly breath-taking!

We did this on our honeymoon and I cannot wait to sail with Captain Andy again someday! We had a blast. Crew was fun and obviously the views are what makes this adventure so special. We ended the night covered in salt from the waves and will never forget this special day/night! I would do this again in a heartbeat! My husband and I are both people who get seasick, so we were loaded up with ginger and dramamine and did pretty well. Sit strategically in the boat (I think the front is better). My sister also took this cruise at one point and I know she was quite ill the entire time. So just be careful and be prepared!

Put this one on the bucket list. We have done three trips on boats and one by helicopter. Still, need to kayak!

We did this trip by zodiac raft boat and it was awesome. Saw tons of turtles, snorkeled in coves and explored caves along this incredible coast line. I would love to kayak this next time if the waters are calm. Kauai can have some crazy currents and rough seas, so I would only kayak if it was a calm day. The views from the water are something you cannot see unless you do this.

We sailed with Captain Andy's sailing co and it was superb. Sale, whale watch, snorkel and unbelievable views of the Na Pali coastline. Expensive but worth it.

What an amazing paddle! It was about 10.5 hrs, including some down time on a secluded beach midday. We explored sea caves, swam a little, rode the surf, and had a magical time. I was told that the conditions were amazing that day, and you should be prepared to be tossed in rough surf if the wind is up (some scraping up on coral is pretty common). Kayaks are tandem, so be prepared to enjoy time with your #2. I was solo so I was paired up with a guide and had the BEST time! Super safe, lots of fun, fun times asking about the sea and other treks. It was meditative, and a beautiful way to explore this amazing coast. I was joyful and full of adrenaline at the end, but many of the less fit couples looked worked and totally over it. It's good to prepare with some upper body fitness before your trip.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hanakoa Valley via Kalalau Trail

Na Pali Coast via the Kalalau Trail

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls

Relax at Tunnels Beach, Kauai

Relax in Hanalei Bay

Kayak Camp on Miloli'i Beach