Ni'ihau and Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour
Description
Go big or go home on one of the most ambitious tours Kauai has to offer—a 90-mile ocean adventure up the Napali Coast and across the Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua Crater and the “Forbidden Island” of Ni’ihau. We’ll experience Kauai’s sacred and breathtaking northwest coast and then head offshore into the deeper and more remote waters of Lehua and Ni’ihau where there are superior wildlife viewing opportunities and world-class snorkeling conditions. Snorkeling gear and instruction are provided, and our sleek and comfortable Kauai-built 65’ power catamaran is the vessel to take you and your loved ones there and back safely and in style. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included in this beautiful, exciting, informative, and valuable 7-hour ocean experience that’s very likely to become the highlight of your visit to Kauai.
Tour Options
Itinerary
1. Breathtaking Sightseeing—With her 4,000’ cliffs, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green valleys and secluded beaches, the Napali Coast is an absolute must-do on any Kauai vacation. And while most tours stop there, this adventure continues on to Lehua Crater (a Hawaii State Wildlife Sanctuary) and the mysterious Ni’ihau Island.
2. Excellent Snorkeling and Wildlife Viewing— The snorkeling conditions around Lehua Crater and Niihau are some of the clearest and most prolific in all of Hawaii. Going offshore to Lehua and Niihau, we increase our chances of seeing more elusive ocean species such as pilot whales and rough-toothed dolphins in addition to the spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and humpback whales (seasonally, December-April) that frequent the waters of Kauai.
Satisfying Food and Beverage Service—The meals we serve are colorful, delicious, and prepared fresh every morning using whole ingredients. In the beverage department, you’ll be offered water, coffee, juices, soft drinks and a creative selection of craft beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
Get a Sense of the Cultural History—Kauai’s Napali Coast is uninhabited today but was once home to thousands of people and to this day, there’s a private colony of Hawaiian people living on Niihau! We’ll share the history, legends, and stories of these lands and their people, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Kauai and Ni’ihau Islands.
Hospitality with Aloha—Your friendly crew members will be at your side all day long, making sure you’re comfortable, hydrated, well-fed, your snorkel mask fits right, your drink is topped up, and that you’re having a fabulous time.
A Safe and Original Experience—Taking into consideration the day’s weather and ocean conditions, your experienced Captain will use their discretion to show you as much as possible in the time we have, while always prioritizing your comfort and safety. Specific stops and snorkeling locations will vary, and we’ll always do our very best to impress. Splashes can happen--bring a light jacket!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Passenger Policy
- 1. This is an adventure. Ocean conditions vary and may be rough. Participation may not be suitable for everyone; boarding of physically challenged individuals is at the captain’s discretion.
- 2. Not recommended for guests with back, neck, knee, hip, or other joint problems, chronic pain, recent injuries or surgeries, or severe motion sickness. No refunds for seasickness; prevention is best with over-the-counter remedies.
- 3. No expectant mothers.
- 4. Children must be 5 years or older.
- 5. Routes, destinations, and snorkeling are subject to change without notice due to weather and ocean conditions.
- 6. Cancelled tours are fully refundable or gladly rescheduled.
- 7. “No shows” or any cancellation within 24-hours of check-in time is subject to a 100% charge of the total fare including tax.
- 8. We are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
- 9. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. are not allowed on board.
- 10. We do not land on shore.
- 11. Non-swimmers are not allowed in the water.
- 12. Full-face snorkel masks are prohibited. Only traditional two-piece masks and snorkels may be used. For safety, please avoid snorkeling within 24 hours after arriving from a flight over 5 hours
- 13. If you do not have your daily or prescribed medication with you, i.e. inhalers, EpiPens, diabetic medication, you must reschedule your tour for another day.
- 14. No smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes.
- 15. You should bring your own towels, sunscreen, a light jacket and camera. We will provide everything else.
- 16. All tours are barefoot. Shoes must be removed before boarding, with orthopedic/diabetic exceptions at the captain’s discretion.
- 17. Per our liquor license, guests may not bring alcohol. IDs are required for age verification. Intoxicated guests will not be served and may be denied boarding. Alcohol is served only after snorkeling on applicable tours.
- 18. No coolers or drones/unmanned aircraft are allowed on-board.
- 19. Spray/aerosol sunscreens are prohibited as a safety hazard. Please use reef-friendly lotion sunscreens instead.
- 20. Marine toilets clog easily. Only flush human waste and the toilet paper provided.
- 21. Please use the designated gravel parking lot.
- 22. All complaints of harassment or assault, and any suspected illegal activity, will be reported to the proper authorities.
- 23. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not meet health, safety, or policy requirements.
- As a company that puts sustainability at the forefront of goals, we request you bring your own reusable water bottle with you on tour.
- Child rates apply to ages 5-12, and adult rates apply to ages 13 and above.
- No expectant mothers are permitted to join the tour
Reviews(448)
Beautiful boat ride. Boat was in great condition, felt very comfortable and not overcrowded. Plenty of room to move about. Staff were wonderful. Music on boat was good. Food and drinks were great. Options for vegetarians. Really a great vibe and fun day. Best day in Kauai.
Your glowing review has us beaming, Mahalo for sharing it! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time on the water and truly appreciate you spending part of your visit with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon, maybe even aboard our newest vessel, Holo Nui, launching later this year!
Great day out with an experienced, professional and friendly crew who accommodated all your tour needs. Seas are open water but you get to snorkel areas most will never see. The roller coaster swell was actually fun. Like the crew tells you, take motion sickness medication BEFORE, don’t wait, it’s too late. Our three teens didn’t fair too well, but you can only tell them so many times to look at the horizon, drink water and stay cool…. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much for joining us and saying yes to adventure! We are glad to have had you aboard and appreciate your honest review! Mahalo and Aloha
We did this tour about 7 years ago and loved it so much that we had to do it again.
Mahalo Nui! We appreciate your kind words and are so glad you had a great experience again! We would love to have you back to enjoy our new vessel, Holo Nui, which will be launching later this year! Mahalo and Aloha
Captain Nate and crew gave us a once in a lifetime experience. Get a good night's sleep the night before because the Ni'ihau snorkel leaves out early and 7 hours is a long day! We had a great time snorkeling, then enjoyed the cruise along the Na Pali coast. The crew took the time to take some photos for us and we stood at the bow and enjoyed the ride for most of the cruise back to the harbor. The food and snacks included were filling and perfectly suited for this activity.
Thank you! Our crew loves ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. We're glad you enjoyed the incredible views and food. We appreciate the recommendation! Mahalo and Aloha
This was truly the highlight of our trip to Kauai, our 16th trip to Kauai. We had a group of 10 with a mix of family and friends and everyone, from first-time snorkelers to experienced ones, had an incredible time. We lucked out with perfect weather and unbelievably calm ocean conditions. Snorkeling between Lehua Crater and the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau was unforgettable. The water was the most amazing shade of blue, visibility was easily 75–100 feet, and swimming above the shelf where it drops hundreds of feet into the deep blue was absolutely breathtaking. After snorkeling, we cruised around Lehua Crater for incredible photo opportunities before heading to the Na Pali Coast. Seeing those cliffs up close from the water is something we’ll never forget. What really made this trip exceptional, though, was the crew. With only two crew members plus Captain Jess taking care of nearly 40 passengers, they somehow made everyone feel welcome and taken care of. They provided two great meals, helped everyone get fitted with snorkeling gear, collected everything afterward, answered questions, shared great conversation, and did it all with smiles while keeping everyone safe. The scenery was world-class, but the professionalism, friendliness, and hard work of Captain Jess and the crew made this a true 5-star experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone visiting Kauai without hesitation.
We are so grateful for your incredible review! Our team is thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience on our tour. Thank you for choosing Holoholo Charters and for recommending us. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure! Mahalo and Aloha
Right from the start, my boyfriend and I were treated with great hospitality by the front desk ladies. It was shortly followed by a well-informed and playful safety briefing done by Captain Nate. The breakfast served was stellar with a variety of very fresh fruit, an amazing coconut pastry, tasty scrambled eggs with veggies, & refreshments of a “morning soda,” tea, and coffee. The sandwich and pasta salad hit the spot for lunch too. Crew Member Olivia never allowed me to take any of my dirty dishes to the sink and nor did she let anyone else’s dirty dishes get taken to the sink by anyone but herself or by Crew Member Lexi! Once making it to Lehua Channel, Crew Member Kalama ensured our ocean safety by anchoring the boat to the morey and being our personal lifeguard in the water with us the entire duration of our snorkeling experience. Crew Member Nate did an outstanding job not just by serving all of our food and making all of the guests smile and laugh but also ensuring everyone was feeling okay amidst the rocking of the boat. While we adventured Na Pali Coast, Captain Nate gave a brief history of the sacred cliffs and also shared a couple mo’olelo which a was a very nice and necessary touch for our tour, right on! Last but not least, the cookies are a hit. Thank you, Holoholo and thank you to the entire crew for such an amazing and unforgettable experience!! 🫶🏻
Mahalo for this incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled that you and your boyfriend had an unforgettable time exploring the Nāpali Coast with us. Captain Nate, Olivia, Lexi, Kalama, and the front desk team will be so happy to hear your shoutouts. From the history and mo’olelo to keeping everyone safe, fed, and smiling (and ensuring you didn't lift a finger with those dishes!), our crew loves what they do. And we agree, you can't skip the cookies! Thank you for choosing Holoholo Charters. We hope to welcome you both back on board soon! A hui hou! Mahalo and Aloha
Holoholo Charters was absolutely amazing. They made the experience to Niihau and around the na Pali cost unforgettable! They staff is so warm & accommodating as well as incredibly knowledgeable! I've lived in Hawaii 6 years and learned so much I've never known before being on their boat. The snorkel experience was fantastic, we saw a monk seal and so many dolphins on the way. Gorgeous clear water with so many beautiful fish. Cannot say enough good things about this company.
We are beaming reading over your review! Thank you so much for choosing to join us here at Holoholo Charters and for sharing your awesome review! We are elated to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us from beginning to end and hope to see you out on the water again soon! Mahalo and Aloha
One of my favorite experiences in Kauai. The trip was fun and the snorkeling around the crater was beyond description.
We are absolutely beaming reading your review! Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're especially excited to share that we have a brand-new vessel currently being built, and we would love to welcome you back when our newest catamaran, Holo Nui, launches later this year! We can't wait to share another adventure with you in the future. Mahalo and Aloha!
Amazing time! The captain provided history/information about the areas we stopped at. He made the mandatory briefings entertaining. The crew was very accommodating and friendly. The check-in process was smooth. The breakfast was great. The lunch was okay (Costco lunchmeat/pasta salad). The homemade coconut cookie was delicious! Open bar after snorkeling and plenty of nonalcoholic drinks too! The snorkeling was amazing! We had about an hour in the water, and were able to see many fish and even a monk seal! The spinner dolphins were putting on a show for us!! The captain said the weather couldn't be any better! Highly recommend this company and tour!
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the snorkeling, wildlife sightings, and beautiful conditions on the water. We'll be sure to share your kind words with our captain and crew. Seeing spinner dolphins and a monk seal is always special! Mahalo for joining us and for your recommendation. Mahalo and Aloha
Good way to see the other part of the island. Second time doing this exact tour. Captain Nate & crew were wonderful. You do encounter waves so be prepared.
