Catamaran Kahanu
Catamaran Kahanu
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching
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6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Na Pali Coast Tour experience the majestic cliffs, sea caves, and marine animals. Enjoy swim and snorkel. Best day on your vacation with Captain Lani and ohana.
Eleele, Hawaii
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(246 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,649 reviews
Excellent
1,511
Very good
83
Average
16
Poor
15
Terrible
24
monroemckay
Mapleton, UT1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
Is boat and crew are a total hidden gem! When we walked up to the dock, the Kahalou was the smallest boat which turned out to be fantastic! We were able to be the first out, so we got to the Napali coast before all the large tour groups and were able to see some amazing things. The captain is extremely knowledgeable, and comes from a long line of local Hawaiians. He was able to navigate us inside to of the caves even though we were not in a zodiac vote. It was an absolutely perfect day, and we saw several whales and were able to get up close and personal. I would highly recommend this tour , especially because it is smaller and more intimate than the other large catamarans. The crew was also extremely family friendly, and our kids had an incredible time. They all said this was the highlight of the trip!
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra Garcia
9 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
This was a spectacular day - small intimate group, smooth ride up close and personally hugged up to the beautiful Na’pali coast. Captain and crew went above and beyond to ensure we got the best pics and experience possible. We saw whales, dolphins, snorkeled with all sorts of fish and learned a lot about the coastline and history of the islands. Captain set me up with a video shot of the dolphins that I literally felt like I was swimming with them. Crew also set me into the middle of a waterfall and captured the moment lol. Food was fantastic! The view was other worldy. I loved the feel of the family vibe, my heart was absolutely full and I would recommend the trip to anyone looking to feel the ohana spirit of Kauai whole heartedly. Majestic day on every level, it’s literally hard to put into words… Mahalo
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelsey P
San Rafael, CA58 contributions
Oct 2022
We had a tour with a different company cancel and Catamaran Kahanu was able to fit us in last minute. I'm so glad it worked out that way because we had an incredible experience. Auntie Debbie greets you at the parking lot and makes sure you are pumped for the early morning trip. Captains Lani and Kiaaina are very professional and excellent navigators. We had some rough waters and a few ill people, both of which they handled very well (take your Dramamine in advance). Along the way they explained what we were seeing and told stories of Hawaiian history and culture. We snorkeled on the way back and saw a sea turtle and a lot of fish. After snorkeling they served a deli lunch that hit the spot. Do come prepared with sunscreen and/or clothing as there is not much shade on the vessel.
I like that it was a smaller boat - we only had 15 guests, while other boats we saw looked like 30+. Captain Kiaaina came around to speak with each party individually and was open to our many questions.
They made sure the passengers had a really good experience. A pod of dolphins swam up to the boat and they had the kids get onto the catamaran nets to see them up close. One person lost their hat and they went back for it. Most touching for me was that Captain Kiaaina made a ti leaf lei for one person in each party. While making it he explained how to measure it to fit the person you are making it for, so we got our own personal lei. Just make sure to declare it at the agriculture inspection on the flight back.
We had a fabulous time and highly recommend it!
I like that it was a smaller boat - we only had 15 guests, while other boats we saw looked like 30+. Captain Kiaaina came around to speak with each party individually and was open to our many questions.
They made sure the passengers had a really good experience. A pod of dolphins swam up to the boat and they had the kids get onto the catamaran nets to see them up close. One person lost their hat and they went back for it. Most touching for me was that Captain Kiaaina made a ti leaf lei for one person in each party. While making it he explained how to measure it to fit the person you are making it for, so we got our own personal lei. Just make sure to declare it at the agriculture inspection on the flight back.
We had a fabulous time and highly recommend it!
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ms B
Rohnert Park, CA6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We signed up with this tour without knowing too much about it to be honest. Reviews were good, so why not? We had the absolute best time!! The landscape was breathtaking, the hosting from Captain Kamua was hilarious, interesting and informative all at once.
The meeting point was at a tiny shack on a gravel parking lot… hum.. “Aunty Debbie” showed up and signed us in, gave us a few pointers, and sent us on our way toward the warf. When we got there, this tiny catamaran popped up, with an older gentleman at the wheel, and “Captain Kamua” welcoming everybody in a very upbeat/funny manner.
Native Hawaiian, Hawaiian shirt, homemade coconut leaf hat, Captain Kamua talked to us the whole way, a lot of that time while weaving coconut leaf baskets. He was telling funny family stories, giving us information on the Na Pali coast (not a pre-recorded sounding speech, but real information, along with surfing spot tips and local lore).
That when we realized that this was no “corporate” catamaran tour, but a “Mom and Pop” business. Turns out that “Auntie Debbie” is Captain Kamua’s mother, the gentleman at the wheel is his father (and the founder of the company), and Captain Kamua is the new Captain in the process of taking over the business.
If you are looking for a ritzy tour with fancy lunches and drinks and all that jazz, this is not for you. If you want to do a friendly tour with a local vibe, where you end up feeling like a Ohana at the end, and where everybody involved is just friendly and fabulous, this is it!
The meeting point was at a tiny shack on a gravel parking lot… hum.. “Aunty Debbie” showed up and signed us in, gave us a few pointers, and sent us on our way toward the warf. When we got there, this tiny catamaran popped up, with an older gentleman at the wheel, and “Captain Kamua” welcoming everybody in a very upbeat/funny manner.
Native Hawaiian, Hawaiian shirt, homemade coconut leaf hat, Captain Kamua talked to us the whole way, a lot of that time while weaving coconut leaf baskets. He was telling funny family stories, giving us information on the Na Pali coast (not a pre-recorded sounding speech, but real information, along with surfing spot tips and local lore).
That when we realized that this was no “corporate” catamaran tour, but a “Mom and Pop” business. Turns out that “Auntie Debbie” is Captain Kamua’s mother, the gentleman at the wheel is his father (and the founder of the company), and Captain Kamua is the new Captain in the process of taking over the business.
If you are looking for a ritzy tour with fancy lunches and drinks and all that jazz, this is not for you. If you want to do a friendly tour with a local vibe, where you end up feeling like a Ohana at the end, and where everybody involved is just friendly and fabulous, this is it!
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol
Weed, CA1 contribution
May 2023
We chose to go with this smaller power boat over the large ones or the zodiac boats. Nice to have a head on board! We felt safer and more comfortable than a zodiac especially on the rough ride home. Captain Lani is the real deal! He made us laugh, taught us a little of traditional island life and got us home safely. His crew were knowledgeable and engaging. We had the best day on the Napali coast. Thank you for telling us about the Hokulea voyage. We are following them on their journey now! We highly recommend this trip.
Written May 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DayTrip601204
3 contributions
Nov 2021
Best Experience in Hawaii
Review of Catamaran Kahanu
Pending review
Captain Lani and his nephew provided such an amazing experience out on the water for my friends and I. Unlike the rest of the tours on the island, this one is smaller and more personalized. The other tours are so commercialized that you don't get any special experience. Captain Lani's boat was also amazing, he handled the larger waves with such ease and got us close to the Na Pali cliffs to see the caves. Him and his nephew also made sure everyone felt comfortable when we were swimming and snorkeling. Not only that, his nephew was a great guide, and even made hats/necklaces from coconut/ti leaves for guests on board. The highlights of the trip were seeing Na Pali coast and also stopping to see dolphins and snorkeling with tons of fish and sea turtles.
The value of this tour is beyond words - Captain Lani and his family paid attention to all the guests and got to know who we are. They provided a delicious lunch after we snorkelled.
I would do this tour every time I visit this island in the future, especially knowing that I supported a Hawaiian family owned business in an industry run over by giant companies.
Review of Catamaran Kahanu
Pending review
Captain Lani and his nephew provided such an amazing experience out on the water for my friends and I. Unlike the rest of the tours on the island, this one is smaller and more personalized. The other tours are so commercialized that you don't get any special experience. Captain Lani's boat was also amazing, he handled the larger waves with such ease and got us close to the Na Pali cliffs to see the caves. Him and his nephew also made sure everyone felt comfortable when we were swimming and snorkeling. Not only that, his nephew was a great guide, and even made hats/necklaces from coconut/ti leaves for guests on board. The highlights of the trip were seeing Na Pali coast and also stopping to see dolphins and snorkeling with tons of fish and sea turtles.
The value of this tour is beyond words - Captain Lani and his family paid attention to all the guests and got to know who we are. They provided a delicious lunch after we snorkelled.
I would do this tour every time I visit this island in the future, especially knowing that I supported a Hawaiian family owned business in an industry run over by giant companies.
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whdseawa
Koloa, HI1 contribution
May 2021
We highly recommend Catamaran Kahuna! The company has 1 boat with a maximum of 18 passengers so you get to know the crew and your fellow passengers. The charter is family run and the family’s Hawaiian roots go back to the 1400’s. We made 5 stops and every one was an exceptional experience. We got up close to a pod of 300 porpoises and got to see them frolick. We went into a lava tube and the a sea cave with a waterfall. We also got to snorkel with a sea turtle and lots of colorful fish. The Captain did a a wonderful job of navigating the catamaran through the choppy North Shore swells. Our crew took the time to chat with each passenger and share the history of the islands from past to present. If you want a low key, local experience, Catamaran Kahuna is the charter for you!
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammyz630
Riverview, FL61 contributions
Sep 2022
This company is A+ in every way! If you're looking for a genuine family-owned business, this is for you. If you would rather be crammed on a boat with a million others, that's fine, but if you want more personalized service from people who have been in these waters their whole lives, please book this tour! Captain was amazing with his skills to operate the catamaran in every situation - smooth waters, getting VERY close to the caves then maneuvering the rough waters on the way back in. Had great stories to share the whole way! Cannot say enough positive things about this tour.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynnp0nd
Wisconsin Dells, WI4 contributions
Apr 2023
We had scheduled a Zodiac tour, but got rebooked for the day after we were leaving Kaua’i. We consider ourselves blessed that we then scheduled to go on the Catamaran Kahanu tour. It was fantastic, fun and forever memorable! We thank them all: Auntie Debbie who was so helpful arranging our tour; Captain Lani who captained the boat and provided interesting stories of helping whales in trouble due to man’s “garage” which floats in the sea; Captain Kamua who entertained us during the entire trip; to Kamaehu and Kahanu who provided back-up respectively by doing flips off the cat during the snorkeling and catching fish. It’s a family operation and they do it all so well; you should book right away!
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gordon M
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Our family had so many memorable experiences during our Kauai vacation but Catamaran Kahanu was still the highlight of it all. First, the vibe on the boat was about family, fun, and Hawaiian culture, and not about that commercial, “let’s get it over with” spirit. You could really feel the love that Aunt Debbie, captain Kamua, his son, and Niki, have for what they do. Quite the opposite from the large, more commercial boats out there. Next, Kahanu is not overcrowded, there was plenty of room for everyone without feeling packed like a sardine. We saw a couple dozen dolphins swimming right next to our boat, a whale and its baby breaching the water, incredible snorkeling spot with sea turtles, and the kind of scenery, caves, cliffs, that just seem unreal. Captain Kamua was funny, genuine, and took us to all these spots for best experience. He also gave us some great education about his family, history, and culture of the area. The food was great. Lovely hostess Niki offered to take pictures with all of us in the frame whenever there was something interesting. Overall this was the best boating experience we’ve been on and is fully deserving of its 5 star ratings. Thank you to all great folks of Catamaran Kahanu!
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Q
Auburn, MA212 contributions
OK, Coming to Kauai 1st 2 weeks of March and I've been looking at every possible catamaran tour but leaning towards the Kahanu. I'm nervous about sea sickness but I have bonine, the motion sickness wrist bands and even got a prescription for patch you put behind ear. That should be enough, you think? lol Looking for thoughts of anyone that's been on Kahanu vs the larger Catamarans about motion sickness and if need water proof camera Thanks...
Susan W
1 contribution
When we went I sat in the front of the boat. Got really wet on the return to port, but didn’t have any problems with seasickness. The return was the roughest part.
MtBri
Rochester, MN24 contributions
Is the ride more comfortable than the zodiac boats? My husband & I are older now so don’t like a lot of bouncing on the waves.
FortLewisFriends
34 contributions
Yes, the catamaran tends to be much smoother than the Zodiacs. We have taken both and, being in our seventies, we appreciated the comfort of the larger boat. The ride is smoother and the bench seats have backs.
Footprints74951
2 contributions
Debbie,
Your trip sounds fantastic. We have 2x 5 year olds and 2x 3 year olds in our party. It sounds like you are happy for kids to come on your trips? We wondered about availability any day from 24-28/June, and whether we should bring our own kids jackets for the kids or if we could rent them?
RossmoorTravelers
Rossmoor, CA5 contributions
We took 1 three year old and 2 one year olds in our trip. The Captain was so nice and made the trip fun for them. He did not want them on the catamaran making noise bothering others. We didn’t bring life vests. You would need to call and find out.
LTMedinaOhio
MEDINA, OHIO4 contributions
Did you do the morning or afternoon tour?
145Debbie
Eleele
We do a 5 hour Na Pali Coast Tour in the morning only. Check-in is at 7:15 a.m. and returning by 1:00 p.m.
The after tour is a 2 hour Whale watch only. NO Na Pali Coast Tour.
J Deschesnes
Melbourne, FL2 contributions
How much is it for how long?
Will we see dolphins?
145Debbie
Eleele
Aloha Jeannette,
Yes, there is snorkeling and we do provide the gear. Lunch is provide and soft drinks at lunch time. View our website for more information.