Catamaran Kahanu
Catamaran Kahanu
5
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
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,915 reviews
Excellent
1,769
Very good
86
Average
16
Poor
16
Terrible
28
Beckye Randall
8 contributions
Feb 2020
This was a great 2-hour cruise to observe humpback whales during their winter residency in Hawaiian waters. Thanks to the captain’s keen eyes, we saw 8 or 10 whales, many at close range! This is NOT a loud, crowded party boat, but rather an educational and research excursion that’s also fun! Big waves kept us rocking, but I never felt unsafe. The payoff — watching pairs of humpback whales gliding around and even under the boat, while they slapped their fins and tails repeatedly. An awesome sight! It’s a fairly short walk down to the dock from the parking area, and the stepped gangplank was accessible even for us old folks. Note that the walk back to the car afterwards is uphill, but it’s not too steep and there’s no reason to rush.
Written February 13, 2020
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.
Laura P
2 contributions
Feb 2020
We searched around to find a tour of the Napali Coast and decided to try out Catamaran Kahanu... and we struck gold! Our tour was the highlight of our trip. This is a one-boat family-run operation that has been in business since the early 80s. The Captain was born and raised on the island and his nephew (who was one of the crew) was also born and raised on the island. The other crew member has been with the company for five years and has a master degree in marine biology and was a wealth of information, especially about the humpback whales!
We really liked the smaller boat compared to other catamarans on the water. We had about 12 people on board and it was perfect. Tons of space to move around and super comfortable. We were not crammed in at all, which I was concerned about. The other catamaran tours we saw on the water had so many people on board.
Our tour was of the Napali Coast but it was a bit rocky on the water so we decided to head back a bit early because the waves were picking up. The Captain was amazingly skilled at getting us through those waters while keeping the boat super steady. I tend to get a big queasy on the water and felt fine the whole time. While we didn't get to see a whole bunch of Napali Coast becasue of the waves and it was misty that morning, we saw a TON of wildlife. We saw multiple mama whales with their calves at a relatively close distance. One of the babies breached about 10+ times right in front of us. We also saw several pods of dolphins. The dolphins came right up to the boat. We also stopped for snorkeling above a reef where we saw several sea turtles and a different colorful fish.
We are so glad we found Catamaran Kahanu and didn't end up on one of those big, corporate "pile them in" type tours. The Captain and crew were a delight and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. We HIGHLY recommend Catamaran Kahanu. You won't be disappointed!
We really liked the smaller boat compared to other catamarans on the water. We had about 12 people on board and it was perfect. Tons of space to move around and super comfortable. We were not crammed in at all, which I was concerned about. The other catamaran tours we saw on the water had so many people on board.
Our tour was of the Napali Coast but it was a bit rocky on the water so we decided to head back a bit early because the waves were picking up. The Captain was amazingly skilled at getting us through those waters while keeping the boat super steady. I tend to get a big queasy on the water and felt fine the whole time. While we didn't get to see a whole bunch of Napali Coast becasue of the waves and it was misty that morning, we saw a TON of wildlife. We saw multiple mama whales with their calves at a relatively close distance. One of the babies breached about 10+ times right in front of us. We also saw several pods of dolphins. The dolphins came right up to the boat. We also stopped for snorkeling above a reef where we saw several sea turtles and a different colorful fish.
We are so glad we found Catamaran Kahanu and didn't end up on one of those big, corporate "pile them in" type tours. The Captain and crew were a delight and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. We HIGHLY recommend Catamaran Kahanu. You won't be disappointed!
Written February 28, 2020
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.
janmarie51
Bellevue, NE1 contribution
Feb 2020
What a fun time! We saw lots of whales and several breaches, including one breach directly in front of us. The crew was amazing....they explained things very well, found lots of whales and interacted with all of the passengers. We also saw lots of dolphins (two different kinds). We plan to go out on this boat once every winter during whale season. Mahalo for such a great trip!
Written February 15, 2020
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.
Kauai is life!
5 contributions
Jun 2021
Beautiful day, excellent tour operated/owned by the awesome Kahanu family great for all ages, especially families w/children.
We toured the Napali Coast 3 different times&this was the best w/a unique, inviting, family vibe. Small/intimate setting w/18 people aboard. Boat holds 32, didn’t exceed 20 for safety, space&ability to best serve guests. Plenty of room.
Family was very knowledgeable about the Na Pali Coast&spoke of their family history/Hawaiian culture/history&landmarks along tour. They spoke w/each group, personalized the tour, remembered our names&were attentive to all especially those w/children.
Lunch was a filling combo of deli sandwiches/pasta salad w/dressing/pineapple/cookies&soda drinks. The Captain served us which I've never seen one do. He traced his Kauai lineage to the 1600's!!! He was a personality making us laugh&joking along the way. They made us feel welcome, safe&cared for. The Kahanu family took pics of all groups and texted/e-mailed them which was a nice gesture for 20 guests.
Saw dolphins/turtles&great snorkeling…plenty of fish to see.
Returning home the Kahanu family showed how to make tea leaf leis/roses/hats out of leaves&gifted them to guests. We never experienced this special touch on other trips.
The Kahanu family cared about our experience. Support a family business, this is the way to go. We will voyage with Catamaran Kahanu again. Thank you Kahanu Family!!!
We toured the Napali Coast 3 different times&this was the best w/a unique, inviting, family vibe. Small/intimate setting w/18 people aboard. Boat holds 32, didn’t exceed 20 for safety, space&ability to best serve guests. Plenty of room.
Family was very knowledgeable about the Na Pali Coast&spoke of their family history/Hawaiian culture/history&landmarks along tour. They spoke w/each group, personalized the tour, remembered our names&were attentive to all especially those w/children.
Lunch was a filling combo of deli sandwiches/pasta salad w/dressing/pineapple/cookies&soda drinks. The Captain served us which I've never seen one do. He traced his Kauai lineage to the 1600's!!! He was a personality making us laugh&joking along the way. They made us feel welcome, safe&cared for. The Kahanu family took pics of all groups and texted/e-mailed them which was a nice gesture for 20 guests.
Saw dolphins/turtles&great snorkeling…plenty of fish to see.
Returning home the Kahanu family showed how to make tea leaf leis/roses/hats out of leaves&gifted them to guests. We never experienced this special touch on other trips.
The Kahanu family cared about our experience. Support a family business, this is the way to go. We will voyage with Catamaran Kahanu again. Thank you Kahanu Family!!!
Written June 21, 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.
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.
Kellen O
1 contribution
Jun 2021
The whole Catamaran Kahanu team made this an incredibly special experience. Booking with Auntie Debbie was super easy, and the instructions on arrival were simple to follow. Captain Lani was so knowledgeable about the coastline and history of Kauai, and the whole family even showed us how safe we were when they actually helped rescue another boat and passengers that had been pulled out by a current! The lunch and snorkel experience was wonderful, and we even got a homemade lei to take home made by Kenani while on board. I could not more highly recommend this experience, and its made even better by knowing that you can support a true Kauai native run business in doing so.
Written July 6, 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.
Joel T
5 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Our party of 8 had a wonderful time aboard Catamaran Kahanu! Another company cancelled us two days before so we lucked out in the end having gone with Catamaran Kahanu. The staff was a pleasure to be around. They told stories of Hawaiian culture and history, and of course talked us through the incredible Na’Pali coastline. Captain Lani had a legendary personality and was obviously very experienced by the way he navigated close to shore, managed the surf, and prioritized safety. We had a delicious lunch and spent ample time snorkeling (they provided equipment), seeing sea turtles and many different fish. I recommend Catamaran Kahanu 100% and will book again with them in the future!
Written May 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.
Tara B
San Jose, CA7 contributions
Feb 2020
We took the 5 hr Na Pali tour with our two teenagers. Winds held off long enough for us to go out but it was still pretty rainy & windy so we weren't able to snorkel due to chop and low visibility in the water. With the extra time, captain went exploring & we were fortunate to have witnessed a whale "heat run" of males as well as mother/calf who went exploring right beneath our boat! That along with the porpoises and beautiful views made it a great trip! We really enjoyed Emma's dialogue about the island, history, as well as the ocean and it's inhabitants! Glad we chose this smaller boat for an intimate experience!!!
Written February 23, 2020
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.
Eric O
1 contribution
Jul 2021
What a great family experience!! Locally owned and operated, you get an authentic Hawaiian experience through Captain Kiaaina's amazing storytelling of Na Pali coast history, while he weaves a basket in front of you out of coconut palm leaves. We got up close and personal with Spinner Dolphins, with our kids laying face down on the front net while the dolphins swam below them and kept an eye on all the kids. The boat is a perfect size for families or anyone else that wants something bigger than the RIB boats but also a little protection from water (or not, sitting/standing in the front was a blast)! It's smaller than those big commercial boats so is able to get into smaller places while still offering protection and a bathroom! Captain Lani and his crew really cared about our experience being fun and safe. They even backed up the boat so we'd be drenched by a waterfall, and took pictures of us enjoying the experience. We stopped to snorkel at a reef close to shore, and they served up tasty lunch for us to eat when we were finished. I can't say enough about the hospitality and authenticity of this tour.
We have done a bigger boat in past and will never go back. This Hawaiian owned and operated boat gave a great experience while also sharing great stories and traditions while moving. We learned so much while seeing gorgeous Na Pali coast.
We have done a bigger boat in past and will never go back. This Hawaiian owned and operated boat gave a great experience while also sharing great stories and traditions while moving. We learned so much while seeing gorgeous Na Pali coast.
Written July 20, 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.
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...
Written February 19, 2020
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.
Written February 19, 2020
Not sure, but it’s a pretty good size, although much smaller than some of the catamarans that go up north. My recollection is that it can take about 20 passengers.
Written May 17, 2019
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.
Written April 15, 2019
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.
Written April 16, 2019
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?
Written June 24, 2018
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.
Written June 24, 2018
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.
Written January 30, 2018
Paulo D
San Francisco, California
Hi, my wife will be 14 weeks pregnant when we're in Kauai and we're interested in doing 5 hour morning Na Pali trip. Is this activity ok for pregnant women?
Written March 20, 2017
5 hour tour to the Na Pali Coast is not recommend for pregnant women.
Written January 30, 2018
How much is it for how long?
Will we see dolphins?
Written May 8, 2016
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.
Written May 13, 2016
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