Napali Kayak - Day Tours
Napali Kayak - Day Tours
4.5
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About
NaPali Kayak is an owner operated business that specializes in the Napali coast sea-kayak tour. Our team has experience and Aloha and We are happy to share the beautiful Na Pali coast with our guests. We would like to thank everyone for their positive reviews and invite everyone to see why...
Hanalei, Hawaii
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Napali Kayak - Day Tours
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(22 reviews)
(12 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.
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4.5
261 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
22
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Ana W
Glendale, CA2 contributions
Sep 2021
Wow! Now that was a proper way to see one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. My partner and I did the 17 mile day trip in mid-September. I was nervous at first, I won't lie, but soon felt at ease. Our senior guide, Zach, was super experienced, professional, checked on the group frequently, cut a mean pineapple and left us with many memorable dad jokes to bestow upon others. Joaquin was a perfect sweep, also checked on the group frequently, and was easy with his laughter, which was encouraging in some of the more choppy waters. We loved hearing tales of the Napali coast's native Hawaiian history, hopping off the kayak into the Big Blue to take a load off, going into or through several sea caves, seeing endangered monk seals, and possibly most of all kayaking through a good long downpour near the end. The look of millions of water droplets hitting the water's surface had the appearance of satin. Both a serene and surreal experience. I felt I could do anything after that trip! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime! I have one strong recommendation... take the motion sickness medicine - non drowsy version - even if you're not prone to motion sickness.
Written September 25, 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.
Kate S
Oakland, CA5 contributions
May 2021
What an incredible experience. We went out as the third trip of the season, with calm swell but some tough headwinds that made for an extra-long day, maybe 1-2 hours longer than most as we got back to Hanalei at 8:30pm.
Our guides Casey and Jake were super knowledgeable about the Napali Coast, the conditions, and how to keep us all safe + fully in the experience + unlock the fun. They checked in with everyone and kept us all motivated for 17 miles.
We thoroughly explored all the sea caves (wowwwww), had an incredible lunch on the beach to ourselves.
We came across a brown booby bird with a broken wing that hopped into one of the guides' kayaks (of its own volition...) and proceeded to participate in its own rescue as we kayaked a few more miles, endured the Polihale surf landing, and eventually got it to the local fire station to connect it to medical attention.
The only thing I'd do differently on this trip is reapply sunscreen 3 more times or bring SPF chapstick or use something to cover my feet. The sun is STRONG!
Our guides Casey and Jake were super knowledgeable about the Napali Coast, the conditions, and how to keep us all safe + fully in the experience + unlock the fun. They checked in with everyone and kept us all motivated for 17 miles.
We thoroughly explored all the sea caves (wowwwww), had an incredible lunch on the beach to ourselves.
We came across a brown booby bird with a broken wing that hopped into one of the guides' kayaks (of its own volition...) and proceeded to participate in its own rescue as we kayaked a few more miles, endured the Polihale surf landing, and eventually got it to the local fire station to connect it to medical attention.
The only thing I'd do differently on this trip is reapply sunscreen 3 more times or bring SPF chapstick or use something to cover my feet. The sun is STRONG!
Written May 11, 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.
Amy J
Salt Lake City, UT2 contributions
Jul 2022
This adventure is one of the most amazing tours I have done. It was absolutely incredible to see the Napali coast from a kayak, get to explore some of the caves along the coast and see & visit remote beaches only accessible by boat or air. We had ideal conditions on the day that I went, which was awesome, nice trade winds, not huge swell, and some cloud cover when we got to the really hot part.
The owner did recommend everyone leave their phone and valuables behind, I did not listen and wish I would have, I forgot to put it back in a safe spot and am sure it ended up at the bottom of Open Ceiling Cave. I will follow that guideline next time, for sure!
The owner did recommend everyone leave their phone and valuables behind, I did not listen and wish I would have, I forgot to put it back in a safe spot and am sure it ended up at the bottom of Open Ceiling Cave. I will follow that guideline next time, for sure!
Written July 24, 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.
Amanda R
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This experience was life-changing. I showed up knowing I was in for stunning views and a challenging paddle, but I left truly feeling the Aloha spirit! Brian was everything you could want from a guide: warm, energetic, and knowledgeable. His love of sharing his island with visitors truly comes through! It was so gratifying to see the gorgeous Napali coast as an active participant rather than a spectator on a boat/helicopter. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Written June 27, 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.
arturoHaiku_Maui
Haiku, HI10 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is a fabulous adventure. The best way to experience the NaPali coastline. Everything was very well organized by Josh. Our guides Brian and Ignacio were excellent and really made the trip. Brian was a nonstop source of Hawaiian culture and language, always willing to share with us, an asset to this company.
A word of warning, the paddle is over 24 miles and takes around 8 hours. You need to be comfortable in the ocean and in reasonable shape. Once you start the paddle there is no turning back.
I would also recommend taking waterproof snacks with you, it’s a pretty long haul from 6am to lunch at around 1pm.
A word of warning, the paddle is over 24 miles and takes around 8 hours. You need to be comfortable in the ocean and in reasonable shape. Once you start the paddle there is no turning back.
I would also recommend taking waterproof snacks with you, it’s a pretty long haul from 6am to lunch at around 1pm.
Written September 14, 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.
Timandra_42
Houston, TX24 contributions
Jun 2022
Had a wonderful experience on the Ha'ena to Polihale day trip. It was the best way to see one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. This is definitely a long, exhausting but exhilarating day. We started at 6 am at the shop and didn't return until after 9 pm. Our paddle took a little longer due to headwinds. Our guide Brian was awesome, very upbeat and enthusiastic, also very knowledgeable about Kaua'i. He kept a close eye on everyone and even though I'm a novice kayaker, I felt safe the whole time. He also took pics of everyone during the paddle and those turned out to be some of my favorites of the whole trip. This was the best activity I did during my time in Kaua'i. Highly recommended for adventurous types.
Written June 11, 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.
Michelle G
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Let me preface this by saying this is NOT for people who: don’t know how to paddle/haven’t been kayaking, don’t like sitting still, have severe seasickness, and don’t have high stamina or endurance. You can be strong and able to lift weights but if you don’t know how to keep a pace for hours at a time, rethink going on this excursion. 17 miles is not easy and there is no break on land until mile 12 for lunch so be prepared with snacks, water, and a little mental toughness.
Onto the experience, the Napali Kayak day trip was the most incredible experience not only of my trip to Kauai, but in my life. I got to see the most stunning views of the Napali Coast as well as visit caves and beaches that in the winter don’t exist due to the swell. Our tour guides Iggy and Annie were such awesome people who had so much knowledge of the land and culture that made the beauty even more meaningful. They were extremely supportive and their love for the coast was infectious. By the end of the tour my arms were definitely exhausted but I didn’t even mind because of how lucky I was to be able to go on a trip like this and do something so few people have the chance to do. Thank you Napali Kayak!!
Onto the experience, the Napali Kayak day trip was the most incredible experience not only of my trip to Kauai, but in my life. I got to see the most stunning views of the Napali Coast as well as visit caves and beaches that in the winter don’t exist due to the swell. Our tour guides Iggy and Annie were such awesome people who had so much knowledge of the land and culture that made the beauty even more meaningful. They were extremely supportive and their love for the coast was infectious. By the end of the tour my arms were definitely exhausted but I didn’t even mind because of how lucky I was to be able to go on a trip like this and do something so few people have the chance to do. Thank you Napali Kayak!!
Written August 17, 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.
Becka M
Dublin, OH7 contributions
Sep 2021
There is no better way to see the NaPali coast! This was absolutely a trip of a lifetime. The views are amazing. Going into the sea caves was a fabulous experience. We could not have done this without our excellent guides. Brian and Iggy were fantastic. They were fun, shared so much information and love for Kauai and most of all kept our safety as the number one priority. We really appreciate all of the native food that Brian shared and the extra time that he spent sharing his knowledge of the island. This is a tough paddle but Brian and Iggy are excellent at keeping the group positive and head strong. Their confidence in the abilities of the group, encouragement throughout the trip and willingness to adjust to group dynamics was outstanding. Grateful to have had this incredible bucket list experience!
Written September 14, 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.
Wayne S
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
Wow! Amazing experience with the best guides! The guide's encouraging attitude and expert skill made this trip fun. The sights of the coast are wonderful and worth the hard work of paddling. I did get seasick, but still had a good time. It truly is an epic adventure with sights you can only get from a kayak. Having a little experience in a kayak really helped. Being strong enough to get yourself back into the kayak is very important. Take the Dramamine the night before and morning of.
Written August 4, 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.
megan b
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
My dad and I did the Napali coast tour with Annie and Mason. They are professional, supportive, prepared, knowledgeable, and genuinely love what they do. We had an unforgettable day because of them. It was stunningly beautiful, challenging, and a lot of fun. Ever person we met at Napali Kayak Tours is lovely. Thank you!!
Written August 13, 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.
Are pregnant women allowed? Are you still going around the coast?
Napalikayaktours
Hanalei, HI
Yes, first trimester..
kjphilip
Chicago, IL232 contributions
Do you feel like you saw as much as you did when you went before the floods?
1khearty
Boulder, CO213 contributions
We had not gone before the floods, however we had so much fun! We saw so much!! We got to go into a cave & saw turtles & the cliffs were stunning!! We will never forget that trip! Our guides were AWESOME also! They made it fun! The A team... Annie&Austin
septvisitor
Chicago, IL
Read the terrible review of the gentleman who lost his glasses, why in the world didn't one of the guides stay behind!!
Tom W
Dallas, Texas, United States5 contributions
Having been on the full 17 mile trip myself, I would imagine it would be near impossible to find glasses in those waters, or any waters. There are many currents and waves of course.
Is this available during the month of February?
saboresdevida
Boston, MA15 contributions
The Napali Kayak website responds to the question "why is the season May through September?" with "A: September is the first month we start seeing the winter swells. After September, the surf gets more consistent and much larger. Like 20 - 50ft. (We could offer tow-in kayak surfing on the Na Pali but no insurance company will cover us...."
Britt J
Buderim, Australia15 contributions
Can you rent a kayack from your company and go along napali yourself without a tour? Thanks :)
Caitlin C
Tyler, TX39 contributions
If you read their websites FAQ section they answer that exact question
But I think the answer is something like this-they have kayaks you can rent but they don't recommend going down the Napali coast on your own.