The Na Pali coast may be 17 miles of pure “Garden Isle” splendor, but there’s even more to explore beyond its 4,000-foot cliffs. On this tour, you’ll go for 60 miles of discovery, from the coast to Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua Crater, the “Forbidden Island” of Ni’ihau, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll spot dolphins, snorkel amongst reefs, and, of course, sip and sit back, relishing in the adventure.

Breakfast, lunch, and all-day beverages provided
Unlike most tours, see the remote waters of Lehua and Ni’ihau
Snorkeling gear and instruction available
Staff available for dining requests, questions, and more

What's Included

Spend the day in comfort and style on our sleek, Kauai made 65’ power catamaran
Learn interesting facts, history and legends about the land and its people
See and snorkel with dozens of fish and see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals, manta rays
Free beverages all day — with beer and wine served after we snorkel
The chance to see humpback whales (Dec-Apr)
Lunch
Breakfast
Stainless Steel Souvenir Cups – sip sustainably and make a difference! (while supplies last)

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Holo Holo Charters
4353 Waialo Rd #5a, Eleele, HI 96705, USA
Departure Point: Port Allen Address: Port Allen Marina Center 4353 Waialo Road Ele'ele HI 96705

Start time

06:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Board your boat, a locally-crafted catamaran, and set sail along the Na Pali coast. Savor a light breakfast as you make your way.

Once at your special location on the water, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as you put on your lifevest and start to snorkel among vibrant reefs. If you're lucky, you may even encounter playful dolphins along the way.

Stop to eat lunch and stay hydrated with refreshing beverages. Then, allow your staff will entertain you with fascinating stories and legends about the land and its people.

Continue your journey, discovering hidden gems like the Lehua Crater and the forbidden island of Ni'ihau. After a day of taking in the sights, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and encountering an array of marine life, make your way back to the shore.

Na Pali Coast

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Niihau - The Forbidden Island

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kauai (Pass By)

Polihale State Park (Pass By)

Kauai (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Passenger Policy
1. This is an adventure. Ocean conditions can vary and may turn rough at times. It may not be suitable for some folks (all physically challenged individuals are subject to captain's discretion).
2. Not recommended for individuals who have/had back problems, recent injuries or surgeries, or suffer from severe motion sickness (no refunds are given for seasickness). Seasickness is best prevented with an over-the-counter remedy.
3. No expectant mothers.
4. Children must be 5 years or older.
5. All tour routes and destinations are subject to change without notice. Ocean conditions can and will sometimes turn rough. Snorkeling depends on ocean conditions.
6. Cancelled tours by Holo Holo Charters are fully refundable or gladly rescheduled.
7. "No shows" or any cancellation within 24-hours or 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. We reserve the right to refuse service.

10. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. are not allowed on board.
11. We do not land on shore.
12. Non-swimmers are not allowed in the water.
13. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed; guests are required to use traditional two-piece snorkel and mask sets.
14. If you do not have your prescribed medication with you, i.e. Inhalers, EpiPens, diabetic medication and/or any other daily medications, you must reschedule your tour for another day.
15. No smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes.
16. You should bring your own towels, sunscreen, a light jacket and camera. We will provide everything else.
17. All tours are "Bare-Foot". Passengers will remove their shoes prior to boarding. Only orthopedic/diabetic exceptions will be made at captain's direction.
18. In accordance with our liquor license, guests may not bring their own alcohol and IDs are required for age verification. Intoxicated guests will not be served any may be denied boarding. Alcohol will be served only after snorkeling on applicable tours.
19. No coolers or drones/unmanned aircraft allowed on-board.
20. Spray-on/aerosol sunscreen is a safety hazard and may not be used on-board the vessel.
21. Our vessels are equipped with sensitive marine heads (toilets) that clog easily. Do not flush anything other than what your body produces and the toilet paper provided.
22. Please use Holo Holo parking lot only or your car will be towed.
As a company that puts sustainability at the forefront of goals, we request you bring your own reusable water bottle with you on tour.
No expectant mothers are permitted to join the tour
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

MArk_M

Great boat, crew was professional and super attentive. Food and drinks were good quality and delicious. Scenery and narration was amazing. Ride to/from Ni'ihau was a bit rough. Highly recommend dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness. We saw bottle-nose and spinner dolphins, a monk seal, a small reef shark, and lots of fish. Also several waterfalls and caves. Would definitely do this trip again. Highly recommended.

Reviews

4.5

363 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 363 reviews

Fun and safe

Carl_H, Apr 2024

Great boat and even better crew. Conditions were too rough to go and snorkel off Ni’ihau, but the crew kept us safe and we saw as much of the napali coast as we could. We switched gears and found a relatively sheltered area for swimming and lunch. Spinner dolphins, seals and turtles saved the day. The food was good and again the crew was A+. Highly recommended.

Worth every penny and the time

Barry_M, Apr 2024

There was a storm coming in and the water was rough, so we could not get to the outer islands or get in and snorkel. But the captin took his time going up the coast and the scenery was beautiful, its the best way to see the Napoli coast line. We saw whales, dolphins and a manta ray!!! The crew John and Kalama were great, they worked hard and took great care of us. Highly recommended!!!

Fantastic experience

Mariya_P, Feb 2024

The captain and team were very attentive and accommodating. We saw multiple flocks of sulphide swimming along the catamaran, about be 5-6 groups of whales playing in the water. Overall, spectacular experiance !

Amazing day very caring crew!

Meenakshi_S, Jan 2024

We had an amazing day and the crew was very attentive! We saw so much ocean life and the food was great too.

Best Snorkeling Excursion

Sandra_S, Nov 2023

The boat ride to Ni’ihau was long but worth it! The snorkeling spot had crystal clear water (70 feet). A monk seal swam below us and we saw lots of fish. The Napali Coast was gorgeous. Seeing it close up from our boat was unbelievable!

Great experience, breathtaking views

Christine_M, Sep 2023

We used to live in Kauai but we either didn’t had the chance or we ignored the opportunity to see the opposite of land. It was breath taking views. We’re so glad to do this HoloHolo tour before we hit older ages. Captain & crews were friendly & attentive to guests’ needs.

Book for a fun morning!

Autumn_L, Sep 2023

This was a great experience! Went with extended family. Boat Captain really knew how to navigate the waters. Rest of crew was very helpful and pleasant. Breakfast and lunch were great! If I had to complain it would be that it was over too quickly! Recommend for all ages!

A refund wouldn't change how much my body hurts from enduring the waves.

Chris_R, Sep 2023

They should have never left the dock. They knew the tradewinds were there, the water was so choppy. The next morning was even worse, I have never been so sore from a boat ride. Especially a boat of that size

Excellent experience

Lisa_A, Sep 2023

Great crew, beautiful landscape, fun snorkeling. All around excellent experience. Not for anyone who tends to get sea sick though.

Amazing boat crew = Amazing experience!

Cindy_H, Sep 2023

Amazing. AHHHH-MA-ZING boat crew! Friendly, attentive, worked well with each other, and knowledgable. Instruction for beginners and 1:1 available for any anxious snorkel beginners. One of the best snorkel trips that I have taken. Good Na Pali coast scenery and beautiful fish at Ni’ihau. Note of caution if you are prone to sea/motion sickness - the sea, she’s unpredictable - take your anti-nausea meds and the crew has great tips to help alleviate the nausea. Don’t be shy to ask for help.

Great adventure

Antonette_H, Sep 2023

Everything about this trip was awesome. Boat was clean and crew was on it! Plenty of food and drink for all. The crew kept us safe while having fun. Great experience

Highly Recommended!

J_J, Aug 2023

We book it for snorkeling, but it’s also good to join the tour and see dolphins. The snorkeling spot is amazing with a lot fishes and we even a monk seal. The only thing that we are not 100% satisfied is that the place is not big enough to have everyone spread out, and waves are strong. Overall it’s a great tour, captain and crews are supper friendly!

The captain Chris was...

caitlin_h, Jul 2023

The captain Chris was entertaining and knowledgeable. Zoe, Alec, and Jess were helpful and provided great service. They took great pics too! We definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in the cliffs and Ni’ihau.

Wonderful experience.

JeanPaul_D, Jul 2023

The crew was amazing. Friendly and attentive. The trip was beautiful. Captain Christian and his crew were top notch. All around fantastic experience.

Gorgeous Kauai

Addie_G, Jun 2023

So gorgeous, had the best captain. The actual snorkeling wasn't great in my opinion, just cause I've been to better locations for that, but the Na Pali coast was worth the trip and the crew was awesome, highly recommend.

Awesome Experience

Jeffrey_C, Jun 2023

Crew was amazing, super attentive to everyone on board. Food was great, unlimited beverages, great time!!

Amazing crew, sightseeing, limited snorkel time- Great trip though!

Wendy_S, Jun 2023

Amazing crew (Matt, you are the best!), beautiful sightseeing, good food. Saw dolphins (spinners and bottle nose), turtles, and monk seals. Snorkeling was enjoyable (clear waters, lots of fish, monk seal, shark - very briefly) but it was short (1 hour total time) and felt very crowded due to the size of the drop in area and safety considerations (current and rocks) where we snorkeled. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the trip overall, but know that you will spend a lot of time sightseeing and then crossing the channel (I believe it was over an hour each way to cross; not sure if that’s normal time or due to large swells). The channel crossing can be rough even though the captain (Christian) is skilled at making it as smooth as possible, so take your dramamine and sit outside if you have the slightest tendency toward seasickness!! The crew was amazing at helping people - huge kudos to them! Captain was friendly and very knowledgeable/skillled and happy to pass along his knowledge. He shared some fascinating information about the islands. Would recommend this trip (and especially the amazing crew) but just know it’s only a short time snorkeling.

Amazing

Aly_A, Jun 2023

Wonderful crew, safe snorkeling, beautiful sights, great hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. I snorkeled with a monk seal. Out of the 1,000 monk seals in the world, this boat took us to an island where we snorkeled and watched one of them (from a safe and non-disturbing distance) dive down to the deep to hunt.

Great Tour & Staff. Very Rough Seas

Katherine_F, Jun 2023

The staff was awesome. The only reason for the 3 stars is due to the rough seas that made the boat ride very difficult to say the least.

Awesome adventure!

Parish_C, May 2023

We saw three different species of dolphins, a couple of monk seals, several manta rays and more fish than could be counted. The crew were absolutely amazing! They waited on passengers like we were royalty. The sea was rough at times but the crew made it fun. Amazing vantage of the Na Pali Coast! Definitely recommend and so glad we booked this adventure!

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