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The Nā Pali Coast is 17 miles of roadless sea cliffs on Kauai’s northwest shore. You can see it three ways: from a boat at sea level, from a helicopter above the cliffs and valleys, or on foot along the Kalalau Trail. This page lists the boat and helicopter tours you can book with us; for an honest comparison of all three, read our guide how to see the Nā Pali Coast.
A boat gets you close to the cliffs and into the water: sea caves, dolphins, snorkeling, and humpback whales in winter. It takes most of a day and the open-ocean leg can be rough. A helicopter shows what boats cannot — the hanging valleys behind the cliffs, Kalalau from above and the interior waterfalls — in under an hour, with no seasickness, but no time in the water. If you can only do one, pick by what you want to remember: the water or the view from above.
See also all Kauai helicopter tours and all Kauai boat tours.
Prefer to sail? The Na Pali snorkel and sail is a five-hour catamaran trip from Port Allen with the engines off under the cliffs, from $235.
A five-hour sailing voyage from Port Allen — trade wind sailing with minimal engine use beneath the Na Pali cl...
A doors-off flight aboard a Hughes MD500 into Kauai's volcanic interior — Mount Waialeale's crater walls, 400-...
A 4.5–5 hour power-catamaran voyage from Port Allen along the Na Pali cliffs — sea caves, waterfalls, and turq...
A 50–60 minute private flight with only your group aboard — the pilot customizes the route across the Na Pali ...
Nā Pali Coast tours are among the most popular activities on Kauai and sell out weeks — sometimes months — ahead during peak summer season (June through August). Boat tours departing from Port Allen or Hanalei Bay have limited capacity, so securing your spot early is essential. Use Hawaiian-Activities.com to compare available tour dates and lock in your preferred experience before it’s gone.
Catamaran tours offer a smoother, more leisurely experience ideal for families and those prone to seasickness, while zodiac raft tours are more thrilling and get you inside sea caves. Helicopter tours provide a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire coastline and are perfect for those with limited mobility. Consider your comfort level and what you most want to see before booking.
Summer (roughly May to September) brings the calmest seas on the north and west shores, which is when sea-cave entries and snorkel stops are most reliable. Winter swells often shorten or cancel boat trips. Most boats leave from Port Allen in ʻEleʻele or Kikiaola in Kekaha, and a few smaller boats run from Hanalei Bay in summer. Helicopters fly year-round from Līhuʻe, weather permitting.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light windbreaker, motion sickness medication if needed, and a change of clothes since zodiac tours can get you soaked. Most boat tours provide snorkel gear, snacks, and beverages, but confirm what’s included when you book. Waterproof bags or cases for your phone and camera are highly recommended to protect your gear while capturing the scenery.
It depends on what you want. Boat and catamaran tours are best if you want to snorkel, spot dolphins and see the cliffs from sea level. Raft tours from other operators get closer and into sea caves in calm weather. Helicopter tours cover the whole coast plus the interior valleys and waterfalls in under an hour. We list boat and helicopter tours on this page; our Nā Pali guide compares all three ways in detail.
Most Nā Pali boat tours leave from Port Allen Harbor in ʻEleʻele or Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha on the west side, and a few smaller boats run from Hanalei Bay in summer. Both tours listed here depart from Port Allen; helicopter tours depart from Līhuʻe. Your booking confirmation gives the exact meeting point.
The boat tours listed here run about five hours, including the transit from Port Allen. Raft trips from Kekaha are often around four hours. Helicopter flights usually last 45 to 60 minutes in the air. Each tour card shows its exact duration.
Yes, many Nā Pali Coast tours are family-friendly, particularly catamaran and larger boat tours that offer stable platforms and life jackets for all ages. Most operators welcome children as young as 2 or 3 years old on sailing tours, though age restrictions vary by tour type — zodiac raft tours are generally recommended for ages 7 and up due to the rougher ride. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the scenery and snorkeling areas with provided flotation gear. Check the specific age and weight requirements listed on each tour page at Hawaiian Activities before booking.
Weather cancellations are not uncommon on the Nā Pali Coast, particularly during winter when ocean swells can make the journey unsafe. Most reputable tour operators on Kauai offer a full refund or the option to reschedule if they cancel due to conditions. When you book through Hawaiian Activities, cancellation and refund policies are clearly outlined for each tour so you know exactly what to expect. It’s always wise to avoid booking your tour on the last day of your trip to allow flexibility for rescheduling.
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