Raft or catamaran?
- Rafts and small power boats (Na Pali Riders, Captain J’s super rafts, Kauai Sea Tours’ raft, Na Pali Experience) get closest to the cliffs and can enter sea caves when the swell allows. Seats are bench or saddle style, the ride is bumpy, and most aren’t suitable for pregnancy or back and neck problems. Captain J’s rafts are unusual in having a restroom on board.
- Catamarans and larger boats (Kauai Sea Tours’ Lucky Lady catamaran, Makana Charters’ Amelia K, Napali Navigators) are steadier, with lunch and, on most, a restroom. Cave visits depend on the boat and the swell, so check the listing.
- Sunset dinner cruises like Holo Holo’s trade snorkeling for dinner, drinks, and the coast at golden hour. It doesn’t land on shore.
Port Allen or Kīkīaola?
Port Allen in ʻEleʻele has the most operators and is the nearer harbor if you’re staying in Poʻipū. Kīkīaola Harbor in Kekaha is farther west, nearer the start of the coast. Check whether harbor parking is included: Na Pali Riders, for one, charges harbor parking separately.
Snorkeling and the rules
Most tours stop to snorkel when conditions allow, but it isn’t guaranteed, and in winter the stop is often off the south or west shore instead. NOAA asks you to stay at least 10 feet from sea turtles, 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (150 feet from a mother and pup), and 50 yards from dolphins; it’s illegal to approach humpback whales within 100 yards. Use a mineral sunscreen, and skip full-face snorkel masks, which some operators don’t allow.
