Adventure Collective
Sea Kayaking the Na Pali Coast with Napali Kayak - Hanalei - Lihue

Sea Kayaking the Na Pali Coast with Napali Kayak - Hanalei

Hanaleimoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8–12 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical shape with stamina for extended paddling and open-ocean conditions.

Overview

Paddle alongside Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on a 17-mile sea kayak journey with Napali Kayak. Perfect for adventurers eager to engage with dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and vibrant marine life.

Hanalei, Hawaii

Napali Day Trip - Haena

Starting at $320 | 6AM Check-in

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Adventure Photos

Napali Day Trip - Haena photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a breathtaking 17-mile sea-kayaking adventure along Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast. Guided by experts, paddle through emerald cliffs, explore hidden sea caves, and witness cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a catered lunch on a secluded beach, all while soaking in the rich Hawaiian history and vibrant marine life.

Na Pali Kayak invites you to join us for on our Napali Day Trip sea-kayaking adventure along the emerald cliffs of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

We have top notch guides and we only use the highest quality sit-on-top tour kayaks with rudders, Werner paddles and cozy seat backs. Most importantly, we specialize in fun!


Rates & Times:

  • $320.00 per person + Tax and State Park use fee
  • Scheduling Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday May through September
  • 6:00am Check-in

The Experience

This 17-mile paddle traverses the spectacular northwest coast of Kauai. This journey is only accessible by water or air, with kayaking being the most magical way to experience Kauai’s mystical, visual feast. The coastline is splayed with razor carved cliffs, deep valleys, and waterfalls – all in collection of tropical greens and blues. We’ll paddle at the base of 4000-foot cliffs, explore legendary sea caves, mosey past (or through) cascading waterfalls, and see the majestic Kalalau and Honopu valleys.

Our guides not only have a wealth of paddling experience, but they will share their vast knowledge of Hawaiian history, flora, fauna, and sea life. If the conditions are right, you may even get a dose of their free, unsolicited advice.

You do not need to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy this trip, but we recommend being in good physical condition.


The Day

Your day starts with a 6am check-in at our Hanalei headquarters. From there, you will be shuttled 15 minutes to our launch location, Haena Beach Park. Our team (that includes you) will unload gear and kayaks and organize them on the water’s edge. Lastly, our guides will provide a paddle and safety orientation. Then we launch!

Being in a kayak in open water may be a new experience. We know it can be intimidating. Relax. Breath. Take it easy on yourself and your partner and give it a few moments to find your rhythm. Listen to your guides. We’ve got you!

The first part of the paddle is four to five hours on the water. We will take breaks every 20 – 30 minutes (on the water) to let you rest your paddles, eat a snack, look at the breathtaking scenery, snap a few photos, and remind your partner how much you appreciate him or her. You may see a sea turtle, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal or a pod of spinner dolphins.

After the first leg, we’ll land at Milolii. Here you can explore this state park that is only accessible by water, enjoy a catered lunch, beach comb, or take a nap. You can even use a toilet. We’ll spend at least an hour on land before launching for the final part of the journey. Having already completed most of the journey, the second half is a quick jaunt to Polihale beach. Here you’ll be guided into a safe landing one kayak at a time. This can be the most memorable part of the trip! The team started together and will end together with high-fives and a dip in the ocean for those who aren’t salty enough. Then the team will rally to get the gear and kayaks up the beach and to the shuttle. There are showers and bathrooms to freshen up before you enjoy the company of the crew on the shuttle ride home. We generally return to Hanalei headquarters between 6:30 – 7:30pm.

Before we part and say our alohas, make sure to check out our sweet logo wear. It is also customary to tip your guides. If you feel they did a good job you are welcome to say thanks the old fashioned way. Thanks for paddling with Na Pali Kayak. You are now our new friend.


What WE provide:

Good clean fun! Also, we provide you with a fully outfitted tandem kayak, dry bags, life vests and other necessary gear. You’ll also get an education on kayaking, oceana, Hawaiian history, geology, & local sea life. Plus, you’ll get an award winning catered lunch, cold refreshments, and moreover, our famous free advice.


What YOU provide:

For starters, a great attitude! 3 liters water per person, sun protection, a hat, shades, sunscreen, h20 proof camera, sea sickness medication (aka: cheap insurance) and a dry change of clothes. There is a print out of what to bring and what you need to know on the FAQ page.

 If you have any other questions, we would love to speak with you in person.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Hydrated and Fed

Start your day well-hydrated and eat a good breakfast to sustain energy for the full-day kayak trip.

Bring Sun Protection

Wear waterproof sunscreen, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses to guard against intense tropical sun exposure.

Use Sea Sickness Remedy

Even experienced paddlers can get queasy; pack motion sickness medication as a precaution.

Pace Yourself on the Water

Follow your guides’ advice, rest frequently during breaks every 20–30 minutes, and match your pace to your partner’s comfort level.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Hawaiian monk seal
  • Spinner dolphins

History

The Na Pali Coast, sacred to Native Hawaiians, was historically home to small farming communities isolated by its steep cliffs and rugged terrain.

Conservation

Access restrictions and guided tours like those from Napali Kayak help protect sensitive coastal ecosystems and endangered species native to this region.

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Adventure Hotspots in Lihue

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Keeps your gear dry and protected during ocean paddling and unexpected splashes.

Wide-brimmed hat

Essential

Crucial for sun protection during long hours exposed on the water.

summer specific

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin while minimizing environmental impact on fragile marine ecosystems.

Water shoes or sandals

Helpful for navigating rocky shoreline landings and beach breaks.