Description
A one-day guided sea kayak adventure along the Na Pali Coast, the Everest of sea kayaking!
This will be a long, impressive day of warm coastal paddling and caving along the monumental Na Pali Coast with your island guide(s). Marvel at sea caves, plunging waterfalls, hanging valleys and secluded beaches. Paddle beyond the verdant valley of Kalalau, past the arches of Honopu, and into the azure waters of a volcanic sea cave. Encounter Dolphins, Tropic Birds and upon occasion, the elusive Monk Seal or harmless Manta Ray.
Later, pulling ashore, we’ll spend a few hours stopping to rest and have lunch on the quiet beach of Miloli’i. At Miloli’i we can swim, beach comb, and visit an old Hawaiian fishing heiau (fishing shrine). Polihale State Park, where the cliffs meet the sand dunes, is our final destination. After a refreshing shower, a van awaits, ready to whisk you back to Hanalei around 7:30 pm, with your memories of the cliffs and warm sea.
Before you sign up, note that after pioneering and doing this tour for well over 20 years, we have learned a few things. We have learned most of all that this tour is not for everyone. It is a not a tour to talk someone into. We call this paddle for good reason, The Everest of Sea Kayaking!
We feel it to be the roughest and longest sea kayak trip offered on the planet. Remember not only is it a 16 mile paddle, but surf launching and landings are often the norm. We usually have surf to negotiate when we finish the paddle and land again at at Polihale Beach Park. The wind is a double edged sword. When the winds don’t cooperate it is a long …long…and for some, a very strenuous day. When the winds are up you will “sail”, down the Coast for a price. These same wind that help, can also agitate the ocean and when accompanied by a ground swell, can make your kayak harder to manage with consequent “flip overs” the norm.
Another companion of rough seas is sea sickness. Sea sickness is our #1 malady and is a real concern. A seasick person does not paddle very well and can hamper an expedition. No refunds issued for sea sickness.
For many experienced sea kayakers, they find the water off the Na Pali Coast to be generally some of the biggest waters that they have paddled. We have had many paddlers bail out because the seas were intimidating; Over their heads…so to speak. As with sea sickness….there is no refund.
What to Know
May through September. Weather permitting we schedule tours for every day of the week from May through September
Tour duration: 13-14 hours
Check in: 6:00am at Kayak Kauai Hanalei headquarters on Kuhio Highway (560), in Hanalei Town. One mile west past Hanalei bridge.
Includes: Guide, sit on top, two person kayaks with foot pedal and rudders, backrests, water resistant bags, scrumptious sandwiches, refreshments of tropical juices and bottled water, diploma
Guides: One guide per six clients. They are are CPR/First Aid trained and State of Hawaii sanctioned and carry VHF Radio, Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB), Flares, First Aid Kit, and See Rescue device.
What To Bring: Sun protection, water, light long sleeve shirt, windbreaker, swimming suit, footwear (tabis, aqua socks or tennis shoes), towel and change of clothes
Requirements: Participants should be comfortable in the water, in good physical condition and not prone to sea-sickness. About five to six hours of intermittent paddling. This is a strenuous journey. Not for children under 16 years old.
Solo paddlers paddle doubles with either guide or another client.
Reservations recommended at least three weeks in advance.
For off season sea kayaking along the south shore of Kaua’i (October-April): check out Sea Kayak Po’ipu.
** Cancellation Policy:
Because of the popularity of this tour and the fact that we can only guide 12 clients per day, our cancellation and re-scheduling policy is rather stringent. When we “book you”, we are often sending others away. Make sure you know your date and can honor that date! For cancellations or re-scheduling one week before the date of your tour there is a 10% charge. For cancellations or re-scheduling within a week there is a 100% charge.
Driving Directions [ show ]
Check in at Kayak Kauai, Hanalei Shop, 5-5070 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
Driving times are approximate and depend on time of day and week.
From Koke’e to Hanalei 2.5 hours
From Waimea to Hanalei 2 hours
From Po’ipu to Hanalei 1.15 hours
From Lihue (airport) to Hanalei 45 minutes
From Kapa’a to Hanalei 30 minutes
From Princeville to Hanalei 15 minutes
From Ha’ena to Hanalei 20 minutes
Past Princeville, drop down into Hanalei Valley, cross a one lane iron bridge, bear right and parallel the Hanalei River for one mile. As you leave the river our shop is the third building on the right as you enter Hanalei on Route 56 (Kuhio Highway).
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