Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves + Snorkel Option
Before you book
- As of early October 2026: after Hurricane Lowell, Kikiaola harbor was reported closed in mid-September and Nā Pali boat tours were reported not running late that month. The calendar offered dates when we checked, but confirm with the operator that the raft is sailing before you plan around it.
- Check in at the Na Pali Riders office in Waimea 45 minutes before departure with waivers signed, then drive your own car to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor; late means no tour and no refund. The listing's driving times to Waimea: 35 minutes from Poʻipū, 45 from Līhuʻe, an hour from Kapaʻa and 1 hour 45 minutes from Princeville.
- Not included: transport to the harbor, harbor parking ($20 plus tax per vehicle for 8 hours, arranged at check-in) and the optional $55 photo package.
- The operator compares the ride to whitewater rafting on the ocean. It is not for anyone prone to motion sickness, children under 5, pregnant travelers, or people with back, neck or heart problems, other medical conditions, recent surgery or low fitness. You ride barefoot.
- The listing's cancellation terms: “Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.”
About This Experience
A fast, rough Zodiac raft ride along the Nā Pali Coast from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi's west side, entering sea caves when the sea allows, with fruit, chips and drinks; snorkeling comes with the 4-hour option.
Highlights
- ADVENTURE ON THE SEA! Creating an unparalleled, intimate Hawaiian adventure.
- Fresh-cut fruit, chips, Alohas, Gatorades and water provided.
- NaPali Riders is USCG-veteran owned and operated, with safety first
- A small crew and an intimate experience
What's Included
- ✓ Sightseeing of the majestic NaPali Coast
- ✓ Waterfalls
- ✓ Snorkeling in a pristine bay, with snorkeling gear provided (4-hour option only)
- ✓ Entering into all of the sea caves along NaPali (Weather permitting)
- ✓ Fresh fruit, chips, waters, Alohas and Gatorades
- ✓ Entertaining and personable crew and captain, who specialize in safety and are first aid, CPR trained, and specialize in water safety and vessel operation.
- ✓ Access to one of the most remote areas on the island of Kauai
Not Included
- TRANSPORTATION POLICY: Check-in at NĀ PALI RIDERS OFFICE on KAUAI After check-in is complete, the group is headed to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor - YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE HARBOR!
- The tour company sells a photo package at the end of the tour that includes all of the photos and videos that the crew member was taking while out on your tour. You are able to review your photos at the end of the tour and purchase the package if you would like for $55.00 plus tax. This allows you to sit back and enjoy the adventure ride. While knowing all of the moments around you are still being captured for you to enjoy forever!
- Parking at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is $20.00 + tax per vehicle for 8 hours. Na Pali Riders has the information at its office in order to complete this during check-in prior to your arrival at the harbor to ensure a on time departure.
Good to Know
- CHECK IN 45 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE
- LATE = NO TOUR, NO REFUND
- You are required to check in 45 minutes before departure.
- May 17-September 20
- 6:30 AM tour=5:45 AM check in
- 11:00 AM tour=10:15 AM check in
- September 21-May 16
- 7:00 AM=6:15 AM check in
- 11:30 AM=10:45 AM check in
- * You MUST provide your own ride to the NaPali Riders office for check-in and you MUST drive your own vehicle down to the harbor after checkin or have a ride scheduled to take you and pick you up.
- DRIVING TIMES TO WAIMEA, KAUAI:
- Please plan ahead! Give yourselves MORE THAN ENOUGH driving time so that you arrive on time for your raft tour.
- - Princeville 1 hour, 45 minutes
- - Kapaa 1 hour
- - Lihue 45 minutes
- - Poipu 35 minutes
- - Kekaha 15 minutes
- What to Bring
- - Comfortable clothing - Swimsuit (wear it) - Towel - Reef safe Sunscreen - Sunglasses - Hat (tie-down is recommended) - You will be barefoot on the raft tour (socks or thin water shoes are allowed)
- - Snorkeling is included only if the 4-hour option is selected
