Makana Charters Opens Peak-Season Na Pali Coast Tours, Snorkeling, and Sunset Cruises on Kauai

Makana Charters and Tours, the Native Hawaiian, family-owned operator on Kauai’s west side, is running its full slate of Na Pali Coast boat tours through the island’s peak summer season. The lineup covers morning and midday snorkel tours, afternoon departures, and sunset cruises along the 17-mile coastline, all aboard the company’s fleet of custom-built power catamarans.

Summer brings some of the calmest, clearest water of the year to Kauai’s west and north shores, which is when snorkeling and sea cave conditions are typically at their best.

What Defines Kauai’s Peak Tour Season

Several conditions make the summer months a high point for Na Pali Coast tours:

• Calmer, clearer water along the west and north shores for better snorkeling visibility
• Spinner dolphins along the coast, most active on morning tours
• Frequent Hawaiian green sea turtle and reef fish sightings at snorkel stops
• Longer daylight hours support afternoon and sunset departures
• Improved access to sea caves when ocean conditions allow

Whale watching is a separate winter offering, with humpbacks typically present from late November through April.

The Makana Charters Fleet

Every tour runs 4.5 to 5 hours with the same all-inclusive experience. The fleet gives guests several ways to ride:

• Na Pali Kai III (up to 32 guests): the only 360-degree walk-around deck in the fleet, built for photographers and families; children ages 4 and up
• Amelia K (up to 36 guests): the largest catamaran, with two onboard restrooms and an open-air freshwater shower; children ages 4 and up; departs from Port Allen
• Leialoha (up to 18 guests): the newest boat in the fleet; ages 9 and up
• Seiko 1 and Seiko 2 (up to 16 guests each on shared tours): small-group format; ages 9 and up
• Makana (up to 12 guests): the smallest, most intimate group on the water; ages 9 and up

Snorkeling, Sea Caves, and Sunset Cruises

Each tour combines snorkeling at protected reef spots, sea cave exploration (including the well-known open-ceiling cave), and views of the cliffs and waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, a deli lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and an onboard restroom are included on every tour. Afternoon and sunset cruises depart from the west side and put guests on the water as the light on the cliffs shifts to gold and pink. Sea cave entry and snorkeling are weather- and ocean-condition dependent.

Departures and Booking

Most tours depart from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha; the Amelia K departs from Port Allen. Guests should check their reservation confirmation for the correct harbor. Private charters are available on every catamaran with the same all-inclusive inclusions as shared tours. You can also visit the Makana Charters office in Waimea; peak-season dates book up quickly, and reservations can be made at makanacharters.com or by calling (808) 338-9980.

About Makana Charters

Makana Charters and Tours is a Native Hawaiian, family-owned and operated boat tour company on the west side of Kauai, Hawaii. Continuing the legacy of Liko Kauai Cruises and a family history on the island that dates to the early 1800s documented to be the very first to show visitors the beautiful NaPali Coastline..  Makana Charters runs 4.5- to 5-hour Na Pali Coast tours aboard a fleet of custom-built power catamarans. Every tour is led by a local experienced captain and includes snorkel gear, flotation devices, a deli lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and an onboard restroom.

Contact Information:

Makana Charters

4516 Alawai Rd, Waimea,
Waimea, Hawai 96796
United States

Cain Robinson
+1-808-338-9980
https://makanacharters.com